The large island of Sulawesi to the east of Indonesia is vast in both landscapes and adventures. With so much natural beauty across this geographically diverse island, it’s no surprise that you will find some of Indonesia’s most beautiful waterfalls in Sulawesi itself. Breathtaking waterfalls both big and small can be found in the most pristine and tranquil environments, and going in search of these hidden gems through untouched terrain is all part of the fun. Waterfalls are also a great soul-cleansing backdrop for meditation and relaxation, so make sure you add some of these amazing waterfalls to your Sulawesi itinerary!
Here is a list of the best waterfalls in Sulawesi to point you in the right direction for an unforgettable Indonesian adventure.
Table of Contents
Tunan Waterfall – Manado (North Sulawesi)
The Tunan Waterfall is just north of Manado near Talawaan Village. It’s an easy 15-minute hike to reach the waterfall, and you will have glimpses of rice fields and jungle along the way. After an enjoyable hike, you will be rewarded by epic views of the 80-metre-high waterfall as it cascades dramatically into a shallow pool below, ideal for taking a refreshing dip in the cool spring water.
Saluopa Waterfall – Poso/Tentena (Central Sulawesi)
Streams of water gush down layers of large stones at Saluopa Waterfall. There are some steep steps to reach the waterfall, but the distance is less than 1-kilometre. It is safe to swim and climb the rocks to the top of the waterfall where you can capture some great photos. Adventurous travellers will love trekking the surrounding jungle for hours, getting lost in the sounds and sights of the lush jungle landscape.
If you can, why not stay until after dark, as that’s when the adorable wide eyed, tiny tarsiers come out to play! We recommend taking a guide along who will help you spot these curious looking creatures in the jungle as well as many more. Hornbills and other endemic birds of Sulawesi inhabit the jungle in this area too, so keep your eyes peeled!
Kali Waterfall – Tomohon (North Sulawesi)
Less than an hour from Manado is Kali Waterfall, powerful twin falls set within a majestic jungle landscape. The waterfalls are very picturesque, as is the jungle that surrounds it. To reach the waterfalls, it’s a 20-minute walk along a path, which can get a little slippery, so be sure to wear shoes with good grip! There is a wooden footbridge in front of the waterfall for access. If you are feeling up for it, we would recommend doing the 10km hike from the village of Kali to reach the waterfall, as it’ll give you a real jungle experience.
Moramo Waterfall – Kendari (South-East Sulawesi)
At this waterfall, streams cascade over layered stones above a horizontal terrace. To reach the waterfalls you can travel by car for an hour from Kendari city centre, then walk around 1.5-kilometres from the car park through tropical jungle. Once you reach the waterfall, you will be rewarded by a peaceful and tranquil viewing spot with pools perfect for a refreshing dip after your short trek through the jungle.
Salodik Waterfall – Luwuk (Central Sulawesi)
One hour from the city of Luwuk in Central Sulawesi is Salodik Waterfall, where there are several small waterfalls that can be accessed via a walking path, making it suitable for all ages. You can swim in the pools surrounding the falls and will find that the water is very refreshing and cool! There are well-maintained rope bridges to cross the rivers as you explore the various waterfalls and take in the natural beauty of the serene area.
Ketemu Jodoh Waterfall (South Sulawesi)
The Ketemu Jodoh Waterfall is still very natural, with only minimal development in the area surrounding the falls. It stretches 70-metres high up into the hills and cascades majestically into a deep lagoon where you can swim and freshen-up in the clean spring mountain water. Also known as the ‘Meet Your Soulmate Waterfall’, it is a very enchanting hideaway with beautiful landscapes all around.
You can reach Ketemu Jodoh Waterfall in 2-hours from Makassar by car. As it’s just a 10-metre walk from the car park to the waterfall, Ketemu Jodoh is very accessible to anyone who wants to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Sulawesi.
Sarambu Sikore Waterfall (South Sulawesi)
Sarambu Sikore is another of South Sulawesi’s heavenly waterfalls, which you’ll find surrounded by impressive bamboo grove landscapes. The road to the waterfall is not well-maintained so it may be slow going, but the bumpy drive is well worth the stunning sight of the Sarambu Sikore Waterfall. The surroundings of the falls are still very natural and the site does not get too many tourists, meaning that you can capture some amazing holiday shots! The waterfall is approximately a 35-minute drive from Rantepao in the Toraja Regency.
Bissappu Waterfalls – Bissappu (South Sulawesi)
One of the most majestic waterfalls in Sulawesi is Bissappu Waterfalls, which is around a 20-minute drive from Bissappu. The falls are just a 5-minute walk from the car park, however there is no paved walkway, so you will need to walk over a rocky path. This is a tall and powerful waterfall that dramatically falls from around 50-metres onto large boulders below. You can admire it from a platform whilst breathing-in lungful’s of fresh jungle air.
Lombongo Waterfalls – Gorontalo (North Sulawesi)
These falls will require an adventurous spirit and a good level of fitness, as you will need to take a 3.5 hour round-trip by foot to discover this hidden haven. The waterfalls cascade down a beautiful cliff-face into a pool below surrounded by boulders, where you can grab some dramatic photos. Both the air and the water is very fresh with the surrounding area still untouched and very natural. The walk is very enjoyable and you’ll pass lush tropical forests along the way.
Takapala Waterfall (South Sulawesi)
This waterfall is around a 2.5-hour drive from Makassar but well worth it, as this heavenly waterfall stretches an impressive 100-metres above ground and then cascades into a lagoon below. You can experience the power of the falls from the lagoon whilst you take a dip, or observe from the surrounding rocks which also makes for the perfect photo spot.
The falls are a 500-metre walk from the carpark, and you will have to use some stairs along the way to reach it. You can combine a trip to Takapala Waterfall with a visit to Ketemu Jodoh Waterfall and also a tour of the Malino Tea Plantation, for an unforgettable day out!
Parangloe Waterfall (South Sulawesi)
This waterfall cascades laterally over layers of boulders into a jungle-clad river in the Gowa Regency of South Sulawesi. To get there you’ll need to drive 30-kilometres, which takes around 1 hour and 20-minutes on the bumpy roads from Makassar. After a 30-minute walk, you’ll find the waterfall nestled within the beautifully untouched rainforest, along with a suspension bridge you can cross to reach the falls.
During the wet season, the water-flow can become very strong, and the area is prone to flooding, so it’s recommended you do not visit after heavy rainfall. If you still plan on going during the wet season, we would recommend taking a guide with you for safety in the flooded areas.
Sarambu Waterfall – Tanah Toraja (South Sulawesi)
The stunning and mountainous region of Tanah Toraja is where you will find Sarambu Waterfall. Of all the waterfalls in Sulawesi, this one is particularly majestic with water cascading from a height of around 70-metres into a rockpool below, from where you can capture great photos. You can reach Sarambu Waterfall within a 1 hour 30-minute drive from Rantepao in the Tanah Toraja regency.
Tekaan Telu Waterfall – Tomohon (North Sulawesi)
To reach the Tekaan Telu Waterfall from the carpark you will have to take a narrow and steep path, which can be slippery and requires you to hold on to a rope in some parts – but that’s all part of the fun! It is a short hike of around 1.5-kilometres, where you will be rewarded with a glimpse of the impressive waterfall which reaches around 60-metres-high and cascades into three separate streams, surrounded by jungle-clad cliffs.
Final Words
That wraps-up our list of the best waterfalls to visit in Sulawesi. So, grab your camera, sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two… and happy waterfall hunting!
Sulawesi is a vast island which requires careful travel planning to ensure you get the most out of your itinerary! Make sure you read up on all of our top travel tips for Sulawesi right here!
Looking for more epic activities to do whilst visiting Sulawesi? Check out our blog ‘7 Amazing Things To Do In Sulawesi’!
