Sulawesi, Java, Bali, Flores & Komodo : Volcanoes, Heritage & Dragons! - Nomadays

Indonesia

Sulawesi, Java, Bali, Flores & Komodo : Volcanoes, Heritage & Dragons!

In Sulawesi, the Toraja people are renowned for their unique culture and fascinating funeral ceremonies. Their distinctive boat-shaped houses and breathtaking rice terrace landscapes reveal a land rich in encounters, sacred rites, and timeless beauty.
Gentle Java, unlike any other tropical island, is a land of supernatural heritage, where art and history blend seamlessly with its legendary temples (Borobudur, Prambanan…). The island’s breathtaking landscapes, sculpted by endless rice paddies and...

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Day 1Welcome to Sulawesi

Day 1Welcome to Sulawesi

  • Welcome at Makassar airport and transfer to hotel. Makassar is the capital of the province of South Sulawesi, situated on the Makassar Strait.

  • In the middle of the afternoon, depending on your arrival time in Makassar, visit the fish market, an essential meeting place, as fish is an important part of Indonesian culinary culture.

  • Transfer to the port of Paotere to admire the magnificent wooden schooners. The tour ends with a visit to Fort Rotterdam, built in 1545 by Raja Tunipalangga: originally it consisted of an earthen rampart called a "makassar". It was not until 1634 that these were reinforced with stone walls, at the request of Sultan Alaudin. The fort was later (in 1667) conquered by the Dutch and renamed "Rotterdam" (the birthplace of Speelman). Today, the fort has been fully restored and even houses a small museum retracing its history.

  • In the evening, welcome dinner. An opportunity to get to know your accompanying team.

Meal and accommodations

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Harper Hotel (by Aston)

Day 2To Toraja Land

Day 2To Toraja Land

  • In the morning, transfer to the Maros region, once explored by the famous naturalist Alfred Wallace. This breathtaking landscape, known for its karst peaks and lush rice fields, offers a glimpse into Sulawesi’s ancient and natural wonders. Take a short walk through the area and visit a remarkable cave adorned with paintings dating back nearly 39,000 years.Your guide will then take you on a traditional dugout canoe ride along a serene river, home to diverse bird species. Along the way, you’ll meet local communities living in traditional stilt houses, gaining insight into their way of life.

    By late morning, continue your journey to the coastal town of Pare Pare before heading inland along the Sa’Dan River. As the road winds through magnificent landscapes, the open plains give way to dense coconut forests. Stop en route at Bambapuang for a striking view of the so-called “erotic” mountain, a natural rock formation with a unique silhouette.

    Arrive in Rantepao, the heart of Toraja country, in the early evening.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Toraja Misiliana Hotel

40m
40m
Kete Kesu

Day 3Tau Tau Figurines

Day 3Tau Tau Figurines

  • Today's program begins with a visit to the Lemo burial site, where balconies carved into the rock house the iconic Tau Tau figurines. Then, transfer to the royal tombs of Suaya before continuing on foot to Tampangg'alo, another fascinating site. In the afternoon, explore the Londa caves, set at the base of a towering cliff and home to wooden coffins and scattered bones. Enjoy an easy hike to Kete Kusu, a village renowned for its intricate wood carvings and traditional rice granaries, passing through rice fields, villages, and bamboo forests along the way


        *Note: the course of the three-day programme exploring Toraja country may be adapted if a funeral festival is taking place in the region at this time. Your guide will take you to attend this ceremony and introduce you to the family of the deceased. For the record, no rituals are organised in Toraja country for tourists: everything is absolutely authentic.*
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Guest house

Day 4 Local Encounters

Day 4 Local Encounters

  • In the morning, visit Bori, known for its impressive megalithic tombs, then explore Palawa, the largest traditional village in the region, before heading to Sa'dan, famous for its ancestral weaving techniques.

    Transfer to the untamed northern Toraja highlands, where breathtaking views unfold at 1,400m altitude. Enjoy a scenic walk around Batutumonga, through rice fields, villages, and bamboo forests.

    Later, set off on a hike from Lokomata —where tombs are carved into a massive rock—towards Mariri, meeting school children on their way home and visiting traditional knife-making workshops along the way.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Guest house

Day 5 Vibrant Rantepao

Day 5 Vibrant Rantepao

  • Visit the colourful Rantepao market, where many buffaloes and pigs are on sale.

    Then it's time to attend a funeral ceremony. In the afternoon, transfer to Pemancar, where you begin a lovely walk towards Salu, through rice fields and plantations (mainly coffee and cocoa).


    4 hours of trekking

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Toraja Misiliana Hotel

5h-210km
Sengkang

Day 6 Canoe Journey Through Tempe Lake

Day 6 Canoe Journey Through Tempe Lake

  • In the morning, we head to the charming town of Sengkang, nestled along the banks of the Walanae River. In the afternoon, we transfer to the shores of Lake Tempe and board motorized canoes for an extraordinary exploration of this marshy lake, home to a rich variety of bird species and a fascinating floating village. This unique encounter offers a glimpse into the villagers’ way of life, where time seems to stand still.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Guest house

5h-210km
Sengkang

Day 7Daily Life on the Shores of Lake Tempe

Day 7Daily Life on the Shores of Lake Tempe

  • This morning, you join your hosts for a fishing session, experiencing their daily life firsthand. It's a unique opportunity to share their traditions and connect with their way of living. In the afternoon, return to Sengkang and visit traditional silk weaving workshops, where skilled artisans bring intricate patterns to life.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: BBC Hotel

Day 8See you Soon in Sulawesi

Day 8See you Soon in Sulawesi

  • Transfers to Makassar airport and fly to Yogyakarta . Welcome at the airport by your English-speaking tour-guide and transfers to your hotel.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman

Day 9Yogyakarta, Cultural Capital

Day 9Yogyakarta, Cultural Capital

  • The morning is dedicated to exploring Yogyakarta, Java’s cultural capital, starting with the area surrounding the Sultan's Palace , a serene haven built in 1756.

    Your city stroll leads you to Taman Sari, once known during the Dutch colonial era as the "Water Palace," followed by visits to traditional puppet and batik workshops.

    By late morning, you head to Ratu Boko, a temple perched atop the Gunung Kidul hills, offering panoramic views over the Prambanan plain. From there, a scenic hike takes you through forests, traditional villages, and rice paddies, leading to the magnificent Hindu temple of Prambanan.

    You’ll explore its temple complex, with a special focus on Loro Jonggrang, a breathtaking 47-meter-high temple dedicated to the goddess Shiva.

    Often considered the most elegant Hindu temple in Java, it is an architectural masterpiece. For those interested, there is an optional opportunity to attend the Ramayana Ballet, an enchanting performance set against the backdrop of the temples. Return to the hotel in the early or mid-evening.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman

Day 10Java Rice Paddies and Borobudur Temple

Day 10Java Rice Paddies and Borobudur Temple

  • Early in the morning, transfer to the banks of the Kulon Progo River, where your day begins in a charming Javanese village.

    From here, set off on a leisurely Dutch-style bicycle ride, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding countryside.

    Along the way, stop in nearby villages to observe traditional local crafts and experience the rhythms of rural life.

    In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the majestic Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist monument, where you’ll have time to explore its intricate carvings and terraces.

    Return to the hotel in the early evening.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman

Sukuh Temple
4h-12km
7h-290km

Day 11The Last Bastion of Hinduism

Day 11The Last Bastion of Hinduism

  • Morning transfer to Sukuh temple , the last stronghold of Hinduism in Central Java, standing firm against the spread of Islam.

    This temple is renowned for its unique iconography, including phallic sculptures and large turtle-shaped tables, hinting at ancient initiatory and even orgiastic rituals.

    From here, embark on a scenic walk to the village of Tawangmangu,nestled on the slopes of Lawu mount.

    Along the way, take in the lush landscapes, where pine forests and high-altitude plantations create a stunning natural tapestry.

    The walk concludes in Tawangmangu Park, home to the spectacular Grojogan Sewu Waterfall, cascading in the heart of a tropical forest inhabited by a lively community of monkeys.


    4 hours of trekking (Difference in heights : +400 m / -300m)
    In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif, in preparation for your next adventure.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Rani Homestay

Tumpak Sewu

Day 12Magnificent scenery

Day 12Magnificent scenery

  • Morning departure for the Lumajang region, tracing the southern slopes of the majestic Semeru volcano. Your journey leads you to the breathtaking Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, known as the "Thousand Waterfalls" in Javanese.

    Descending into the gorge via a steep and sometimes slippery path, you'll feel the raw power of hundreds of cascading streams, plunging over 100 meters into the lush landscape below.

    From above, the waterfall’s beauty appears almost ephemeral, as a fine mist envelops everything in its path.

    No surprise, then, that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mount Semeru in the background won the "Best Aerial Shot" award in 2019.For photography enthusiasts, this is a dreamlike setting—just be sure to protect your equipment from the humidity! Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Rani Homestay

2h-35km
Cemorolawang

Day 13 Spectacular Mt Bromo Caldera

Day 13 Spectacular Mt Bromo Caldera

  • Early in the morning, 4x4 vehicles take you deep into the Tengger region, where the iconic Mt Bromo (2,329 m) continuously exhales its wisps of volcanic smoke.

    The surrounding caldera unfolds into a vast sea of sand, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

    Your journey begins with a breathtaking drive through the dense forests of the Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, skirting the dramatic ridges of Bromo’s caldera before descending onto the sand plains and reaching Cemorolawang village, perched on the opposite crest.In the early afternoon, set off to conquer Mount Bromo.

  • As you stand on its rim, gazing into the steaming crater, it’s easy to see why the Javanese once believed this place to be the gateway to purgatory.The adventure continues with an ascent to the summit of Mont Pananjakan (2,775 m), offering a spectacular panoramic view of the entire volcanic landscape.

    As the day fades, witness a mesmerizing scene : Mount Bromo, its vast sand sea, and the mighty Semeru volcano, both releasing thick plumes of smoke. A setting so surreal, it feels like stepping into another world.

    Return to your hotel in the early evening, still captivated by this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Lava View Lodges

Cemorolawang

Day 14The Charm of East Java’s Countryside

Day 14The Charm of East Java’s Countryside

  • Early morning transfer to the outskirts of Kawah Ijen, where the journey unfolds into a landscape of lush greenery and volcanic peaks.

    Upon arrival at your hotel, take a moment to settle in before setting off with your guide to explore stunning rice terraces.

    Enjoy a leisurely stroll through traditional villages and fragrant plantations of fruit and spices, where you’ll get a glimpse of local life and the island’s rich agricultural heritage.

    Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Lava View Lodges

Accommodation: Teras Hotel Ijen Banyuwangi

Day 15Green Crater

Day 15Green Crater

  • At the end of the night, you set off again by 4x4 towards the flanks of Kawah Ijen. In the early morning, walk to the edge of Kawah Ijen (meaning the "green crater") where men extract sulphur from the edge of the world's largest acid lake. These real sulphur workers carry around 100 kg of ore on their backs for around 15 km to the processing plant! You will then witness the weighing and the various employment contracts.

    A very powerful and striking image of your journey.


    4 hours of trekking

    In the late morning, transfer to Pemuteran, a small seaside resort on Bali's north-west coast, far from the tourist concentrations.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Taman Sari Hotel

Day 16Unwind in Paradise

Day 16Unwind in Paradise

  • Day at leisure, with your driver and guide at your disposal. For those looking to explore further, you may choose to charter a boat to discover the stunning underwater world surrounding Menjangan Island.

    This marine sanctuary is home to Bali’s richest marine biodiversity, offering a true kaleidoscope of colors beneath the waves.

    Vibrant coral reefs, teeming with tropical fish, create an awe-inspiring natural aquarium.It is also here that the rare Bali starling has found refuge.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Taman Sari Hotel

2h-80km
Belimbing

Day 17On the Heights

Day 17On the Heights

  • Early morning departure towards the Bali highlands.

    En route, visit Pulaki Temple, dramatically set at the foot of a cliff and home to a lively community of monkeys.As you ascend into the mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular, with lush landscapes unfolding along the winding roads.

    Your destination is Belimbing, a charming village nestled amidst some of Bali’s most breathtaking rice terraces.In the afternoon, set off on an extraordinary walk through this stunning natural setting, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surrounding countryside

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Kebun Villas

Belimbing
1h 10m-40km
30m-10km
Jatiluwih
1h-21km
2h-42km

Day 18Balinese Temples

Day 18Balinese Temples

  • This morning, you will head towards the southern slopes of Mt. Batukaru (2,270m).

    Visit the Luhur Batukaru Temple Luhur Batukaru Temple , nestled in a lush green setting, where several multi-roofed "merus," some dating back to the 17th century, stand in honor of the ancestors of the Tabanan dynasty and local protective deities.

    Next, you’ll transfer to Jatiluwih, a small village located in the heart of Bali’s most beautiful rice terraces, in the island's central-western region. In the early afternoon, you’ll set off on a magnificent hike through the vast sea of terraced rice fields that surround you.

    Continuing your journey, you’ll head towards Bedugul to visit the famous Hindu-Buddhist temple of Pura Ulun Danau. This temple, which appears to float on the waters of the lake, is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by lush gardens, it is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danau.

    Afterward, enjoy a brief stop at the local market .

    Finally, you’ll make your way to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, where your journey through the island’s rich heritage continues.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Kebun Villas

Accommodation: Green Field Resort

Day 19Ubud at your Own Pace

Day 19Ubud at your Own Pace

  • Today is dedicated to discovering Ubud and its surroundings. In Ubud, elegant temples and palaces with intricately carved facades line the streets. During our city walk, we'll visit Puri Saren and admire the intricate details of its wooden doors, Pura Saraswati with its delicate decorations, Pura Puseh with its stunning sculptures, and many other museums and galleries.

  • One of Ubud's unique attractions, slightly away from the town center, is the Sacred Monkey Forest . The walks outside of Ubud take you to places where the panoramic views of the rural landscape are absolutely breathtaking, preserving the natural beauty of the area.

  • A family of Balinese artists welcomes us into their traditional home and invites us to share a typical Ubud meal, accompanied by enchanting Balinese dances.Return to the hotel in the late afternoon

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Green Field Resort

Day 20Relaxing Day

Day 20Relaxing Day

  • Free day to explore Ubud and its surroundings.

Meal and accommodations

Accommodation: Green Field Resort

1h 20m-40km
Denpasar airport
Maumere
Moni

Day 21Welcome to Flores

Day 21Welcome to Flores

  • Transfer to the airport and flight to Maumere.

    Welcome at Maumere airport by your English-speaking tour-guide and transfer to the village of Moni, at the foot of the majestic Kelimutu massif.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Kelimutu Ecolodge

Moni
5h 30m

Day 22The 3 Lakes

Day 22The 3 Lakes

  • Very early in the morning you take the road to the summit of Kelimutu to admire a breathtaking and almost unreal spectacle: the sunrise over the 3 crater lakes of 3 different colors. Then you continue to the small town of Ende, stopping along the way at the Nduaria fruit́ market.

  • After your lunch, you continue your journey to Penggajawa, a stunning blue pebble beach, then arrive at your destination for the day : Bajawa, in the highlands.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: New Virgo Hotel

Day 23Bajawa and its Surrounding Area

Day 23Bajawa and its Surrounding Area

  • Early departure for Watumese (about a 30-minute drive), located at the foot of the magnificent, inactive Inerie volcano.

    A trail through a bamboo forest leads you to a village in the Ngada region, where you'll discover traditional houses with remarkably high roofs.

    Continue your hike, visiting two more villages along the way. The return to the vehicle follows a different trail, totaling around 3.5 hours of easy walking.

    Enjoy a picnic by a natural hot-water river in Nage, with time for swimming and relaxation before returning to your hotel in Bajawa.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: New Virgo Hotel

4h
Ruteng

Day 24Ruteng

Day 24Ruteng

  • Drive to Aimere to visit a traditional palm wine (Arak) distillery. Afterward, continue to Borong for lunch before heading to Lake Ranamese.

    Enjoy a short walk along the lake before driving to Ruteng, a town nestled at the foot of the regularly active Ranakah volcano, which erupts several times a year.

    Just before reaching Ruteng, stop to admire the stunning Mano rice terraces. Lunch will be a picnic or at a local restaurant along the way.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Spring Hill Boutique Hotel

Day 25Komodo Cruise

Day 25Komodo Cruise

  • In the morning, head to the village of Cara to admire the fascinating spider-web-shaped rice fields.

    Then, take the road to Labuan Bajo. Upon arrival, proceed directly to the port to board your private boat for a breathtaking cruise through the crystal-clear waters of Komodo National Park.

    Accompanied by your guide, cook, and boat crew, you will set sail toward Kelor Island, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and an astonishing variety of marine life.

    Later, continue your journey to Kalong Island, a mangrove-covered haven where thousands of bats take refuge during the day. As night falls, witness this spectacular "black cloud" of bats soaring towards Flores Island to feed on fruit.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: On board

Day 26Komodo Dragons

Day 26Komodo Dragons

  • After breakfast, continue your journey by boat towards Rinca Island. The Bajo people live here in stilt houses, relying entirely on the sea for their livelihood.

    You'll take a guided walk to track down the famous Komodo dragons, along with other wildlife such as deer, monkeys, buffaloes, and wild horses, all set against a backdrop where the green savannah meets the blue of the coves and bays.

    Upon returning to the boat, you'll set sail for the renowned "Pink Beach," ready to explore its stunning shores.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: On board

Day 27Manta Rays in Motion

Day 27Manta Rays in Motion

  • In the early morning, you’ll take a stroll on Komodo Island, enjoying the cool morning air and catching a glimpse of the boat anchored in the turquoise waters of the bay.

    Then, head towards the famous "Manta Point," where manta rays come to be "cleaned."

    You’ll have the opportunity to swim nearby (while maintaining a safe distance) and witness the majestic dance of these impressive marine creatures. Finally, you'll make your way back to the port of Labuan Bajo.

    Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to Denpasar (or Bali). Transfer to your beachfront hotel.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Puri Bambu Hotel

Departure

Day 28See you soon in Indonesia

Day 28See you soon in Indonesia

  • Free time until transfers to the airport

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included