Day 1. Pick-up Airport in Makassar
Welcome to Sulawesi. The driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy your rest.
Day 2. Makassar City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a boat trip to a coral island. After this you will make a city tour in Makassar. You will visit the port of Paotere where the wooden traditional sailing ships ‘phinisi’ have been shown for centuries. The city also has a rich historical past, Fort Rotterdam is a reminder of the Dutch colonial era. Then you will be transferred back to the hotel.
Day 3. Makassar – Malino
In the morning after breakfast and check out, you will start the tour via Maros to Malino. You will make an excursion to the Maros Mountains. The wonderful and uniquely formed limestone rocks where the Bantimurung- Bulusaraung National Park has recently came to life. We walk through sawas (rice fields), passing typical Buginese houses and limestone cliffs to a cave with prehistoric images. On the way, you will drink tea in a traditional house, and we canoe through a narrow river. Arrive at Malino, you will go to the accommodation for check-in. You will spend the night in the middle of the paddy fields in an attractive accommodation that is fully equipped.
Day 4. Malino
Today we take a walk through the paddy fields, the kampungs and waterfalls. Malino highland is a cool mountain-town located on the lower slopes of Mount Bawakaraeng. However, it was popular as a weekend retreat in colonial times. The fresh mountain air, the forests and the waterfalls make this area ideal for a long walk. The fertile soil provides green rice terraces where you can take beautiful pictures. Along the way you will be cheerfully welcomed and waved goodbye by the curious citizens. Not many tourists come here, which makes a meeting with the locals extra special.
Day 5. Malino – Bira Beach
After breakfast you will continue your journey to Pantai Bira. On the way you will make a stop at the village of Tanaberu, where you will visit the traditional boat builders ‘ schoeners ‘. You will then transfer to the accommodation for check-in. Enjoy your time at the beach and the beautiful location.
Day 6. Bira Beach
In the morning, we take a boat to the island of Liukang Bira with its beautiful beach. You can snorkel here to admire the colorful fish and corals. We will have a walk to see the activities of women who are weaving typical fabrics. You will have lunch with a fishing family on the island. After the boat trip, transfer back to the accommodation. You can enjoy your time by sunbathing on the soft white sandy beach.
Note: This snorkeling excursion is subject to weather conditions.
Day 7. Bira – Sengkang
Today the tour continues along the eastern route of Sulawesi, and you make a stop at the primitive village of Kajang. In Kajang you are required to wear dark/black clothing and shoes or sandals are not allowed. Arriving in Sengkang, you will be taken to the accommodation for check-in.
Day 8. Sengkang – Toraja
After breakfast, take a canoe trip across Tempe Lake National Park. On Lake Tempe, people live in floating houses. After the boat trip, the tour continues with a drive to Torajaland. On the way we will stop at the silk weaving mills in Kampung Sutra. Upon arrival in Torajaland, you will be transferred to the accommodation for check-in.
Day 9. Toraja Day Tour
Today you will take a culture tour by minivan and a short walk along the main villages of Toraja with a local guide. You will visit the Ketekesu village, where you can see the ‘tongkonan houses of Toraja Adat’. The richly carved Toraja houses with their beautiful gable roofs. Although today most Toraja are Christian, their traditions live on unabated. You will see the different ways the Toraja bury their dead. You will take a look at the high rock tombs of Lemo and Londa, these are beautiful tombs with carved stones and are guarded by the tau tau ‘statue’ dolls. This is a special place to bury the blue blood families.
Day 10. Toraja Walking Tour
After breakfast you will go for a walk through the kampungs in Toraja land. The picturesque villages are located in a mountainous landscape dominated by rice terraces and bamboo forests. The walking tour takes about 5 to 6 hours, and you will spend the night in a Toraja house or a local Homestay.
Day 11. Toraja Cycling Tour
After a simple breakfast we take a cycling tour through the kampungs. However, if there are ceremonies or if there is a Karbauwen market, these will be scheduled during the tours. You will spend the night at the same accommodation as on days 8 and 9.
Day 12. Rantepao – Airport Makassar / Airport Toraja
Today the journey continues from Rantepao via the western coast of Parepare to Makassar. Arriving in Makassar, you will be transferred to the airport to continue your journey or go back home. A drop off at the airport Toraja is also possible.
End of Tour.