Sulawesi, or Celebes is the world's eleventh-largest island and is situated between Borneo and the Maluku islands. Famous for its endemic mammals, a sea rich in biodiversity, pristine beaches and lush rainforest, Sulawesi is the perfect destination for avid divers and nature lovers seeking tranquility in hidden corners of paradise. Southern Sulawesi, in particular, was made famous by Torajan ethnic group. Residing in a remote area up on mountainous region in Tana Toraja regency, the indegenous group with originally animism belief has preserved ancient funerary customs known to be the most complex funeral traditions in the world Aluk Todolo.
Day 1
Arrival Makassar - Transfer to Sengkang
(L/D)
Upon arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, meet your assigned guide and then you will be transferred directly to the town of Sengkang which is located on the east side of Tempe Lake. Enjoy lunch en-route at a local restaurant. Arrival at Sengkang, proceed directly to the lake shore for a cruise on a longtail boat. Discover the floating village and the local silk weaving village. In the afternoon, drive to the hotel for check-in. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Sengkang
Day 2
Sengkang - Rantepao (Tana Toraja)
(B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out afterwards. A five hour scenic drive takes you to Rantepao. A town and capital of North Toraja regency, Rantepao is known as the cultural center of Toraja ethnic group with noteworthy buildings built with designs using traditional elements of the Toraja culture with typical roof. En-route, enjoy lunch at the local restaurant and proceed driving to arrive at a hotel in Rantepao. Check-in and evening is at your own leisure with dinner provided.
Overnight at hotel of choice in Rantepao
Day 3
Toraja Highlands
(B/L/D)
fter breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at the hotel lobby to embark on an excursion to discover the spirit of the land and the culture of Toraja highlands. Drive to Lemo to observe a cliff displaying ancestral sculptures and the hanging graves. Continue to Londa for its ancient ceremonial burial place and proceed to KETE KESU village to admire Tongkonan traditional Torajan house and local woodcarving. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon, dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel of choice in Rantepao
Day 4
Toraja Highlands
(B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel, then drive towards Batutumonga where you can enjoy superb views over Rantepao and surrounding valleys. On to Palawa Village nestled on a small hill to admire more traditional houses and to observe local daily life. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Rantepao. Proceed to a weaving center located in Sa'dan, then transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel of choice in Rantepao
Day 5
Toraja - Makassar
(B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast at hotel and check out afterwards. An approximate 8-hour scenic drive to Makassar with a lunch stop at Parepare to follow. Check-in at your choice of hotel in Makassar and the evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel of choice in Makassar
Day 6
Makassar - Gorontalo by air - Pulo Cinta
(B/L/D)
Breakfast and check out from the hotel and transfer directly to the airport for your flight to Gorontalo city. Located in the province of Gorontalo, the city lies in the northern tip of Sulawesi on Minahasa Peninsula. Arrive at Jalaluddin Airport, our exclusive airport pick-up will be waiting. Direct transfer to the village of Potanga in Boalemo regency, where a boat awaits. Arrive at Pulo Cinta 20 minutes later, check in at your villa and enjoy the rest of the evening free at leisure.
Overnight at Pulo Cinta
Day 7
Pulo Cinta Free at Leisure
(B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast while taking in the breathtaking view of the azure blue water environment. Located within the area of the Coral Triangle, the eco resort is surrounded by pristine dive sites waiting to be discovered. Colorful tropical fish on even more colorful coral reefs. Licensed divers may opt to do scuba diving while the adventurous non-licensed can try the Discovery Dive (additional charges apply). End your day relaxing at your private deck as the sun begins to set.
Overnight at Pulo Cinta
Day 8
Pulo Cinta Free at Leisure
(B/L/D)
Breakfast at resort and today is a full day at leisure, providing you a chance to do pre-arranged activities or excursions that suit your interests (additional charge applies). For cultural immersion, opt for Boalemo excursion to observe the simple daily life at the coastal village and to meet the famous sea gypsy tribe of Bajo believed to originate from the southern Philippines. Another option is Waterfall excursion which includes return transfer, short soft-trekking, and picnic lunch nearby a three-tiered waterfall. Dinner set will be served at the resort.
Overnight at Pulo Cinta
Day 9
Departure Pulo Cinta - Transfer to airport
(B)
Enjoy breakfast then check out from the resort. At the designated time, transfer to the mainland by boat and on to the airport in Gorontalo using air-conditioned vehicle for your onward journey with wonderful memories of Pulo Cinta.
Accommodation
Toraja Misiliana Hotel is owned and run by a local Torajan family since 1980. We promise to provide a warm family atmosphere to make you feel at home outside your home. At the beginning Misiliana Hotel started with only 5 rooms, a lobby and a restaurant. With determination to deliver the best service quality to our guests, more rooms and other facilities were added to enhance the standard. Now, 98 guest rooms are operating that we designed in combination of international ambiance and traditional Torajanese culture. All rooms offer magnificent views of beautiful gardens or a mountain panorama with a peaceful atmosphere.
At an altitude of 700 meters (2,300 feet) with views across to a huge mountain range, the Toraja Heritage Hotel follows the architectural style of traditional Torajan clan houses with a massive roof shaped like a ship's prow. Inside however, the resort has been furnished to the highest standards to provide the perfect blend of tradition and comfort. The Toraja Heritage Hotel is the first four star International hotel in Toraja. The 134 rooms and suites have marble bathrooms and balconies facing the rice fields. Toraja handicrafts have been used to great effect in all the guest rooms, and all have international standard amenities.
