Spotting rare wildlife like the crested black macaques, tarsiers and birds
Gardenia Country Inn
Highlights
Volcanic views,
Nature all around
Best for
Couples,
Families
High on a hill in Tomohon, this rustic retreat is surrounded by lush forests, volcanic peaks, and bright flowers.
Gardenia Country Inn is located in a highland area in the Minahasa region known for flora and fauna, pleasant climate and fresh produce. The property is an ideal base for exploring the great outdoors and nearby natural attractions like the Gunung Lokon Crater and its colour changing lake.
The well-manicured gardens offer a real wow factor and are a haven for a beautiful array of wildlife. Using fresh, local produce, the restaurant serves superb Indonesian and European cuisines.
Both the restaurant and coffee shop overlook the Lokon volcano, offering lovely panoramic views and a glorious spot to relax with a cup of tea or coffee in hand.
Light sleepers should prepare for an early wake-up call at 5 am by the local church. They do supply earplugs though your reviewer slept through. Despite this, we highly recommend the Gardenia as a unique and special place, certainly one of the top hotels in Sulawesi if not the entire region.
The Rooms
Accommodation ranges from private bungalows to chalet rooms, with one family room available, too.
They are simple and traditionally furnished, but comfortable.
While only some rooms have views of the magnificent volcanic peaks, each has a private terrace/balcony overlooking the serene landscape.
What You’ll Find:
- Traditional bungalows and chalet rooms surrounded by greenery
- A beautifully maintained garden bursting with tropical plants
- A restaurant and café serving dishes with local organic ingredients
Why You’ll Love It:
- Watch the clouds shift over a live volcano from your balcony
- Explore natural wonders in this biodiverse area and birdwatch
- Cool off in a very pleasant climate in the highlands
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Indonesia
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas of what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Explore Full Itinerary
Borobudur
Java & Sulawesi Adventure
Discover Java’s incredible scenery and history, then head to Sulawesi for a contrasting culture and some of the world’s best marine life.
Highlights
Java
Snaking through jungles and rice fields aboard the train from Yogyakarta to Malang
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their funeral rituals
Sulawesi Offshore
Swimming in the world’s top marine parks off Sulawesi’s coast
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Borobudur
From Java to Raja Ampat: an Indonesian Extravaganza
A transformative journey through Indonesia’s cultural and scenic spots, ending on a high in ravishing Raja Ampat.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Indonesian Borneo
Drift through the rivers of Tanjung Puting and see orangutans up close
Raja Ampat
Revel in the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of a pristine pocket of paradise
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bira
Sulawesi & The Spice Islands
An extraordinary chance to explore several fascinating cultures, some incredible scenery and diverse native wildlife.
Highlights
Tana Toraja
Trekking through remote villages to see their fascinating funeral rituals
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Spotting rare wildlife like the crested black macaques, tarsiers and birds
The Spice Islands
Explore the contrasting islands of bustling Ternate and sleepy Tidore
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bira
Sulawesi Explorer
Discover the astounding wildlife, nature and culture of the amazing island of Sulawesi on this 17-day holiday.
Highlights
Tana Toraja
Trekking through remote villages to see their fascinating funeral rituals
Cape Bira
Swimming in crystal-clear water with exceptional coral and fish
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Contrasts of Sulawesi, Bali & Lombok
Think thick terrain, temples and tribes. Fascinating traditions, magnificent scenery, doses of downtime: a journey of a lifetime.
Highlights
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their fascinating and elaborate rituals
Lombok
Soaking up glorious sunsets from your beach retreat on Lombok
Bali
Experiencing authentic Balinese life in the island’s remarkable countryside
Gallery
Gardenia Country Inn on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
The best family holiday we have ever been on
This holiday had everything. Great people, food, wildlife, beaches and scenery. Experience Travel Group were exceptional from planning stage to our return home. Holly created the perfect trip for our family.
First-class Island Hopping in Indonesia
Fantastic journey, away from the tourists hotspots, of Java, Borneo, Bali and Komodo. All means of transport and wide variety of experiences from primary jungle to volcanos to dragons.
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
