Meet and greet at Makassar airport by your English-speaking guide, followed by a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Early departure towards the Sengkang region, famous for its silk weaving and especially for its vast swampy lake at the heart of the Bugis kingdom. First stop in the Maros region to explore, by motorized canoe, the impressive archaeological site of Rammang Rammang. The caves of Leang-Leang reveal traces of human presence dating back at least 5,000 years. The rock paintings in the Maros caves are estimated to be around 4,000 years old. Later, as you continue toward Sengkang along a scenic mountain road, you’ll stop to admire stunning landscapes and discover traditional stilt houses.

At sunrise, set off on a long motorized canoe to explore the rich ecosystem of Lake Tempe and its birdlife: dozens of egrets, herons, and more take flight as your boat glides through a surreal aquatic vegetation that closes behind you. Meet the fishermen who live permanently on the lake in floating bamboo houses (in August, you may witness the “Maccera Tappareng” festival, a ritual to purify the lake waters). Back in Sengkang, visit traditional silk weaving workshops before heading toward Rantepao, the capital of Toraja Land, via a spectacular mountain road.

First immersion into the fascinating world that defines the uniqueness of the Toraja people and their deep relationship with death. Visit Lemo, where tombs are carved into cliffs and the deceased are represented by wooden effigies called “Tau-Tau.” In Kambira, discover unusual baby graves carved into trees, and in Ketekesu, step inside the iconic “Tongkonan” houses, with their striking boat-shaped roofs. Later, explore the natural burial site of Londa and pass through the traditional village of Maruang, known for its Tongkonan and rice granaries. Possibility to attend an impressive funeral ceremony (very frequent).

Morning transfer to the village of Bori, known for its mysterious megaliths. Continue to Pallawa and Sa’dan, famous for their intricate wood carvings. In the afternoon, enjoy a pleasant trek to the village of Balalan, where a local family will welcome you for the night and introduce you to the basics of Toraja cuisine.

Trek: 2h

In the early morning, observe your host family going about their daily life. You’ll discover surprising uses of bamboo in traditional Toraja cooking. Then begin a scenic hike into the surrounding mountains, offering stunning viewpoints over megaliths scattered across vast rice fields. Transfer to Batutumonga for another immersion into Toraja life. Return to Rantepao via the Lokomata burial cave. If time allows, visit the Rantepao market and, if a ceremony is taking place, your guide will encourage you to attend.

Trek: 3h

Long journey toward Central Sulawesi to Pendolo, located on the southern shores of Lake Poso. This vast lake (323 km²) is one of the deepest in the world (450 m), and its waters are considered among the purest on Earth, maintaining a nearly constant temperature (around 26–30°C regardless of depth).

A day of exploration: wildlife and the mysterious giant megaliths (up to 4 meters high) of the Bada Valley. Along the Laliang River, these ancient relics remain unexplained to this day… These statues seem to watch over the surrounding villages and their inhabitants. With a bit of luck, you may also spot two rare endemic species: the anoa (a small forest buffalo) and the babirusa (deer-pig). Back at the hotel, enjoy a swim in the lake’s warm waters (but beware—the local legend speaks of a Loch Ness-like creature…).

Trek: 1h

Morning transfer to Ampana, where you board a speed ferry to the Togian Islands.

The Togian Islands form an archipelago of 56 islands and islets, located 30 km south of the Equator in Tomini Bay. Born from volcanic activity, the islands are covered in tropical rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs. Water temperatures average 31°C, with visibility reaching 40 to 50 meters. The marine and terrestrial ecosystems remain pristine and untouched an extremely rare phenomenon. The reefs and coastlines provide habitat for unique wildlife such as turtles, dugongs, macaques, parrots, and babirusa wild pigs. In the heart of this paradise, 37 villages thrive, representing diverse ethnic groups such as the Bobongko, Togian, Saluan, and the Bajau, known as sea nomads. These two days are dedicated to exploring this hidden gem: Unauna and its active Colo volcano, Malenge and its wildlife, Bajau villages, and of course, spectacular underwater worlds.

Trek: 2h (elevation: +100m / -150m)

Return by speed ferry to Ampana, then transfer to Pagimana, where you board an overnight ferry to Gorontalo.

Early morning departure to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi. Continue to Tomohon, a charming mountain town located in the heart of the Sangihe volcanic arc. Settle into a beautiful lodge nestled within a lush garden, facing three active volcanoes: Soputan, Lokon, and Mahawu.

Easy ascent of Mount Mahawu and discovery of its acidic crater lake (offering stunning views over Mount Lokon, the Minahasa region, and the northern tip of Sulawesi). Descend and continue to Lake Tondano. Visit a local “ikan mas” fish farm and enjoy lunch at a traditional lakeside restaurant. Return to Tomohon and hike up the active Lokon volcano (approx. 1h30). Depending on volcanic activity, it may be possible to descend into the crater.

Trek: 5h (elevation: +500m / -500m)

Morning transfer to Tangkoko National Park. Stops along the way include a visit to a Minahasa wooden house construction site and the discovery of ancient Waruga animist tombs. In the afternoon, trek through the park in search of endemic wildlife: black macaques, hornbills, and the park’s star attraction—the tiny and fragile tarsier (the smallest mammal on Earth).

Trek: 2h (elevation: +100m / -150m)

Morning transfer to Manado, where you board a speedboat to the stunning beaches of Bunaken (among the most beautiful in North Sulawesi). The rest of the day is free at leisure.

A free day to enjoy the sea and one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in North Sulawesi. Many activities are available: walking, fishing, snorkeling, diving, and more.