The Tangkoko Nature Reserve is a flora and fauna conservation area on Mount Tangkoko in the district of Bitung in the province of North Sulawesi, about one hour’s drive from Manado. The reserve is particularly attractive for its unique wildlife that can be observed roaming free in the forest.

The tarsiers, the black macaque monkeys, maleo birds, cuscus and the hornbills make this their habitat.

Tarsiers are the smallest primates in the world – only about a fist size – who make Tangkoko their last refuge and are found only in Sulawesi. Tarsiers (tarsius spectrum) look particularly cute because of their big saucer eyes. Locals know them as: tangkasi. Since these are nocturnal animals they can be observed only at night.

The crested black macaques (Macaca nigra), endemic to Sulawesi, usually come in large social groups, and can be seen playing, fighting or grooming themselves. While the cuscus, a pouched animal can be seen among the trees when one is particularly lucky.

Located about an hour’s drive from Manado, you will first pass the Batuputih Nature Park that lies between Batuputih Bawah sub district and the Tangkoko Nature Reserve at Batuangus.

Covering an area of 615 hectares, the Batuputih Nature Park is a savanna suitable for camping, outbound activities and relaxing by the beach.  Since Batuputih is mostly visited by tourists, it is therefore also the most well-known, although it is only one of four conservation areas at Tangkoko.

In addition to the Batuputih Park, theTangkoko Reserve covers a total area of 3,196 hectares, where the Batuangus Nature Reserve has 635 hectares (located between the Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Pinangunian village), while the Duasaudara Nature Reserve covers 4,299 hectares (which includes Mount Duasaudara and its surrounding areas).

Get There

This conservation area for endangered species in Bitung is located some 70 kilometers from Manado. Tourists prefer to visit Batuputih, making it the favourite tourist destination of Tangkoko. It takes about an hour’s drive from Manado to Bitung and a further 45 minutes from Bitung to Batuputih travelling by winding asphalt roads.