Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park is a protected area straddling the border between North Sulawesi and Gorontalo provinces, covering approximately 2,871 km². Established in 1991, it is named after Dr Nani Wartabone, an Indonesian zoologist. The park protects Sulawesi's remaining lowland and montane rainforest and is a critical refuge for the island's unique endemic wildlife.

The park is one of the best places in Sulawesi to see the maleo bird (Macrocephalon maleo), a bizarre megapode that buries its eggs in volcanic sand to be incubated by geothermal heat. Other endemic species include the yaki (Sulawesi crested black macaque), babirusa (deer-pig), anoa (dwarf buffalo), and hundreds of bird and plant species found nowhere else on Earth.

The climate is tropical with heavy rainfall year-round. Temperatures range from 22–32°C depending on altitude.

By Plane

The nearest international airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado, about 80 km east of the park. From Manado, it's about 2–3 hours by car to the park entrance.

By Train

Limited Information available

By Car / Road

From Manado, drive south through Kotamobagu to the park entrance near Doloduo village. The road is paved but narrow in sections. Public minibuses from Manado to Gorontalo pass near the park — ask to be dropped at Doloduo.

The park has a network of marked hiking trails. A guide is mandatory for wildlife spotting and navigation. The Maleo bird nesting grounds are accessible via a short walk from the park office.

• Maleo Bird Nesting Grounds: The park's main attraction — visit the geothermal nesting sites where these unique birds lay their eggs.

• Rainforest Canopy: Primary lowland and montane tropical forest with towering trees and lianas.

• Hot Springs: Geothermal springs within the park boundary — popular for bathing.

• Maleo Bird Watching: Guided visits to the nesting grounds at dawn or dusk.

• Wildlife Trekking: Look for yaki (black macaques), babirusa, anoa, and hornbills.

• Birdwatching: Over 200 bird species including the Sulawesi hornbill, green-backed kingfisher, and red-backed thrush.

• Hot Spring Bathing: Relax in natural geothermal pools.

Simple meals are available at the park office or in nearby villages. Bring your own supplies for multi-day treks.

Bottled water is essential. The park's mountain streams are clean but purification is recommended.

• Budget: Simple guesthouse near the park office (Rp 100,000–200,000/night).
• Camping: Permitted with prior arrangement from the park office.

Limited — basic supplies available in Kotamobagu. Bring essentials from Manado or Gorontalo.

• Manado: 80 km northeast — North Sulawesi's capital with Bunaken National Park.
• Gorontalo: 150 km southwest — the provincial capital.
• Kotamobagu: 40 km north — regional town.
• Tomohon: 100 km northeast — highland town with volcanoes and flower market.