Essential Sulawesi

  • See the unique boat-shaped traditional dwellings

    Enjoy fantastic views across the valleys

  • See the unique boat-shaped traditional houses

    Take a tour of Makassar and see Fort Rotterdam - the best preserved Dutch fort in Indonesia

  • Look out for hanging effigies and macabre burial sites in cliffs in the Toraja Highlands

    Look out for hanging effigies and macabre burial sites in cliffs in the Toraja Highlands

  • Visit the floating stilt houses of the Bugis people

    Visit the floating stilt houses of the Bugis people

  • You may get the option to visit the buffalo market that happens once a week

    You may get the option to visit the buffalo market that happens once a week

  • Take a trek in the Highlands

    Take a trek in the Highlands

  • See the intriguing boat-shaped houses (tongkonan)

    See the intriguing boat-shaped dwellings (tongkonan)

  • Meet the locals and learn about Sulawesi tradiitons

    Meet the locals and learn about Sulawesi traditions

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 5

From: Makassar, Sulawesi

To: Makassar, Sulawesi

From

£870

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

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See more ideas for: Indonesia

Spend 5 days exploring the intriguing Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Head north into the Toraja Highlands where you’ll see macabre yet intriguing burial sites carved into cliffs. Sail across Lake Tempe in a longboat to discover the traditional floating stilt villages of the Bugis people and visit the striking, boat-shaped dwellings or tongkonan of Kete Kesu village. Watch local weavers, tuck into a Bugis-style feast and get acquainted with local villagers over a cup of tea and a fried banana snack -  a taster of Sulawesi in just 5 days!

This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

Highlights

  • Sample local delicacies in the city of Makassar and visit markets in Rantepao
  • Look out for hanging effigies and macabre burial sites in cliffs in the Toraja Highlands
  • Meet locals and learn about their traditions and customs on a village trek
  • See the unique boat-shaped traditional dwellings
  • Sail by longboat across Lake Tempe and visit the floating stilt house of the Bugis people

 

Itinerary in brief:

  • 1 night Makassar
  • 2 nights Rantepao
  • 1 night Sengkang

 

Day 1: Arrive Makassar 

On arrival into Makassar airport you will be greeted by a representative and taken to your hotel in central Makassar by a private driver.

Today includes a city tour, where you will take a walk through the local streets visiting landmarks such as Paotere Harbour and Fort Rotterdam, one of the best preserved Dutch forts in all of Indonesia.

Try the local coffee and sample delicacies as you watch people doing business in a typical Chinese coffee shop.

Dinner is included tonight at Dinar Restaurant. 

Day 2: Makassar to Rantepao

Today you will journey through several villages of the Bugis people who live in stilt houses that line magnificent mountain passes.

After lunch in an Asian restaurant, your journey continues through the hills reaching the destination of Rantepao late afternoon.

Day 3: Tour to Tanah Toraja

Today we’ve included another full day tour. Depending on the day you may get the option to visit the buffalo market that happens once a week - a major part of the local culture.

Visit a typical Toraja village and the highlands of Batutumonga, from where you can enjoy fantastic views across the valley, with an optional 1 or 2 hour trek through local villages. Here you can meet the locals and learn about the traditional lifestyle and customs. Stop at a Todi weaving factory for an opportunity to learn about the ancient technique and motifs for Torajan textiles.

Return to the hotel late afternoon after a quick stop in Kete Kesu village, with its unique boat-shaped houses. 

Day 4: Rantepao to Sengkang

It’s an early start today with a wakeup call at 5:45am. After breakfast and check out you will head south of Toraja to visit two local villages. The villages of Lemo and Suaya are surrounded by cliffs hanging with intriguing effigies of deceased nobility.

After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Sengkang where you will enjoy a local Bugis-style feast dinner at your hotel.

Day 5: Depart Sengkang

Be sure to rise early this morning so you can appreciate the views across Lake Tempe, including the traditional floating houses built by the Bugis people. Take a longboat across the lake and experience Bugis hospitality with a cup of tea and a favourite Indonesian snack of fried banana.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel. You’ll be collected from the hotel and taken to the airport to connect with your onward travel.

 

What's included
  • All accommodation
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily)
  • Tours & transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking local guide
  • All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
Not included
  • All flights
  • Visa arrangements
  • Departure taxes
  • Meals other than those mentioned above
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips & gratuities