Sangihe: Indonesia’s Untouched Island You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands — but every once in a while, you find one that feels like a secret. Sangihe is that kind of place.

Sitting quietly between North Sulawesi and the Philippines, Sangihe is the island most travelers skip simply because they don’t know it exists. And honestly… that’s what makes it magical. It’s peaceful. It’s raw. It’s full of color and culture and landscapes that feel almost dreamlike — and you can explore it without crowds, noise, or the usual rush of busy tourist spots.

If you love destinations that still feel wild and a little undiscovered, here’s why Sangihe should be on your list.

Hike a Volcano With a View You’ll Never Forget

Awu Volcano rises right in the middle of the island, and the hike is one of the most breathtaking (and surreal) adventures in Indonesia.
From the summit, you can see the island in every direction — jungle, coastline, villages, and endless sea. It feels like standing on top of your own little world.

Swim Under Hidden Waterfalls

Sangihe’s waterfalls sit deep in the jungle, tucked away down small paths that locals will happily point you toward. The water is almost impossibly clear and cold — the perfect break after a hot scooter ride or a long hike.

World-Class Diving Without the Crowds

If you’re a diver or snorkeler, Sangihe is a quiet paradise.

You’ll find:

• Colorful reefs

• Rare macro critters

• Warm water

• And (the wildest part) an active underwater volcano you can actually visit — complete with bubbles rising from the sea floor.

It’s like swimming through another planet.

Wildlife You Won’t See Anywhere Else

The island is home to endemic birds, tiny tarsiers, and so much bright, untouched nature that photographers will run out of SD card space fast.

Tiny Islands + Empty Beaches

Hop on a boat and you’ll reach little islands with white sand, clear turquoise water, and nobody else around.
You can wander, swim, take photos, and simply be — which might be the real luxury here.

Explore Ancient Sangirese Culture

Sangihe has old stone graves, mystical cultural sites, and stories that locals are proud to share. This island has layers — nature, history, spirituality — all intertwined in a way that feels deeply grounding.

The Best Way to Explore? A Scooter.

Quiet roads. Friendly people. Jungle on one side, sea on the other.
It’s the kind of place where a simple ride turns into an adventure.

How to Get to Sangihe From Manado

It’s easier than people think:

🚢 Night Ferry
• Leaves Manado daily at 7pm
• Arrives in Sangihe around 5am

🛥️ Fast Boat
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:30am
• Arrives around 5pm

🛩️ Flight
• Usually operates Mondays and Fridays

Once you arrive, it’s all slow-living and wide-open beauty.

Where to Stay + What to See

If you’re planning a trip and want help choosing stays, boats, guides, or diving spots — send me a DM or message through WildHer Travel. I love helping women, daughters, families, and solo adventurers discover places they’ll talk about forever.