Tangkoko Batuangus nature reserve (2022)

The Tangkoko Batuangus nature reserve is a coastal national park in northern Sulawesi, at the westernmost tip of the island. The nature reserve covers an area of 8800 hectares and consists of rainforest. It includes three mountains, of which the highest (Mt Dua Saudara) is 1361m high. The reserve was initially set up in 1919 with a small conservation area around Mount Tangkoko, which was expanded in 1978 and 1981. Inside the Tangkoko Batuangus nature reserve it is possible to see among others Celebes crested macaques, tarsiers, bear cuscuses and several bird species.
There is an entry fee of 100000 IDR (150000 IDR on weekends). I spent two nights in Tangkoko and used a guide provided by the Tangkoko ranger homestay, where I was staying. My stay included two evening walks in the reserve (4:30pm-8pm) and a morning one (6am-10am), each costing IDR 250000. We spotted tarsers both in the first evening trip and in the morning trip. Celebes crested macaques were everywhere, while it took some effort to find hornbills and cuscus bears.
How to get to the Tangkoko Batuangus nature reserve
The simplest way to reach the reserve is to charter a taxi in Manado or book a tour. The reserve is 60km from Manado and getting there takes about one hour and a half.
Accommodation
It's possible to stay in Manado, but near the reserve there are a number of hotels, guesthouses and homestays. Some of these are bookable via the international booking portals.