9 Days South Sulawesi Tour: Bira – Toraja – Lake Tempe

A 9-day journey through Sulawesi: the coast at Bira, the lake at Sengkang, and the highlands of Toraja with their burial traditions. South Sulawesi sees far fewer visitors than Bali or Java.

Itinerary

Day 1: Makassar – Bira

Arrival at Makassar airport, meet and transfer to the hotel in Bira. 5-hour transfer to stay overnight at Bara Coco Bungalows, cozy seaside resort perfect for soaking up panoramic ocean views.

Day 2 to 3 : Exploring Bira

After breakfast, the shipyards at Tanaberu, which build some of the best wooden boats in Indonesia. The shipbuilders still work by hand, using techniques passed down from father to son. The Pinisi schooners run over 30 meters long and close to 200 tons. Afternoon free, with snorkeling possible. Overnight at the same hotel.

Next day after breakfast, depart by private boat for snorkeling at Liukang Island and return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at Bara Coco.

Read our Blog post: Pinisi Boats: Origins, Ancestral Know-How, and Evolution

Day 4: Bira – Sengkang

After breakfast, the drive to Sengkang, with a stop at the rubber plantations on the way. Sengkang sits on the shore of Lake Tempe, which covers 350 km² and is only 5 meters deep, and holds hundreds of bird species. Overnight at the BBC Hotel or a homestay by the lake.

Day 5: Lake Tempe – Rantepao

At dawn, depart by long motorized canoe to explore the riches of Lake Tempe, its birdlife, with dozens of egrets and herons flying off as our boat makes its way through an amazing vegetative world that closes behind us. Meet the fishermen who live permanently on the lake in floating bamboo houses. In August, it is possible to attend the “Maccera Tappareng” festival aimed at purifying the lake’s waters. Upon return, visit silk weaving workshops before heading to Rantepao, the capital of Toraja land, via a splendid mountain road. Arrival in the late afternoon.

Overnight at hotel in Rantepao (options: Hotel Indra, Sulawesi Castle, or Torsina).

Day 6 to 8: Toraja

The Toraja people live in boat-shaped houses and worship buffaloes, the only animal capable of carrying the souls of the deceased on their journey to their ancestors. They hold funeral ceremonies that last several days, and their famous hanging graves, placed on cliffs, are well known.Visit traditional villages, with their family houses called Tongkonan, the Lemo cliffs with wooden effigies of the dead (Tau Tau), the Londa caves, and the royal tombs of Suaya. A short walk to Tampangallo. Visit the colorful markets of Makale or Rantepao (depending on the day). Visit the menhir site in Bori, the typical villages of Kete Kesu’ and Palawa’, then head to Lempo, Batutumonga, and Lo’ko Mata. In the afternoon, return to the hotel. Overnight at the same hotel.

If a funeral ceremony is taking place, it is possible to include it in the program. the three-days program will be adapted depending on your preferences and ceremonies you will attend.

Day 9: Rantepao – Makassar

After breakfast, return to Makassar via Bambapuang, with a stop to admire the beautiful landscapes. Lunch in Pare-Pare, then continue to the airport. End of the trip.

Price

Number of travelers	2	3 to 4	5 to 6	7 to 9
Price per person	IDR 14,650,000 USD 815 EUR 710	IDR 12,250,000 USD 685 EUR 595	IDR 8,690,000 USD 485 EUR 420	IDR 8,350,000 USD 465 EUR 405

• Accommodation in 3* hotel (Hotel Indra, Sulawesi Castle, or Torsina) in Rantepao
• Accommodation in 3* hotel (Bara Coco Bungalows, Bara Beach Bungalows, Anda Beach) in Bira
• This tour can be customized to meet your needs, just use the form on this page or contact us directly
• For booking 10 people or more, please contact us for a personalized quotation.