Information Tangkoko National Park

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The Tangkoko-Dua Saudara-Batuangus Nature Reserve ("Tangkoko Reserve") is located on the northeast tip of Sulawesi's northern peninsula in the Minahasa area. The reserve protects 8800 hectares of the most beautiful forested land remaining in Sulawesi. Sulawesi is the largest island of Wallace, the remarkable transition zone between Asian and Australian plants and animals. Wallace is named after the famous English naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, who travelled Sulawesi in the 1850s and was the first to note the unique natural history of the island. On the black volcanic beaches of what is now the Tangkoko Reserve, Wallace described oddities unknown to science such as the babirusa, an enigmatic creature with tusks that sprout through the snout and curl back towards the eyes, and the maleo, a chicken-sized bird that incubates enormous eggs in volcanic sand.

Forest in Tangkoko

Tarsius

Forest in Tangkoko

Due in part to its history of geographic isolation, Sulawesi has evolved a number of birds and mammals unique to the island. Among Sulawesi's endemic mammals are 9 primates, 2 kinds of anoa or dwarf buffalo, the Sulawesi pig and the babirusa. The Tangkoko Reserve provides one of the last refuges in North Sulawesi for several of these unique species and is therefore an extremely important conservation region.

Physical Setting

Despite the reserve's small size, its boundary runs from the sea to an altitude of 1351m, providing opportunities for tracks from beach forest through gently sloping lowland forest and on up to cloud forests that cling to the edges of volcanic calderas. The reserve contains three volcanoes; the mountain Tangkoko (1109 m), the ash cone of Batuangus (450 m) which resulted from an eruption in 1839, and the twin peaks of Dua Saudara (1351 m). The ash cone of Batuangus is almost bare of vegetation and has a lava flow that extends to the sea. Where the lava flow meets the sea, a collapsed tunnel has formed a 400 m long cove that contains coral formation and the only mangrove habitat in the reserve. Rainfall in the reserve is seasonal with the majority or rain falling between October and May. The dry season generally begins in June with southeasterly winds. The seas are calm and water visibility is excellent. Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 94° to 71°F.

Flora

The reserve contains a full range of flora communities, including mangrove forest, beach forest, lowland forest, submontane forest and elfin cloud forest. In addition, there are colonizing communities on the lava flow at Batuangus, forest regenerating after fire and grasslands. Beach forest is confined to a narrow band along the north coast of the reserve. The type of forest characterized by the broad leafed Bitung tree (Barringtonia asiatica), is very rare in Sulawesi.
The lowland rainforest is the largest habitat type found in the reserve. These forests contain more than 240 tree species and are dominated by the stately Rao, large strangling figs and graceful palms. The under story is fairly open, providing opportunities to view normally elusive rainforest wildlife. Above 600 m the forest changes character. Trees become smaller and the undergrowth becomes lush. Tree diversity decreases with altitude and dominant species change from the lowland forests. The peaks of Dua Saudara and Tangkoko are draped in forests of small misshapen trees with thick cushions of lichens and mosses. Constant mist and cloud cover allows these elfin forests to persist. Tree species show little overlap with the lower elevations and patches contain ferns, relatives of blueberries, pitcher plants and orchids.

Fauna

Although the babirusa is long gone from the slopes of Tangkoko-Dua Saudara, visitors can still encounter many of the oddities that typify the island of Sulawesi. The opportunity to observe entertaining groups of crested black macaques (macaca nigra) is the highlight of a visit. These monkeys, found in social groups of up to 100 individuals, were originally thought to be apes because of their short, stubby tails. Because of their terrestrial tendencies and habituation to human presence, even the casual visitor can witness grooming, fights, play and other social interactions.
Visitors may also be rewarded with sights of cuscus, a tree-dwelling pouched mammals that move in slow motion through the canopy. Two species of cuscus occur in the reserve. The bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus) is the largest and most primitive of cuscuses, where as the dwarf cuscus (Strigocuscus celebensis) is the smallest and most advanced species of the group. The bear cuscus eats mainly leaves and is active both day and night where as the dwarf cuscus is strictly nocturnal and feeds only on fruits.

The Tangkoko Reserve offers one of the best opportunities anywhere to see the small, nightdwelling tarsier (Tarsiers spectrum). These ancient primates, weighing little more than 200 gr. are closely related to the pro simians, a group including the lemurs of Madagascar. Equipped with large eyes and bat-like ears that move independently of one another, these insect-eating creatures have a wild, demonic appearance. Their ear-piercing morning dusts, given at dawn add to their gremlin-like character. Tarsiers are very common in the reserve, attaining densities as high as 82 individuals per km² and can be easily viewed as they exit their sleeping sites at dusk.

Tangkoko Reserve's most famous and unusual bird is the maleo (Macrocephalon maleo). This endemic bird is about the size of a domestic hen (± 1,5 kg) but its stylish black-and-salmon plumage and cocked tail give the bird a classy appearance. A featherless, midnight blue bump on its head adds a strange element to the maleo's image. Maleo birds bury large eggs (250 g) near hot springs, volcanic vents or along exposed beaches where they are hatched by the sun or geothermal heat. Maleo birds are communal nesters with hundreds of breeding pairs digging at one site. A considerable number of nesting grounds have been abandoned by maleo because of habitat destruction and human greed. In 1859, when Wallace landed on the 4 km beach of what is now part of the Tangkoko Reserve, the entire length was used by maleo for nesting. Today, approximately eight maleo pairs nest at a site near Remesun beach, and the maleo is now Sulawesi's most endangered bird species.

Exploring the reserve

Loop trail: The 5 km loop trail on the lower north face of Mt. Tangkoko is a perfect trail for early morning exploration for macaques, hornbills and other birds. The trail passes through beach and lowland rainforest and territories of at least three macaque groups. During hornbill breeding season your guide can show you several nests sites along the trail. One particularly dramatic fig known as the 'Beringin Lobang' (hole tree) is located on this trail. The host tree of this strangler died and rotted long ago. The fig remains as a freestanding tree with its hollow interior mirroring the form of the original host.

Mountain trail: This 6 km trail leads to the peak of Mt. Tangkoko and allows the hiker to appreciate all habitat types. The climb is fairly strenuous and generally takes about 4-5 hours to reach the top. It is best to depart early morning so as to arrive when the weather is best on top. The views of the 1 km wide calderas, neighboring Lembeh island and the city of Bitung can be spectacular. Ask your guide to point out some of the numerous pitcher plants that grow on the caldera's rim.

Snorkeling & bird-watching Batuangus: Batuangus cove provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and bird-watching. Mangrove line the coral formations at the mouth of the cove and provide habitat for kingfishers, herons and egrets. Birding along the coast to and from the cove is also rewarding. Here, white-bellied sea-eagles and caves with nesting glossy swift lets may be seen.

Maleo watching: Less than 500m uphill from the Remesun beach one may visit the only remaining maleo nesting grounds. Although the chances of glimpsing this rare and endangered bird are not 100%, those that arrive before 5 AM with a skilled guide have a good chance.

Tarsier viewing: Tarsier may been viewed in the early dawn or at dusk around their sleeping trees. The most rewarding experience will be for those in small groups who quietly move around the tree spotting tarsiers as they leap in and out. Be considerate of their extremely sensitive eyes when using your flashlight.

Enjoy your stay in the jungle!

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