Sulawesi Adventure: The Culture of Tana Toraja

Welcome to Indonesia! Arrive at any time.

Ubud is often considered the cultural heart of Bali. Today you have the opportunity to explore however you'd like. From monkey forests, local cooking classes, making spiritual offerings and Balinese village experiences, your options for today are endless.

Our trip continues with a flight from Bali to Makassar, the largest city in Sulawesi. After we arrive to our hotel, enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Depart Makassar this morning after breakfast and head north to Maros, known for its absolutely stunning karst formations called tanggul. After the drive, load into a small boat to arrive to the village. Learn about the importance of the rice paddies and their unique techniques in this village, and admire the incredible natural beauty that these villagers call home. After the tour of the village, drive to Sengkang for the evening and settle into the hotel.

Your day begins with a boat tour of Lake Tempe, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Indonesia. Explore the floating homes of the Bugis people, meet the locals and learn about the unique life of this area. Continue on to Tana Toraja, the land of ancestral spirits and unique traditions and easily one of the most fascinating places in Indonesia. This region is famous for its indigenous culture, dramatic landscapes, and elaborate funeral ceremonies. Although we cannot guarantee we'll see one of their famous funeral processions, we have the unique opportunity to visit and connect with the local community to discover them in depth.

Drive through the countryside this morning toward Lemo Village and enjoy breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and traditional villages dotted along the way. In Lemo, we have the opportunity to witness some of the ionic burial sites carved into limestone caves. Continue on to visit Suaya to learn about the famous Baby Tree, a sacred tree where the spirits of deceased infants are believed to rest, and visit the graves of the royal family in the area. Next we head to Londa, another ancient burial site that highlights the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the Torajan people, followed by a traditional Torajan lunch. Conclude the day's discoveries with a walk through the Kete Kesu village, and admire the architecture and artwork.

Today you have the opportunity to explore the incredible Tana Toraja area however you'd like. With so many unique and interesting aspects to the local culture, opt to delve deeper into what piques your interest the most. Choose to stay active on a trek or get hands-on with a cooking class.

Say goodbye to the amazing Tana Toraja area early this morning as we return to Makassar. Drive to the airport, then board a flight to arrive to Makassar by late morning. After free time for lunch, explore the historic city of Makassar alongside your CEO. Start at Fort Rotterdam, the 17th century fort, once a major trading hub in Southeast Asia. Then drive to Paotere Harbor for a walk to see the pinisi ships, followed by a visit to the Makassar's most beautiful mosque Masjid 99 Kubah. Finish today with a relaxing sunset at Losari beach, an amazing way to finish up your trip around Sulawesi.

Depart at any time.