Tomohon: Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Lakes in North Sulawesi

Tomohon is a city located in the cool highlands of North Sulawesi. I would say Tomohon is one of Indonesia’s most underrated destinations. Located just an hour from Manado, this charming mountain town is surrounded by volcanoes, crater lakes, lush forests, flower farms, and some of the most beautiful views in Sulawesi.

Tomohon definitely deserves far more than a quick stop. From hiking active volcanoes and chasing waterfalls to enjoying excellent coffee with panoramic views, Tomohon really ahs something to offer for everyone. It has a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and local culture.

What to Do in Tomohon

Climb Mount Lokon

The most iconic attraction in Tomohon is Mount Lokon, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The hike to the crater is relatively short but rewarding, taking visitors through volcanic landscapes and offering spectacular views across the Minahasa Highlands.

Early morning is the best time to start the trek, when temperatures are cooler and clouds are less likely to obscure the views. The smoking crater and rugged terrain provide a fascinating glimpse into the volcanic forces that shaped North Sulawesi. Right now the hike is ‘officially’ closed, but if you go early enough, you can still go up. At your own risk though!

Visit Lake Linow

Just a few kilometers outside town lies Lake Linow, one of the most unique lakes in Indonesia. Thanks to volcanic minerals beneath the surface, the lake is known for changing colors throughout the day, shifting between shades of turquoise, green, and brown.

Walking along the lakeshore while watching steam rise from nearby geothermal vents creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Several cafés overlook the lake, making it an excellent place to relax with a coffee while enjoying the scenery.

Next to the lake there are some bubbling hot sulphur wells. Beware, It’s an impressive landscape to visit, but many accidents have happened here. The ground is very unstable and while you can view it from the side, do not try to enter into this area. There’s an old man giving ‘tours’. Me and some friends trusted that he knew the area well and we followed him. My friend ended up severely burning her foot, but she was actually lucky. Afterwards we heard several people ended up in the hospital, needing surgery for their burns.

Discover Tapahan Telu Waterfall

Hidden among the lush forests surrounding Tomohon, Tapahan Telu Waterfall is one of the area’s most beautiful natural attractions. The waterfall cascades down multiple levels into a jungle setting, surrounded by tropical vegetation and cool insects and birds. The path down is very slippery though! Be extremely careful on your way down. In many spots there is a railing to hold onto, but sometimes bullet ants also like to use it and you don’t want to grab onto one of those.

Visit Kali Waterfall

Another impressive waterfall near Tomohon is Kali Waterfall. Surrounded by towering trees and volcanic hills, it offers a refreshing retreat from the tropical heat. The waterfall is especially photogenic during the rainy season when water levels are at their highest. Unfortunately there is some trash that ruins the experience a bit right before you get to the waterfall. So don’t expect a completely idyllic experience.

Explore the Extreme Market

Tomohon’s famous Extreme Market is undoubtedly one of the most unusual markets in Indonesia. Visitors can find a wide variety of local produce, spices, seafood, and traditional ingredients unique to the Minahasa region. To experience the market at its liveliest, arrive early in the morning when traders and locals are busiest. While the market has become a well-known tourist attraction, it remains an important part of daily life for many residents. It can be quite shocking for westerners to see the types of things they sell here though. (dogs, bats, snakes)

Ranolewo hot spring

Ranolewo Hot Springs are a 40 minute drive away from Tomohon and pretty easy to reach. You can rent a scooter and combine the hot springs with Lake Linow and Lake Tondano. It will be a stunning road trip! If you’re coming from Manado, expect about 1.5 hours. Simply type “Ranolewo Hot Springs” into Google Maps and you’ll find it without any issues.

Drive Around Lake Tondano

At first Lake Tondana wasn’t even on my radar, but soms dark clouds appears in the direction I was going and I headed towards here. So glad I did, because it was absolutely stunning! A scenic drive around Lake Tondano is one of the best ways to explore the wider Minahasa region. Surrounded by mountains, rice fields, fishing villages, and small restaurants, the lake offers countless viewpoints and opportunities to experience local life. I highly recommend stopping at a L’Aise for lunch. It’s located right on the lake and has great coffee and food.

Visit Kai’santi Flower Garden

Although not everything in the garden is well maintained, the spot is truly special. It is one off the most photogenic spots in Tomohon. Kai’santi Flower Garden has a garden, with several structures and stunning views of Mount Lokon.

Relax at a Café with a View

Tomohon has developed a thriving café culture, and many cafés take full advantage of the area’s spectacular scenery. Whether overlooking volcanoes, lakes, forests, or flower gardens, these cafés are perfect places to slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Order a locally grown Sulawesi coffee and take in the panoramic views while watching the clouds drift across the mountains.

Experience Tomohon’s Flower Heritage

Tomohon is often referred to as the “City of Flowers.” Flower farms and nurseries can be found throughout the region, supplying flowers across Indonesia. If visiting during the annual Tomohon International Flower Festival, you’ll find elaborate floral displays, parades, and celebrations throughout the city.

Where to Eat in Tomohon

Baked by Artisans: This was my favorite lunch spot. They served shakshuka, sourdough toast and a great cinnamon bun. It’s a tiny place a bit hidden away, but very cute.

SLIEV Coffee & Eatery( not veggie): Great coffee spot, unfortunately they didn’t really have veggie lunch options except for some fries.

Rimba Eco Resort: This is where I stayed, but the food was the best I had in Tomohon! The veggie curry was exceptional.

Gardenia Restaurant (epic garden): Their garden is worth a visit in itself, but if you’re there you may as well grab a drink or some lunch. Opening times online are not always accurate though! I arrived early for lunch one day and they were still closed (even though online it said they were open)

Kopi Janji Jiwa Tomohon (cafe with view): One of the many cafe’s in Tomohon with a view of Lokon. Popular spot for locals to have a drink and snack.

À L’AISE (on Lake Tondano): This is probably the most beautiful cafe in all of Sulawesi. It feels very trendy and luxurious with the pottery and coffee specialties. The highlight is the incredible location on the lake.

How to Get to Tomohon

By Air

The nearest airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado. Direct flights connect Manado with Jakarta, Bali, Makassar, Surabaya, and several other major Indonesian cities.

From Manado to Tomohon

Tomohon is located approximately 25 kilometers south of Manado and can be reached in around 45 minutes to one hour by car, depending on traffic.

Visitors can travel by:

Private driver or taxi
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab
Shared minivans from Manado
Rental car or scooter

Getting Around

The best way to explore Tomohon and the surrounding Minahasa Highlands is by private vehicle or scooter. Many of the waterfalls, viewpoints, and lakes are spread across the countryside, making independent transportation the most convenient option.