Sulawesi, meeting with local people in Indonesia

Your journey in Sulawesi begins at Makassar Airport, in the south of the island. You then travel by road to Rantepao, the vibrant heart of Sulawesi. Along the way, you pass through colorful Bugis villages, gradually immersing yourself in the fascinating world of the Toraja people. Halfway through the journey, a stop in Pare-Pare allows you to enjoy a delicious lunch. The road then becomes more winding, revealing mountainous landscapes dotted with the first tongkonans, traditional houses with buffalo-horn-shaped roofs.

After breakfast, meet your driver and guide to explore Sa’dan, a village renowned for its weavers, then Palawa, one of the oldest Toraja villages. Walk through terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, and cocoa and coffee plantations. At the end of the day, you may return to your hotel or, upon request, spend the night in a traditional house perched in the highlands of Batutumonga.

Village visits are organized according to the ceremonial calendar.

Continue exploring the Toraja region with your guide, who adapts visits according to current events and ceremonies. Travel along winding mountain roads, admire lush rice fields and traditional tongkonans. Discover unique villages: Lemo with its tau-tau, effigies of the deceased displayed on balconies; Kambira and its baby tree cemetery; and Londa with its caves and hanging tombs.

Overnight at a homestay, in a tongkonan, or at the hotel.

After breakfast, stroll through the lively Pasar Bolu market and taste salak, the snake fruit. Witness the large livestock market, a lively and socially important event for the locals. In the afternoon, discover lesser-known villages in the region. In Lokomata, admire a massive rock carved with numerous tombs, some protected by sculpted wooden doors. In Suaya, uncover the mystery of the “tree babies.” Return to the hotel through landscapes of rice fields, pine forests, and bamboo groves.

It is time for a change of scenery. You leave Toraja and travel north toward Tentena. Along the way, stop in Pendolo, a picturesque village on the southern shore of Lake Poso, marking the transition from southern to central Sulawesi. Be enchanted by the stunning scenery unfolding before you: mountains and tropical forests. Upon arrival in Tentena, check in at your hotel.

After breakfast, explore Tentena, a charming town surrounded by clove fields. Follow an easy trail to visit the fascinating Pamona caves and the impressive Saluopa waterfalls. The afternoon is free to enjoy Lake Poso, the third-largest lake in Indonesia—perfect for relaxation and swimming in its crystal-clear waters.

This morning, travel to Ampana, a town surrounded by lush vegetation including coconut palms, cocoa trees, and clove plantations. This ideal departure point opens the way to the Togian Islands, which you will discover the next day. The afternoon is free to relax before the exciting adventures awaiting you in this beautiful archipelago.

Today, head to the Togian Islands! Board a 5-hour ferry crossing. Upon arrival on Wakai Island, the largest island in the Togians, a traditional boat takes you to your accommodation on Kadidiri Island. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy a peaceful night. Please note that there is no mobile network on the Togian Islands—an excellent opportunity for a welcome digital detox.

Today is your first free day in this little corner of paradise, allowing you to enjoy it at your own pace. Explore Kadidiri as you wish: visit the Gunung Colo volcano on Una Una Island for breathtaking views, enjoy a diving or snorkeling session to admire coral reefs, or simply relax on white-sand beaches beside crystal-clear waters.

Another free day to enjoy Kadidiri Island at your own rhythm. You may, for example, take an excursion in search of hidden treasures of the Togian Islands. You can also go kayaking to explore the clear waters or take part in local activities such as fishing. Or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of this idyllic place.

Your last day on Kadidiri Island. Once again, you are free to enjoy the beauty of this tropical paradise at your own pace. Whether you wish to relax on the beach, enjoy a final dive, or explore hidden corners of the island, everything is possible. Turquoise waters and lush nature are right at your fingertips.

After a final morning in the Togian Islands, take a boat back to Wakai Island. You then board a ferry for an overnight crossing to Gorontalo. This comfortable and spacious ferry offers a calm night journey. You arrive in Gorontalo the following morning, ready for new discoveries.

Your ferry docks at dawn in Gorontalo, where a driver awaits you. Travel along the coastal road toward Tomohon, a town south of Manado, known for its cool and pleasant climate thanks to its altitude. Along the way, stop in Kota Mobagu to discover its charming beach and beautiful clove, vanilla, and coconut plantations. Upon arrival in Tomohon, enjoy a peaceful evening.

After breakfast, travel to Tangkoko National Park, one of Indonesia’s richest natural reserves. Enjoy an easy trek through lush jungle with exceptional flora and fauna. While exploring this biodiversity haven, you may be lucky enough to spot the world’s smallest mammal: the tarsier. At the end of the day, settle into a lovely hotel in Tangkoko, surrounded by nature.

This morning, return to the jungle of Tangkoko National Park to look for species you may have missed the previous day. After your exploration, enjoy a picnic on a nearby beautiful beach ideal for swimming. In the late afternoon, head back into the forest to observe emerging nocturnal wildlife. At dusk, a whole new ecosystem awakens as the sun sets. Return to the hotel in time for dinner.

This morning, your driver takes you to Manado harbor. You board a boat for a sea transfer to Bunaken Island, famous for its stunning coral reefs. The boat crossing already immerses you in Bunaken’s peaceful atmosphere. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel on this island of underwater wonders. In the evening, explore the surroundings or simply relax after the journey.

A free day awaits you to enjoy the beauty of Bunaken Island as you wish. Relax on its fine sandy beaches or dive into its deep blue waters. Explore the famous coral reefs by scuba diving or snorkeling. A perfect day to soak in the island’s peaceful ambiance. In the evening, you can stroll along the shoreline and admire the beautiful sunset.

After another peaceful awakening on Bunaken Island, it is time to say goodbye to this magical place. Take the boat back to Manado, where a driver will take you to the airport. You leave with memories of stunning reefs, crystal-clear waters, and warm-hearted people. This marks the end of your journey in Indonesia. We wish you a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you again on the paths of Asia.