Sulawesi Explorer

Sulawesi Explorer

Duration
15 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £1890
Region
Asia & Pacific
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Overview

The enormous and oddly shaped island of Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s cultural treasures, but is often neglected by western tour companies, in favour of better-known Bali or Java. Yet it holds a wealth of treasures that should be on the itinerary of every serious traveller, with fascinating ethnic groups following elaborate social practices, which cannot be seen elsewhere.

Our trip to this remarkable land encompasses both the north and south of the island, starting from the bustling capital Makassar and heading into Tanah Toraja, an area of highlands where traditional architecture and practices are at their strongest. We explore villages with amazing carved houses where we hope to see some of their tribal festivals, we visit incredible ‘hanging graves’ and walk along picturesque rice terraces to reach little visited communities. In Sulawesi’s north we visit parks and reserves in search of the island’s unusual wildlife, including the tiny Tarsier, and enjoy traditional meals cooked for us by the inhabitants of local villages. We see the unusual ‘waruga’ sarcophagi of the Minhasa Highlands and explore colourful local markets where anything is considered to be food. This is an intriguing and rather mysterious part of the Indonesian archipelago with unique and complex social customs that are unlike anything you will have seen before.

This two-week trip encompasses the very best of this fascinating island, and will leave you wanting to explore more of this vast and varied region.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic flight
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except when included with domestic airfares)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 5/5
History: 3/5
Wildlife: 3/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

Undiscovered Destinations’ Sulawesi Explorer tour offers an immersive two-week journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Beginning in Makassar, the capital city, the tour delves into the highlands of Tanah Toraja, renowned for its distinctive architecture, rice terraces, and intricate burial practices, including the ‘hanging graves’ and stone tombs guarded by effigies known as ‘tau-tau’. The itinerary also includes visits to Sengkang, where travellers can explore silk weaving traditions and navigate Lake Tempe by traditional motorised canoes, observing the local fishing communities and abundant birdlife. The journey continues to the cooler climes of Malino, a former Dutch colonial retreat, before heading north to Manado.

In northern Sulawesi, the tour explores the Tangkoko Batuangas Reserve, home to unique wildlife such as the tiny tarsier and the black crested macaque. Travellers will also discover the Minhasa Highlands, known for the ancient ‘waruga’ sarcophagi and vibrant local markets offering a variety of foods. The adventure culminates with a visit to Bunaken Island, part of a marine reserve teeming with marine life, providing opportunities for snorkelling amidst coral reefs. This small-group tour is designed for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience rich in cultural immersion and natural beauty.

Itinerary Highlights
Tanah Toraja

Known for its unique burial practices and dramatic architecture, Tanah Toraja offers a fascinating cultural experience with its hanging graves and intricately carved houses.

Sengkang and Lake Tempe

In Sengkang, visitors can witness traditional silk weaving and take a serene boat ride across Lake Tempe, home to vibrant birdlife and fishing communities.

Tangkoko Batuangas Reserve

This wildlife reserve in northern Sulawesi is famous for its rare species, including the tiny tarsier and the endangered black crested macaque, offering a rare glimpse into Indonesia's biodiversity.

Minhasa Highlands

Known for its ancient sarcophagi and lively markets, the Minhasa Highlands provide a deep dive into local traditions and the region's historical burial practices.

Bunaken Island

A paradise for snorkelers, Bunaken Island boasts crystal-clear waters and abundant coral reefs, making it one of Indonesia’s top spots for marine life exploration.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Indonesia – Sulawesi Explorer

ISE/180725 Jul 18, 2025

Friday
Aug 01, 2025

Friday
Guaranteed £1,890.00

Single Room Supplement: £525.00
Contact Us
Indonesia – Sulawesi Explorer

ISE/120925 Sep 12, 2025

Friday
Sep 26, 2025

Friday
Guaranteed £2,345.00

Single Room Supplement: £525.00
Book Now
Indonesia – Sulawesi Explorer

ISE/150526 May 15, 2026

Friday
May 29, 2026

Friday
Guaranteed £2,345.00

Single Room Supplement: £525.00
Book Now
Indonesia – Sulawesi Explorer

ISE/170726 Jul 17, 2026

Friday
Jul 31, 2026

Friday
Guaranteed £2,345.00

Single Room Supplement: £525.00
Book Now
Indonesia – Sulawesi Explorer

ISE/110926 Sep 11, 2026

Friday
Sep 25, 2026

Friday
Guaranteed £2,345.00

Single Room Supplement: £525.00
Book Now

Interested in knowing more?

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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Indonesia that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Indonesia. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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