Sulawesi, Java & Bali : Indonesian kaleidoscope - Nomadays

Indonesia

Sulawesi, Java & Bali : Indonesian kaleidoscope

We know too little about Indonesia, this fabulous archipelago at the end of the world, where a smile is on the lips of a population imbued with finesse and cordiality. But when references to 'Sulawesi', 'Java' and 'Bali' pop into our heads, the dream machine kicks into gear…


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...

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Day 1Welcome to Sulawesi

Day 1Welcome to Sulawesi

  • Welcome at Makassar airport by your English speaking tour-guide and transfer to the hotel. Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, sits on the Makassar Strait.

  • In the afternoon, depending on your arrival time, visit the bustling fish market, a key gathering place where seafood plays a central role in Indonesian cuisine.

  • Then, head to the port of Paotere to admire the magnificent wooden schooners. The tour concludes at Fort Rotterdam, built in 1545 by Raja Tunipalangga. Originally an earthen rampart called a "makassar," it was reinforced with stone walls in 1634 by Sultan Alaudin. The Dutch later conquered it in 1667, renaming it "Rotterdam" after Speelman's birthplace. Now fully restored, the fort houses a small museum recounting its history.

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

Meal and accommodations

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: M-Regency Hotel

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: M-Regency 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: M-Regency Hotel

Day 4Immersion

Day 4Immersion

  • 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.

    Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: M-Regency Hotel

Day 5Vibrant Rantepao

Day 5Vibrant Rantepao

  • Visit the vibrant 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 stroll 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: M-Regency Hotel

5h-210km
Sengkang

Day 6To Bugis Land

Day 6To Bugis Land

  • In the morning, you drive to the charming little town of Sengkang, which stretches along the banks of the Walanae river. In the afternoon, visit the traditional silk weaving workshops.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: BBC Hotel

Sengkang

Day 7Marshy lake

Day 7Marshy lake

  • Early morning transfer to the shores of lake Tempe , where you board motorized canoes for a unique exploration of this vast marshland, home to diverse bird species and a fascinating floating village.

    A rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless daily life of the local fishermen.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: BBC Hotel

Day 8To Java, the gentle

Day 8To Java, the gentle

  • Departure towards Makassar airport and flight to Yogyakarta in the early evening. Your English speaking tour-guide will meet you at Yogyakarta airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel

Day 9Cultural capital

Day 9Cultural capital

  • The morning is devoted to visiting Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Java, and in particular the area around the Sultan's Palace, built in 1756, where life is good.

    Your city walk will take you to Taman Sari, known in the days of the Dutch colonial empire as the "Water Palace", and then to the puppet and batik workshops.

    You then visit the Prambanan temple complex, and in particular Loro Jonggrang, a sumptuous 47-metre-high temple dedicated to the goddess Siva.

    It is considered́ to be the most elegant and breathtaking Hindu temple on the island of Java.

    Return to Yogyakarta in the late afternoon, where you spend the rest of your time strolling along Malioboro Avenue, Yogya's main shopping street. Overnight at the same hotel.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel

1h 30m-40km
Suroloyo
2h 30m-145km
Sukuh Temple

Day 10Borobudur Sanctuary

Day 10Borobudur Sanctuary

  • Early this morning, set off for the Menoreh Hills, about 25 km west of Yogyakarta, where lush ridges overlook the Borobudur plain.

    Follow a scenic trail through breathtaking landscapes, winding along the crests with sweeping views of emerald rice fields and distant volcanoes—Mt Sumbing, Mt Merapi, and Mt Merbabu—standing like silent guardians on the horizon.

    Emerging from the heart of the valley, the majestic sanctuary of Borobudur rises before you, an awe-inspiring sight to conclude your walk.

    Later, transfer to Sukuh, on the slopes of Mt Lawu, where misty heights cradle ancient traditions.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Sukuh Cottages

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

Day 11The Last Bastion of Hinduism

Day 11The Last Bastion of Hinduism

  • In the morning, transfer to Sukuh temple, the last stronghold of Hinduism in Central Java as Islam spread across the region. Its unique iconography, including phallic symbols and turtle-shaped altars, hints at ancient initiation rites—possibly even orgiastic rituals.

    From there, set off on a scenic walk toward Tawangmangu, a village nestled on the slopes of Mount Lawu. volcan Lawu

    Along the way, you’ll pass through lush pine forests and high-altitude plantations, with plenty of chances to spot native plant species and take in stunning panoramic views.

    The walk ends at Tawangmangu Park, where a short trail leads to the breathtaking Grojogan Sewu waterfall, hidden deep in a tropical forest teeming with macaques.


    4 hours of trekking and difference in heights +400m/-300m
    In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Sukuh Cottages

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Rani Homestay

Tumpak Sewu

Day 12Magnificent landscape

Day 12Magnificent landscape

  • In the morning, set off for the Lumajang region, following the southern slopes of Mount Semeru, Java’s highest volcano.

    Your journey leads to " Tumpak Sewu, or "Thousand Waterfalls in Javanese.

    As you descend into the gorge—on a steep and sometimes slippery trail—you’ll feel the sheer power of hundreds of cascading streams, plunging over 100 meters into the lush canyon below.

    From above, the misty veil creates an almost surreal beauty, soaking everything in its path. It’s no surprise that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mount Semeru in the background won the Best Aerial Shot award in 2019.

    If you're bringing a camera, be sure to protect it from moisture.

    Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.


    3 hours of trekking

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: breakfast

Accommodation: Rani Homestay

2h-35km
Cemorolawang

Day 13Majestic caldera of Mt Bromo

Day 13Majestic caldera of Mt Bromo

  • Early morning, set off in 4x4 vehicles toward the Tengger region, home to the legendary Mt Bromo (2,329 m).

    Along the way, you’ll pass through the lush forests of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, skirting part of the Bromo caldera rim before descending into its vast sea of sand.

    Your journey ends in Cemorolawang, a village perched on the opposite crest.Sacred to the Tengger Hindu people, Mount Bromo is a place of deep spiritual significance.

    In the early afternoon, climb to its steaming crater, often compared to a boiling cauldron—a sight that once led the Javanese to believe it was the gateway to purgatory.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Lava View Lodges

Cemorolawang

Day 14Volcanic Awakening

Day 14Volcanic Awakening

  • At dawn, aboard a 4x4, ascend to the summit of Mont Pananjakan (2,775 m) for an unforgettable spectacle.

    As the first light of day breaks over the horizon, a surreal lunar landscape unfolds before you—Mount Bromo, its vast sea of sand, and the towering Semeru volcano, both breathing thick plumes of smoke into the morning sky.

    A moment of pure magic. If you wish, take a short ascent to Bromo’s crater, now bathed in the golden hues of sunrise, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Late in the morning, transfer to Ketapang, at the eastern foot of Kawah Ijen.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Lava View Lodges

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel

Day 15Green Crater

Day 15Green Crater

  • Early in the morning , you set off again in a 4x4 towards the slopes of Kawah Ijen ("green crater" in old Javanese), which you can easily climb in the company of the men who extract sulphur every day from the edge of the largest acid lake in the world.

    These real "convicts" carry around 80 kg of ore on their backs for around 15 km to the processing plant!

    You 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 Ketapang port or Banyuwangi airport.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Ketapang Indah Hotel

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Taman Sari Hotel

Day 16Relaxing in paradise

Day 16Relaxing in paradise

  • Free day in Pemuteran, a haven of tranquillity by the sea. Your driver and guide remain available should you wish to explore.

    For an unforgettable experience, set off by boat to discover the underwater wonders around Mejangan Island, where Bali’s richest marine life gathers.

    A vibrant, polychrome aquarium awaits you amidst the coral reefs, home to an extraordinary array of species.

    This secluded paradise is also the last refuge of Bali’s rare starling, adding a touch of magic to your adventure.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Accommodation: Taman Sari Hotel

2h-80km
Belimbing

Day 17On the heights

Day 17On the heights

  • Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading towards Bali’s lush highlands in the early afternoon. Along the way, stop at Pulaki Temple, nestled at the foot of a dramatic cliff and home to a lively community of monkeys.

    As the road winds into the mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular.

    Your journey leads you to the charming village of Belimbing, a haven of tranquillity surrounded by some of the island’s most breathtaking rice terraces.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Kebun Villas

Belimbing

Day 18Ocean of Green

Day 18Ocean of Green

  • Morning devoted to a scenic stroll in the surrounding nature. Afternoon free to enjoy your hotel and its swimming pool nestled in the middle of the rice fields.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kebun Villas

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

Day 19Balinese Temples

Day 19Balinese Temples

  • Begin your day with a visit to Luhur Batukaru Temple, nestled in lush greenery and home to centuries-old multi-tiered meru, dedicated to ancestral spirits and local deities.
    In the morning, transfer to Jatiluwih, a village famed for its breathtaking rice fields, a UNESCO-listed landscape in the heart of Bali.
    In the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike through the rolling terraces, an ocean of green stretching as far as the eye can see.

    3 hours of trekking
    Continue to Bedugul to visit the Pura Ulun Danau, a Hindu-Buddhist temple seemingly floating on the tranquil waters of the lake, dedicated to the Goddess Dewi Danu.
    After a short stop at a local market, your journey leads you to Ubud, Bali’s artistic and cultural heart.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Green Field Resort

45m-14km
45m-14km

Day 20Blend of Rice Fields and Beaches

Day 20Blend of Rice Fields and Beaches

  • This morning, set off on a scenic walk through lush rice fields towards Tampaksiring.

    Along the way, you’ll be welcomed by a family of Balinese artists into their traditional home, where you’ll enjoy an authentic meal accompanied by mesmerizing Balinese dances.

    In the afternoon, visit Tirta Empul, a revered water temple where locals come daily for spiritual purification in its sacred pools.

    Continue to Gunung Kawi, one of Bali’s most awe-inspiring sites, where the nine royal tombs of King Wungsu’s family are majestically carved into the cliffside.

    Return to Ubud in the early evening for some free time to explore the village at your own pace.

    In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner by the sea.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Green Field Resort

1h 20m-40km
Denpasar airport
Departure

Day 21See you soon in Indonesia

Day 21See you soon in Indonesia

  • Free time until transfer to Denpasar airport.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Breakfast