Asik OriginalFrom
$78
Luwuk Banggai, Central Sulawesi
Banggai Islands 1-Day Trip: Snorkel, Island Hop & Dolphins
New experience
1 DaySmall groups
A short forest walk to turquoise pools stepping down over pale limestone ledges.
Piala sits in the hills above Hanga-Hanga, close enough to Luwuk that you can go in a morning and be back for lunch. Water runs over limestone steps into a series of green and turquoise pools, the colour you get when mineral-rich water meets pale rock. It is more a set of bathing pools than one big drop.
The walk in from the parking area is short, maybe 10 to 15 minutes on a forest trail, with a couple of slippery spots after rain.
It suits anyone wanting an easy half-day swim and a few photos without committing to a long drive. Families manage it fine if everyone watches their footing.
Getting there
Piala is roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive from central Luwuk toward Hanga-Hanga, easiest by rented scooter, ojek, or a hired car with driver. The last stretch is narrow and a bit hilly, then you park and walk 10 to 15 minutes on a forest path to the falls. There is a small entry fee collected on site, payable in cash.
Best time
Mornings are best for light and to beat local crowds, especially since weekends get busy with families. Go in the drier months for clearer water, as heavy rain can turn the pools cloudy and the trail muddy.
Good to know
Wear shoes with grip for the trail and the wet rocks around the pools. Bring cash for the entry fee and any warung snacks, and carry out your trash. After a downpour the water can run brown, so check recent conditions if clarity matters to you.
It is short and mostly easy, about 10 to 15 minutes on a forest trail, though a few sections get slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear helps.
Yes, the tiered pools are made for it and are the main draw. The water is cool and refreshing, and the shallower pools are fine for a relaxed dip.
Piala has the prettier turquoise pools for swimming, while Salodik is a wider tiered cascade. If you have time, both are close to Luwuk and worth seeing.
Add it to a route across Indonesia and we will work out the travel time and cost between every stop.
Build your tripBanggai Islands and the Banggai Cardinalfish
