Some of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world lie under the waters and little islands near Sulawesi, Indonesia. Sulawesi also contains several, very unique cultures. Consequently, in this course we will study both the reefs, and the cultures of people living on and around them. To understand the composition, and function of these tropical coral reefs and the biological and geological forces that created them we will travel to Palau Bunaken and the Togian Islands off the south peninsula of Sulawesi and dive in these underwater reef national parks examining their physical features, fauna, currents and geology. All three types of reefs, atolls, barrier and fringing reefs exist within 30 minutes of where we will stay in the Togians. After our stay on the Togian Islands, we will travel to Torajaland and learn about the lives and culture of the people in Tana Toraja in Sulawesi’s mountains by visiting their villages and trekking in their land that defines “tropical paradise”. The Torajan building architecture and funeral ceremonies are unique. We will visit the villages of the fishing Bugis, great navigators, who in the light of shrinking fish catches must convert to seaweed farming and new ways to earn a living. With a new-found appreciation and understanding for the coral reefs and people of Sulawesi, Indonesia we will return to California to share our insights with the SMC community. It will be an incredible adventure. 

Students need to commit being SCUBA certified (not included in course cost). There will be 8 days of SCUBA diving in the course as one of the principal components of the course is to learn about coral reefs. It is best if students are already open water certified before January 2027. SCUBA certification is for life.

Second best is if students complete online course and pool diving instruction before leaving (a referral form is then issued). Then open water check-out dives can be done in Bunaken. The cost for the 2-day open water diving certification with referral is $288 (not included in course cost).

Week 1

• Monday, Jan. 4 (AM): Depart from SFO
• Tuesday, Jan. 5 (PM): Arrive at SIN (Singapore), Overnight in Singapore
• Wednesday, Jan. 6: Depart from Singapore, Arrive at MDC (Manado), Transport to Two Fish Resort in Bunaken
• Jan. 7-10: Bunaken
  Activity: 2 dives per day (additional night dives possible)

Week 2

• Monday, Jan. 11: Transport from Bunaken to Manado, Fly to GTO (Gorontalo), Overnight in Gorontalo
• Tuesday Jan. 12: Overnight ferry from Gorontalo to Wakai (Togean Islands)
• Wednesday, Jan. 13: Arrive at Wakai, Transport to Kadidiri Paradise Resort and Dive Center
• Jan. 14-17: Wakai
  Activities: 2 dives per day, Excursion to jellyfish lake and Bajau sea gypsy village, trekking, kayaking

Week 3

• Monday, Jan. 18: Transport from Kadidiri to Ampana by boat, then to Tentena by car (4.5hr drive)
• Tuesday, Jan. 19: Tentena
  Activity: Walk to Saluopa Waterfall
• Wednesday, Jan. 20: Transport from Tentena to Rantepao (9-10 hr drive)
• Thursday, Jan. 21: Toraja
  Activity: Visit Torajan villages (Lemo, Bebok, Kotek, Balik, Ke’tek kesu)
• Friday, Jan. 22: Toraja
  Activities: Bolu market, Traditional burial caves (Bori, Lombok), Trek to Batutumonga, Go to Mapia Village, Sleep in local traditional house in Mapia
• Saturday. Jan. 23: Toraja
  Activities: Trek from Mapia to Berurung, Tirana, Kayo Rame, and Sareale, Return to Rantepao

Week 4

• Sunday, Jan. 24: Transport from Tantepao to Sengkang (6hr drive)
  Activities: Visit floating fisherman villages, Tempe Lake, Bugis silk weaving
• Jan. 25-26: Transport from Sengkang to Bira (6.5hr drive)
  Activities: Boat to Liukang Loe Island for snorkeling, Tanjung Bira Beach, Tara Beach, see wooden boat building
• Friday, Jan. 27: Transport from Bira to Makassar (5.5hr)
  Activities: Visit Fort Rotterdam, Losari Beach, and 99 Domes Mosque in Centre Point
• Saturday, Jan. 28: Fly to Manado
  Activity: Final Exam
• Sunday, January 29: Depart from MDC (Manado), Arrive at SIN (Singapore)
• Monday, January 30: Depart from Singapore (AM), Arrive at SFO (AM)

Course Fee: $4,250-4,750
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
SCUBA certification