Sulawesi: immersion in Toraja country
In the heart of Sulawesi, between Toraja boathouses and the crystalline waters of Bira beaches
Duration
13 days
From
€1,625/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
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 made this island a crossroads of populations.
This itinerary allows you to discover all the cultural riches of the Toraja people, "The People of the Mountains". It is the originality of their culture and their impressive funeral ceremonies that made this people famous. Add to this the very distinctive architecture of their boat-shaped houses and the fantastic rice paddy landscapes and you will understand how much the Toraja country is a land of encounters, sacred rites and beauty…
At the far south-east of the South Sulawesi peninsula, the @[Bira](bira) region offers white sand beaches with turquoise and crystal-clear waters that conceal colorful marine depths. This stay thus offers a varied range of activities : intimate hikes, authentic encounters, original rafting adventure, cultural visits, relaxation, snorkeling… Between sea and mountains, you will discover the __fascinating universe of Toraja Land__
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Towards Toraja Land
Early morning transfer to Toraja Land and more specifically Rantepao, capital of Toraja land, which extends along the banks of the Sa'dan River, nestled in a magnificent valley, surrounded by lush mountains.
Lunch break by the sea in Pare Pare.
Funeral rites
Full day exploration of Toraja Land (south of Rantepao). The Torajas live in "tongkonan" houses whose shape is reminiscent of a boat hull. They worship the water buffalo which, according to them, is the only animal capable of transporting the souls of the deceased on the path to their ancestors.
The Torajas are also known for the importance of their funeral ceremonies which last several days, and their suspended tomb systems installed in the cliffs. During the day, you discover several sites: the Londa Cliff, with its burial niches, located in the middle of rice fields and clove plantations, the village of Kete Kesu with its traditional houses, its rice granaries and Suaya Rock with its royal tombs.
After lunch, you discover the tombs of newborns in Sangalla, Tana Toraja, Sulawesi then you stop at a spice plantation before arriving at Lemo, one of the most beautiful Toraja villages, bordered by a cliff pierced with countless burials and niches of Tau-Tau (effigies of the deceased).
Return to the hotel in late afternoon.
Traditional villages
The day is dedicated to discovering magnificent landscapes north of Rantepao. You begin with a small walk around Lempo, among coffee plantations and cocoa fields. On foot, you cross several villages allowing for an authentic discovery of the daily life of the Toraja people.
After lunch, you make a stop in the small town of Palawa, located on a small hill. This traditional village is worth the detour: its "tongkonan", with their painted and ornately decorated facades with impressive buffalo horns, facing their rice granaries, are superb.
Then before your return to Rantepao, you visit a traditional weaving center in the village of Sangkombong. Note: your guide will invite you to participate in a ceremony, on day 3 or day 4, depending on opportunities.
In the heart of nature
From Rantepao
Departure for Mengkendek.
You begin a 3-day trek, through rice fields and Toraja villages, to further appreciate local customs and traditions.
The locals even offer you, in the evening, a succulent traditional meal
Total immersion
Toraja Village → Toraja Village
You resume your walk early in the morning, through jungle, terraced rice fields and traditional villages: total immersion.
Mysterious swamp lake
Rantepao → Sengkang
Morning transfer to the charming small town of Sengkang which stretches along the banks of the Walanae River. You then board a fishing boat to explore Lake Tempe and its floating dwellings.
This vast lake with shallow waters sometimes dries up completely when rainfall becomes unpredictable. In this case, a boat crossing is not possible, and your English-speaking guide will suggest an alternative hiking trip. Lake Tempe is also home to a rich avifauna. If you are discreet enough, you may have the chance to observe, up close, several species of egrets, herons, ibis, bitterns, cranes...
Customary Community
Sengkang → Bira
Early in the morning, transfer to the Kajang region, where you will meet the Ammatoa tribes, who have preserved their traditional customs and practices by refusing modern life. A privileged and unique moment with these villagers who live in near self-sufficiency. With a bit of luck, you may have the opportunity to meet the customary chief, renowned as powerful and possessing great powers.
Drive to Bira in the afternoon, a peaceful fishing village with magnificent beaches.
The rest of the day is free.
Rest in paradise
Early in the morning, you board a boat to reach Liukang Island, an ideal place to explore (snorkeling) the magnificent coral reefs around it. Visit, in the afternoon, the charming village of Tanaberu, located in the middle of coconut trees and which houses one of the main "bugis" shipbuilding yards on the island. The craftsmen shape one of the oldest traditional fleets in the world.
Return to Bira in late afternoon.
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 and domestic flights
- Airport taxes & visas
- Beverages, personal expenses & tips
- Travel insurance & assistance
- Everything that is not listed in "Included"
Included
- The services of an English-speaking local guide
- Land transfers (in a private, air-conditioned vehicle) and maritime transfers necessary for the proper conduct of the tour
- The activities: rafting, boat excursions on Lake Tempé and to reach Liukang Island
- The porters during the trekking days (days 5 to 7)
- Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary
- Site entrance fees
- Mineral water and energy supplements (fruits, biscuits, etc.) during the trekking days
- Liability insurance
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
