Indonesia - Sulawesi Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1 - Makassar
Arrive in Makassar, the capital of Sulawesi, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival it may be possible to stop en route at Paotere harbour, with its dozens of traditional wooden ships. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Pantai Gapura or similar.

Day 2 – Malino
Drive to the refreshingly cool market town of Malino. Malino lies on the lower slopes of Mount Bawakaraeng, and was once the favourite weekend retreat for the colonial Dutch. We spend some time exploring its streets and visit the spectacular Takapala Waterfall. After a picnic lunch we head back to Makassar, visiting the tombs of the former kings of Gowa as well as Balla Lompoa, the palace of the former sultan. Overnight Hotel Pantai Gapura or similar. (BL)

Day 3 - Sengkang
Drive to the small town of Sengkang to the north. On the way we stop at Bantimurung National Park, dominated by its limestone cliff scenery, and walk through rice fields and villages to a cave with prehistoric paintings. We take lunch in a small Bugis village before travelling through tropical forest and ending up in Sengkang. Overnight Pondok Ela or similar. (BL)

Day 3 – Lake Tempe – Tanah Toraja
Early in the morning we board traditional colourful motorised canoes, travelling through the small Walennea River to Lake Tempe, where we can see floating villages and local fishermen. We then visit some small villages nearby to see the process of traditional silk weaving. After lunch we head to the highlands of Tanah Toraja, home to some of Sulawesi’s most intriguing customs and a stronghold of traditional architecture. We pass Sanggala and the Torajan sights of Suaya and Tampang’allo, where we can see ancient graves and tau-tau puppets. Our final destination for the day is Rantepao, a market town in the highlands. Overnight Hotel Heritage or similar. (B)

Day 5 – Tanah Toraja
Spend today exploring this remarkable region to get a good picture of the culture of past and present Toraja. Visit picturesque villages located in an amazing mountainous landscape dominated by rice terraces and bamboo forests. We see the different ways the Toraja bury their death, such as the traditional ‘hanging graves’ and the well known stone graves guarded by puppets, tau-tau, high up on rocks. We also see huge richly carved traditional houses with their rice barns. In the evening we visit a small village where the local people prepare a typical Toraja meal for us. Overnight Hotel Heritage or similar. (BD)

Days 6-7 – Village trek
We spend these days trekking through a unique part of Toraja not often visited by other tourists and spend one night in a local house in a typical Toraja village. Most of the trek takes us through landscape with astonishing views, walking through rice terraces balancing on narrow rice dikes and via small dirt roads only used by local people. Sometimes we cross small rivers by bamboo bridge or wade through the water. The villages you pass are very traditional and in some you will stop to have some tea or enjoy your lunch. This is an unparalleled opportunity to explore this exciting region, with great opportunities for interaction with local people and insights into their complex beliefs. On Day 7 we return to Rantepao to spend the night. One night local house, one night Hotel Heritage or similar. (Day 6 – BLD, Day 7 – BL)

Please note: The trek is optional. If you do not want to walk then we can arrange for you to be transported by vehicle to the village where you will spend the night, and you will have more time to get to meet its inhabitants.

Day 8 - Makassar
A long drive through interesting and varied scenery takes us back to Makassar where we will spend the night. Overnight Hotel Pantai Gapura or similar. (B)

Day 9 – Manado - Tangkoko
Fly from Makassar to Manado in the north of Sulawesi. We then transfer to the Tangkoko Batuangus reserve, where we take an afternoon walk in search of its interesting wildlife. Overnight Mama Roos or similar. (BD)

Day 10 – Tangkoko - Tomohon
This morning we take another walk in the forest in search of wildlife, before driving to Tomohon. We explore the fascinating Minhasa Highlands along the way, with its relics of traditional culture. This evening we visit a local home for some typical Minhasa food. Overnight Lokon Boutique Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 11 – Mahawu Volcano
We walk to the top of Gunung Mahawu, an active volcano which gives us great views of its crater lake as well as of the surrounding area including the Bunaken National Park. After descending we visit the colorful market of Tomohon. The Minhasa are known for eating everything with at least two legs, so you will find dogs, rats and bats ready to take home and to cook. The rest of the day is free to explore the town. Overnight Lokon Boutique Resort or similar. (BD)

Day 12 – Manado
Transfer back to Manado. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore this interesting cosmopolitan city – the market in particular is well worth venturing into. Overnight Sedona Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 13 – Bunaken Island
Visit Bunaken Island off the northern tip of Sulawesi. The island is part of Bunaken Marine Reserve and the sea around here is alive with stunning marine life, including turtles, whales, dolphins and rays. We take a boat out to snorkel and search for its inhabitants, and then have lunch on the beach before heading back to Manado. Overnight Sedona Hotel or similar. (BL)

Day 14 – Manado
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Tour ends. (B)