Up early in the morning, quick breakfast at Sea Garden and run to catch the one and only public boat to Manado. The boat is scheduled for 8am, but it doesn't leave until feeling well loaded. 
Once on Manado side, we took the bus to Bitung, around 1hr, and then a microlet to Girian, 15min. From Girian you jump on a pick-up to Tangkoko, which takes around 1hr. All in all, including waiting time, the trip between Manado & Tangkoko with public transportation takes around 3hr. Be prepared for being squeezed with loud music on the ride!
We were recommended to stay at Tangkoko Ranger Homestay by the couple we met in Bunaken. The place was pretty decent, clean and simple, and it's conveniently located at the entry of the park. By the time we were there, the whole place was being renovated to receive a National Geographic team that was going to stay there for the following 6 months. Ranger Homestay is family run and Franky & Fan, both speaking good English, were our hosts. There is a couple of other homestays around, like Mama Roos that is pretty much in the same location.
After checking in and having a quick shower we hurried up into the park. A walk of about 1km from the main road leads you into the gate. Flashlight is a must, especially on your way back. A bottle of water and a raincoat are a good idea as well. We bought our tickets and were assigned a ranger who took us into the woods looking up for tarsiers. These exotic animals come early in the evening out of their trees, and twilight is the best time to spot them. Check them out!
Price Reference:
Bus Manado-Bitung: 8.5K IDR
Microlet Bitung-Girian: 2K IDR
Pick-up Girian-Tangkoko: 10K IDR
Tangkoko Ranger Hotel: 200K IDR
Evening Tarsier Ticket: 85K IDR
