Holiday in Sulawesi: Adventure Between Rainforests & Pristine Beaches
Tailor-Made and Individual Vacation in Sulawesi
Hey travelers,
It's great to have you here! Are you excited about the many breathtaking adventures that Sulawesi has to offer you? This Indonesian island of Sulawesi is full of surprises - from dense jungle with numerous endemic animal and bird species, to active volcanoes and colorful coral reefs with bizarre sea creatures to secluded bays with white sandy dream beaches and the simply unmistakable death cult of the Toraja. Come and discover Sulawesi with us.
We have put together some travel examples for you here to give you an idea of what is possible. Whether you're looking for thrills, want to sample the local cuisine, or just want to unwind, we've got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Discover the wonders of Sulawesi. Can't find 100% what you're looking for? Then write to us and we will offer you a tailor-made tour program.
Sulawesi Travel Packages
Sulawesi North: Saronde Island Resort - North Gorontalo
Saronde Island Resort, North Gorontalo - Sulawesi: Paradise island in eastern Indonesia for divers, snorkellers and those seeking peace and quiet. Arrive and let go at the white icing sugar beach. Holiday resort with only 6 deluxe bungalows with private beach for 'private dining' as well as diving classes and spa.
- Hotel category:
Balinese-style bungalows - Location:
Saronde Island, North Gorontalo Region, North Sulawesi, Indonesia - Board basis:
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water. - Facilities:
Small, fine resort in an upmarket ambience - Location:
idyllic on a lonely island surrounded by nature, direct beach location - Transfers:
from/to Gorontalo airport, private transfer by car & boat: € 50,- per person/ way
from/to Manado/ Likupang, private transfer by car & boat: € 150,- per person/ way
Go on a discovery:
The small but fine Saronde Island Resort in the north of Sulawesi is the ideal place for diving, snorkelling and relaxing in the middle of a picturesque island landscape, in the heart of the Coral Triangle. The 4 (of the planned 6) bungalows are all built in Balinese style and are both functional and attractively furnished. With a private sandy beach and sea view, the resort is carefully embedded in the scenic ambience of its surroundings. It is under German management, away from any crowds.
Your expectations:
You attach great importance to privacy and deceleration and like to really relax, and the further away from the everyday hustle and bustle, the better. Your ideas therefore revolve around a holiday on a secluded Indonesian island with enough privacy to be for yourself, but still not completely alone. Fantastic views of the surrounding islands, diving, snorkelling, stand-up paddling, kayak tours, relaxing .... tours - maybe. Welcome to Saronde Island Resort :-)
What you will find here: The amazing underwater world of Sulawesi, lots of peace, privacy and seclusion. The possibility to receive a spa treatment in your own villa and to experience a romantic dinner for two on the beach. By the way: The island with its shallow sandbanks is also ideal for diving beginners.
What you won't find here: Places to go out, hotel entertainment, other resort facilities.
What can you do during your stay at Saronde Island Resort?
Nature experiences
- Hike through the rainforest with one of our tours, e.g. the Gunung Tatawiran tour or one of the Minahasa-Tangkoko-tours before or after your stay at Saronde Island Resort.
- Tour to the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park to the Maleo breeding station and observation of other endemic species such as the Sulawesi Hornbill, Sulawesi Pitta, Sulawesi Tarsier and the Gorontalo Macaque (Macaca Nigrescens) before or after your stay at Saronde Island Resort.
- Excursion to Nantu Forest (4T/3N) to observe endemic animal and bird species, e.g. Anoa and Babirusa (on request)
- Visit to the provincial capital Gorontalo with its traditional market, Fort Otanaha and Lake Limboto
- Boat trip to the whale sharks in the Gulf of Tomini (no guarantee for actual encounter)
- Snorkelling along the house reef and nearby neighbouring islands
Diving
- North Sulawesi is well-known and famous for its extremely diverse underwater world. Saronde Island Resort is located in the middle of one of the most beautiful dive sites in Indonesia.
- If you already have diving experience, this is perfect. Then you can start right away!
- Would you like to learn how to dive? Wonderful, and no problem! Saronde Island Resort has its own dive classes and offers everything from introductory dives to PADI Advanced Open Water.
- Offer for Divemaster on request.
Book now!
Saronde Island Resort: Discover a small island paradise and combine the experience of a unique underwater world in the middle of the coral triangle in eastern Indonesia with the exotic flair of Sulawesi jungle life and its numerous endemic species for a wonderful holiday experience.
Location and amenities:
Saronde Island Resort is located in the Celebes Sea, about 30 minutes from the mainland, in the middle of the northern 'leg' of Sulawesi Island. The small bungalow resort is located on the equally small island of Saronde and has a white sandy beach. The unspoilt island, covered in dense greenery, offers wonderful views over the numerous offshore islands in the Celebes Sea. The resort is under German management and is the perfect place to relax in a dignified ambience, e.g. after an adventurous jungle tour or intensive diving.
The spacious (soon) 6 Balinese-style bungalows are equipped with wardrobe, safe and air-conditioning and also have a small minibar with coffee and snack corner. Functionally and attractively furnished, each bungalow is also equipped with a double bed (can be upgraded to triple occupancy), a Balinese bathroom with hot water and a veranda with a cosy sofa seating area. Other special highlights of this resort are that each bungalow has its own private dive centre where only your own diving or snorkelling equipment is stored. In addition, the bugalow terrace leads to the resort's own private sandy beach with sun loungers and private dining table, where breakfast and dinner are served on request. Far from the mainland shore, Saronde Island Resort is the perfect place to relax, reflect and let your soul soar. It is currently the only Western style resort in the area.
An internet connection is available in all areas of the resort and is provided free of charge by the resort. However, depending on conditions, this may be intermittent at times.
Occupancy: max. 3 persons
Restaurant:
The resort has a small restaurant serving local and international dishes. The resort management is very keen to cater to the guests' wishes, which is sometimes not easy due to the secluded location and the limited shopping possibilities. Please let us know your food requirements in advance.
Diving:
Located in the Celebes Sea and at the centre of the Coral Triangle, Saronde Island Resort offers the opportunity to dive in one of the world's best marine environments. Equipped with its own dive centre, Saronde Island Resort offers PADI diving courses as well as introductory, refresher and specialised diving courses. If you are planning to use your time at Saronde Island Resort to do your Dive Master, please let us know well in advance so that this can be organised for you. Even if you are a diving beginner, the island is ideal for diving courses due to its surrounding shallow sandbanks.
Macro lovers will find their heaven on earth around Saronde Island, as there are numerous dive spots right outside the front door that can be reached in a short time by the resort's own speedboat. These include the islands of Mohinggito and Bogisa, which are only a stone's throw away from the resort. Various brightly coloured nudibranchs, imposing gorgonians and large sponges as well as a wide variety of fish species, shrimps and seahorses are the highlights of this diving region. And besides the magnificent colourful coral reefs with hard and soft corals, beautiful steep slopes as well as sandy bottoms with sea grass and algae contribute to a varied underwater landscape. There are also excellent opportunities for wide-angle photographie. The resort also offers excursions for diving with whale sharks.
PRICE VALID FROM 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2026
Mindestaufenthalt für Nichttaucher: 3 Nächte
*Es gelten abweichende Stornobedingungen: Übernachtungskosten sind sofort nach Buchung in voller Höhe fällig.
ACCOMMODATION
Beach Villa:
- 300 EUR Double occupancy / night
- 100 EUR additional 3rd person / night
- 300 EUR Single occupancy/ night
- 100 EUR per person early check-in (before 11:00 am) or late check-out (after 3:00 pm)
The bungalows are located directly on the beach and are equipped with a double bed, air conditioning, open Bali bathroom with shower and toilet. From the cosy veranda as well as the white sandy beach in front of the bungalows, you have a wonderful view of the sea; the perfect place for private dining arrangements and to unwind.
Garden Villa: COMING SOON
- 200 EUR Double occupancy / night
- 70 EUR additional 3rd person / night
- 50 EUR additional 4th person / night
- 200 EUR Single occupancy/ night
- 100 EUR per person early check-in (before 11:00 am) or late check-out (after 3:00 pm)
The Garden Villas have spacious living areas with elegant furniture and exquisite décor. Large windows and sliding glass doors provide natural light in the room and create a warm and inviting ambience. The Garden Villas are arranged over two floors, creating a high level of comfort and privacy. On the lower floor there is a spacious terrace with a table and cosy lounger, perfect for a morning coffee or an afternoon nap surrounded by beautiful nature. On the upper floor, there is a large king-size bed with sweeping views over the garden and out to sea. There is also a private balcony, the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The price quoted includes full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as drinking water, coffee & tea and also includes unguided dives along the house reef as well as island hopping to Bogisa Island and kayaking around Saronde.
DIVING
- 70 EUR for 2 Dives per person
- 40 EUR for Night dive per person
- 600 EUR for in advance booked 10 dives
- 70 EUR for Discover Scuba
- 400 EUR for Open Water
- 300 EUR for Advanced Open Water
- Dive Master as per request
Dive and snorkel equipment (e.g. wetsuit, regulator, computer, mask, fins etc.) can be rent, e.g. full set-equipment: 21 EUR/ day/ person.
The Saronde Island Resort only accepts cash payments on site or credit card payment via FlyWire payment link.
Subject to change without notice. Increased prices may apply during Indonesian holidays such as Ramadan or Idul Fitri. Our terms and conditions apply.
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Private beach dinner with island view
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Saronde Island Resort Sulawesi: Private beach with sunbeds
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Exterior view
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Bungalow interior view
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Bathroom
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Wardrobe with safe
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Bathroom & shower
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: By resort boat to the dive spots
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Loading the boat with diving equipment
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: White sandy resort beach
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Resort sandy beach with boat
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Boat off coast at sunset
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Saronde Island Resort Sulawesi from bird's perspective
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Resort beach at sunset
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Saronde Island Resort, Sulawesi: Private beach for dinner with island view
Arrive, Unwind, and Discover the Beauty of Indonesia
Your vacation in Sulawesi typically begins with a flight to Makassar or Manado, Sulawesi's two major cities. From here, a world of possibilities opens up for your Sulawesi journey. Makassar Airport is recommended if you want to start your Sulawesi tour from the island's south, visiting places like the Toraja Highlands or the remote regions further east. Manado Airport is perfect if you want to combine your vacation in northern Sulawesi with, for example, a tour to the Minahasa Highlands and Tangkoko Nature Reserve along with diving excursions.
Beyond this, the island impresses with its diverse landscape that makes every vacation unforgettable:
- Majestic volcanoes rising above deep green valleys, inviting extensive hiking—especially around the town of Tomohon—and offering spectacular views
- Dense jungle areas with rivers and exotic plants, home to numerous endemic animal and bird species
- Extraordinary lakes, some with floating houses, others with harmless jellyfish, and some simply completely untouched and crystal-clear, taking viewers' breath away
- Pristine beaches along the rugged coastline, inviting extended beach walks and easily combined by boat
Popular Travel Routes
For your vacation in Sulawesi, you can choose from various travel routes—depending on what you'd like to focus on.
A classic round trip through Sulawesi leads from Makassar in the south via Tana Toraja, then continues to the Minahasa Highlands and Tangkoko Nature Reserve in the north, all the way to the dream beaches of the offshore islands around Manado.
Flights between regions are regular, though not always punctual, so even a two-week Indonesia vacation in Sulawesi is enough to experience some highlights of this large island.
We've put together some travel examples here to give you an idea of what's possible. Whether you're looking for thrills, want to sample the local cuisine, or simply want to unwind and relax — we have just the right thing for you. So, what are you waiting for? Discover the wonders of Sulawesi.
Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Then write to us, and we'll offer you a tailor-made tour program.
Sulawesi Tour with Local Guides: Discover Traditions and Ways of Life
A guided Sulawesi tour with local guides opens doors to hidden treasures. These guides know every corner and lead you to places you'd never find on your own. The cultural centerpiece of any round trip in Sulawesi is Tana Toraja in the mountainous highlands. Here, a unique culture awaits you that is truly unparalleled, expressing itself in ancient and—from our perspective—unusual traditions like the death cult, as well as in its unique architecture—architectural masterpieces from ancient times.
Rantepao serves as the starting point for cultural discoveries. From here, you'll take excursions to burial sites and experience Toraja rituals. Your guide explains the spiritual significance and helps you respectfully visit traditional villages. The drive through the spectacular landscape is already an adventure—past rice terraces and through small villages where time stands still.
In Sengkang on Lake Tempe, you'll experience traditional fishing life. A boat trip to the floating houses shows you a completely different side of Sulawesi. And in the Minahasa Highlands, centered around the flower city of Tomohon, you'll find not only ancient mysterious burial sites but also traditional craftsmanship. Take the opportunity during your visit to the region to sample the delicious local coffee at one of the coffee plantations, or come when the spectacular International Tomohon Flower Festival takes place to enjoy the unique flair of this region to its fullest extent.
Relaxation in Island Paradise: Sulawesi Holidays in Idyllic Resorts
After the adventures of your Sulawesi tour, cozy beachfront resort hotels offer the perfect relaxation for the rest of your Sulawesi vacation. Manado in the north is famous for first-class resorts and proximity to world-class diving areas. Your Sulawesi holiday here becomes the perfect mix of relaxation and underwater adventure. The resort hotels organize daily boat trips to the best spots. Unlike in Bali, you'll still find truly untouched stretches for relaxed beach walks. Additionally, the resort hotels will pamper you culinary-wise with both traditional meals and international cuisine.
However, you won't find modern accommodations everywhere. The regions still untouched by tourism don't have this to offer. Here we'll find you a place with a host family, in one of the often lovingly—though very simply—furnished homestays. This also makes it possible to visit special highlights like Lake Tempe, the islands of Labengki & Sombori, or the Togean Islands and Banggai Islands.
Jetzt Sulawesi Reise buchen: privat, geführt und individuell Book Your Sulawesi Adventure Now: Private, Guided and Personalized
We plan your Sulawesi vacation entirely according to your travel style. Want maximum flexibility? Then our privately guided tours are exactly right for you. You determine the route and pace according to your wishes, while we handle the complete organization.
Book your individual Indonesia journey with us in good time to secure the most beautiful hotels and resorts. We're also happy to organize domestic flights for you. We recommend planning at least two weeks for a Sulawesi trip to get a proper insight into the culture, nature, and beaches.