Experience the remarkable 5-day Authentic Toraja tour in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Discover Sengkang's silk weaving and cruise the Pute River on a jolloro in Rammang Rammang. Drive through scenic rice terraces and enjoy the view from Puncak Paredean. Visit Lemo, famous for its tomb hanging on steep cliffs, whose verandas are decorated with dozens of Tau Tau sculptures depicting the deceased ancestors. Learn the different ways of the Toraja burial as you visit the tombs of Tampang Allo and Kambira. The next stop is the village of Kete Kesu, a UNESCO World Heritage, one of the most important centers of Tana Toraja culture with its typical Tongkonan houses, ornately carved with antique wood ornaments. All of these and more in just five captivating days of Sulawesi.
Highlights
Tour around Sengkang, known for its silk weaving and traditional character
Witness the picturesque scene across the Tempe Lake and its inhabitants
Visit Lemo, famous for tombs hanging on steep cliffs
Explore the unusual tombs in Londa, with densely packed ancestor figures
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to the metropolis of Sulawesi, Makassar, one of Indonesia's greatest port and air hubs full of history and cultural diversity. Upon a recommended early morning arrival, a guide and driver take you to Sengkang, the capital of a former Bugis kingdom known for its silk weaving. This historic and bustling market town overlooking Lake Tempe maintains its traditional character, old cultural traditions, colorful wedding celebrations, ancient customs, and traditional orchestras.
Visit Rammang Rammang on the way, where you board a jolloro, a traditional local canoe, and cruise along the Pute River (approximately 30 minutes). The area is renowned for its spectacular limestone karst formations, and the river banks are draped in majestic nipa palms, which contribute to an incredibly "exotic" landscape. Upon arrival in the main village, make a short trek towards Telepak Tangan Cave to see prehistoric fingerprints left thousands of years ago by ancient cave dwellers. Afterward, enjoy the local hospitality with a cup of coffee or tea with traditional local cakes and fried bananas.
Reach Sengkang in the afternoon, check in to your hotel, and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Start early in the morning with your guide to take advantage of the picturesque scene across Tempe Lake. Board the longboat to explore the lake and its inhabitants. A good opportunity to get to know the lifestyle of local Bugis fishermen who live in floating houses. Return to Sengkang to visit a weaving home factory where you can see women weave colorful traditional silk dresses.
Afterward, continue to Toraja via Palopo. Drive through the spectacular scenery of rice terraces and impressive mountain passes and have the opportunity to enjoy the view from Puncak Paredean before reaching Rantepao late afternoon. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a comfortable bed in a friendly and centrally located hotel.
The mountainous district of Toraja is the homeland of several ethnic groups 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 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 beautifully carved houses with remarkable roofs, the so-called tongkonan, are also built according to the principles of Alukto Dolo. Although most Toraja are Christian nowadays, still many traditions live on. During the stay at Toraja there may be a unique opportunity to visit an impressive funeral, house ceremony, or the big animal market, the program may be altered to fit in these visits.
Start your Toraja excursion after breakfast. The first visit is to Lemo, famous for its tombs hanging on steep cliffs, whose verandas are decorated with dozens of Tau Tau sculptures depicting the deceased ancestors. Here you also have the opportunity to take souvenir photos of your Indonesia trip in traditional Toraja attire.
Onward to the tomb of Tampang Allo and Kambira, where you can explore the different ways the Toraja bury their dead from the hanging graves as done in the old days to the baby graves in the trunk of big trees.
After lunch, hike in the beautiful scenery surrounding Bebo to Karuaya. Enjoy the afternoon atmosphere and get a real impression of the village life of the locals. The trail leads past rice terraces and small picturesque villages, whose traditional houses and beautiful landscapes, give a perfect picture.
The day ends at the village of Kete Kesu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is one of the most important centers of Tana Toraja culture with its typical Tongkonan houses, ornately carved and decorated with antique wood ornaments. Near the village, there are rock cave tombs, as well as hanging coffins.
Today you'll find yourself captivated by beautiful scenes. Visit Londa in the morning to see the most unusual tombs in the world. It is located on steep, overgrown limestone rocks and in caves. The special feature here is the densely packed ancestor figures on a porch, which carry quite realistic facial features.
Catch the dawn chorus of buffalo grunts and excited haggling at the Bolu buffalo market. This open-air market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, one of Indonesia's most fascinating animal shows, yet it remains a local event with few outside visitors.
Continue to Bori, passing by beautiful scenery, where more than a hundred ancient monoliths stand tall on the funeral site showing the family status. In Pallawa, you'll gather more insight into the way of life of Toraja residents and their impressive Tongkonan houses.
Proceed towards Batutumonga, an area located on a dramatic ridge high on the slope of Mount Sesean known for its spectacular rocky terraces that last forever. It offers a relaxing ambiance and cool temperatures. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the top which offers a wonderful view over Rantepao.
The next visit is to Lo'komata, a huge burial stone. Spend your afternoon walking to the authentic village of Buntu Lobo before returning to the hotel.
Day 5: Toraja | Makassar | Return Home
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, say goodbye to the surreal world of Tana Toraja. On the way back to Makassar, stop in Puncak Lakawan to enjoy an incredible view of hills and valleys. Lunch is served in a restaurant in Pare-Pare. You'll arrive in Makassar in the afternoon and directly transfer to the airport to catch your flight to the next destination.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $600, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payment by credit card may be subject to surcharge and a maximum $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
