Toraja Heritage & Bali’s Tropical Bliss

Upon arrival at Makassar Airport, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, sits along the Makassar Strait and serves as a vibrant gateway to the region.

In the afternoon, depending on your arrival time, begin your exploration with a visit to the bustling fish market—an essential gathering place where fresh seafood plays a key role in Indonesian cuisine. Next, head to Paotere Harbor to admire the magnificent wooden schooners, a testament to Indonesia’s maritime heritage.

The tour continues with a visit to Fort Rotterdam, originally built in 1545 by Raja Tunipalangga. Initially a simple earthen fortification known as a "makassar," it was reinforced with stone walls in 1634 under Sultan Alaudin’s orders. Later, in 1667, the Dutch took control and renamed it "Rotterdam," after the birthplace of Admiral Cornelis Speelman. Today, the fort has been beautifully restored and houses a small museum showcasing its rich history.

In the evening, welcome dinner. The opportunity to get to know your support team.

In the morning, transfer to the Maros region, once explored by the famous naturalist Alfred Wallace. This breathtaking landscape, known for its karst peaks and lush rice fields, offers a glimpse into Sulawesi’s ancient and natural wonders.

Take a short walk through the area and visit a remarkable cave adorned with paintings dating back nearly 39,000 years.

Your guide will then take you on a traditional dugout canoe ride along a serene river, home to diverse bird species. Along the way, you’ll meet local communities living in traditional stilt houses, gaining insight into their way of life.By late morning, continue your journey to the coastal town of Pare Pare before heading inland along the Sa’Dan River.

As the road winds through magnificent landscapes, the open plains give way to dense coconut forests. Stop en route at Bambapuang for a striking view of the so-called “erotic” mountain, a natural rock formation with a unique silhouette.

Arrive in Rantepao, the heart of Toraja country, in the early evening.

Today's program begins with a visit to the Lemo burial site, where balconies carved into the rock house the iconic Tau Tau figurines.

Then, transfer to the royal tombs of Suaya before continuing on foot to Tampangg'alo, another fascinating site.

In the afternoon, explore the Londa caves, set at the base of a towering cliff and home to wooden coffins and scattered bones. Enjoy an easy hike to Kete Kusu, a village renowned for its intricate wood carvings and traditional rice granaries, passing through rice fields, villages, and bamboo forests along the way

Note : the course of the three-day programme exploring Toraja country may be adapted if a funeral festival is taking place in the region at this time. Your guide will take you to attend this ceremony and introduce you to the family of the deceased. For your information, no rituals are organised in Toraja country for tourists: everything is absolutely authentic.

In the morning, visit Bori, known for its impressive megalithic tombs, then explore Palawa, the largest traditional village in the region, before heading to Sa'dan, famous for its ancestral weaving techniques.

Transfer to the untamed northern Toraja highlands, where breathtaking views unfold at 1,400m altitude. Enjoy a scenic walk around Batutumonga, through rice fields, villages, and bamboo forests.

Later, set off on a hike from Lokomata — where tombs are carved into a massive rock—towards Mariri, meeting school children on their way home and visiting traditional knife-making workshops along the way.

Visit the vibrant Rantepao market, where many buffaloes and pigs are on sale. Then it's time to attend a funeral ceremony (see "Note" above). In the afternoon, transfer to Pemancar, where you begin a lovely stroll towards Salu, through rice fields and plantations (mainly coffee and cocoa).

Trekking time: approximately 4 hours

In the morning, we head to the charming town of Sengkang , nestled along the banks of the Walanae River.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the shores of lake Tempe and board motorized canoes for an extraordinary exploration of this marshy lake, home to a rich variety of bird species and a fascinating floating village.

This unique encounter offers a glimpse into the villagers’ way of life, where time seems to stand still.

This morning, you join your hosts for a fishing session, experiencing their daily life firsthand. It's a unique opportunity to share their traditions and connect with their way of living. In the afternoon, return to Sengkang and visit traditional silk weaving workshops, where skilled artisans bring intricate patterns to life.

Departure for Makassar airport and flight to Bali in the early evening.

You are welcomed at Denpasar airport and transferred to Ubud, a charming town nestled in the hills north of Denpasar.

Surrounded by lush rice terraces and deep ravines, Ubud is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and traditional Balinese painting school.

Despite the rapid growth of tourism in recent years, the town has managed to retain its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, set off for Goa Gajah, better known as the Elephant Cave. Dating back to the 11th century and built at the confluence of two rivers, this temple is one of Bali’s oldest archaeological sites. Continue to the village of Tampaksiring to visit the temples of Gunung Kawi, arguably the most striking site in Bali, where the nine tombs of King Wungsu’s family are carved into the cliffside. Next, visit Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple where hundreds of Balinese come daily to perform purification rituals. The journey then takes you towards the caldera of Mount Batur (1,725m), passing through a region known for its coffee plantations.

From Penelokan, admire a breathtaking view of the 14-kilometer-long caldera, a testament to the volcano’s turbulent past and its former towering size, once surpassing that of Mount Agung. Below, the volcanic cone of Mount Batur rises amidst the vast caldera, half of which is occupied by Bali’s largest lake, while the other half is covered with plantations and lava fields, remnants of eruptions in 1917 and 1926.

Descend into the caldera for a closer look at the lava flows before heading to Kehen temple in Bangli, one of Bali’s most sacred temples. With its lush garden and towering eleven-tiered "meru," this temple is steeped in spirituality and tradition.

Return to Ubud in the early evening, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village.

This morning, you visit Pura Taman Ayun, a state temple located in Mengwi. One of the few temples dedicated to the worship of royal ancestral deities, it boasts peaceful gardens and elegant multi-tiered shrines, creating an atmosphere of serenity and reverence.Next, head to the Sangeh Monkey Forest, a lesser-known yet equally enchanting sanctuary compared to its Ubud counterpart. Home to over 500 free-roaming monkeys and three ancient temples, this mystical forest offers a glimpse into the spiritual bond between Balinese culture and nature.You then journey to Jatiluwih, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Bali’s most breathtaking rice terraces.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these cascading fields stretch endlessly, forming a mesmerizing green landscape. Enjoy a scenic hike through this natural masterpiece, immersing yourself in the harmony between humans and nature.

Later, visit the magnificent Ulun Danau a Hindu-Buddhist sanctuary floating on the tranquil waters of Lake Beratan. The temple’s tiered roofs reflect beautifully in the lake, creating one of Bali’s most iconic and spiritual sights.

A giant sacred banyan tree at the entrance adds to the mystical charm of the site.In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Bedugul market, filled with tropical fruits, fragrant spices, and handcrafted goods, before continuing your journey into the lush highlands of Munduk, where the fresh mountain air and serene landscapes provide the perfect retreat.

This morning, you head towards the eastern part of the island, where sacred temples and stunning landscapes await.

Your first stop is Brahma Vihara, Bali’s only Buddhist temple, nestled in lush nature atop a hill. Overlooking the valley and the shimmering sea beyond the rice fields, this peaceful sanctuary exudes an atmosphere of deep serenity and contemplation.

Continuing your journey, you reach Sangsit, home to the Beiji Temple, a striking 16th-century sanctuary.

Unlike the temples of southern Bali, Beiji Temple showcases intricate symmetry, ornate carvings, and distinct Chinese influences, making it a unique architectural gem of northern Bali.

By the afternoon, you arrive at your beachfront hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the tranquil coastal ambiance.

Witnessing the sunrise in Amed is an unforgettable experience. As the first light of day emerges, fishing boats return to shore, silhouetted against the rising sun with the towering Mount Agung standing proudly in the distance—a breathtaking sight.After breakfast, your journey takes you to Pura Lempuyan, perched just above Tirtagganga in eastern Bali.

You then visit Besakih Temple, Bali’s most sacred and revered temple, located on the misty slopes of Mount Agung at 1,000 meters above sea level. Comprising 22 distinct temples spread across seven terraces, Besakih is the island’s oldest and most significant spiritual site. Between its towering 11-tiered meru, its near-constant religious ceremonies, and its breathtaking views between sea and mountains, Besakih embodies the spiritual heart of Bali.The day concludes with a transfer to Sidemen, one of Bali’s most picturesque valleys.

Surrounded by lush rice fields, salak plantations, and traditional weaving workshops producing the famous ikat textiles, Sidemen offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

Your morning is dedicated to a scenic three-hour trek around Sidemen, a region renowned for its lush highland plantations and endless rice terraces. As you wander through this picturesque setting, you pass by charming hamlets, offering an authentic glimpse into local village life.

Along the way, you cross an old hanging bridge, adding a touch of adventure to your journey. The verdant landscape, rich in tropical flora, creates an atmosphere of serenity and immersion in Bali’s natural beauty.

The afternoon is yours to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of your hotel. Whether lounging by the pool, surrounded by rice paddies, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance, this is the perfect moment to relax before your next adventure.