Tangkoko Nature Reserve, located at the foot of the Dua Saudara twin volcanoes near Bitung in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a renowned protected rainforest and wildlife sanctuary spanning approximately 8,890 hectares. It features rolling hills and valleys covered with rich tropical forest, home to an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna.
Tangkoko Forest
This reserve is famous for its unique and endemic wildlife, including the smallest primates in the world-the spectral tarsier (Tarsius spectrum), which is nocturnal and best seen at dusk. Tangkoko is also a refuge for the endangered Celebes crested black macaque (Macaca nigra), known for its striking black fur and social behavior. Visitors can also encounter Sulawesi’s rare hornbills, the Sulawesi bear cuscus (a marsupial), and various other birds and mammals.
The forest trails are relatively easy to walk, making the reserve accessible for guided day or overnight tours. Wildlife spotting is excellent, with opportunities to see animals like tarsiers, black macaques, cuscus, and hornbills in their natural habitat. The reserve also offers beautiful scenery and a chance to experience Indonesia’s rich biodiversity up close.
Visitors usually enter the reserve via Batu Putih village, about an hour’s drive from Manado or nearby coastal areas. Guided tours are available, often including early morning and late afternoon hikes to maximize wildlife sightings, especially for nocturnal species like the tarsier. Accommodation options inside or near the reserve allow for immersive overnight experiences.
Discover the incredible wildlife and pristine rainforest of Tangkoko Nature Reserve on a guided Wildlife Minahasa Tour! Witness rare and endemic species such as the spectral tarsier, Celebes crested macaques, and vibrant hornbills in one of Indonesia’s most treasured conservation areas.