Talaud Islands

The Talaud Islands are an archipelago in North Sulawesi province of Indonesia, consisting of several volcanic and coral islands in the border area between the Celebes Sea and the Philippine Sea. The group is remote, sparsely populated and notable for its maritime environment and island communities.

Key islands include Karakelong, which hosts the regency capital Melonguane, and Salibabu; settlements are centred on a few harbours and coastal villages with economies based on fishing, small-scale agriculture and inter-island trade. The islands support diverse marine life and are visited by divers and naturalists seeking relatively undeveloped reefs and island biodiversity.

Historically the islands have been part of regional trade routes and display cultural links to both Sulawesi and the southern Philippines. Transport is by limited air links and regular boats from the Sulawesi mainland.

Geographically the Talaud chain sits north of Sulawesi and south of Mindanao (Philippines), forming Indonesia’s northern maritime boundary in this part of the Celebes Sea.

• Location and cultural links: Part of North Sulawesi province, the islands lie north of mainland Sulawesi and are relatively close to the southern Philippines, giving them a mix of Indonesian and maritime Southeast Asian influences.

What to See #

• Karakelong (Melonguane): Karakelong is the largest island and administrative centre, where the regency capital Melonguane is located and where most transport links and services concentrate.
• Salibabu: Salibabu is one of the main inhabited islands, known for its rugged coastline and local fishing communities.