Sulawesi Tana Toraja Tour

Duration: 4 Days

Overview

Tana Toraja is safely protected beyond the lofty mountains and rugged granite cliffs of the central highlands of the island of Sulawesi and the home of the Toraja people. 'Discovered' and opened to the world from their long isolation only since the beginning of the last century, the Toraja today still adhere to their age-old beliefs, rituals and traditions, although many of her people are modernized or have embraced Christianity.

The nobility of Toraja are believed to be descendents of heavenly beings who came down by a heavenly stairway to live here on earth in this beautiful landscape. To keep up the energy of the land and its people, the Toraja people believe that these must be sustained through rituals that celebrate both life and death, which are attached to the agricultural seasons. Tourists to Toraja, therefore, are either attracted by its unique culture and rituals, most of which are mostly centered around graves and death ceremonies. While others prefer to avoid the morbid images and go trekking through the spectacular, almost untouched Toraja countryside visiting remote villages, or exhilarate in rafting the Sa'dan river rapids.

Highlights

Take you out on the picturesque drive to Toraja with approx 8 hours driving along the Buginese villages with their typical houses
Stop in Puncak Lakawan to enjoy the spectacular view
Full day exploring Toraja visit Lemo to see rows of Tau Tau statues and the hanging graves
Londa to see ancient tombs in which the deceased was not buried, but placed among the rocks
At KeteKesu one of the oldest Torajan villages we can see Tongkonan (the traditional ancestral house, or rumah adat of the Torajan people
Full day discovery trekking tour from Kandora village,passing through Palipu village then onwards to Suaya via Gantarang village then to Tampangallo
Stop in Buntu Lobe to see the children performing music bamboo orchestra and traditional dance of Toraja
Kote village where you can see the baby grave in the tree
Take you on a short city tour, visiting Fort Rotterdam the old Dutch fortress and Paotere Anchorage the Makassarnese and Buginese boat harbor

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival – Makassar – Toraja (L,D)

Upon arrival at Hasanuddin Airport Makassar, meeting services. Afterwards we will take you out on the picturesque drive to Toraja with approx 8 hours driving along the Bugisnese villages with their typical houses. We will stop for a photo-taking during the trip. Lunch will be served in a seafood restaurant in Pare-Pare. In the afternoon stop on the Puncak Lakawan to enjoy the spectacular view. Arrive in Rantepao in late afternoon. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 : Toraja – Lemo, Suaya, Londa, Kete Kesu) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, a full day exploring Toraja. First you will visit Lemo to see rows of Tau Tau statues and the hanging graves. Onwards to Suaya to discover the secrets of baby trees, and then proceed to Londa to see ancient tombs in which the deceased was not buried, but placed among the rocks. At Kete Kesu one of the oldest Torajan villages we can see Tongkonan (the traditional ancestral house, or rumah adat of the Torajan people), and also the old traditional rice barns with colorful woodcarving. Lunch in Rantepao. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at Hotel.

Day 3 : Toraja – Makassar (B,L,D)

After breakfast, drive back to Makassar. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Pare-Pare. Arrive in Makassar in the afternoon. Directly transfer to the Hotel for dinner at local restaurant and overnight.

Day 4 : Makassar – City Tour – Departure (B)

After breakfast, we will take you on a short city tour, visiting Fort Rotterdam the old Dutch fortress and Paotere Anchorage the Makassarese and Bugisnese boat harbor. Afterwards, transfer directly to Hasanuddin Airport to catch the flight for your next destination.

More Information

Price: 549 / person

Inclusions

3 Nights accommodation as mentioned hotel
Daily breakfast
Return hotel transfer during tour
Private air conditioned transportation during tour
Full board meals (breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at local restaurant or hotel with set menu).
Hotels based on Luta Resort Toraja*** (Superior room), Best Western Makassar*** (Deluxe room)
Entrance and donation fee to visit object
Full board meals during tour
Mineral water
Porter
Local English speaking guide