Sulawesi Explorer
Indonesia Small Group Tour
Tour 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.
Tour Highlights
• Discover Sulawesi’s sheer beauty and variety of the landscapes offered
• Explore the scenic expanse of Lake Tempe with its many species of birds
• Get off the beaten track in the fascinating region of Tanah Toraja with its traditional houses and intriguing culture
• Visit the tranquil reserve of Tangkoko with its engaging wildlife
• Extend your adventure in Indonesia and join our ‘back to back’ Jakarta to Bali by Train small group tour. Travel across the island of Java by comfortable train and onto Bali, staying at top class 4 and 5 star hotels dating from the Dutch colonial period
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
4/5
Culture
5/5
History
3/5
Wildlife
3/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Makassar
On arrival in Makassar, the capital of Sulawesi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Aston Hotel or similar.
Makassar
Makassar (called Ujung Pandang between 1972 and 1999) is the lively capital of Sulawesi and due to its central location, the city has functioned as a gateway to the eastern islands of Indonesia for centuries. Makassar also has a rich historical past with two powerful kingdoms that were able to resist the Dutch colonial forces for many years. The fort of Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang) in the centre of Makassar is a well-preserved reminder of that past. In the evening the boulevard comes to life and people gather at the pavilions and hand carts selling snacks appear. A part of the boulevard is closed to traffic, and impressive sunsets can be enjoyed here.
Day 2- Makassar
Today will be spent exploring Makassar by public transport accompanied by your guide. We begin with a visit to two markets in Makassar, a fish and a vegetable-fruit market, where you will purchase the necessary ingredients for a cooking class later today. We will cross the river by local ferry to a small village, where the cooking class will take place in the traditional kitchen of a local Bugis house. It is a rural setting, surrounded by rice fields, fish ponds and abundant gardens, so you feel as if you are in the countryside. In the village you will see many traditional Buginese houses on stilts. We will return to the centre and see some of the sights of Makassar including Fort Rotterdam, and Paotere Harbour, with its dozens of traditional wooden ships. Overnight at Aston Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 3- Rantepao, Tanah Toraja (323 kms, approx. 9 hours)
After breakfast we leave Makassar for the highlands of Tanah Toraja, home to some of Sulawesi’s most intriguing customs, and a stronghold of traditional architecture. Lunch is taken in the home of a local family. We pass Enrekang driving onwards through Toraja to the market town of Rantepao. Overnight at Toraja Misiliana or similar. (BL)
Tanah Toraja
This mountainous district is the homeland of several ethnic groups who are called Toraja (Toraja means ‘the people of the mountains’ or ‘the people of the west’). The Toraja call their traditional religion Aluk to Dolo (rites of the ancestors) and they live according to rules defined by their ancestors and gods. These include the impressive rituals that accompany the burying of the deceased, which involve pig and buffalo sacrifices, and can last for many days. There is a very good chance that you will witness part of one of these ceremonies. The region is also known for its beautiful carved houses with the remarkable roofs, known locally as “tongkonan,”. The Toraja were among the last people in Indonesia to submit to colonial rule, resisting until well into the 20th century. Although most Toraja are Christian nowadays many of the original traditions still live on.
Day 4- Tanah Toraja
We spend today exploring this remarkable region to gain a picture of the culture of past and present Toraja. We 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 dead, including 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. For lunch we visit a small village where local people prepare a typical Toraja meal for us. Overnight Toraja Misiliana or similar. (BL)
Day 5- Tanah Toraja
Today we will continue to explore the area, walking and driving through the countryside, which will offer a further insight into the rural life of the region. Overnight at Toraja Misiliana or similar. (B)
*Please note that the format of the above two days will change if the opportunity to attend a funeral ceremony arises.
Day 6- Sengkang (204 kms, approx. 5 hours 20 mins)
Leave Tanah Toraja for the small town of Sengkang where we will visit a silk weaving shop making beautifully coloured local garments. This afternoon board traditional colourful motorised canoes, travelling along the Walennea River to Lake Tempe. The lake is very scenic and is home to a number of species of birds, who share it with local fishermen, some of who live in floating villages. Overnight at Semani Hotel or similar. (B)
Sengkang
Sengkang is a small town through which the Walennea River flows, and has a population of Islamic Bugis, living mainly in traditional wooden pile dwellings. It is the capital of the district of Wajo, one of the most influential Bugis states of the 16th century.
Lake Tempe
Lake Tempe stretches for at least 1000 hectares in the dry season, and expands to around 35.000 ha during the wet season, when all the surrounding area is flooded. Local fishermen use a variety of methods to catch fish here, including nets, rods and enclosures, and more than 20 species of water birds can be seen at this lake. Some of the fishermen live in floating houses near the edge of the lake.
Day 7- Sengkang- Malino
We continue to the refreshingly cool market town of Malino, which lies on the lower slopes of Mount Bawakaraeng, and was once the favourite weekend retreat for the colonial Dutch. Overnight at Malino Highlands Resort or similar. (BL)
Day 8 - Malino- Makassar
Today we will take a walk through the surrounding area of Malino, approx. 4-5 hours. We will start from your accommodation following a path uphill and downhill, crossing a small river via a bamboo bridge or if broken (which often happens!) by wading through the river. We will pass the Biroro waterfall with the chance to bathe- the views are amazing. A simple lunch will be served after which you will be picked up by car to begin the journey back to Makassar, stopping on the way to visit some local fruit markets. Overnight at Aston Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 9- Maros - Leang Leang Caves- Manado
After breakfast, you’ll be enroute to visit Rammang Rammang in Maros, here, an exciting excursion near the lime stone cliffs await. You make canoe trip along a small river which banks covered by nipa palms, slide under rock openings to reach a hidden village. This will be followed with a wonderful walk-through rice to visit a well-hidden cave in which you can find some fingerprints left there by ancient cave dwellers over 5,000 years ago. You’ll have a chance to meet the local at their houses, see them work on their rice fields and possibly have tea or coffee with them. We will transfer to the airport for our flight from Makassar to Manado in the north of Sulawesi on Citilink Indonesia (QG307 2015:2200), and on arrival we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Aryaduta Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 10 – Manado – Tangkoko (70 kms, approx. 2 hours 30 mins)
Spend the morning exploring Manado town and its surroundings, visiting the local fish market where all the fish from the surrounding areas is sold. Proceed to the largest Chinese Temple in town, a beautiful landmark, and continue to the North Sulawesi Provincial Museum where we will be guided through the history of North Sulawesi. Around noon, set off on the drive to Tangkoko Batuangas Reserve, and after checking into our hotel we will take an afternoon walk in the reserve (approx. 2 hours) in search of its unusual wildlife, including Tarsiers and Cuscus Bears. Overnight at Tangkoko Sanctuary or similar. (BD)
Tangkoko Batuangas Reserve
The reserve itself is a beautiful park, filled with fruit and palm trees and the forest is home to a large number of mammals and birds, many of which are endemic to Sulawesi. One of these is the Black Crested Macaque, groups of which are usually easy to spot. In addition is the Cuscus, a marsupial relative which also live in Papua New Guinea, the Maleo, a rare megapode bird, Red Crescent Hornbills and the Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate just the size of a human hand. It feeds during the night and will only return to its sleeping tree just before sunrise.
Day 11 –Tangkoko - Tomohon (70 kms, approx. 2 hours 30 mins)
This morning we take another walk in the forest in search of wildlife (approx. 3 hours), before continuing on. We explore the fascinating Minhasa Highlands along the way, with its relics of traditional culture. In the afternoon, explore the surroundings of Lake Tondano and visit the nearby sulphur Lake Linow which is known for its changes of colour. This evening we visit a local home for some typical Minhasa food. Overnight at Gardenia Country Inn or similar. (BD)
Minhasa Highlands
At an average altitude of around 700-800 metres this district holds a wealth of treasures for visitors to explore. Most notable are the ancient waruga sarcophagi in which important people were buried sitting in a foetal position – these can be seen in the small town of Sawangan. In Woloan we can see how people construct wooden houses to break them down again and sell them as a ‘do-it-yourself-pack’. The region is known for its cuisine which includes such delicacies as rat kebabs and fried bat wings. The people of the area were renowned as headhunters, although that practice no longer survives, having been eradicated by missionaries from the 19th century onwards.
Day 12 – Mahawu Volcano
This morning we will visit the colourful market of Tomohon. The Minhasa are known for eating most things and you will find some unusual “ingredients” ready to take home and cook. We then head to the rim of Gunung Mahawu, an active volcano which gives us great views of its crater lake as well as of the surrounding area, including the nearby island of Bunaken. We reach it by a combination of driving and walking (it entails climbing around 250 steps). In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to rest at the hotel or continue the adventure with a visit to either Pinaras Waterfall or Tekaan Waterfall and the hotspring at Ranolewo. Overnight at Gardenia Country Inn or similar. (BD)
Day 13 – Manado (60 kms, approx. 2 hours)
Check out of your hotel and transfer back to Manado. The rest of the day is free to relax or further explore this interesting cosmopolitan city. Overnight at Cocotinos Manado or similar. (B)
Day 14 –Bunaken Island
Today our destination is 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 then take lunch on the beach before heading back to Manado. Overnight at Cocotinos or similar. (BL)
Please note: Snorkelling equipment can be hired for an additional charge, payable locally.
Day 15 –Manado
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Tour ends. (B)
Tour Inclusions
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
Feedback from our Travellers
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.
Essential Info
