Sulawesi Explorer

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Makassar

Arrive in the bustling port city of Makassar, gateway to Sulawesi. Known for its rich trading history and cultural diversity, this urban hub will be your introduction to Indonesia’s vibrant spirit. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Aston Hotel or similar. No meals or excursions included today.

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 – Rammang Rammang – Malino

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Rammang Rammang, a stunning karst landscape in Maros. Glide by canoe along a quiet river flanked by nipa palms to reach a remote village, where you’ll meet local families and explore a cave with ancient handprints dating back over 5,000 years. In the afternoon, continue through lush highlands to Malino, a peaceful mountain town. Overnight: Malino Highlands Resort or similar (BL)

Day 3: Walking Tour in Malino

Today’s guided walk takes you through Malino’s forested hills and farmlands. Cross rivers via bamboo bridges (or wade, if needed), and pause at scenic waterfalls such as Biroro and Ta’kapala. A simple but hearty lunch will be served at a local home, with panoramic views across the valleys. The day ends with a short transfer back to the resort. Overnight: Malino Highlands Resort or similar (BL)

Day 4: Malino – Sengkang

Depart for Sengkang, a former Bugis kingdom on the shores of Lake Tempe. En route, stop at a village known for its silk weaving, where you’ll witness traditional techniques used to create fine threads from silkworm cocoons. Arrive in Sengkang in the late afternoon. Overnight Sermani Hotel Sengkang or similar (BL)

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 5: Sengkang – Toraja

Begin with a traditional canoe journey across the wetlands of Lake Tempe, observing floating villages and fishermen at work. If lake conditions allow, visit one of the stilted homes on the water. After returning to shore, continue your journey north into the dramatic highlands of Toraja, stopping for a traditional Bugis lunch in a local home en route. Overnight Toraja Misiliana Hotel 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 6: Exploring Toraja’s Culture and Traditions

Today offers a deep dive into Toraja’s unique culture. Visit Lemo’s cliff-side tombs and Tau Tau statues, then explore ancient burial caves and tree graves in Kambira. After lunch, hike through rice terraces and traditional villages, soaking in the spectacular scenery and local life. End the day at Kete Kesu, a UNESCO-listed cultural village renowned for its traditional houses and elaborate funeral traditions. Overnight Toraja Misiliana Hotel or similar (BL)

Day 7: Highland Views and Ancient Sites

Your day begins at Londa’s cave tombs, adorned with life-like ancestral figures. Continue to the Bolu buffalo market (held Tuesdays and Saturdays), an important site for Torajan culture. Travel onwards to Bori, where ancient stone monoliths mark aristocratic funeral grounds. End the day with sweeping views from Batutumonga and a walk through rice terraces and small villages. Overnight Toraja Misiliana Hotel or similar (B)

Day 8: Toraja Cooking Class and Nature Walk

Discover Toraja through its cuisine with a hands-on cooking experience in a traditional village. Shop for ingredients at a lively market, then prepare authentic dishes with your local host family. Dine together in a traditional rice barn, before enjoying a gentle walk through bamboo forests and rice paddies in the afternoon. Overnight Toraja Misiliana Hotel or similar (BL)

Day 9: Toraja – Makassar

After breakfast travel to Palopo (approx. 2.5 hours) to catcha  flight to Makassar (approx. 0940/1040). On arrival In Makassar take a city tour with visits to  Fort Rotterdam, Paotere Harbors and Kubah 99 Mosque. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Aston Hotel or similar (BL)

Day 10: Makassar – Tangkoko

Fly to Manado in North Sulawesi and transfer to the rainforest of Tangkoko. In the afternoon, venture into the jungle in search of rare wildlife including black crested macaques, hornbills, and the elusive Tarsier – one of the world’s smallest primates. Overnight Tangkoko Sanctuary or similar (BD)

Day 11: Tangkoko – Tomohon via the Minahasa Highlands

An early morning trek offers another chance to spot birds and primates in Tangkoko. Later, drive into the Minahasa Highlands, stopping at the historic Waruga stone tombs, wooden house workshops in Woloan, and the colourful Lake Linow, known for its changing hues. Overnight: 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: Volcano Walk and Waterfalls

Start with a visit to Tomohon’s bustling market, then ascend Mount Mahawu for sweeping views over North Sulawesi’s volcanic landscape. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure or opt to visit nearby waterfalls or hot springs. Overnight Gardenia Country Inn or similar (BD)

Day 13: Tomohon – Manado

After breakfast, drive to the coastal town of Manado and settle into your beachfront accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Cocotinos Manado Boutique Resort or similar (B)

Day 14: Snorkelling in Bunaken National Marine Park

Take a boat trip to Bunaken Island, one of Indonesia’s top snorkelling destinations. Spend the day exploring coral reefs, swimming in warm turquoise waters, and relaxing on the beach with a picnic lunch. Overnight Cocotinos Manado Boutique Resort or similar (BL)

Please note: Snorkelling equipment can be rented for approx. RP100.000 (£6)

Day 15: Departure

At the appropriate time, transfer to Manado Airport for your onward flight (B)