Sulawesi, or Celebes is the world’s eleventh largest island and is situated between Borneo and the Maluku islands (the Moluccas). Famous for its endemic mammals, a sea rich in biodiversity, pristine beaches and lush rainforest, Sulawesi is the perfect destination for avid divers and nature lovers seeking tranquility in hidden corners of paradise. Southern Sulawesi, in particular, was made famous by Torajan ethnic group. Residing in a remote area up on mountainous region in Tana Toraja regency, the indegenous group with originally animism belief has preserved ancient funerary customs known to be the most complex funeral traditions in the world Aluk Todolo (Way of Ancestors). Perfect for the adventurous who seek an enriching cultural experience, this 6-day package provides you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore South Sulawesi starting with rest and relax at Tanjung Bira beach after a longhaul flight then unveil the beautiful landscapes, the strong preserved culture, belief and myth of Tana Toraja on South Sulawesi.
Day 1
Arrival Makassar – Transfer to Tanjung Bira
(L/D)
Begin your trip with the first flight of the day to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, the provincial capital of South Sulawesi. Also known as Ujung Pandang, Makassar is a port city on the eastern part of the island (Sulawesi). Meet your assigned guide upon arrival, then you will be transferred to the town of Tanjung Bira located in Bulukumba regency. Enroute, visit Tana Beru which is widely known as the place for the Phinisi boat-bulding to get to know more about the process in making the wooden boat. Lunch served at a local restaurant. Arrive in Tanjung Bira approximately 6 hours later, check-in and the remainder of the day is free at leisure with dinner served at the hotel.
Overnight at a Standard hotel in Tanjung Bira
Day 2
Tanjung Bira – Sengkang
(B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then check out. You will be picked up at the hotel lobby to continue your journey to Sengkang which is located on the east side of Tempe Lake, the second largest lake on the whole island of Sulawesi. Once the capital of a former Bugis kingdom, Sengkang town retains its unique character for preserving old customs and traditions, silk weaving, traditional dance and its orchestra. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then visit Museum Andi Mappasisi to admire the collection of heirlooms of the former Bugis royalty and a Silk Weaving village where local women hand-spin and weave silk fabric to discover the making process and the meaning of their distinctive patterns. Continue afterwards to Lake Tempe for a cruise using a local longtailed boat. An expansive natual shallow lake fringed by wetlands, Tempe Lake with total area of 13,000 hectares is abundant with freshwater fishes and it is the place to be for bird-watching for its large population of wonderful birdlife. Discover the uniqueness of the floating village on the lake and observe the daily life of the local Buginese fishermen. Catch the sunset view over Lake Tempe then transfer to a hotel in Sengkang. Check in and dinner is provided at the hotel.
Overnight at a Standard hotel in Sengkang
Day 3
Sengkang – Rantepao
(B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out afterwards. A five hour scenic drive takes you to Rantepao. A town and capital of North Toraja regency, Rantepao is known as the cultural center of Toraja ethnic group with noteworthy buildings built with designs using traditional elements of the Toraja culture with typical roof. En-route, visit a small village of Palopo in Luwu regency. Observe the daily life at the village and visit an old mosque with lunch provided at the local restaurant. Arrive at a hotel in Rantepao by late afternoon. Check-in and evening is at your own leisure with dinner provided.
Overnight at a Standard hotel in Rantepao
Day 4
Toraja Highlands
(B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at the hotel lobby to embark on an excursion to discover the spirit of the land and the culture of Toraja highlands. Drive to Lemo to observe a cliff displaying ancestral sculptures and the hanging graves. Continue to Londa for its ancient ceremonial burial place and proceed to Kete Kesu village to admire Tongkonan traditional Torajan house and local woodcarving. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon, dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Rantepao
Day 5
Toraja Highlands
(B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel, then drive towards Batutumonga where you can enjoy superb views over Rantepao and surrounding valleys. On to Palawa Village nestled on a small hill to admire more traditional houses and to observe local daily life. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Rantepao. Proceed to a weaving center located in Sa’dan, then transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Rantepao
Day 6
Toraja – Makassar
(B/L)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Your dedicated guide will escort you to Makassar with a lunch stop in Parepare. After lunch, continue driving directly to Sultan Hasanuddin International airport for your onward journey with wonderful memories of Toraja Highlands.
