K2 Lembeh Dive Resort
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The adorable Tarsius, a small primate endemic to Sulawesi and neighbouring islands.
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
At over 100 years old, Tangkoko Nature Reserve is an IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve) large nature reserve (8,700 hectares). It is located some 70km from Manado City, and 30km from Bitung, the nearest city to K2 Lembeh Dive Resort.
The Crested Black Macque or Celebes crested macaque (Macaca nigra), Yaki (local language) Yaki is listed in the IUCN Critically Endangered list with an estimate of about 5000 left in the wild, only found in North Sulawesi and smaller neighbouring islands.
Special sanctuary for the protection 120 species of mammals, over 200 species of birds and other animals
Of these, nearly 80 mammal species, 100 bird species, and 30 reptile/amphibian species are endemic to Sulawesi.
The Sulawesi bear cuscus or Sulawesi bear phalanger (Ailurops ursinus) is endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands in Indonesia. When undisturbed, it is sometimes seen foraging at the ground level, but will quickly climb up a tree as a defensive measure.
Endemic creatures not seen elsewhere
The objectives of a visit to Tangkoko Nature Reserve is, quite clearly, to see some magnificent creatures endemic to Sulawesi, many of whom are classified as threatened or even endangered.
Another creature endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands, the magnificent Knobbed Hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix). During nesting, the female will sealed itself using mud into a hole on a tree trunk, leaving a small slit for the male to provide food to it and the chicks. That act is seen in this photo.
Visiting Tangkoko Nature Park
The trek at most parts of the Park is easy, even the more highly part is not challenging.
From K2 Lembeh Dive Resort: about 1 hour 15 mins (by boat then car).
Duration: the trek is typically 2-3 hours, flexible.
Terrain: mostly flat, with some slopes, easy hike. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sports shoes or trekking shoes
Possible travel plan: lunch at K2, leave at about 1:30pm, reach Batu Putih 3:00pm (village near entrance to Tangkoko Nature Park), guide takes over, easy trek within Nature Reserve for about 2-3 hours, end tour at about 5-6pm. Car ride back to K2 for dinner.
Important note: use of insect repellent is necessary. Long pants and long sleeve airy shirt should be worn.
Note: our guides will attempt to show you as many of the creatures listed here, and some others. But as usual, this is a visit to the natural habitat of the animals; sighting will be dependent on a number of factors and cannot be guaranteed.
All photographs taken by Asher and Joseph Ang