21 Jun 2025

Crossing the Equator and Ancient Togian Deer-Pigs

Happy Solstice! Our day started in Gorontalo, North Sulawesi with high hopes to swim with Whale Sharks at the village of Botubarani. Sadly, a huge tropical rainstorm the previous day led to an extensive sediment and rainfall layer forming over the entire bay meaning the Whale Sharks stayed just out of visibility where we were snorkelling in the deeper, clearer water.

After lunch we crossed the Equator, (exactly on the Solstice) and all Pollywogs had to kiss the fish and go into the pool to the jeering of the Shellbacks, those who have previously crossed the Equator. 

After lunch it was off to the Togian Islands group to see the Togian Babirusa (a rare and endemic deer- pig) in a small clearing near the Sera Beach Dive Resort. The largest of all the Babirusa, with only 500 animals in existence, this critically endangered ancient animal dates back 26 million years. We could hardly believe our eyes we were observing one of the rarest mammals on earth.

We then had the opportunity to snorkel in the stunning coral reefs of the Togians, swimming among the hard corals, multi-coloured fish, blue spotted ray and more, all very enjoyable in the 26°C waters of Indonesia as the sun melted into the horizon. 

Images © C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions