Exploring the Wildest Solo Adventures in Banggai Islands: Hidden Gems of the East

Continuing from the previous guide

🗺️Day 5: Banggai Lalau – Mbuang Mbuang – Paisu Batongan Jellyfish Lake – Pantai Palanggang – Pantai Pasir Panjang Mbuang-Mbuang – LIANG TADUL

This enchanting island is renowned for its non-toxic jellyfish lake, a natural wonder that draws adventurers from far and wide. However, due to the unpredictable ocean currents and weather, the journey can be challenging, and only a few intrepid travelers manage to reach this hidden gem.

**Option One:** Join a speedboat for 1300K per person, departing from Tobing with a three-hour exhilarating ride. The advantage of this option is seamless transportation once you land on the island, allowing you to return to Tobing or head to Banggai on the same day.

**Option Two:** For solo travelers, share a boat to the Banggai pier, a quick 15-minute trip, then transfer to a ferry. The ferry costs 80K for a one-way six-hour journey. Spend the night on Mbuang Island, where there’s just one cozy homestay. Upon arrival, make sure to visit the two stunning beaches, Pantai, where diving enthusiasts can marvel at giant clams, known as fin killers.

Finally, charter a small boat for 150K to Liang Tadul, a spot with breathtaking drone views and the chance to see rare wild manta rays and saltwater crocodiles.

On the second morning, when the light is perfect, head to the jellyfish lake. A drone can capture a heart-shaped blue spot from the walkway leading out of the lake. Then, return to Banggai by ferry.

Since I was able to rent a boat here, I skipped the ferry. The above information was gathered by inquiring at the pier. If the sea conditions are unfavorable, the boats will not depart.

🗺️Day 6: Banggai Island Loop: Pier – Pasir Putih – Tanjung Gundul Pasir Putih – Teluk Lalong – Lokotoy – Oyama Beach – Pantai Bontolan

Start your day early at 8 am, heading straight to Pasir Putih. By the seaside, find a boatman and inquire about chartering a boat for 150K to Tanjung Gundul and Teluk Lalong. After returning, venture to Lokotoy, the most budget-friendly village for chartering a boat to Oyama Beach. As usual, ask around by the seaside; the current rate is 200K, and if you have more people, it can be shared to reduce the cost. Finally, pass through Bontolan on your way back to the pier.

🗺️Day 7: Return to Luwuk

The daily ferry from Banggai to Luwuk departs at 1 pm. Arrive a bit earlier at the pier to purchase tickets, as shown in Figure 11, and choose a comfortable seat. For an additional 200K, you can secure a two-person AC cabin, but I opted for the dormitory, number 83, which is near the door and well-ventilated.

The entire journey takes about eight hours, often delayed until 1:30 pm or even 2 pm. Expect to arrive between 9 pm and 10 pm, as shown in Figure 13.