Essential Sulawesi
From the mysterious megaliths of Bada to Toraja rituals, passing through the crystal waters of the Togian Islands.
Duration
17 days
From
€1,950/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Sulawesi, also known as the Celebes Islands, is a true mosaic of peoples. Its position
at the heart of the Indonesian archipelago and its strategic role in the international spice trade
have made this island a crossroads of populations.
The Bugis: they are the most famous and best sailors of Indonésie. The Bajau, Bugis, Buton
and Makassar peoples already had, more than 500 years ago, commercial relations with the Aborigines
of Australia. Their ships, still built according to traditional methods along the coasts of
Sulawesi, continue to sail through the Indonesian archipelago… from Kalimantan to Jakarta, from Makassar to
the Moluccas…
The Toraja: "The People of the Mountains", it is the uniqueness of their culture and their impressive
funeral ceremonies that have made this people famous. Added to this, the very distinctive architecture of
their boat-shaped houses and the fantastic rice field landscapes and you will understand how
much Toraja country is a land of encounters, sacred rites and beauty…
The Minahasa: "The land of smiling people" and volcanoes. Minahasa country is a true
living laboratory for all those interested in plate tectonics. Two island arcs
collide, that of the Sangihe to the west and that of Halmahera to the east, creating a unique zone in the world
of double subduction.
The volcanoes, Lokon and Mahawu, will be our terrain for discovery and passion… Not forgetting the
Tangkoko animal reserve where diverse and unique fauna live such as the smallest mammal on the
planet, the Tarsier, and the islands of Bunaken, with underwater depths among the richest in Asia.
Bugis, Toraja and Minahasa will know how to share with you the richness and diversity of their
environment and above all, like a gift from heaven, their formidable and radiant joy of living, of loving,
of laughing and of singing…
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Millenary caves
Early departure for the Sengkang region, renowned for its silks and especially for its swampy lake, in the heart of the Bugis kingdom. You make a first stop in the Maros region to discover, by motorized canoe, the impressive archaeological site of Rammang Rammang. The Leang-Leang caves notably revealed traces of human presence dating back at least 5,000 years.
The rock paintings in the Maros cave, meanwhile, date from around 4,000 years ago. Later, heading towards Sengkang along a mountain road, you also stop to observe splendid landscapes and approach typical stilt houses
Tempe Lake
At dawn, departure on a long motorized canoe to discover the riches of Lake Tempe and its birdlife: dozens of egrets, herons, etc. take flight as our boat makes its way through an astonishing plant world that closes behind you.
Meeting with fishermen who live permanently on the lake in bamboo floating houses (in August, you can attend the "Maccera Tappareng" festival intended to purify the lake's waters).
Back in Sengkang, visit of silk weaving workshops before heading to Rantepao, the capital of the Toraja Land, along a splendid mountain road.
Toraja Country
First discovery of the amazing universe that constitutes all the originality of the Rantepao people, capital of the Toraja country and which will allow you an in-depth approach to the particular relationship that the Toraja maintain with death. You will visit in particular the Lemo site, where the tombs of the deceased have been carved into a cliff and where the dead are represented by figurines called « Tau-Tau ».
At Kambira, you will observe curious baby tombs in the trees, and at Ketekesu, you will enter inside « Tongkonan », these famous Toraja dwellings, whose roof resembles an overturned boat.
Later, you will approach the natural funeral site of Londa and cross the traditional village of Maruang, renowned for its « Tongkonan » and its rice granaries.
Possibility to attend an impressive funeral ceremony (ceremonies very frequent).
Immersion
Morning transfer to the village of Bori, known for its strange megaliths. You continue your journey to Pallawa and Sa'dan, renowned for their wood carvings.
In the afternoon, you begin a pleasant hike to the village of Balalan, where you will be welcomed by a family who will host you for the night and teach you the basics of Toraja cuisine.
Hike: 2 hours
Immersion
Early in the morning, you observe your host family going about their daily activities. You will discover in particular a surprising use of bamboo in the typical kitchen of the Toraja.
Then you begin a hike that takes you towards the surrounding mountains, which will allow you to enjoy superb views of megaliths scattered across vast rice fields.
Transfer then to Batutumonga for a new immersion in the life of the Toraja. Return to Rantepao, via the Lokomata funeral cave.
If time permits, visit the Rantepao market and, if you come across a ceremony, your guide will encourage you to participate.
Hike: 3 hours
Towards the Centre of Sulawesi
Long road to the center of Sulawesi up to Pendolo, located south of Lake Poso. This immense lake, covering 323 km2, is one of the deepest on the planet (450m) and its waters are considered among the purest in the world (their temperature remains almost constant – around 26-30° regardless of depth).
Bada Valley
Day of multiple discoveries: fauna and strange giant megaliths (4m high) in the Bada valley. Along the Laliang river, these marks of the past remain unexplained to this day… These statues seem to watch over the surrounding villages and their inhabitants. With a bit of luck, you will also have the opportunity to spot two of the endemic and extremely rare animals: the Anoa (small forest deer) and the babiroussa (deer-pig).
Back at the hotel, swimming is possible in the warm waters of the lake (but be careful: local legend speaks of the presence of a Loch Ness-type monster…).
Hiking: 1h
Towards Paradise
Pendolo → Togian islands
Early morning transfer to Ampana, where you board a speed ferry heading to the Togian Islands.
Togian Islands
The Togian Islands constitute an archipelago of 56 islands and islets, 30 km south of the Equator, located in Tomini Bay. Emerging from volcanic activity, the islands are covered with tropical forest and bordered by coral barriers. The average water temperature is 31°C and underwater visibility reaches 40 to 50 meters. The marine and terrestrial ecosystem has remained in a virgin and wild state, which is extremely rare.
The coasts and coral barriers form an excellent habitat for many wild animals specific to the Togian, such as turtles, dugongs, macaques, parrots, and babirusa wild boars. In the heart of this paradise, 37 villages live from different ethnic cultures, such as the Bobongko, the Togian, the Saluan, as well as the Bajau, nicknamed the nomads of the seas.
These two days are dedicated to exploring this small paradise: Unauna and its active volcano Colo, Malengue and its fauna, the Bajau villages and, of course, underwater depths of great beauty.
Hiking: 2h (elevation gain: +100m / -150m)
Towards Manado
Early in the morning, departure towards Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.
Continuation towards Tomohon, a small mountain town located in the heart of the subduction volcanism of the Sangihe Arc.
Installation in a magnificent lodge nestled in the middle of an extraordinary garden facing 3 active volcanoes: Soputan, Lokon and Mahawu.
Volcanoes & Lake
Easy ascent of the Mahawu volcano and discovery of its acid lake (superb views of Lokon volcano, the Minahasa region and the tip of Sulawesi island). Descent and drive to Tandano caldera lake. Visit to a "ikan mas" fish farm and lunch in a traditional restaurant on the lakeside.
Return to Tomohon and ascent of the active Lokon volcano (approximately 1h30). Depending on volcanic activity, possibility to descend to the crater floor.
Hiking: 5h (elevation gain: + 500m / - 500 m)
Minahasa Region & Tangkoko National Park
Morning transfer to Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve. Stops along the way to visit a Minahasa chalet construction site, then to discover the animist Waruga tombs.
In the afternoon, trekking in the national park to try to get closer to endemic wildlife: black macaques, hornbills and the park's star attraction: the fragile Tarsius (the smallest mammal on the planet).
Hiking: 2h (elevation gain: + 100m / - 150 m)
Rest in paradise
Free day to enjoy the pleasures of the sea and the finest sandy beach in northern Sulawesi.
Many other activities are also possible: hiking, fishing, snorkeling, diving, etc.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance & assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, personal expenses & tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide or English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle transfers with air conditioning
- Maritime and fluvial transfers
- Accommodations with half board
- Full board accommodations in the Togian Islands and Bunaken
- Site entries, trekking permits & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during hiking days
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sulawesi
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
