Enigmatic Sulawesi: Makassar-Toraja
5 Days/4 Nights
Overview
The Maros Pangkep Karst is the second-largest karst landscape in the world, surpassed only by the karst formations of Yunnan in South China. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, this remarkable region offers not only a dramatic and otherworldly landscape but also a rich archaeological legacy. Its ancient limestone caves hold traces of prehistoric human life, with cultural heritage dating back thousands of years.
Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Maros Karst & Rammang-Rammang
Arrival in Makassar. Explore the limestone cliffs and river of Rammang-Rammang by canoe. Walk through rice fields and karst valleys. Visit Leang-Leang prehistoric caves and Fort Rotterdam.
Day 2: Makassar – Palopo – Toraja Highlands
Fly to Palopo and drive to Tana Toraja. Visit the cliff graves and Tau Tau statues at Lemo, the baby tree graves at Kambira, and the traditional village of Kete Kesu.
Day 3: Toraja Cultural Exploration
Discover the megaliths of Timonbayo, the burial site at Lokomata, and trek around Batutumonga. Visit the megalithic site of Bori and traditional weaving villages Pallawa and Sa’dan Tubaranna.
Day 4: Toraja – Sengkang & Lake Tempe
Drive to Sengkang via scenic highlands. Take a canoe on Lake Tempe to visit floating houses and observe local fishermen and birdlife.
Day 5: Sengkang – Makassar – Departure
Transfer to Makassar Airport for your onward journey.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Sulawesi – Maros Karst Tour & Rammang-Rammang
Upon arrival at Makassar Airport, meet your guide and driver. Transfer directly to the village of Rammang-Rammang, located near Maros, to admire the stunning limestone karst formations. Paddle by canoe along a tranquil river lined with nipa palms, feel the cool countryside breeze, and explore the valley on foot. Walk past rice fields nestled between dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, and patches of rainforest while experiencing the local farming and fishing lifestyle.
Enjoy lunch at a local home before returning to Makassar. En route, visit the prehistoric caves of Leang-Leang, home to some of the oldest rock art in the world. Before checking into your hotel, explore the historic Fort Rotterdam, a well-preserved Dutch fortress.
Approximate visit durations:
- Rammang-Rammang canoe & village tour: 2 hours
- Leang-Leang Caves: 1 hour
- Fort Rotterdam: 1 hour
Approximate distances:
- Airport to Rammang-Rammang: 32 km / 1 hour
- Rammang-Rammang to Leang-Leang: 22 km / 45 minutes
- Leang-Leang to Fort Rotterdam: 48 km / 1 hour 45 minutes
- Fort Rotterdam to hotel: 3 km / 10 minutes
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Melia Makassar – Deluxe Room
Day 02: Makassar – Flight to Palopo – Drive to Toraja
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight* to Palopo. Upon arrival at Lagaligo Airport, drive approximately 2.5 hours through scenic highlands to reach Tana Toraja. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (excluded).
*Remark: domestic flight excluded (appr. USD 152)
In the afternoon, visit Lemo, known for its cliffside burial chambers and rows of Tau Tau effigies. Continue to Kambira, where babies were once buried in living trees, and end the day at Kete Kesu, one of the oldest traditional Toraja villages. Discover well-preserved Tongkonan houses and rice barns adorned with intricate carvings.
Approximate visit durations:
- Lemo: 1 hour
- Kete Kesu: 1 hour
Approximate distances:
- Hotel to Makassar Airport: 21 km / 24 minutes
- Palopo Airport to Toraja: 78 km / 2.5 hours
- Toraja to hotel: 17 km / 40 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Toraja Heritage – Deluxe Room
Day 03: Exploring Toraja
After breakfast, depart for Timonbayo, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of rice terraces dotted with megalithic stones. Continue to the burial site of Lokomata, and then head to Batutumonga for a short trek, immersing yourself in the Torajan way of life and scenic landscapes. Lunch at a local restaurant in Batutumonga (excluded).
In the afternoon, visit Bori, another megalithic site, followed by Pallawa and Sa’dan Tubaranna, traditional villages famed for their weaving craftsmanship. Return to your hotel for the night.
Approximate visit durations:
- Timonbayo: 1 hour
- Lokomata: 1 hour
- Batutumonga: 1 hour
- Bori: 1 hour
Approximate distances:
- Hotel to Timonbayo: 19 km / 1 hour
- Timonbayo to Lokomata: 7 km / 20 minutes
- Lokomata to Batutumonga: 13 km / 35 minutes
- Batutumonga to Bori: 10 km / 30 minutes
- Bori to hotel: 11 km / 34 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Toraja Heritage – Deluxe Room
Day 04: Toraja – Sengkang
(Lake Tempe)
After an early breakfast and check-out, begin a scenic 5–6 hour drive to Sengkang, passing through Enrekang. Enjoy a coffee break at Puncak Lakawan, a viewpoint offering spectacular mountain views. Lunch en route (excluded).
Upon arrival in Sengkang, transfer to Lake Tempe and board a motorized canoe to visit fishermen living on floating houses. Observe birdlife, soak in the peaceful ambiance, and, if the weather allows, enjoy a stunning sunset over the lake. After a snack and coffee break at one of the floating houses, return by canoe and check in at your hotel.
Approximate distance:
Toraja to Sengkang: 233 km / 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: BBC Hotel Sengkang – Superior Room
Day 05: Sengkang – Makassar Airport – Departure
After an early breakfast and check-out, transfer directly to Makassar Airport for your onward flight.
Approximate distance:
Sengkang to Makassar Airport: 223 km / 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
PRICE: The price is subject to your travel dates and the number of people traveling. The itinerary can be customized according to your preferences. Contact us for detailed quotation!
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