Starlink fixes the internet once you reach the island. It does nothing for the long road and boat transfer before it, and that is when someone most needs to reach you.
So yes, you still want mobile data in Indonesia. Buy it for the transfer day, not for the stay.
We run Starlink Wi-Fi across Reconnect, our eco-resort on Buka Buka Island, and we coordinate guest transfers from Luwuk Airport. This guide comes from seeing where guests' connections hold and where they drop.
TL;DR
- You need mobile data on transfer day, between your connecting flight and the boat jetty.
- Telkomsel is the network to choose for remote Central Sulawesi.
- If you only need data for one or two travel days, a roaming day pass can be simpler than buying a SIM.
What can Starlink Wi-Fi handle at a remote island resort?
Starlink beams internet from low Earth orbit satellites, so it works where no cable or cell tower reaches. That is why you can skip a SIM once you land.
Latency is the number that matters for calls. Picture a conversation passed down a corridor: older geostationary satellites orbit far higher, so every word walks a long corridor and calls stutter. Low orbit shortens the corridor.
- Works well: WhatsApp and video calls, email, streaming, and Wi-Fi calling abroad on your home number if your carrier supports it.
- Weaker: uploads, so large photo backups take longer.
At Reconnect the Wi-Fi reaches the rooms but is strongest in the restaurant. One guest review said it worked poorly in their villa and fine in the common area.
Take important calls from the restaurant.
Where will you actually need mobile data on the way to the Togeans?
The main route runs through Luwuk, with a car leg to the port at Ampana and then a speedboat to the island. Gorontalo offers an alternative overnight ferry route. None of these legs run on our Wi-Fi.
| Leg | Resort Wi-Fi? | Why you want data |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting flight, usually via Makassar | No | Rebooking if a delay threatens your Luwuk flight |
| Luwuk Airport | No | Finding your driver from the WhatsApp we send with their name, phone number and photo |
| Car to Ampana, about 5 hours | No | Updating us on your arrival time |
| Our jetty at Tete B, Ampana | No | Catching the free shuttle, which leaves at 17:00 |
| Buka Buka Island | Yes | Starlink covers it |
The stakes are concrete. Under our cancellation policy, missing the boat because of a third-party transport delay counts as a no-show.
A message from the road lets us suggest options, like a recommended Ampana hotel for the night.
Telkomsel tourist SIM, Indonesia eSIM or roaming: which should you choose?
For this route, coverage beats price. Indonesian networks stop being interchangeable once you leave the cities.
Option 1: Telkomsel tourist SIM (best for Sulawesi)
- Most extensive coverage in remote regions.
- A physical local SIM must be registered with your passport. Sort it out before your last connecting flight, not in Luwuk.
Option 2: Indonesia eSIM tourist plan (most convenient)
- Installs before you fly.
- Most eSIM guides focus on Bali, Lombok, Java and Komodo. Ask which local network the plan uses, and prefer one that runs on Telkomsel.
Option 3: Home roaming (simplest for short hops)
- International roaming day passes vary by carrier, so check your home carrier's daily rate first.
- Expensive across a week, reasonable for one or two transfer days, because Starlink takes over on the island.
A local tourist SIM or eSIM is the better buy if you travel elsewhere in Indonesia after the Togeans.
When does IMEI registration in Indonesia apply?
IMEI registration in Indonesia matters only if your trip runs long, for example an extended stay through our Island Residency program. Customs links each phone's hardware ID to local network access.
- Beyond that window: a foreign phone on a local SIM must have its IMEI registered.
- Roaming and travel eSIMs: exempt from local SIM registration rules.
IMEI rules govern cellular access, not Wi-Fi. On the island, Starlink keeps you connected either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Starlink Wi-Fi included in the room rate?
Yes. Wi-Fi is part of every Reconnect room rate, along with three meals, electricity, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear.
Can I work remotely from the island for several weeks?
Yes. Island Residency offers extended stays at standard rates, with monthly rates on request. Outlets are European-style, and most rooms have USB ports.
Will the Wi-Fi survive a power cut on an off-grid island?
The resort is 93% solar-powered, with a battery bank sized for nights and overcast days. A diesel generator stays on standby for safety and almost never runs.
Do I need a local number for anything on the island?
No. Our team works over WhatsApp, and extras are settled at check-out by card, Wise, Revolut, bank transfer or IDR cash.
What about signal if I arrive from Gorontalo?
The northern route is an overnight ferry from Gorontalo to Wakai. Tell us in advance which boat you are taking.
About Reconnect
Reconnect is a Private Island Resort in Indonesia's Togean Islands, founded by Thomas Despin. One of the few Togean resorts offering air conditioning, in selected rooms. Plan your stay or ask us anything at https://reconnect.id.
References
- eSIM Indonesia 2026: Island Hopping Signal & IMEI Rule (esimprime.com)
