Ranolewo Hot Springs in Tomohon – Full Travel Guide 2026
Tomohon, high in the cool mountains of North Sulawesi, is known for its volcanoes and waterfalls. But one of its most peaceful and often overlooked spots sits quietly between palm trees and green fields: the Ranolewo Hot Springs.
At Ranolewo Hot Springs, you’ll find a natural swimming pool with emerald green and turquoise water, and a calm atmosphere with steam rising from the surface.
If you want a warm, natural place to relax, enjoy the scenery, or take a break after hiking Mount Lokon or Mount Mahawu, Ranolewo is an excellent choice.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, the best time to visit, and practical tips.
Why You Should Visit Ranolewo Hot Springs
Ranolewo offers naturally heated volcanic water in a calm, local atmosphere. It’s not a luxury spa, but a simple place to relax, enjoy mountain views, and mingle with friendly locals.
Expect warm mineral water, a mild sulfur smell, and a peaceful rural setting, especially welcome after hiking or exploring Tomohon’s nature spots.
Ranolewo is not on the main tourist path, and depending on the time of day, you may have the place almost to yourself. Afternoons are usually the busiest.
Where Ranolewo Is Located & How to Get There
Ranolewo Hot Springs are located south of Tomohon and are easy to reach. From Tomohon city, the drive takes around 40 minutes by scooter or car. If you’re coming from Manado, expect about 1.5 hours. Simply type “Ranolewo Hot Springs” into Google Maps and you’ll find it without any issues.
You can rent a scooter or hire a driver for the day. A private driver can take you to the hot springs and also to other scenic spots around Tomohon.
For us, renting a scooter was the most flexible and enjoyable option. We rented one in Manado and brought it with us to Tomohon for a few days. It gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, stop for photos, try local food along the way, and discover more of what Tomohon has to offer.
Ranolewo Hot Springs on Map
Entrance Fee Ranolewo Hot Springs
Good news: Ranolewo Hot Springs are completely free. There’s no entrance fee, ticket booth, or official gate. It’s a simple public hot spring open to everyone.
Best Time to Visit Ranolewo Hot Springs
The best time to visit Ranolewo Hot Springs is in the morning if you want fewer visitors, or in the late afternoon if you want to enjoy golden-hour light over the hills and meet friendly locals.
Our personal tip: After 3 PM, many locals arrive after work, and weekends can get a bit busy. Visiting on a weekday before 3 PM offers the most relaxed and peaceful experience.
Exploring the Ranolewo Hot Pools
Ranolewo Hot Springs feature several warm pools filled with natural geothermal water, ranging from pleasantly hot at around 40 °C to extremely hot, reaching up to 70 °C. Just a few meters away, boiling springs bubble at the surface, a clear reminder of the raw geothermal power beneath your feet.
There are about five pools in total, each with its own temperature and distinct color. Together, they create an almost otherworldly landscape.
For swimming, choose the pool around 40 °C. Avoid the hotter ones, as they are far too intense for bathing. Enter the water slowly and pay attention to how your body reacts; the heat can be surprisingly strong. I loved the experience in that pool, while Timo found it too extreme and only stayed in for a few minutes.
If you don’t feel like fully swimming, you can sit on the rocks at the edge of a pool and let the warm water flow around you, a relaxing alternative that still lets you enjoy the geothermal atmosphere.
Our Experience at Ranolewo Hot Springs
Our visit to the Ranolewo Hot Springs was truly unforgettable. One of our favorite experiences was exploring the different pools, each with its own character and color.
Friendly locals showed us a small mud hole that works well as a natural skin mask. The atmosphere is welcoming and very local, although you may notice a few curious looks. Foreign visitors are still quite rare here. There are separate areas for men and women, but guests are free to use any pool as long as they wear modest swimwear, cover up when out of the water, and respect the other visitors.
A few practical tips: stay well hydrated, enter the hot water slowly, and be careful with jewelry. Silver, for example, can change color due to the heat.
One small word of caution: some locals use the pools to wash themselves or their clothes with soap or shampoo, so this is not a typical spa experience. That said, it did not take away from our visit. It is part of the simple and down-to-earth atmosphere that makes Ranolewo so special.
Where to Stay Near Ranolewo
- Budget ($): Talaga Home Stay
- Mid-range ($$): Rimba eco Resort
- Luxury ($$$): Gardenia Country Inn
What to Bring to Ranolewo Hot Springs
When visiting Ranolewo Hot Springs, it’s a good idea to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and flip-flops. Don’t forget to bring water and some light snacks to stay hydrated and energized. A dry bag or a plastic bag is also useful for keeping your wet clothes separate after your swim.
Where to Go After Ranolewo Hot Springs
Combine your visit to Ranolewo Hot Springs with some of the best things to do in Tomohon. Here are some nearby attractions:
- Lokon Vulcano
- Kali Waterfall
- Tekan Telur Waterfall
- Mahawu Volcano
- Air Terjun Tumimperas
- Kengkang Waterfall
- Danau Linow
- Danau Tampusu
Final Thoughts
Ranolewo Hot Springs offers a simple, relaxing, and authentic experience that many travelers often overlook. If you are exploring Tomohon, this spot is definitely worth a visit, especially after hiking the volcanoes or exploring the waterfalls in the surrounding highlands.
