Indonesiaphoto Forum

If you know where the Sula islands are, you might help me. I am planing a trip there from Luwuk (Sulawesi), Banggai and after Sulas on to somewhere else in Maluku. I am looking for informations about going to the Sulas from Banggai, the "highlights", accomodations, getting around,...Thanks for your help

Sula Islands is located south-west of Halmahera and north of Buru, please see the first Maluku map internet link on the Maps page to see exactly where it is. I have also updated the maps page with a map of Sula Islands.

According to LP the islands are sparsely populated, densely forested and ignored by most travellers. The main attractions are unexplored diving and hiking among traditional villages and rugged terrain. The best place to live is Sanana, but most transport goes to/from Mangole on Pulau Mangole. I don't think there is any transport directly from Banggai. There is (or used to be) a Merpati flight from Ambon to Sanana twice a week. Boats sail to Mangole from Babang (Pulau Bacan), Ternate and Ambon about every day. Main form of transport on the islands are with boat, there is not many roads on the Sulas. I hope this was of some help, and wish you a nice stay!

I actually posted a reply to this same Q on the LP forum, Thorn Tree.
It is worth knowing that that "info" in the old LP guide, as quoted above, is awfully wrong.

Thanks for the info, I know from reading your posts on Thorn Tree that you know Maluku very well  :)

Hope you don't mind, I have copied your answer in Thorn Tree below:

Easy!
There are about 2 ships per weeks stopping at Banggai between Buton and the Sulas.
They travel along the north coast of Taliabu to Falabisahaya on Mangole.
From Fala you can find direct boats to Ternate via Sanana.
Sanana also has 2 weekly boats to Namlea on Buru, which in turn is connected to Ambon.
If you plan to stop in any of the smaller villages in northern Taliabu, make sure you get a "surat jalan" from the police in Bobong (the capital of Taliabu Barat) first - I got scarily suspicious reception by the "babinsa" in 2 villages without one.
There are losmen in Bobong, Fala and Sanana.
Apart from an impressive fort in Sanana, highlights are limited to some inviting beaches (try east of Fala), and some stunning islets off the north coast of the major islands.
For historical stuff and scenery, push on to Ternate.
The forests in Sula are badly logged - the worst I've seen in Maluku!