Get ready for an unforgettable journey through South Sulawesi, where every stop offers a new adventure! Your trip begins in the vibrant city of Makassar, where you’ll dive into its rich culture with an exciting city tour. Then, venture to Maros to witness the awe-inspiring Maros Karst formations—nature’s masterpiece.
Next, immerse yourself in the mystical world of Toraja, walking through charming villages and exploring the ancient rock graves that reveal the secrets of the region’s unique traditions. Continue your adventure to Sengkang, where the tranquil beauty of Lake Tempe will leave you speechless. Your journey concludes in Makassar, where you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of stunning landscapes, deep culture, and thrilling discoveries.
Itinerary
The tour will start and end in Makassar. Makassar can be connected with international flights, which are transiting mostly in Singapore. Makassar is also a gateway if you wish to continue your journey to Papua or Raja Ampat.
Day 1: Arrival in Makassar
Arrive in Makassar, the bustling capital of South Sulawesi. Take some time to settle in before heading out for a city tour to discover Makassar’s rich culture and history. Visit landmarks such as Fort Rotterdam and the bustling Losari Beach, where you can experience the local vibes and cuisine. Enjoy your first taste of Sulawesi with a relaxing evening in the city.
Day 2: Exploring Makassar then off to Rammang-rammang (Maros)
After breakfast, depart from Makassar and journey to Maros. Start with a city tour around Makassar to delve deeper into its vibrant culture and historical sites. Later, head to Maros and be awestruck by the dramatic beauty of the Maros Karst, with its towering limestone formations and stunning landscapes. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Overnight in Maros.
Day 3: Exploring Maros Karst Area, and off to Toraja
Today offers a peaceful escape from the city hustle as you immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Maros. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the starting point, where you’ll begin a scenic walk through lush rice fields and towering limestone cliffs or along a charming small road leading to a traditional village. Enjoy a refreshing snack and tea served in a local Buginese house before continuing your walk between two massive limestone walls to explore a cave featuring ancient handprints. Afterwards, your journey continues with a long drive to Makassar. If time permits, you can stop at Lakawan Hilltop, where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee overlooking Mount Kabobong before you continue the drive to Makassar. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for your first full day in this fascinating region. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of Toraja, where traditions and beauty are perfectly blended.
*If you prefer to avoid the long drive, you can also take a flight from Makassar to Palopo, and then you can go to Toraja by car. This shortens the travel distance by more than 5 hours
Day 4: Village Walk in Toraja
Immerse yourself in the heart of Toraja with a village walk. Experience the warmth of local hospitality as you explore traditional Torajan villages, surrounded by breathtaking views of rice terraces and mountains. Learn about the Torajan way of life, including their unique customs and ceremonies. You’ll have the chance to meet the locals and discover their fascinating traditions.
Day 5: Visit the Rock Graves
Today, discover Toraja’s fascinating culture by visiting the famous rock graves. These ancient burial sites, carved into the cliffs, offer a glimpse into the unique funeral rites and traditions of the Torajan people. The grave sites are surrounded by stunning landscapes, making this a deeply cultural and visually enriching experience. Return to your accommodation for an evening of reflection.
Day 6: Drive to Sengkang
Leave Toraja behind as you travel to the serene town of Sengkang. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush hills and picturesque landscapes, and upon arrival, take in the peaceful surroundings. Sengkang is known for its tranquil beauty and is a perfect place to relax and recharge after a few days of cultural exploration.
Day 7: Visit Lake Tempe then depart to Makassar
On your return journey to Makassar, make a stop at Lake Tempe, a stunning freshwater lake surrounded by mountains. Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the peaceful, scenic beauty of the area. Lake Tempe is a shallow lake fringed by wetlands with traditional floating houses and a large population of wonderful bird life. Lake Tempe is the place for ornithologists. You can go by long-tail boat on the vast lake, and you will visit a traditional floating house and enjoy drinking tea or coffee and eating fried bananas (Pisang Goreng) with the locals. It is a village that is really unique, with around 30 houses inhabited by traditional fishermen in the middle of the vast Tempe Lake. Some fishermen live by doing daily fishing, drying some river fish and other activities. Arriving in Makassar, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest for the night.
Day 8: Departure
After a restful night, it’s time to say goodbye to South Sulawesi. Depending on your departure time, you may have some last-minute shopping or a final stroll through the city before heading to the airport for your departure.
This adventure through South Sulawesi will leave you with incredible memories, rich cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes to remember forever!
Couple
For two person
- Private AC Car
- Accommodation based on 3*
- Excursions as mentioned
- Breakfast from day 2 to day 8
- Local Guide on day 2 to day 5, day 7
Family
Family of 4 and 5 *suitable for children age 10 years and up
- Private AC Car
- Accommodation based on 3*
- Excursions as mentioned
- Breakfast from day 2 to day 8
- Local Guide on day 2 to day 5, day 7
Group
For more than 6 person *private, not shared with others
- Personal English-speaking guide
- Private AC Minivan
- Accommodation based on 3*
- Excursions as mentioned
- Breakfast from day 2 to day 8
- Local Guide on day 2 to day 5, day 7
Information on your tours
– The price is calculated based on the number of people mentioned above. Price is based on per person, and the final price of the trip depends on the departure date and trip planning, including accommodation and activities you choose. The route is merely a sample and can be customised further to adapt to your holiday wishes.
– All of your tour elements are based on private tours
– Our driver doesn’t speak English; therefore, we expect them to primarily communicate the start time, locate a toilet stop, and make stops upon request. However, we will not provide additional services beyond that. Of course, they are happy to assist passengers with luggage and ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
– Private English-speaking guides are available for an additional fee to enhance your journey. You can also reach a 24/7 assistance line with English-speaking support, which is provided in your travel documentation.
– If you prefer a higher level of accommodation for your trip, feel free to check with our team for the additional cost.
– International flights, visas, and travel insurance (strongly recommended) are not included in the price.