Sulawesi Adventure: The Culture of Tana Toraja

Welcome to Indonesia! Arrive at any time.

Ubud is often considered the cultural heart of Bali. Today you have the opportunity to explore however you'd like. From monkey forests, local cooking classes, making spiritual offerings and Balinese village experiences, your options for today are endless. Fill up on some zen before heading east to Sulawesi.

• Ubud Spiritual Tour: Visit Widya Guna Foundation, a G for Good support project to learn how to make traditional Indonesian prayer offerings. Then visit some of Bali's holiest sites like Gunung Kawi Temple, the tomb of the king. Then visit Tirta Empul spring water temple for a holy bath before returning to Widya Guna Foundation for lunch.
• Laplapan Village Cooking Class: Visit Laplapan Village in Ubud and join a local cooking class! Make delicious Balinese favorites like sate ayam (chicken satay), pepes ikan (grilled fish in banana leaf) and mie goreng (fried noodles). And don't forget yummy desserts like kolak (boiled banana in caramelized palm sugar). You'll have your own stove, following along as you cook the food you will enjoy for lunch!
• Medahan Village Happy Local Family Adventure: Drive to Medahan Village and enjoy a welcome from the local villages complete with Balinese cake and tea. Take a walking tour of the village, visiting the traditional market, temples, rice paddies and spring. After working up an appetite, sit down for a delicious local lunch before returning to your hotel.

Our trip continues with a flight from Bali to Makassar, the largest city in Sulawesi. After we arrive to our hotel, enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Depart Makassar this morning after breakfast and head north to Maros, known for its absolutely stunning karst formations called tanggul. After the drive, load into a small boat to arrive to the village. Learn about the importance of the rice paddies and their unique techniques in this village, and admire the incredible natural beauty that these villagers call home. After the tour of the village, drive to Sengkang for the evening and settle into the hotel.

Your day begins with a boat tour of Lake Tempe, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Indonesia. Explore the floating homes of the Bugis people, meet the locals and learn about the unique life of this area. Continue on to Tana Toraja, the land of ancestral spirits and unique traditions and easily one of the most fascinating places in Indonesia. This region is famous for its indigenous culture, dramatic landscapes, and elaborate funeral ceremonies. Although we cannot guarantee we'll see one of their famous funeral processions, we have the unique opportunity to visit and connect with the local community to discover them in depth.

Please note that we will adjust the itinerary for the chance to join a Traditional Torajan Funeral Experience: In Tana Toraja, funerals are not just solemn events; they are grand celebrations of life that reflect the deep connection between the living and the dead. If a funeral ceremony is taking place during your visit, our CEO will suggest altering the planned activities to allow you to witness this extraordinary cultural event. This decision ensures that travelers have the opportunity to experience one of the most iconic aspects of Torajan culture—a truly unforgettable moment.

These funeral processions happen fairly often, however, it is not guaranteed that one will take place during your trip. We will not artificially put on a funeral for travelers but instead will prioritize joining authentic experiences whenever we can. Why Prioritize a Torajan Funeral? Torajan funerals are among the most elaborate and meaningful ceremonies in the world, often lasting several days and involving entire communities.

These rituals are steeped in tradition, symbolizing respect for ancestors and ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife. Participating in or observing such an event provides a profound insight into the values, beliefs, and social structures of the Torajan people. We are expect to be respectful of the local customs, especially during funeral ceremonies. Your CEO will brief you on appropriate behavior and attire.

Drive through the countryside this morning toward Lemo Village and enjoy breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and traditional villages dotted along the way. In Lemo, we have the opportunity to witness some of the ionic burial sites carved into limestone caves. Continue on to visit Suaya to learn about the famous Baby Tree, a sacred tree where the spirits of deceased infants are believed to rest, and visit the graves of the royal family in the area. Next we head to Londa, another ancient burial site that highlights the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the Torajan people, followed by a traditional Torajan lunch. Conclude the day's discoveries with a walk through the Kete Kesu village, and admire the architecture and artwork.

Today you have the opportunity to explore the incredible Tana Toraja area however you'd like. With so many unique and interesting aspects to the local culture, opt to delve deeper into what piques your interest the most. Choose to stay active on a trek or get hands-on with a cooking class.

• Toraja Village Trek: Join a local guide on a full-day trek through the stunning landscapes of Toraja. Trek through Palipu Village to Suaya and Tampangallo. You’ll hike through rice terraces, lush forests, and small villages while admiring the panoramic views of the valleys and hills. Along the way, visit traditional Torajan villages, where you can observe the lifestyle of the locals, and learn about their culture and rituals. Stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot, surrounded by nature, to recharge for the rest of the trek. Please note that the route/trekking will be adjusted by the local guide based on the fitness level of the guests.
• Toraja Cooking Class: Visit a traditional house in a small "kampung," village, in Tana Toraja. Along side your local host, learn to cook typical Torajan dishes, that we'll then enjoy for lunch. We'll cook famous dishes like pa’piong manuk, chicken with grated banana stem cooked in a bamboo tube. Cooked young fern and red rice are the perfect match for this delicious chicken dish.

Say goodbye to the amazing Tana Toraja area early this morning as we return to Makassar. Drive to the airport, then board a flight to arrive to Makassar by late morning. After free time for lunch, explore the historic city of Makassar alongside your CEO. Start at Fort Rotterdam, the 17th century fort, once a major trading hub in Southeast Asia. Then drive to Paotere Harbor for a walk to see the pinisi ships, followed by a visit to the Makassar's most beautiful mosque Masjid 99 Kubah. Finish today with a relaxing sunset at Losari beach, an amazing way to finish up your trip around Sulawesi.

Depart at any time. If ending your tour in Makassar, book a domestic flight back to Jakarta or Bali and allow for 4 hours to transit to the international airport to catch your onward flight back to your final destination.