Trek and immersion among the Toraja
Explore the forgotten trails of Toraja country, between highland villages and ancestral ceremonies.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,275/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
This trekking variant of the "Discovery of Toraja Culture" circuit offers you total immersion in this region, where ancestral rites and varied nature blend together and offer the traveler distinctive picturesque flavors.
During a 4-day trek through the western and northern parts of Toraja land, you will traverse numerous authentic highland villages and breathtaking landscapes. In this abundant nature where many endemic orchid species grow and where local populations are very welcoming, you will explore a region and a people unlike any you have ever known.
In the surroundings of Rantepao, you will also discover the impressive funeral ceremonies that have made Toraja culture famous, as well as the distinctive architecture of the buildings.
In short, this unique circuit is a "must" for anyone who truly wishes to immerse themselves in Toraja culture deeply rooted in the animistic traditions of old.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Makassar and city tour
Aéroport → Makassar
Airport pickup in Makassar and transfer to the hotel.
Makassar is the capital of the South Sulawesi province located on the shores of the Makassar Strait. Rest of the day at leisure.
In early afternoon, visit to the fish market, an essential place of life and meetings, as fish represents an important food in the culinary culture of Indonesians.
Transfer then to the Paotere port, to admire magnificent wooden schooners. You finish with a visit to the Fort Rotterdam, built in 1545 by Raja Tunipalangga: it originally consisted only of an earthen rampart called "makassar". It was not until 1634 that these were reinforced by 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 is fully restored and even houses a small museum that traces its history.
On the way to the capital of the Toraja region
Morning transfer to the Maros region (once discovered by Alfred Wallace), renowned for its rice fields and karst peaks. Short walk around the area and exploration of a cave dating back nearly 39,000 years, which is full of rock paintings.
Your guide also offers you a pirogue ride on a river near which many bird species live. Meetings with the local population who live in stilt houses.
Late morning transfer to the maritime city of Pare Pare, then you go up the Sa'Dan river towards the mountains, through magnificent landscapes. The plain landscapes are therefore quickly replaced by thick coconut forest.
Stop along the way at Bambapuang, from where you will have a view of a mountain called "erotic". Arrival at @[Rantepao](rantepao) (the capital of @[Toraja Land](toraja)) in early evening. Check-in at the hotel.
First day of hiking
Rantepao → Karonanga
Morning transfer to Sangkurapi (1 hour), starting point of your 5-day trek through Toraja land. Rice fields, forests, rivers and authentic villages will be your daily experience.
Arrival in Karonanga in the afternoon. Free time until dinner, which you share with the locals, who use bamboo in a surprising way in their cuisine.
Green Ocean
Karonanga → Sapan
Second day of trekking towards Sapan, through terraced rice fields, villages & bamboo forests.
Night at a local home, in a typical Toraja house.
Continuation towards Baruppu
Sapan → Baruppu
You continue your trek towards Baruppu, largely through the forest.
Towards Melosya
Baruppu → Melosya
The path takes you today to Melosya through splendid landscapes.
Funerary Art
Today, you start with a visit to the funeral site of Lemo. This is a rock wall in which balconies have been carved to house numerous figurines, called Tau Tau.
Transfer then to the royal tombs of Suaya and continue on foot to another interesting site: Tampangg'alo. In the afternoon, visit the Londa caves, at the foot of a large cliff, which house coffins and scattered bones.
Easy hike to the village of Kete Kesu (renowned for its wood carvings and rice granaries), through rice fields, villages & bamboo forest. Discovery also of troglodytic tombs, and others, more ancient, suspended.
Towards the Bugis Land
Rantepao → Sengkang
We head towards the shores of Lake Tempe and board motorized canoes for an extraordinary discovery of this swampy lake which is home to numerous bird species and where an amazing lakeside village lies. It is then an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of the villagers, for whom time seems to have no hold.
In the morning, we head to the charming small town of Sengkang which stretches along the banks of the Walanae River.
In the afternoon, visit traditional silk weaving workshops.
See you very soon in Indonésie
Early departure to the Bantimurung region and you take the opportunity to visit, along the way, the archaeological site of Leang-Leang.
In the afternoon, you continue your journey to Makassar airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Insurance & assistance, visas & airport taxes if applicable
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary above
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide and porter team
- Private vehicle transfers with air conditioning
- Lake transfers
- Accommodation in B&B at the hotel
- Full board accommodations with local families
- Site Entries & Donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during walking days
- Civil Liability Insurance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sulawesi
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
