How to get to Tahuna

When planning how to get to Tahuna, you are embarking on a journey to the main city of the Sangihe Islands in Indonesia, which serves as a vital port and trading hub for the region. This picturesque city offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in an authentic atmosphere, and reaching it usually involves a combination of transport modes, most commonly a domestic flight or a sea crossing. A trip to Tahuna is an excellent choice for those seeking untouched nature and who are ready for a bit of a logistical adventure away from standard tourist routes.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Tahuna is by air. The city is served by Naha Airport (NAH), located just a few kilometres from the centre. It is a small air hub receiving domestic flights, so travellers should plan a route with a transfer in advance.

The main transit gateway for flights to this region is the city of Manado. Regular flights to Tahuna depart from there, taking less than an hour. A connection in Manado is the most reliable option, as the airport has good connections with other major cities in the country, such as Jakarta or Makassar. We recommend checking the schedule in advance, as flight frequency may depend on the season.

Direct railway connection to Tahuna is unavailable, as the city is located on the isolated Sangihe archipelago. In this remote corner of Indonesia, the complex terrain and island geography make laying tracks impossible. Tourists planning complex logistics should immediately exclude trains from their itinerary and focus on water or air transport.

Reaching the major cities closest to the archipelago by rail is also not possible. The transit hub of Manado, like neighbouring Bolaang Mongondow, does not have operating train stations, as the railway network in this part of the country is not developed. Even General Santos in the Philippines, located across the strait, will not assist in building a rail route, so it is better to choose buses for land travel.

Since Tahuna is situated on an archipelago, there is no direct bus service to the mainland, and this mode of transport is used only as part of a multi-leg route. Travellers usually take intercity buses to the transit hub in the city of Manado on Sulawesi island, to then transfer to a ferry or speedboat. This combined journey allows you to see the natural beauty of Indonesia and the charm of local villages even before arriving in the Sangihe Islands.

The most popular land segment runs from the Bolaang Mongondow region: the trip to the departure port will take about 5 hours, covering a distance of 200 kilometres along winding roads. It is important to remember that it is impossible to get there by bus from the geographically close city of General Santos due to the maritime border, so logistics from the Philippines are built exclusively on water or air connections.

Travelling to Tahuna by car is always a combined route requiring a ferry crossing, as the city is located on an isolated archipelago. The main starting point for car tourists is the port in Manado, from where cargo-passenger vessels depart: the sea route of about 260 kilometres will take the entire night. If you are departing from the Bolaang Mongondow region, you first face a scenic but winding drive to the departure port covering about 200 kilometres, which will take approximately 5 hours.

It is important to remember that despite the geographical proximity of the Philippine city of General Santos, it is impossible to get from there by car due to the lack of land roads and regular car ferries across the border. Logistics for a trip by private or rented vehicle should be planned exclusively through the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The cost of a taxi or transfer to the port in Manado varies depending on comfort but remains affordable for most travellers.

A trip to Tahuna promises to be an unforgettable adventure, full of discoveries and immersion in the authentic culture of the Sangihe Islands. To ensure your stay in this remote but picturesque corner of Indonesia is as comfortable and safe as possible, we have prepared a list of important practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is tropical and humid year-round, so opt for light clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as sudden downpours are not uncommon, as well as comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
2. Transport: There are no conventional metered taxis in the city itself. The main mode of transport is "mikrolets" (small blue minibuses) and "ojeks" (motorcycle taxis). It is best to negotiate the price with motorcycle drivers in advance, before the journey begins.
3. Finance: In Tahuna, Indonesian Rupiah is accepted, and cash is the primary method of payment. ATMs exist (mainly BNI, BRI, and Mandiri networks), but they may not accept certain foreign cards or might be out of cash, so it is recommended to withdraw a sufficient amount of cash in a major transit city, such as Manado.
4. Health and Safety: The city is generally safe, but it is important to take precautions against tropical insects: use repellents, especially in the evening. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks at street cafes to prevent stomach upsets spoiling your holiday.
5. Communication: English is not widely spoken here, with the exception of staff at some hotels. Locals speak Indonesian (Bahasa) and a local dialect. Download an offline translator or learn a few basic phrases ("thank you", "how much") — this will greatly help in communication and endear you to the people.
6. Local Etiquette: The islanders are very friendly and value politeness. Greet people with a smile, and when handing over money or items, try to use your right hand, as the left is considered "unclean". Dress modestly, avoiding overly revealing outfits outside of beach areas.
7. What to Avoid: Do not show anger or raise your voice in public — in local culture, this is considered a loss of face and extremely impolite behaviour. Also, avoid discussing sensitive political topics and criticizing local customs.
8. Additional Tip: Mobile signal and internet on the islands can be unstable. The best coverage in this region is provided by the operator Telkomsel, so for reliability, it is recommended to purchase their SIM card upon arrival in the country.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on the beauty of nature and the hospitality of the people of Tahuna. Preparation is the key to a peaceful holiday away from noisy metropolises.