Siau Island lies north of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and is one of the country’s most remote and least visited destinations. This Siau Island travel guide explores an island dominated by Mount Karangetang, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, where dramatic landscapes and everyday life coexist far from the country’s main tourist trail. With fewer than 200 visitors per year, Siau has no resorts, no established tourist routes, and little infrastructure aimed at outsiders.
Life on Siau is shaped by proximity to risk. Karangetang is almost always active, and local communities live with a constant awareness of the mountain’s behaviour. Evacuation routes are clearly marked, volcanic activity is monitored closely, and daily routines continue with a matter-of-fact resilience.
I travelled to Siau, drawn by its remoteness rather than its comfort. Travelling independently in Sulawesi requires flexibility and preparation, but visiting Siau Island offers a rare opportunity to experience a place where tourism has yet to redefine daily life.
Where Is Siau Island
Siau Island is part of the Sitaro Islands Regency, located in the Celebes Sea between northern Sulawesi and the Talaud Islands. Administratively, it belongs to North Sulawesi, though it feels far removed from the region’s main transport and tourism hubs. The nearest city is Manado, an half a day away by sea, depending on ferry schedules and weather conditions.
Despite its volcanic landscapes and coastal villages, Siau sees very little tourism. Access is limited to a small number of ferries from Manado, which run infrequently and are often affected by rough seas. There is not many flights, no organised tour industry, and minimal online information available in English.
The island’s defining feature, Mount Karangetang, also plays a role in its isolation. As one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, it places Siau under frequent monitoring and periodic evacuation alerts. While local communities have adapted to living with this risk, the presence of an active volcano discourages both mass tourism and large-scale development.
As a result, Siau remains largely absent from travel itineraries. Those who do make the journey tend to be independent travellers with flexible schedules, drawn not by comfort or convenience, but by curiosity and a willingness to navigate uncertainty.
Why Visit Siau
Siau is not a destination for casual sightseeing. There are no headline attractions, curated experiences, or comforts designed for visitors.
The island offers a rare opportunity to observe daily life shaped by an active volcanic landscape. Mount Karangetang dominates the island both physically and psychologically, influencing settlement patterns, evacuation planning, and agricultural practices. For travellers interested in human adaptation to environmental risk, Siau provides an unfiltered case study.
Siau also remains largely untouched by tourism. With only a few hundred visitors per year, interactions with locals are not mediated by commercial expectations. There are only a few accommodation options on the island and perhaps one properly functioning restaurant, which seems to be the only place where everyone eats.
Therefore, Siau appeals to travellers drawn to remoteness for its own sake. Reaching the island requires time, flexibility, and self-reliance, and the rewards are rather spectacular.
How to Get to Siau Island
Siau Island is accessible only via Manado, the main transport hub of North Sulawesi. From there, travellers have three options: a slow ferry, a fast boat, or a small charter-style flight. All options are subject to weather conditions, and schedules should be treated as approximate rather than fixed.
Slow Ferry (Daily)
The slow ferry is the most reliable and commonly used option. It departs Manado at around 5.00 pm and arrives in Siau during the early hours of the morning, typically between 1.00 and 2.00 am, though delays are common.
The journey is long and basic, but it is generally dependable. Seating is simple, and conditions can be rough in bad weather. For travellers with flexible schedules, this remains the most accessible way to reach the island.
Fast Boat (Three Times a Week)
A faster passenger boat operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing Manado at approximately 9.30 am, while The journey from Siau back to Manado operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing Siau around midday. Under calm conditions, the crossing takes around four to five hours, with arrival in Siau in the early afternoon. In rough seas, the journey can take significantly longer.
While more comfortable than the slow ferry, this service is more susceptible to cancellations and delays, particularly during periods of high winds or swell.
Flights to Siau
Siau can also be reached by air via small aircraft with a capacity of around ten passengers. Flights operate only a few times per week and are not bookable online. Tickets are typically arranged through local contacts on the island, making this option inaccessible to most travellers without prior connections.
Due to limited availability and high dependency on weather, flying is the least predictable option.
Things to Do on Siau Island
Siau Island is small, rugged, and dominated by the ever-present Mount Karangetang, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Life here revolves around its natural beauty, local culture, and the rhythm of the sea.
Tourism is still in its very early stages, and while this makes the island feel untouched and adventurous, it also means arranging activities independently can be tricky. there’s basically just one person who can arrange tours and boat trips. This local operator, Dominik, seems to have much of the island’s tourism network monopolised. For travellers, this means that it’s impossible to explore Siau independently, without having his input.
If you’re in need of his services, which most likely you will, this is Dominik’s number: +62 853-9866-6999.
Explore the Base of Mount Karangetang
While trekking to the crater edge is off-limits due to the volcano’s activity, you can hike on its base when conditions allow. Short treks offer views of the steaming slopes, volcanic rock formations, and the surrounding forest. Even a simple walk at the volcano’s foot gives a sense of its immense presence and power. For hiking the volcano, you’ll have to contact Dominik, since he’s the only guide on the island.
Scooter Around the Island
Renting a scooter is the perfect way to discover Siau’s hidden corners. Winding roads lead to quiet beaches, secret coves, and small villages where life moves slowly. Stop whenever something catches your eye to make the journey as memorable as the destination.
Day Trip to Mahoro and Masare Islands
From Siau, you can take a boat to Mahoro and Masare, small islands famous for their pristine beaches and clear waters. Spend a day swimming in calm lagoons or simply relaxing on deserted sandbanks. Once again, Dominik is the only person on the island who can arrange the boat. The boat for a half-day trip will cost you 1.5 million IDR, so it’s better to find other travellers to share the costs.
Mahoro Island
Mahoro Island
Discover Traditional Villages
Siau’s villages, like Ondong, offer a glimpse into authentic island life. Stilted houses, fishermen at work, and bustling village markets provide opportunities to meet locals and observe daily life that has changed little over generations.
Snorkelling and Diving
The waters around Siau and its neighbouring islands are home to vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. While less frequented than Bunaken or Wakatobi, the underwater world here is equally rewarding for snorkellers and divers seeking quieter spots.
Hidden Beaches and Coves
Siau’s coastline is dotted with secluded beaches. Many are accessible only by scooter or boat. Perfect for a quiet swim, sunbathing, or photographing dramatic volcanic backdrops meeting turquoise waters, these hidden spots feel like your own private paradise. I got to experience this hidden beach all by myself for hours.
Meet the Siau Tarsiers
Siau is home to the world’s rarest primates: the Siau Island tarsiers. These tiny nocturnal creatures are curious, wide-eyed, and incredibly delicate. Visiting them requires care and quiet respect, with a local guide who knows their habitat. Observing tarsiers in the wild is a magical experience, reminding you of the island’s unique biodiversity. And, once again, you’ll have to contact Dominik.
Where to Stay on Siau Island
Finding a place to stay on Siau can be surprisingly tricky. Options are very limited, basic, and often more expensive than what you’d expect elsewhere in Indonesia. Most hotels, guesthouses, and homestays are concentrated in the main town of Ulu, and they rarely appear on conventional booking platforms. Instead, you’ll need to search for places on Google Maps and contact them directly via WhatsApp to make a reservation.
Even though Ulu is small, the town can be unexpectedly noisy, with traffic, local markets, and daily life creating a constant background hum. If sleep matters to you, it’s worth prioritising accommodation a little away from the main street.
I stayed at the cheapest homestay I could find, called Karatu, which still cost 275,000 IDR per night. The owners were incredibly kind and welcoming, but the location on the main street made it quite noisy. Also I’m pretty sure there were rats on the ceiling that kept waking me up.
Overall, expect very basic and simple accommodations rather than luxury. That’s the price for travelling deep off-the-beaten-path.
Food in Siau Island
Like accommodation, food options on Siau are very limited. The Beach Cafe is essentially the hub for visitors, and most tourists end up eating all their meals here. Despite its popularity, the food is good. Standout dishes include the tuna woku and grilled tuna. The menu also features familiar Indonesian staples like nasi goreng and mie goreng, while freshly made tropical fruit juices are a refreshing highlight.
For a more local experience, wander through the town’s fruit and vegetable markets, where you’ll find a colourful array of produce, including exotic tropical fruits that are hard to find elsewhere.
Is Siau Island for you: Siau vs other remote islands (Banggai, Togean)
Siau Island is not for every traveller. Its tourism is still in the beginning, infrastructure is limited, and arranging activities requires local connections provided by Dominik. If you’re seeking luxury resorts, abundant dining options, or easy independent travel, Siau is not for you.
Compared to other remote Indonesian islands like Banggai or the Togean Islands, Siau stands out for its raw, rugged character and the omnipresent Mount Karangetang. While Banggai and Togean are quieter islands with more established tourist facilities, Siau feels wilder and less curated. Snorkelling and diving in Banggai and Togean are often easier to organise independently.
Siau’s appeal lies in its dramatic volcanic landscapes and hidden beaches and islands such as Mahoro and Masare. For travellers willing to embrace a more adventurous and hands-on approach, the island offers rewards that more developed destinations cannot match.
In short: if you crave solitude, adventure, and don’t mind improvising with limited facilities, Siau Island can be a magical destination. If you prefer convenience, a wider choice of food and accommodation, or easier access to activities, Banggai or Togean might be a better fit.
Final Reflections
Siau Island is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever visited. It’s raw, untamed, and a little chaotic, but that’s also what makes it memorable. Life here moves at its own pace, dictated by the volcano, the sea, and the local community. For a traveller, it’s not about comfort or convenience, but about curiosity, patience, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
There’s a certain magic in riding a scooter along winding roads and discovering hidden beaches. Tasting freshly caught tuna and wandering through lively markets reminds you that even the smallest islands are rich with culture, history, and life.
Siau doesn’t feel like a destination that’s ready for mass tourism, and perhaps that’s why it has retained its charm. It challenges you to slow down, to rely on local guidance, and to appreciate simplicity. For those willing to take the leap, it’s an island that rewards curiosity, resilience, and a sense of adventure.
More Independent Travel in Sulawesi
If you’re travelling through Sulawesi independently, Siau Island is just one piece of the puzzle. These posts dive deeper into some of the island’s most remote, rewarding, and lesser-visited regions, all explored without tours and on a backpacker budget: