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Experience the most fulfilling-authentic journey to South Sulawesi. The massive island, epicenter of The Wallace Line, is home to fringing coral reefs, towering mountains, tropical dense rainforest, majestic lakes and rich cultural traditions.
Rammang-Rammang Village, one-hour from Makassar, is a small, subdued village set on breathtaking landscape of gigantic limestone and small rivers, reached via short boat ride from the main road. The limestone karsts are extremely beautiful and hold the title of world’s second largest limestone formation.
Bira, a sleepy coastal village where goats outnumbered vehicles, is a home to absolutely astonishing beaches with mighty severe tides. As a result, the astounding underwater view of Bira is reserved for more advance snorkelers and divers. The best spots would require a full day boat trip. A small village before entering Bira, called Tanaberu, is famous for phinisi-boat-making ‘factory’. This is the source of all luxury phinisi wooden boat that sails Komodo and other remote parts of Indonesia.
The hub to numerous amounts of caves with ancient paintings and more limestone karsts that is described as ‘having more holes than Swiss cheese’. Leang Leang Cave is a must-visit destination as it offers unique landscape and historical stories.
Sengkang is a small stopover town 4 hours riding North from Bira. It is the home to the beautiful hidden treasure of South Sulawesi, Lake Tempe. Guests must take the small boat ride through the Walanae River to arrive at the lake. The view is simply amazing all around, and the floating village across the lake entry makes a wonderful stop to see the local Bajo village and enjoying sunset over their traditional snacks. Sengkang is also known for its weaving village, offering a chance to view the process or shop the fabrics.
All South Sulawesi travel starts in Makassar Town. The city itself is full of general pandemonium, and travelers generally make transit stays here. However, the town has several point of interest such as Fort Rotterdam (one of the best-preserved Dutch architecture in Indonesia), which contains the La Galigo Museum (cultural artifacts). Another site to visit is Old Gowa, remnants of Gowa Kingdom containing Sultan Hasanuddin grave, Sungguminasa Fort and Balla Lompoa Museum. Finally, Losari Beach is the town’s iconic sunset point. Note that it is generally not a good idea to visit them on weekends due to locals swarming the places. The city is also rich for traditional culinaries, mainly seafood feasts, coto makassar and palubasa soup.
Drive an hour away from Tana Toraja and you will reach at a peculiarly shaped mountain called Erotic Mountain (Gunung Nona). The locals said that the mountain looks like female’s private part. You can enjoy the view of ample amount of greeneries from the small warung located on the main street, across the valley.
Malino is a town brimmed with natural wonders to explore. You can see beautiful tea plantation of Malino Highlands, vibrant lush pine forests, and visit Sulawesi’s tallest waterfall, Takapala Waterfall. For you who love to explore nature, these two destinations are the best spots for witnessing scenic landscape.
The center of Tana Toraja tourism is Rantepao, which despite being smaller than Makale (the town proper of Tana Toraja), has more tourist amenities to enjoy; including all the best hotels. It is also conveniently located at the center of Tana Toraja, serving as the perfect base to surrounding areas. Toraja’s mainstream sites are spread across the massive mountainous region. Most travel would take 2 days to visit them. These sites are Lemo (stone graves), Londa (stone graves; guests can navigate through the burial chamber, guided using oil lamp), Ke’te Kesu (impressive Torajan village, stone graves and wooden coffins) and Kambira Baby Graves (ancient tree used to ‘bury’ unborn babies). Despite being touristy, the places are deservedly so due to its beauty, sheer grandness, and comfortable road access. Another latest addition is the Jesus Christ Statue, located on top of Burake Rock Hill at 1,700m height. It is the world’s second tallest (surpassing Christ The Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro) and the view is astonishing. However, the access uphill is still through steep dirt road (which can sometimes be impassable on wet season) and some 500+ steps to reach the highest point. Another highlight experience in Toraja is to attend their elaborate funeral ceremony. Ceremonies lasts 3-5 days and guests are always welcome to enjoy any part of it. The best part is during the dances, the buffalo sacrifice (though not for faint-hearted clients) and when the body of the deceased is brought to the graves. Ceremony dates are sporadic; more often than not this part of the trip is always improvised on the spot. The most common months for such ceremony is on August and December. There are also several anti-mainstream sites to visit, such as Tampangallo (royal burial site), Suaya (stone graves), Saddan Palawa and Marante Village. They are less visited and provide a more serene experience.
Welcome to Bali, the Island of Gods! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your teman before you will be transferred to South Bali for your transit stay.
In the morning, you will be transferred to Bali Denpasar Airport to board your domestic flight to Makassar (1h 15m). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Sulawesi guide and proceed to your first destination. This first destination is Rammang Rammang Village. It lies over 43,750 hectares between The Karst of Maros and Pangkep regency. Maros Pangkep Karst is the second biggest Karst mountain in the world after South China Karst in Yunnan. The uniqueness of Karst Maros Pangkep region can’t be found in other karst areas in Indonesia. We will take a boat to discover the village. While crossing the river, we can enjoy the view of towering cliffs. The village offers a beautiful landscape’with green rice fields surrounded by karst mountains, which will keep you busy if you love photography. You will also meet friendly local people who are working on the rice fields. You will be meet with the locals by visiting one of the local people houses there to enjoy the warm welcome and hospitality of the villagers of Rammang Ramming. Next, you will visit Leang Leang Art Caves. Now declared an archaeological site, these prehistoric caves have strange rock carvings of hands and wild pigs, believed to be 5,000 years old. Here, you will visit Leang Petta Kere, one of about a hundred caves that have been identified by the Makassar Center for Cultural and Heritage Preservation as once being home to hunter gatherers. Visiting this ancient site, 45 meters above sea level and a 30-meter climb up a ladder, feels surreal, almost like looking through a window into the life of prehistoric men. At the entrance to the cave forms a sort of antechamber, and it is here where twenty-six red-and-white handprints are found. At its center is a painting of a red boar, spanning half a meter in length. It is thought that the cave’s previous inhabitants expected a pretty big meal to keep everyone fed. After this, you will be driven to the city of Makassar for your overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will check out and drive east to visit Malino Highlands (2 hours). Once the favorite hideaway for Dutch, colonial settlers, the Malino Highlands still attract visitors from around the region for a refreshing, relaxing break. Your first destination is the tea plantation. This rolling land of lush tea plantation provides an excellent view, which is best savored on the topmost viewpoint while enjoying the local brewed tea. Next, you head straight to the spectacular Takapala Waterfalls with its impressive 50-meter drop of fresh water. It is one of the few waterfalls at Malino but in terms of size and sheer power, this remains the most impressive one. The fertile soil and abundance of water around the waterfall have created excellent soil for rice cultivation; when harvesting season arrives, a verdant green landscape makes the area around the Takapala Waterfalls even more beautiful. You will also be passing the fruit market along the way, where brief stop can be made to sample fresh local fruits. After this, you will be driven to reach the southernmost region named Bira for your overnight. The region is well known for its exquisite white-sand beach and pristine beauty, where goats still outnumber vehicles. Time permitting, you will enjoy sunset on a hill viewpoint.
Today, you will enjoy the whole day exploring the best of Bira. Cape Bira Beach offers maritime experience like no other beach in South Sulawesi. You will visit and snorkel at Liukang Liu island and Goat island (Pulau Kambing); a highlight not to be missed. Snorkeling around Cape Bira gives amazing views as the surrounding of the cape is trough, where shallow waters area and deep-sea can be seen at the same time. Another unique highlights added on the trip, a village of Phinisi Boat (schooners) craftsmen of Tanah Beru clan is located 15 km before Cape Bira Beach area. Tanah Beru village can be reached either towards or after visiting Cape Bira Beach. The construction of boat here is very cultural, along with the industry that has been done in the village for many hundreds year now. Some of the products even has been exported internationally. The uniqueness of this craftsmanship is that the construction of ships is using natural glue that comes from certain kind of local wood that will harden times to times if mixed with salt waters , an amazing discoveries that has been a legacy passed from generation to generation. Finally, couple of hidden empty beaches located not far from the center of the area, some to be named is Bara Beach. Located only 3km far from the center of Bira Beach, this area is a true discovery with its soft powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise sea which abruptly turns dark blue when the water gets deep. Sit down by the beach until sunset time is very recommended. Talking about serenity in a secluded private beach coast.
Overnight at Amatoa Resort.
You will enjoy a leisurely morning until around 11.30AM, where you will continue your journey north to Sengkang. Sengkang, the capital of a former Bugis kingdom, this historic and bustling market town overlooking Lake Tempe retains its traditional character, as well as many old cultural traditions, silk weaving, colourful bugis weddings-celebrated, according to Ancient customs, dance, and a traditional orchestra. The lake is going to be your destination today. Lake Tempe is a shallow lake fringed by wetlands with traditional floating houses and a large population of wonderful birdlife. You will go by long tail boat on the huge lake and you will visit a traditional floating house and you can drink tea or coffee and eating fried banana (Pisang Goreng) with the locals, while enjoying the spectacular sunset. Afterwards, you will be taken to your accommodation for overnight.
In the morning, you will start the long drive to Toraja. On route, you will make two stops. A 15-minute drive into your journey is a local Silk Weaving Village where you will have a short tour. A further 2 hours by car will take you to the viewpoint at the famous Erotic Mountain. Continue the drive a final 2 hours to reach Toraja. Upon arriving in Toraja, you will proceed to Burake Rock Hills to see the statue of the Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ Statue, located on top of Burake Rock Hill at 1,700m height is the world’s second tallest statue of Jesus, surpassing Christ The Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The view from the top is spectacular. To reach the top your driver must navigate uphill through a steep dirt road and then visitors need to climb some 500+ steps to reach the highest point. After this, you will be taken to your accommodation for overnight.
After breakfast, we begin a full day tour of Tana Toraja’s villages and stone graves. Tana Toraja (‘Land of Toraja’) is a regency of South Sulawesi in Indonesia, a picturesque mountainous region that is home to an indigenous group known as the Torajans. For the Toraja people, life very much revolves around death, but not in a morbid sense. For them, a funeral is a great celebration of life, and is an occasion in which the entire family of the deceased, and all the members the village take part. Their ancient traditions involve funerary customs that have been practiced over many centuries and are known to be the most complex funeral traditions in the world. The population of the Toraja is approximately 650,000. Most are Christian, some are Muslim, and a minority still retain the local beliefs known as Aluk Todolo (Way of the Ancestors), which are most visible during funeral festivities and burial customs. Before the 20th century, Torajans lived in autonomous villages, where they practised animism, the view that non-human entities, animals, plants etc., possess a spiritual essence. They were relatively untouched by the outside world until Dutch missionaries arrived to convert the Torajan highlanders to Christianity. Nevertheless, even those that follow other religions in Tana Toraja, still congregate when it comes to ancient funeral customs. During their lives, the Torajans work extremely hard to accumulate wealth. But unlike other societies, the Torajans do not save their money to give themselves a good life, rather they save for a good send off in death. In fact, it is the extravagance of the funeral, not the wedding, which marks a family’s status. There are many sites to visit, and the itinerary today will be flexible to cater your pace. Among the sites we will visit, includes Lemo where burials were made in artificial caves on the face of the cliff, with rows of Tau-Tau effigies in front of each gravesite. In Sangalla, we will see the big tree containing baby graves. In Suaya, a royal burial site, and in Tampangallo, a natural cave used as a burial ground. Next, we will continue to Londa Caves, famous for its caves burial sites, Ke’te Kesu village, renowned for its woodcarving and traditional tongkonan houses and rice barns. On the cliff face behind the village are some cave graves and very old hanging graves. Should funeral ceremony be present, then you will also have a chance to view this massive cultural rites.
We will depart from the hotel around 4AM to catch the most iconic sunrise in Lolai. Here, sublime view of the entire Torajan landscape, coupled with thick rolling clouds, truly defines the Toraja Highland nickname: Kingdom Above The Clouds. Enjoy your breakfast box in Lolai, afterwards we will begin our trekking trip to Riu Village. This 2-3 hours moderate trekking throughout the valleys and mountains are decorated with impressive rice terraces and Toraja traditional villages. Enjoy your lunch at the village.
Torajan coffee is secretly one of the world’s best tasting coffee, as it was one of the top beans used by coffee connoisseurs and even the very first Starbucks shop. This story will be part of your morning activity in Kaa Coffee Shop; the owner of which has dedicated his life to responsibly grow and promote the very best beans from the highlands. Sample Toraja’s authentic coffee beans of Sapan, Sadan, and the prized Awan. Afterwards, we will depart for a scenic drive to Palopo. Our last stop in Puncak Pass will give you spectacular panorama of the dense tropical rain forest. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the Bua Airport in Palopo to catch your flight to Makassar (50 mins). Upon arrival in Makassar, you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Spend the morning to savor several authentic Makassar dishes, such as coto Makassar (a variant of soto traditional beef and offal stew with seasoned broth made from ground peanuts and spices), palubasa soup, or Makassar Grilled Seafood. Afterwards, you will head to Makassar Airport to board your domestic flight to Bali Denpasar International Airport. Upon arrival in Bali, you will be transferred to your accommodation in South Bali to spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Spend the day at leisure in your accommodation (no car and driver).
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Bali Denpasar International Airport (30 minutes) for your departure.
The 5-star Ayodya Resort Nusa Dua presents all guests with a unique opportunity to experience truly enchanting Balinese hospitality, with 537 elegantly appointed rooms and suites that promise to inspire the senses with generous private balconies. Bathrooms are designed with the most discerning guests in mind, offering a personal sanctuary to renew and unwind. Ayodya Resort Bali enjoys an extensive range of restaurants, bars, sports and leisure activities as well as meeting facilities. There are a host of recreational activities that you and your family can enjoy at Ayodya Resort Bali. In short, this resort offer a complete destination resort experience. Located in the heart of Nusa Dua, a secluded yet luxurious resort development in the South of Bali, the hotel enjoys a stunning position overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Losari Beach, Mall Ratu Indah, and Fort Rotterdam. Pelabuhan Makasar is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) away.
Hotel Features
A restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center are available at this hotel. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free valet parking are also provided. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, and a coffee shop/café are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 175 rooms feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, along with conveniences such as refrigerators and coffee makers. Free WiFi and 24-hour room service are standard, as are LED TVs with satellite channels.
A tropical retreat awaits guests at Amatoa Resort, just a 3-minute stroll from the white sandy beach of Bira. Offering panoramic views of the ocean, the resort features an outdoor pool and air-conditioned bungalows with private terraces.
The BBC Hotel is arguably the best place to stay in town, although we’re not talking five star. Contemporary style rooms are simply furnished, clean and comfortable, with views over the river or the town. What the BBC lacks in furnishing finesse it makes up for in location and the hotel is just a 15-minute walk from Lake Tempe.
Featuring indigenous architecture, including boat-like roofs, this rustic resort hotel is surrounded by rice paddies, and lies 3.5 km from the quaint Ke’te Kesu village and 11 km from the Bori Parinding ceremonial grounds.
Please remember that this is an example plan which we would be happy to customise to suit your requirement.
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