Banggai Islands route: Luk P, Pelang Island and Salakan
This 59.9 km route across Indonesia's Banggai Islands connects three key stops: Luk P and Teng village, Pelang Island, and Luke Penang with Salakan. The journey showcases the transition from remote village life to coastal exploration across Sulawesi's lesser-known islands.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Pelang Island - Island crossing
- End
- Pelang Island - Island crossing
- Stops
- 1
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Pelang Island - Island crossing — Scenic island destination featuring pristine waters and coral ecosystems representative of the Banggai archipelago's natural biodiversity.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Arrange local boat transfers by asking locals at beaches rather than booking everything in advance; a local fisherman at Bonet Pom Pom had a simple boat available for exploring nearby coastlines.
- Transport
- The drive across Peleng Island from Luke Penang to Salakan is long but scenic; plan for stops at Ba'banang Cave and Mandel Beach along the way.
- Transport
- Speedboat transfer from Salakan area to Banggai Island takes approximately 15 minutes; depart in late afternoon to reach accommodation before sunset.
- Where to stay
- Kia Homestay on Banggai Island offers rooms built directly over the water and provides a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere with friendly local interactions nearby.
- Food
- In Salakan town, there is a restaurant in the hills above town with tree surroundings and views over the bay; it offers more food variety than remote village locations.
- Food
- At Mandel Beach, small places sell noodles, coffee, and cold drinks; seating is available beneath umbrellas overlooking the water.
- Tip
- Ba'banang Cave features a short walk inside leading to a deep pool of clear blue water suitable for swimming.
- Tip
- Mandel Beach is one of the more popular stops when traveling between Salakan and Banggai Island; it has a pristine appearance with pale sand and clear blue water.
- Avoid
- Many beaches in Indonesia collect washed-up plastic bottles and rubbish; walking further along the coastline reveals more pristine beach areas.
- Timing
- Plan to reach accommodation before sunset; depart Mandel Beach by mid-to-late afternoon to ensure you arrive at your destination with daylight remaining.
- Tip
- The road across Peleng Island passes through dense coconut groves for long sections; expect scenic drives between villages and beaches.
- Tip
- Mandel Beach has coves nearby worth exploring; despite its popularity, it retains a local feel with few other visitors and working fishermen.
Video on this route
The Journey Into Indonesia’s Remote Banggai Islands 🇮🇩