The Transulawesi
From the Bugis shipyards to the sacred Toraja lands, then from the Bada megaliths to the coral depths of the Togian.
Duration
24 days
From
€2,595/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
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.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Sulawesi!
Aéroport De Makassar → Makassar
Reception at Makassar airport by your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free.
Shipyards
Route towards Bira, located on the western tip of the island, visit shipbuilding yards along the way (mainly in Tanaberu). Renowned for supplying the finest wooden boats in Sulawesi and probably in Indonésie, the carpenters still use ancestral techniques without any construction plans, relying solely on know-how passed down from father to son. The schooners " penisi " (large cargo ships) can reach over 30 metres and nearly 200 tonnes.
Relaxing afternoon by the sea, visit of traditional Bugis houses where ikat is woven.
Towards the Bugis Land
Free morning (possibility to practice snorkelling) before heading to Sengkang, located on the edge of Lake Tempe, a paradise and refuge for hundreds of birds (350km² in area but barely 5 meters deep). Along the way, visit rubber plantations.
Tempe Lake
At dawn, departure on a long motorized pirogue to discover the riches of Lake Tempe, its winged fauna, dozens of egrets, herons... taking flight as our boat makes its way through an astonishing plant universe that closes behind us.
Meeting with fishermen who live permanently on the lake in floating bamboo houses, (in August, you can attend the "MacceraTappareng" festival intended to purify the lake waters).
On the return, visit to silk weaving workshops.
Road to Rantepao, the Rantepao, capital of the Toraja region, by a splendid mountain road.
Toraja Land
First discovery of the amazing universe that constitutes all the originality of this people through the visit of the market for pigs and buffalo.
Then visits to the sites of Lemo, Suaya, Kete, Londa, Bri, Tampang Allo, which will allow you an in-depth approach to the particular relationship that the Toraja maintain with death…
Possibility of attending an impressive funeral ceremony (ceremonies are very frequent).
Immersion
Morning transfer to the perched village of Batutumonga which we will reach after a superb walk (approximately 2 hours) through terraced rice fields. Many encounters with local inhabitants.
Night in a Toraja house shaped like a boat.
2 hours of walking
Elevation gain: 500m / Elevation loss: 600m
Diversity of landscapes
Batutumonga → Kamojang
Full day trekking between rice fields and bamboo forests. You discover a surprising use of bamboo in typical Toraja cuisine.
Visit to many Toraja villages.
Elevation gain (positive & negative) : 1 200 m
Towards the center of Sulawesi
Long road towards the center of the island until Pendolo, located south of Lake Poso This immense lake, 323 km² in area, is one of the deepest on the planet (450m) and its waters are considered among the purest on the planet (their temperature is nearly constant around 26-30° regardless of depth).
Around Lake Poso
A day dedicated to orchid hunting in the forests surrounding the lake and, with a bit of luck, the possibility of spotting two of the endemic and extremely rare animals, the Anoa (small forest deer) and the babiroussa (deer-pig)…
Return to the hotel, possibility of swimming in the warm waters of the lake (but be careful as local legend tells of the presence of a Loch Ness-type monster…).
Lore Lindu National Park
By 4x4, you reach the Lore Lindu National Park. This 2290 km² park was classified as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations. Located between 200m and 2620m altitude, the fauna it hosts is particularly rich, with 227 bird species including the Red-knobbed Hornbill (the largest on the planet), you can also encounter the very elusive Anoa or the extremely rare Babirusa, not to mention the "cuscuses" (opossums), the giant civet and 3 species of tarsiers (the smallest mammal on the planet...).
Bada Valley
Day of multiple discoveries: fauna, discovery of strange giant megaliths (4m high) of 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.
Hiking: 6h (elevation changes: +100/-150m)
Towards Ampana
Return by 4x4 to Tentana.
Then after lunch on the shores of Lake Poso, transfer to The town of Ampana. Night by the sea facing the immense Tomini Gulf and the Molucca Sea.
Towards Paradise
Early in the morning, boarding on a speed ferry heading to the Togian Islands.
Togian Islands
Togian is an archipelago of 56 islands and islets, 30 km south of the Equator, located in the Tomini Bay. Emerging from volcanic activity, the islands are covered in tropical forest and bordered by coral reefs. The average water temperature is 31°C and (as is most often the case) underwater visibility reaches 40 to 50 meters.
Both the marine and terrestrial ecosystems are in a pristine and wild state, which is extremely rare or disappearing. The coasts and coral reefs form an excellent habitat for many wild animals specific to the Togians, such as sea turtles, dugongs, macaques, parrots, babirusa wild boars,…
In the heart of this paradise, 37 villages live joyfully and originate from different ethnic cultures, such as the Bobongko, the Togian, the Saluan and the sea nomads, the Bajau. These two days will be devoted to exploring this little paradise: Unauna and its active Colo volcano, Malengue and its wildlife, the Bajau villages and its sea nomads and of course exploration of the breathtakingly beautiful underwater depths.
Night in bungalows.
Towards Gorontalo
Departure by speed-ferry to Gorontalo. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.
To Manado
Early in the morning, departure towards Manado, the capital of northern Sulawesi. Continue 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 the Lokon volcano, the Minahasa region and the tip of Sulawesi island). Descent and drive to the Tandano caldera lake.
Visit to a fish farming site for "ikan mas" and lunch in a traditional restaurant on the lake shore.
Return to Tomohon and ascent of the active Lokon volcano (approximately 1h30). Depending on volcanic activity, possibility to descend to the bottom of the crater.
Hiking: 5 hours (elevation gain: +500m/-500m)
Minahasa Region & Tangkoko National Park
Morning transfer to Tangkoko national park.
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 spot endemic wildlife: black macaques, hornbills and the park's star attraction: the fragile Tarsius (the world's smallest mammal).
Hiking: 2 hours (elevation gain: +100m/-150m)
Rest
Free day to enjoy the pleasures of the sea and the most beautiful white sand beach in northern Sulawesi.
Many activities are possible: hiking, snorkelling, 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 and domestic flights
- Insurance and Assistance
- Airport taxes & visas
- Beverages, personal expenses & tips
- Travel insurance & assistance
- Everything not listed in "Included"
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Land transfers in private and air-conditioned vehicle
- Maritime transfers
- Full board accommodations
- Rafting
- Site entrances, trek permits & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during trekking 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
Photographe des volcans et sentiers indonésiens, 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
