Trek through the wild, untouched jungles of the Lolobata National Park in search of the elusive Togutil tribal group, deep in the heart of North Maluku, Indonesia.
Home to over 20 endemic bird species, a variety of wildlife and fascinating tribal groups, this tour is perfect for any traveller who wants to venture deep into the rainforests of Halmahera to understand the fragile ecosystem of this region.
Fly into the picturesque island of Ternate, west of the much larger Maluku Island, before travelling via speed boat to Sofifi Harbour where you will commence your trek into the jungle. To reach the fascinating Togutil tribe requires a two day hike through the dense, wild forests of Lolobata National Park. Spend a night camping underneath the canopies of the rainforests listening to the strange sounds and echoes of the nocturnal wildlife that surrounds you. Continue your trek the next day, reaching the Togutil tribe in the morning for you first taste of tribal life.
Over the next three nights, you will be totally immersed in the unique and fascinating culture of the Togutil tribe as you set up camp on the outskirts of their village. You will have the opportunity to not only witness the Togutil tribe go about their daily chores, but to join in and try your hand at a range of activities. Go deep into the wild forests and practice your hunting skills, or hike with the locals to the coast to learn about their unique fishing methods. Help make loin clothes from the bark of a tree, or harvest vegetables and bamboos shoots that will be used for cooking your dinner that night.
Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival in Ternate, you will be met by your local guide who will transfer you to your hotel.
The day is free at leisure, you may want to explore Ternate and enjoy the pristine waters that surround the picturesque island or rest and prepare for the next part of you adventure.
Overnight at Villa Ma’rasai or similar
An early morning start today as you are met by your driver and transferred to the pier for your speed boat departure to Sofifi Harbour.
Upon arrival at Sofifi Harbour, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred by car to Subaem. On arrival at Wisma Kita, you’ll have time to shower, relax, or have a snack. Relax tonight before a big day tomorrow when you will begin your journey to the Togutil tribe. (B,L,D)
Overnight at Wisma Kita or similar
An early start today as you prepare for your trek to the Togutil tribe. After an early breakfast, you will have a short transfer to the starting point of your trek. It will take two days of trekking to visit this isolated tribe in the heart of Halmahera jungle. After a safety briefing by your guide, take a moderate trek through the lush jungle of Lolobata National Park located in the north of Maluku.
Discover the most amazing natural flora and fauna that the Maluku Islands have to offer, including birds, deer’s and if you’re lucky the Bidadari Halmahera, a rare bird which is endemic to this region and is listed as an endangered species. Along the way, stop for a picnic lunch that is provided by your guides.
Continue on with your trek until you reach base camp where you will spend a night with your team and local guides. (B,L,D)
Overnight camping in Lolobata National Park
Trek: 5 -6 hours (Moderate)
After a simple breakfast at your campsite, you will continue on with you trek to the Togutil tribes. Today’s trek is easier than yesterday, with a 2-3 hour walk to meet the three families of Togutil who live in this area.
The Togutil people (also known as Tobelo – a term referring to indigenous people who lived in the woods and ‘could sleep standing up under a leaf during rain’) are an indigenous group with a semi-nomadic lifestyle in the jungles of Lolobata National Park, North Halmahera Regency, Indonesia.
Their settlements are usually in groups of communities along river banks. Their houses are made of wood and bamboo with palm leaves as roofing. Generally their houses do not have walls or wooden flooring. Today will be spent exploring the unique culture of the Togutil people and some of the villages that are nearby.
Tonight, dinner will be served in the village and shared alongside members of the Togutil tribe. Whilst you mingle and share stories with the local Togutil people, your guide will set up your tent on the river bank nearby to the Togutil huts. (B,L,D)
Trek: 2/3 hours (Light)
Three night stay at a basic traditional homestay in Togutil village
Over the next two days, you will have the opportunity to experience some of the daily activities of Togutil Tribe. Venture deep into the untouched Halmahera jungle and witness the ancient hunting or fishing traditions that the Togutil people have used for generations.
Later on, sit with the women of the tribe and interact as you try your hand at making sago powder, the main food of the Togutil tribe. Take a swim in the river nearby to relax and appreciate the extreme contrast between tribal life and your modern life back home. Other activities that you can join in include loin cloth making – it is still common practice amongst male members of the tribe to wear loin clothes. Try your hand at harvesting some wild vegetables, young rattan or bamboo, all of which could end up being your dinner! Swap stories with the elders, who are just as interested in your life and you are in theirs, or take time out of your day to help teach the children of the tribe.
During the activities, your guide will always be present and able to take care of all your needs. (B,L,D)
Wake up this morning to the peaceful atmosphere of the Togutil village, before enjoying breakfast with the locals and saying goodbye to your generous hosts. This is your last chance to see these tribal members who have taken care of you for two days, make sure you thank your hosts for their generosity. This morning involves a short trek from the Togutil village through the jungle where a driver awaits to transfer you to Subaem.
The remainder of the day is free for leisure or to explore Subaem. (B,L,D)
Two night stay at Wisma Kita
Trek: 2 hour (Easy)
After breakfast in your hotel, you will be taken on a short excursion to a remote village nearby Subaem. The people of the village are actually members of the Togutil tribe but this community has decided to live outside of the jungle with some modern technologies. They have built simple houses to live in, have fostered and maintained good relationships with the local people and are continually adapting to new technology as it arrives.
The landscape around the village is truly a majestic scene and provides you with one of the most picturesque scenes on your whole journey, be sure not to leave you camera at the hotel for this one! (B,L,D)
After breakfast is served at your hotel, you will begin you return journey to Ternate via Sofifi harbour. You will be driven by car from Subaem to Sofifi Pier (4 hour drive) where you will continue by speed boat across the sea reach Ternate Island.
Upon arrival at Ternate Island you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free for leisure or to explore Ternate Island. (B,L,D)
Overnight at Villa Ma’rasi or similar
Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B,L,D)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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