Traditions & culture of Sulawesi

Makassar

Tag 1: Touchdown on Sulawesi

Welcome to Sulawesi, one of Indonesia's five main islands. From the airport, arrive into the port city of Makassar, where you'll have time to settle into your accommodation. As one of Indonesia's largest cities, it's home to Losari Beach and the historical, colonial-era Fort Rotterdam, as well as a buzzing restaurant scene where you can get your fill of traditional fare. Take your time to explore these, or simply choose to rest up after your travels.

Makassar - Tana Toraja

Tag 2: Journey to Tana Toraja

Today, you'll leave Makassar behind and drive to Tana Toraja, a regency that's known for its unique funeral rites and traditional villages.

Here you'll visit the fascinating burial sites of Lemo and Londa, respectively located on a cliffside and inside a cave. Venture on to explore Kete Kesu, a traditional and ancient Torajan village with ancestral Tongkonan houses - this is a wonderful opportunity to deep-dive into the lives of these indigenous peoples who live within the mountainous landscape of South Sulawesi. After a day of fascinating sightseeing, check into your accommodation in Tana Toraja, to relax and enjoy an overnight stay.

Tana Toraja

Tag 3: A deeper dive into Tana Toraja

Another day filled with cultural intrigue and fascination awaits, as you set out to explore more of Tana Toraja's sights. Pay your respects at the Baby Graves of Kambira, where babies are buried in tree trunks as a symbol of returning to their mother's wombs. Continue on to the Rantepao Livestock Market, a bustling space where you'll witness the goings-on of daily life in South Sulawesi.

The rest of the day will be spent touring remote villages and rice barns, soaking up deep-rooted Torajan culture and traditions as you go, before returning to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Tana Toraja

Tag 4: Ancient sites & traditional wonders

On your third and final day exploring Tana Toraja, take another cultural tour to immerse yourself in unique local traditions. Attend a Torajan funeral ceremony, and explore the ancient highland village of Ke'te Kesu. Surrounded by rice fields, it is the oldest village in the district of Sanggalangi, and is famous for its traditions which celebrate death.

In Bori, you'll experience the architectural marvels that are traditional Toraja houses, before continuing on to visit the burial site of Loko'Mata, a collection of rock tombs nestled in the sides of a large boulder. Finally, stop in a wood-carving village to learn about their age-old craft, before returning to your accommodation in Tana Toraja for an overnight stay.

Tana Toraja - Sengkang

Tag 5: Welcome to Sengkang!

Pack your bags and leave Tana Toraja behind today, as you journey on to the town of Sengkang. Here, you'll tour a clutch of landmark attractions, starting with Lake Tempe - a shallow lake surrounded by bird-rich wetlands and dotted with floating houses. Next you'll pay a visit to a nearby silk-weaving village, where Sengkang's rich heritage comes alive in the form of colourful woven textiles. Finally, you'll rest for a while on the banks of the mystical Bila River - spend your time soaking up the town's historic atmosphere on this laid-back day, before retiring to your accommodation for the evening.

Sengkang - Bira

Tag 6: Journey to the coast

A day of pure relaxation is on the cards, as you soak up the scenery of Sengkang followed by Bira, the next stop on your itinerary. Embark on a leisurely boat tour of Lake Tempe, before packing your bags and making tracks for Bira, which juts out at the tip of a peninsula in South Sulawesi. There, let go of all worries as you relax and take things easy by the seaside. Take a stroll on the soft sands of Tanjung Bira beach, float serenely in clear waters, and get your fill of fresh local seafood before hunkering down for the night.

Bira

Tag 7: Explore an underwater haven

Prepare for a day of underwater adventures! Gear up to explore the thrills and excitement of Bira's marine life with a snorkelling excursion off Liukang Loe Island. From its white sandy shores, dive into crystalline waters to marvel at colourful arrays of fish, turtles, corals and reef sharks. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on Bara Beach and exploring a local fishing village, before retiring to your accommodation for the night.

Bira - Makassar

Tag 8: Farewell, Sulawesi!

It's sadly time to say goodbye to your new favourite Indonesian island. After checking out of your accommodation, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.