Sulawesi Adventure: The Culture Of Tana Toraja

Ubud

Welcome to Indonesia! Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodations:  Champlung Sari Hotel

Ubud

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Ubud Full Day

Today is yours to explore Ubud how you prefer!

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Champlung Sari Hotel
3
Optional Activities for Day 2
Show
Ubud Spiritual Tour
Ubud
Visit Widya Guna Foundation, a G for Good support project to learn how to make traditional Indonesian prayer offerings. Then visit some of Bali's holiest sites like Gunung Kawi Temple, the tomb of the king. Then visit Tirta Empul spring water temple for a holy bath before returning to Widya Guna Foundation for lunch.
Laplapan Village Cooking Class
Ubud
Visit Laplapan Village in Ubud and join a local cooking class! Make delicious Balinese favorites like sate ayam (chicken satay), pepes ikan (grilled fish in banana leaf) and mie goreng (fried noodles). And don't forget yummy desserts like kolak (boiled banana in caramelized palm sugar). You'll have your own stove, following along as you cook the food you will enjoy for lunch!
Medahan Village Happy Local Family Adventure
Ubud
Drive to Medahan Village and enjoy a welcome from the local villages complete with Balinese cake and tea. Take a walking tour of the village, visiting the traditional market, temples, rice paddies and spring. After working up an appetite, sit down for a delicious local lunch before returning to your hotel.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Ubud/Makassar

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Ubud - Denpasar 1.5h 25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Plane

Denpasar - Makassar 1.5h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time

Makassar

Spend the afternoon at leisure in Makassar.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Aston Makassar Hotel

Makassar/Sengkang

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Maros Adventure

Maros

To arrive to the village, we take a short boat ride which demonstrates how vital these waterways have been to this area for centuries. We'll walk through the rice fields surrounded by towering limestone cliffs or "tanggul" and admire the jagged karst formations. These structures are millions of years old and were shaped by erosion. We'll pass by friendly locals who might be tending to their crops or fishing and learn how these rice fields are cultivated using traditional methods passed down through generations. You'll also learn about the cultural importance of rice in Indonesia and the spiritual connection many people have with the land. After the hike, dive into a delicious local meal of authentic South Sulawesi cuisine.

Private Vehicle

Makassar - Maros 1.5h 45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle

Maros - Sengkang 5h 160km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  BBC Hotel Sengkang

Sengkang/Tana Toraja Regency

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.

Please note that we will adjust the itinerary for the chance to join a Traditional Torajan Funeral Experience:In Tana Toraja, funerals are not just solemn events; they are grand celebrations of life that reflect the deep connection between the living and the dead. If a funeral ceremony is taking place during your visit, our CEO will suggest altering the planned activities to allow you to witness this extraordinary cultural event. This decision ensures that travelers have the opportunity to experience one of the most iconic aspects of Torajan culture-a truly unforgettable moment. These funeral processions happen fairly often, however, it is not guaranteed that one will take place during your trip. We will not artificially put on a funeral for travelers but instead will prioritize joining authentic experiences whenever we can. Funerals in Tana Toraja are part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities. The community invites traveler to attend, observe and respect their local culture. We will not attend certain aspects of the ceremonies, like animal sacrifices that are done so that the animal can be cooked and shared with the community in celebration of life. Why Prioritize a Torajan Funeral?Torajan funerals are among the most elaborate and meaningful ceremonies in the world, often lasting several days and involving entire communities. These rituals are steeped in tradition, symbolizing respect for ancestors and ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife. Participating in or observing such an event provides a profound insight into the values, beliefs, and social structures of the Torajan people. We are expect to be respectful of the local customs, especially during funeral ceremonies. Your CEO will brief you on appropriate behavior and attire.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Lake Tempe Boat Tour

Sengkang

Embark on a scenic boat ride across Lake Tempe, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Indonesia. Known for its serene beauty and traditional floating villages, Lake Tempe offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who call it home. The Bugis people, the dominant ethnic group in this area, have adapted to living on the water, building floating houses and engaging in traditional fishing practices. As you cruise along the lake, you'll see these floating homes, often adorned with colorful decorations. Interact with villagers and learn about their way of life, including fishing techniques and sustainable living practices.

Puncak Lakawan

Buntu Lakawan

Nestled high in the mountains, Puncak Lakawan offers panoramic views of the lush green valleys and rolling hills of South Sulawesi. This picturesque spot is perfect for taking photos and enjoying a leisurely lunch amidst nature.

Private Vehicle

Sengkang - Tana Toraja Regency 6.5h 210km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Luta Hotel

Tana Toraja Regency

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Suaya Baby Tree & Royal Graves

Suaya

Suaya is known for its unique and poignant burial practice for infants. When a baby dies before teething, it is believed that its spirit needs a safe and nurturing place to return to nature. The body is placed inside a hollowed-out space in a large tree, known as a The Baby Tree or "Tarra' Tree." As the tree heals and grows, it is believed to absorb the baby's spirit, allowing it to become part of the natural world. Then pay a visit to the royal graves and marvel at the craftsmanship of the stone carvings.

Lemo Village & Burial Site

Lemo

Visit Lemo Village, a fascinating site renowned for its Tau Tau statues-life-sized wooden effigies representing the deceased-and hanging graves carved into limestone cliffs. Lemo offers a unique glimpse into the Torajan people's deeply spiritual approach to death and ancestor worship. Lemo is one of the most iconic burial sites in Toraja, showcasing the unique relationship between the Torajan people and death. The towering limestone cliffs are adorned with Tau Tau. These statues, often dressed in traditional clothing and adorned with personal belongings, stand guard over the graves carved into the rock face. The higher the grave, the higher the status of the deceased in life.

Traditional Cave Burial Site of Londa

Londa

Londa is known for its traditional cave burial sites. Here, coffins are placed inside natural caves or carved niches on the cliffs. Over time, the coffins decay, leaving behind skeletal remains and personal belongings. The sites are considered a sacred place where the spirits of the ancestors reside. Walk through the pathways leading to the caves and observe the various stages of preservation for the coffins. Reflect on the deep connection between life, death, and nature in Torajan philosophy.

Local Torajan Lunch

Londa

Savor a delicious meal featuring authentic Torajan food. Try the local cuisine like papasan, grilled meat wrapped in banana leaves, and burasa, sticky rice cooked in coconut milk.

Ke’te Kesu’ Traditional Torajan Village

Tana Toraja Regency

Visit Ke'te Kesu', one of the best-preserved traditional Torajan villages. Here, you can see the iconic Tongkonan, "ancestral houses," with their distinctive boat-shaped roofs, adorned with intricate carvings. Learn about the collection of old rice barns called "Alang," important structures in Torajan society. The woodcarvings on the Tongkonan and Alang depict symbols of prosperity, fertility, and social status. The people of Ke'te Kesu' are renowned as highly skilled craftsmen. Unique ornaments of bamboo and stone are carved in abstract and geometric patterns.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Luta Hotel

Tana Toraja Regency

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Tana Toraja Regency Full Day

Enjoy the opportunity to explore Tana Toraja how you'd like to during today's free day.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Luta Hotel
2
Optional Activities for Day 7
Show
Toraja Village Trek
Kandora
Join a local guide on a full-day trek through the stunning landscapes of Toraja. Trek through Palipu Village to Suaya and Tampangallo. You'll hike through rice terraces, lush forests, and small villages while admiring the panoramic views of the valleys and hills. Along the way, visit traditional Torajan villages, where you can observe the lifestyle of the locals, and learn about their culture and rituals. Stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot, surrounded by nature, to recharge for the rest of the trek. Please note that the route/trekking will be adjusted by the local guide based on the fitness level of the guests.
Toraja Cooking Class
Tana Toraja Regency
Visit a traditional house in a small "kampung," village, in Tana Toraja. Along side your local host, learn to cook typical Torajan dishes, that we'll then enjoy for lunch. We'll cook famous dishes like pa'piong manuk, chicken with grated banana stem cooked in a bamboo tube. Cooked young fern and red rice are the perfect match for this delicious chicken dish.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Tana Toraja Regency/Makassar

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Palopo - Makassar 1.5h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Fort Rotterdam Visit

Makassar

Explore Fort Rotterdam and visit the historic Dutch site, cannons and walls. Admire the scenic views of the harbor and take some time to see the museum of colonial history to learn about Fort Roterdam's role as a major trading hub in Southeast Asia.

Paotere Harbor

Makassar

Visit Paotere Harbor to see the traditional Pinisi ships of the Bugis ethnic group, one of the three largest in Sulawesi and known for their seafaring and warring skills. Stroll along the harbor and observe these iconic wooden sailing vessels up close. You may see workers repairing, loading, or unloading the ships, offering a glimpse into their daily operations. Take stunning photos of the colorful Pinisi ships against the backdrop of the sea. These ships are not only functional but also works of art, with intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Private Vehicle

Tana Toraja Regency - Palopo 2.5h 77km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Masjid 99 Kubah Mosque

Makassar

Visit Masjid Kubah 99 Asmaul Husna, one of Makassar's most beautiful and unique mosques. This architectural marvel is named after the 99 names of Allah and features 99 golden domes symbolizing each name. If we can, we'll step inside to explore the spacious prayer hall, adorned with intricate decorations and calligraphy. Learn about the significance of the mosque in the local community and its role as a symbol of religious harmony in South Sulawesi.

Losari Beach

Makassar

Relax and enjoy the sunset at Losari Beach. Take a leisurely walk along the promenade and admire the beautiful views of the sun dipping below the horizon. Watch locals gather to celebrate the end of the day with music and dance. Opt to sample street food from vendors selling grilled seafood, satay, or fresh fruit juices as you breathe in the sea air.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Aston Makassar Hotel

Makassar

Depart at any time.

If ending your tour in Makassar, book a domestic flight back to Jakarta or Bali and allow for 4 hours to transit to the international airport to catch your onward flight back to your final destination.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast