Asik OriginalFrom
$78
Luwuk Banggai, Central Sulawesi
Banggai Islands 1-Day Trip: Snorkel, Island Hop & Dolphins
New experience
1 DaySmall groups
Two small islands joined by a sandbar at low tide, with healthy reef just offshore.
Pulo Dua, near Balantak well north of Luwuk, is two small islands that join by a sandbar when the tide drops and split into a shallow blue channel when it rises. The water around them is clear, the coral is in good shape, and you can find reef fish and the occasional green turtle without going far from the sand.
It is quiet and undeveloped, so come with your own gear and snacks rather than expecting beach bars.
This suits snorkelers and beach lovers who are happy to make a long drive for a calm, low-key day on the reef. The road north is the price of admission, so it pays to start early.
Getting there
Pulo Dua is a long haul from Luwuk, roughly 130 to 150 km and about 3 to 3.5 hours by car heading north toward Balantak, road conditions depending. From the village of Dua you cross to the islands by small local boat, about 10 minutes, paid in cash. Hiring a car with driver for the day is the sane option given the distance.
Best time
Go in the dry season (April to October) for calm seas and the best underwater visibility. Time your visit around low tide if you want the sandbar between the two islands to be walkable.
Good to know
This is close to a full-day trip given the drive, so leave Luwuk early and consider it over a rushed half day. Bring your own snorkel gear, water, food, and sun cover, since facilities are minimal. Carry enough cash for the boat crossing and any local fees, and take all rubbish back with you.
If you like snorkeling and quiet beaches, yes, the reef and the twin-island setting reward the effort. If you are short on time, the closer beaches near Luwuk make more sense.
Yes, bring your own mask and fins. Rental is not reliable out here, and the good coral is an easy swim from the sand.
At low tide a sandbar links them and you can walk across. At high tide a shallow channel separates them, which is also lovely to snorkel.
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
