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

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Sulawesi, taking in the stunning coastal views of Bira, the serene waters of Sengkang, and the rich cultural and lush scenery of Toraja. This route offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and unique traditions that make South Sulawesi one of Indonesia’s hidden gems.

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, visit the shipyards, mainly in Tanaberu, renowned for building the best wooden boats in Sulawesi and probably in Indonesia. The shipbuilders still use ancestral construction techniques, relying solely on their know-how, passed down from father to son. The Pinisi schooners (large cargo ships) can reach over 30 meters in length and nearly 200 tons. Afternoon at leisure (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, depart for Sengkang, with a scenic drive along the way. We will stop to visit rubber plantations before continuing on to Sengkang, where we will arrive in the afternoon. Located on the shore of Lake Tempe, a tranquil paradise and refuge for hundreds of birds, this lake spans 350 km² and is only 5 meters deep. After exploring the area, return to the hotel. Overnight at BBC Hotel or a charming 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

• 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.