Sulawesi: immersion in Toraja country

Reception at Makassar airport and transfer to the hotel. Makassar is the capital of the province of South Sulawesi located on the edge of the Makassar Strait. Rest of the day free.

The day is dedicated to the transfer to Rantepao, the largest city in Toraja Country which extends on the banks of the Sa'Dan river, in the hollow of a magnificent surrounded valley green mountains. For lunch, we stop by the sea. Arrival at our hotel in Rantepao late in the afternoon. Night at the hotel.

Full day exploring the Toraja Country (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 carrying the souls of the deceased along the path of their ancestors. The Torajas are also known for the importance of their funeral ceremonies which last several days, and their systems of hanging tombs installed in the cliffs.

During the day, we discover several sites: the Londa cliff, with its mortuary niches, located in the middle of rice fields and clove trees, the village of Kete Kesu with its houses traditional traditions, its rice granaries and the rock inhabited by souls of Suaya with its royal tombs.

After lunch, we discover the newborn graves at Sanggala then we stop at a spice plantation before arriving at Lemo, one of the most beautiful Toraja villages, bordered by a cliff pierced with countless graves and niches with Tau-Tau (dolls bearing the likeness of the deceased). Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon. Night in the same hotel.

The day is dedicated to discovering the magnificent landscapes north of Rantepao. We start with a short walk (1 hour) around Lempo among the coffee plantations and cocoa fields. On foot, we cross several villages, allowing us to authentically discover the daily life of the Toraja people.

After lunch, we stop at the village of Palawa, located on a small hill. This traditional village is worth a detour for its superb “tongkonan” with their painted facades decorated with impressive buffalo horns, facing their rice granaries.

Then, before our return to Rantepao, we visit a traditional weaving center in the village of Sangkombong. Night in the same hotel.

Note: If possible and depending on the planned ceremonies, your guide will take you to a funeral ceremony on day 3 or 4.

After breakfast, we take the road to Mengkendek where we begin our hike through the rice fields and villages allowing us to appreciate the magnificent landscapes of the Toraja Country. In the evening, traditional dinner and overnight stay in a Toraja house in the village of Karerang.

Note: The names of stopover villages are given for information only and are subject to change depending on weather conditions, the trek route, etc.

Second day of hiking through the jungle, rice terraces and villages. Night with locals in the village of Kaero.

Third day of walking through bamboo forests, coffee plantations and rice-growing landscapes. Return to Rantepao and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the village of Se’Seng from where we leave, on foot, to the Maulu River. Rafting down the river (approximately 4 hours, no experience necessary). Return to Rantepao in the afternoon. Night at the hotel.

In the morning, we reach the charming little town of Sengkang which stretches on the banks of the Walanae River.

We then board a fishing boat to explore Tempe Lake and its floating dwellings. This vast lake with shallow waters sometimes dries up completely when the rains are unpredictable. In this case, the boat crossing will not be possible. Your guide will then suggest an alternative hike. The lake is also the refuge of a rich avifauna. If you are discreet, you can observe several species of egrets, herons, ibises, bitterns, cranes…

Night at the hotel.

Transfer to the village of Kajeng, meeting with the inhabitants who have preserved their traditional habits and customs and refuse modern life. Privileged and unique moment with the villagers living almost in self-sufficiency. With a little luck, we may be able to meet the traditional chief of the village “Ammatoa” known as powerful and possessing great powers.

After lunch, we take the road to Bira, a peaceful fishing village lined with magnificent white sand beaches. The rest of the afternoon is free. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, we board a boat to reach @Liukang Island, an ideal place to explore the magnificent coral beds (snorkeling).

In the afternoon, we visit the village of Tanaberu, a charming village surrounded by coconut trees and which is home to one of the main “bugis” shipbuilding sites on the island. Artisans shape one of the oldest traditional fleets in the world. Return to Bira at the end of the afternoon. Night at the hotel.

Free morning to enjoy the beach. At the end of the morning, we take the road towards Makassar. Night at the hotel.