North Sulawesi is well known around the world for its underwater wildlife. Aside from the incredible wall diving within the Bunaken National Park, the northern tip of this vast island (11th largest in the world) also hosts other well-known world class dive locations such as Bangka, the Lembeh straits and Manado Bay. With such a variety of diving in such a small area, it is easy to see why diving and snorkellingis usually the main attraction for most folk visiting this corner of the world. What many people miss out on, however, is the incredible terrestrial wildlife that North Sulawesi has to offer.
Celebes Crested Macaques: Endangered Primate Treasures
Tangkoko Nature Reserve is an IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) CategoryIa – strict nature reserve, which is the highest level possible. The reserve is located around 1 ½ hours away from Manado by car, covers an area of 87 km2, and protects over 100 species of mammals and 200 species of bird; much of which are endemic to Sulawesi. Probably the most famous resident of the reserve is the adorable ‘Spectral Tarsier’, one of the smallest primate species in the world. These Mogwai looking bundles of fluff are nocturnal, which is why they have such giant eyes compared to their body. They make their first appearance just before sundown, coming out of their tree homes and sitting around waiting for it to get dark, offering great photo opportunities. Once it is dark they will head out among the forest looking for insects to feast on, returning to the same tree just before dawn.
Diverse Fauna: Pythons, Vipers, Kingfishers, and More
The main attraction of the reserve is the Celebes Crested Macaque, a critically endangered primate species endemic to North Sulawesi. These small monkeys have a stub tail, long black hair, a hairless black face, and bright orange eyes. They are frequently spotted wandering around the low lands of the park, and they are relatively easy to approach. There are several groups, ranging from 10 individuals, to over 30. Some of the larger groups tend to hang around more in the low areas of the forest, meaning they are easier to get too, with the younger members of the clan playing around in the trees. Aside from primates, the park is also home to a number of different interesting species, from pythons, vipers, kingfishers, hornbills, flying lizards, and the adorable Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, a species of marsupial that is endemic to Sulawesi.
Tangkoko Nature Reserve Excursion: A Memorable Addition to Your Holiday
A trip to Tangkoko nature reserve is a great addition to your holiday, and at Siladen Resort & Spa we can organise a trip for you from door to door. The trip leaves at 10:30 from the resort, and you will arrive at the reserve at around 13:30, with lunch and snacks brought along so you don’t get hungry. We will spend a few hours making our way around the low sections of the reserve (not too much hill climbing required) and as the sun begins to fade we make our way to see the Tarsiers. When the sun light no longer breaks through the towering trees, we head out the of reserve, either eating at a local restaurant, or heading back to Siladen for dinner. We bring everything necessary to get the most of your trip, just don’t forget to pack a camera!
