Tomohon Travel Guide

Our comprehensive Tomohon travel guide will help you explore the best places to visit in Tomohon, Indonesia. From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, we'll help you plan your ideal itinerary.


Introduction to Tomohon

Tomohon is a small town located in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. This beautiful town is often overlooked by travelers but is well worth a visit. Nestled between two active volcanoes, Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu, Tomohon offers stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences.

The town of Tomohon is surrounded by lush forests, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The town is renowned for its exotic cuisine, which is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its aromatic flavors. Tomohon is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for a relaxing and peaceful break from busy city life.

List of Places to Visit in Tomohon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Waruga Cemetery

Waruga Cemetery is an ancient cemetery located in Sawangan village, Tomohon. This cemetery is believed to have existed since the Megalithic era. The tombs in the cemetery are made of carved stone, and each tomb is different and unique. Visiting the Waruga Cemetery offers a glimpse into the ancient history of Tomohon, and is a must-visit for any history enthusiast.

2. Traditional Weaving Village

Tomohon is home to a traditional weaving village. Visitors can watch the locals weave intricate patterns into cloth using traditional methods. This village is an excellent place to learn about the cultural heritage of Tomohon and interact with the locals.

Natural Attractions of Tomohon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

1. Mount Lokon

Mount Lokon is an active volcano that offers stunning views of the surrounding regions. Visitors can hike to the summit of the volcano and take in the breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding forests. Mount Lokon is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

2. Lake Linow

Located just outside Tomohon, Lake Linow is a beautiful crater lake, known for its unique color-changing properties. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, or hike the surrounding areas to take in the beauty of this stunning lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tomohon

Tomohon is a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Visitors can choose from a variety of hiking and biking routes, ranging from easy to challenging, depending on their skill level. Some popular routes include:

  1. Mount Mahawu Hike
  2. Mount Lokon Hike
  3. Tondano lake bike route
  4. Tomohon forest trail hike
  5. Traditional weaving village hike

Best Things to Do in Tomohon: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours available in Tomohon for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Tomohon:

  1. Explore the traditional weaving village
  2. Take a boat tour of Lake Linow
  3. Visit the Waruga Cemetery
  4. Hike to the top of Mount Lokon
  5. Try traditional Tomohon cuisine

Week-Long Itinerary for Tomohon

Here is a proposed week-long itinerary that covers the best of Tomohon:

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Tomohon and check-in to your hotel
2 Hike Mount Lokon
3 Explore the traditional weaving village
4 Take a boat tour of Lake Linow
5 Visit the Waruga Cemetery
6 Try traditional Tomohon cuisine
7 Departure from Tomohon

Food and Drink Scene of Tomohon

Must-Try Dishes

Tomohon is famous for its unique cuisine, which is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its bold and aromatic flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

  1. Tinutuan – rice porridge mixed with vegetables and fish
  2. Babi Goreng – crispy fried pork
  3. Ayam Betutu – spiced chicken cooked in banana leaves
  4. Gelamai – sticky rice sweetened with palm sugar

Local Beverages

  1. Saguer – a traditional palm wine made from the sap of palm trees
  2. Kopi Luwak – locally grown coffee known for its robust flavor and unique brewing process.

Where to Stay in Tomohon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tomohon has a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  1. Highland Resort and Spa – a luxury resort with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  2. Happy Flower Resort – a budget-friendly option located in the heart of Tomohon.
  3. Mount View Resort – a mid-range option located near Lake Linow, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding areas.

What to Buy in Tomohon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tomohon is known for its unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some items to consider bringing back home:

  1. Traditional Weaving – handwoven cloths with intricate designs
  2. Spices – Tomohon is famous for its unique blends of spices, including turmeric, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Traditional instruments – Tomohon is known for producing traditional instruments, such as the kolintang, a type of xylophone.

Local Culture and Customs of Tomohon

Tomohon is a multilingual town, with Bahasa Tomohon, the local language, being widely spoken alongside Bahasa Indonesia and English. The locals here are very friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to interact with them to learn more about the local customs and culture.

Best Time to Visit Tomohon

The best time to visit Tomohon is between May and October, during the dry season. This is the best time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking. Visitors should avoid visiting Tomohon during the monsoon season, which generally lasts from November to April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tomohon

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Try the local cuisine.
  3. Explore the natural landscapes of Tomohon.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect local religious practices.
  2. Litter in natural areas.
  3. Engage in illegal activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tomohon

Tomohon is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take general safety precautions, such as not walking alone in isolated areas at night and keeping their belongings secure.

Health in Tomohon

Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, which could result in malaria or dengue fever. It is also recommended to drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.

Getting to Tomohon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tomohon

For international visitors, the nearest airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport, located in the capital city of Manado. From there, visitors can take a taxi or minivan to reach Tomohon.

Bus Stations Near Tomohon

Tomohon is well connected to the surrounding areas by bus. Visitors can take a bus from Manado to Tomohon, and there are also services available from other neighboring towns and cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a car or taxi to reach Tomohon from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Tomohon

The best way to get around in Tomohon is by hired taxis or motorbikes. There are also local buses available, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Where to Go Next from Tomohon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tomohon is located near a variety of stunning natural attractions, and visitors can plan excursions to nearby regions, such as the Tangkoko-Batuangas Nature Reserve and the Tondano Lake area.

Conclusion

Tomohon is a hidden gem in Indonesia, with its unique cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. This comprehensive guide will help you explore the best places to visit in Tomohon and plan your ideal itinerary. Whether you are an adventure seeker or seeking a peaceful retreat, Tomohon has something for everyone.

Eruption of the Lokon-Empung volcano (2013) photographed from Tomohon Eruption of the Lokon-Empung volcano (2013) photographed from Tomohon A horse-drawn cart known as a ''bendi'', typical in Tomohon A horse-drawn cart known as a ''bendi'', typical in Tomohon