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 Tongian 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 Tongians.   We will also learn about the lives and culture of: the Torajans of 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 stay with 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.  We will encounter the nomadic Bajo on the Togian Islands who are the hunter-gatherers of the reefs and islands. 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.  Students in this course will be too hot, too wet, too tired on some occasions in this course.  However they will be expected to be consistently pleasant, and enthusiastic, and grateful for the opportunities being in Sulawesi will open for them.  Students will commit to being SCUBA certified.  It will be an incredible adventure.

Week 1

• Jan. 4-6: Depart from SFO, Arrive at MDC (Manado) via SIN (Singapore), Transfer from Manado to Bunaken Dive Resort
• Jan. 7-10: Bunaken
  Activity: Diving in Bunaken.

Week 2

• Monday, Jan. 11: Depart from Bunaken, Arrive at Manado
• Tuesday Jan. 12: Depart from Manado, Arrive at Gorontalo via plane, Arrive at ferry port via tuk tuk, Depart from Gorontalo
• Wednesday, Jan. 13: Arrive at Wakai via Tuna Tomini overnight ferry, Transfer from Wakai to Kadidiri Dive Resort
• Jan. 14-17: Wakai
  Activities: Diving in Wakai; Possible trip to swim with non stinging jellyfish.

Week 3

• Monday, Jan. 18: Depart from Wakai, Arrive at Ampana via speed boat, Depart from Ampana, Arrive at Tentara
• Tuesday, Jan. 19: Depart from Tentara, Arrive at Rantapao
• Jan. 20-21: Rantapao
  Activity: Tour of Torajaland.
• Friday, Jan. 22: Depart from Rantapao, Arrive at Batutumonga (hike)
  Activity: Overnight stay in the village.
• Saturday. Jan. 23: Depart from Batutumonga, Arrive at Rantapao (hike)

Week 4

• Sunday, Jan. 24: Depart from Rantapao, Arrive at Sengkang
  Activities: Tour floating village on Lake Tempe; Overnight in Sengkang.
• Monday, Jan. 25: Depart from Sengkang, Arrive at Makassar
• Tuesday, Jan. 26: Depart from UPG (Makassar), Arrive at SIN (Singapore)
• Jan. 27-28: Depart from SIN (Singapore), Arrive at SFO

Course Fee: $5,000-5,500
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