Day 1 Makassar
After arrival at the airport there is a transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is leisure. It is possible to visit places of interest or relax in the hotel with an attractive pool right at the waterfront of Makassar. In the evening the boulevard starts to live when many pushcarts are placed near the waterside and start selling all sorts of food until late in the night: for seafood dishes this is the right place to go. A part of the boulevard is closed for traffic to enjoy a nice sunset.
Makassar (called Ujung Pandang between 1972 and 1999) is the lively capital of South-Sulawesi and because of its central location the city functions as a gate to the eastern islands of Indonesia already for centuries. Makassar also has a rich historical past with two powerful kingdoms that were able to resist the Dutch colonial forces for many years. The fort of Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang) in the centre of Makassar is a well-preserved remains of that past. |
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Day 2 Makassar - Bantimurung (Via Maros)
In the early morning the road starts to the district of Maros, known for its National Park Bantimurung Bulusaraung. At this park, first a visit is made to Leang Leang, which lies in the National Part. Leang Leang means cave in Sulawesi, attracting not only tourists but also scientists. The scenery is wonderful; big black stones in pile and the specific character for limestone. Then the tour continues to the ‘Kingdom of Butterflies’. This park contains unique species and the rarest and biggest butterfly in the world, the Papillo Androcole. Moreover, it has four types of protected butterflies which are Troides Hypolitus, Troides Helena, Troides Halipron and Chetosia Myrina. The road of the butterflies continues to a 1,000 ha space surrounding waterfalls, vegetated limestone cliffs and large karts area, providing a beautiful panorama. Finally the Batu caves and cave dreams are reached, with a relief of ancient memories. They can be reached by walking down the path of approximately 800 meters. In this amazing National Park a mountain spring water can also be found, flowing naturally
Day 3 Bantimurung - Enrekang
The day begins northwards via a scenic road on the way to Enrekang, following the coast and through sawah landscapes passing the small and friendly town of Watansoppeng. In the middle of this town thousands of bats spend their lazy days hanging in trees. Enrekang is a cool, hillside district known for its Dangke- local cheese produced from cow or water buffalo’s milk using coconut shell as a moulding cup and the rare Kalosi Arabica coffee beans. Enrekang is surrounded by two mountains, Buttu Kabobong or Batu Nona Mountain – famous for a seemingly female genitalia shape and Bambapuang Mountain, once a sacred site believed as the origin of civilization on South Sulawesi. Some cliff areas in Enrekang show the remains of Toraja-style tombs which were carved out of rock known as Tebing Tontonan. A visit is brought to the Enrekang Botanical Garden which has a range of floral collection including various Sulawesi orchid species. Enrekang communities also conduct a four-day spiritual celebration to the ancestors for blessings their harvest once every eight years in a tradition called Maccera Manurung.
Day 4 Enrekang - Rantepao
The journey continues via a small secondary and sometimes bumpy road to the direction of Rantepao. On the way several villages are passed, see people working on their lands and enjoy the incredible views of this mountainous area. This almost 60 km long road allows for great walking opportunities. Afterwards the main road is crossed, following the winding road ending in the heart of Toraja. Sanggala, the Toraja sights of Suaya and Tampang’allo are passed where you can see ancient graves and tau-tau puppets. In the afternoon Rantepao is reached.
Day 5 Rantepao, Toraja
This day the Toraja highlands are to be discovered. Various Toraja villages are visited and to get a good picture of the culture of past and present Toraja. These picturesque villages are located in an amazing mountainous landscape dominated by rice terraces and bamboo forests. Experience the different ways the Toraja burry their death, like hanging graves as it was done in the old days and the well-known stone graves guarded by puppets, tau-tau, high up a rock. Also the baby graves in the trunk of big trees as well as huge richly carved traditional houses with their rice barns will be on the program. Moreover, a visit is brought to the mountainous Batututomonga with its spectacular views with the opportunity to walk for short or longer distances.
Day 6 Toraja
This day a trekking is made through a unique part of Toraja not often visited by other tourists. Most of the trip you will walk at high altitudes (900-1300 meter) with astonishing views. Walking through rice terraces balancing on narrow rice dikes and via small dirt roads only used by local people. Crossing small rivers by bamboo bridge or wade through the water. The villages that are passed along the way are very traditional.
Toraja
The mountainous district of Toraja is the homeland of several ethnic groups who are called Toraja (Toraja means ‘the people of the mountains’ or ‘the people of the west’. The Toraja call their traditional religion Aluk to Dolo (rites of the ancestors) and they live according to the patron that was defined by the ancestors and gods. These include the impressive rituals that accompany the burying of the deceased. The beautiful carved houses with the remarkable roofs, the so-called tongkonan, are also built according principles of Aluk to Dolo. Although most Toraja are Christian nowadays, still many traditions live on. |
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Day 7 Toraja - Sengkang
Early in the morning arrival at Sengkang, the journey continues on board of a traditional colourful motorized canoe. The canoe trip will sail the small Walennea River to the Tempe Lake, a lake that covers an area of at least 1.000 ha in the dry season and expands to around 35.000 ha during the wet season when all surrounding areas are flooded. Observe the local fishermen catch fish in different ways using nets, fishing roads and bamboo fences. More than 20 species of water birds can be seen at this lake. Some of the fishermen live in floating houses near the edge of the lake. A visit is made to the floating house to drink tea and coffee together with its inhabitants. After return to Sengkang, some small villages nearby are visited to see the process of traditional silk weaving. At certain days of the month it is also possible to see the cocoons or the spinning of the fine silk threads.
Day 8 Sengkang - Bira
In the morning the road goes to Bira. On the way a short stop is made at the traditional village of Tanah Tua, homeland of The Kajang who tries to live according to traditional rules, in harmony with nature. This nature provides them with everything they need. Food is cultivated, houses are made of wood and palm leaves and the clothes are weaved themselves and dyed with a dark natural colour. Take a walk through the village (dressed in black clothes) and visit some of the houses. Once arrived at Bira, it is possible to relax at the white sandy beach of Bira.
Day 9 Bira - Makassar
In the morning departure is by a small boat to a fisherman island nearby with a beautiful beach and colourful fishes and corals. Make wonderful walks through a small village near the beach to see the local daily life. Go snorkelling or which Bira also offers are some nice areas for short walks, caves, dry forest with endemic black monkeys and off course the well-known traditional wooden boat building (pinisi). When lucky witness this labour-intensive work at one of the beaches nearby. On the way to Makassar another stop is made at the amazing waterfall Takapala at Malino. The Takapala waterfall is about 50 meters high. The journey ends in Makassar.
Day 10 Makassar
Leisure day. This is the end of amazing Toraja. There is a transfer to the airport which takes you to the next destination.
Price starting from € 1.225,- p.p.
* The arrangement as described can be booked as a private or as a group journey.
* Due to weather conditions the program can be changed
* The journey includes hotel or cottage accommodation with breakfast
* Transfer by private car
* Additional options can be arranged, such as:
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- International or Domestic flights
- Lunches and/or dinner
- Daily guide, speaking the language of your choice
- Insurances
- Entrance fees at the sites
- Any other wish to complete your journey |
