The highlight of Toraja South Sulawesi
The Toraja people are well known for their specific and strong culture, which can be seen in the death Ceremony, Traditional houses with arch-shaped rugs, and beautiful carvings with natural colors. An ethnic group who believes that their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain some twenty generations ago, the Torajas have a unique culture based on animistic beliefs.
Known for their grand burial ceremonies on cliffs or hanging graves, they practice an ancestral cult even today where death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts when buffaloes are sacrificed in the final death ceremony, after which the deceased’s remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, looking out from a “balcony”. As death has such an “important meaning” when the souls are released, burials are elaborate and follow days of feasting. Rock graves are also a form of burial. A strict hierarchy is followed in the villages. They are known for their unusual customs; today most are Christians. The Toraja also resisted the Dutch until the first decade of the 20th Century.
The Province of South Sulawesi is comprised of 23 Regencies, with three main ethnic groups, Makassarese, Buginese, and Torajanese (1 ethnic group is “Mandar” nowadays has become part of the new province, West Sulawesi, but in history, it remains a part of another ethnic in South Sulawesi). The region’s unique culture, ancient traditions, mystical way of life, and ethnic natural beauty make it a notable addition to one’s travel experiences. It is a place where travelers interact with both nature and local people, where nature and the people are one, and where both are shared with the visitor.
Tourist attractions in South Sulawesi can be said to be complete compared to other regions in Indonesia. Starting from the sea to the beach, from the mainland to the mountains, you can find many fantastic tourist attractions and the fascinating natural tropical scene, from the underwater to the mountainous area including karst mountains, lakes, waterfalls, culture, traditional houses, Phinisi boat craftsmen, culinary, diving places, ceremonial, traditional dance, carving, beautiful weaving silk, and many other attractions that you can witness during your trip to South Sulawesi area.
Tour Itinerary
Day1: Makasar to Toraja ( L, D )
Upon arrival at Hasanuddin International Airport Makassar, meeting services. Afterward, we will take you out on the picturesque drive to Toraja with approx. 8 hours driving along the Bugisnese villages with their typical houses. We will stop for a photo-taking during the trip. Lunch will be served in a seafood restaurant in Pare-Pare. In the afternoon stop on the Puncak Lakawan to enjoy the spectacular view. Arrive in Rantepao in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Toraja Tour Full Day ( Londa – Ke’te Ke’su) ( B, L, D )
After breakfast, a full day exploring Toraja. The first visit will be to Lemo to see rows of Tau Tau statues and the hanging graves. Then continue to discover the secrets of baby trees in Kambira. Onwards to Suaya the graveyard of Kings of Sangalla lies on the hillsides, and then proceed to Londa to see ancient tombs in which the deceased was not buried, but placed among the rocks.
At Kete Kesu one of the oldest Torajan villages, you can see Tongkonan (the traditional ancestral house, or Rumah adat of the Torajan people), and also the old traditional rice barns with colorful woodcarving. Lunch in Rantepao. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at a Hotel.
Day 3: Toraja Full Day Tour – Batutumonga ( B, L, D )
After breakfast, we will bring you out for a full-day trip to Batutumonga, enjoying superb views of Rantepao and the surrounding valleys. also, enjoy a walk along the rice fields where you can see the daily life of the Torajan people. Lunch in a local restaurant in Rantepao. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Day 4: Toraja – Lake Tempe – Sengkang ( B, L, D )
After breakfast check out the hotel then tour Lake Tempe and ride a traditional boat to see the way of life of some people who still live in their floating houses, the floating fisherman village stands in a row decorated with colorful flags. The lake, which is about 13.000 hectares in width, seems like a giant washbasin when it is viewed from above. Subsistence for people living around. After that lunch at a local restaurant then continue the trip to Sengkang transfer to a hotel rest and relax.
Day 5 : Sengkang – Tanjung Bira ( BL,D )
After breakfast at the hotel, check out then continue to Bone Regency, located in the center of the former Bugis kingdom. Lunch will be served in Wattampone and visit Tana Beru Village, where we will have a chance to admire the skillful hands of Phinisi boat craftsman, then to Tanjung Bira.
Day6: BiraBeach–LiukkangIsland/SnorklingActivity (B, L, D)
Buffet breakfast at a hotel/resort, leaving for Liukkang Island, Liukkang Island is a small beautiful island and it is an ideal place for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Lunch will be provided on the island in a simple style. Afternoon back to Tanjung Bira, free program. Dinner at a local restaurant or hotel.
Day 7: Bira Beach Free and Easy
Free and Easy enjoy on the beach in Tanjung Bira
Day 8: Tanjung Bira – Makassar Airport (BL).
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and leave for Makassar. Lunch will be served en route or in Makassar. Upon arriving in Makassar direct transfer to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar or some other place.
Price Include:
- Entrance Fee Ticket
- Fast Boat to Liukkang Island
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation 7 Night
Our Services do not include:
- Visa arrangements.
- International and domestic flights.
- International and domestic departure tax.
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc).
- Travel Insurance