Immersive trek in Toraja country, jewel of Sulawesi
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration10 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationIndonesia / Sulawesi
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions339.33 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a unique immersion into the heart of Toraja country, combining challenging treks , authentic encounters , and age-old traditions . This 4-day tour takes you through the wild highlands of this iconic region of Sulawesi, amidst dense forests, sculpted rice paddies, and perched villages.
Each step of the journey reveals the richness of a culture deeply rooted in ancestral animism , marked by its spectacular funeral ceremonies and striking traditional houses. In this lush landscape, dotted with endemic orchids and breathtaking panoramas, interactions with the locals offer a unique glimpse into a timeless way of life.
This trip is a rare sensory and cultural exploration , for trekking enthusiasts seeking disconnection and profound human discoveries.
The highlights
-
An authentic immersion in the heart of the villages and rice paddies of the Toraja region
-
A 4-day trek through lush nature, mountains, and ancestral traditions
-
Discovering funeral ceremonies and typical Toraja architecture
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
Management
Private stay with a French-speaking guide and team of porters
Program
-
Welcome to Sulawesi
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 20km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Makassar airport and transfer to your hotel. Makassar is the capital of South Sulawesi province, located on the Makassar Strait. The rest of the day is free. In the early afternoon, visit the fish market, a vibrant hub of activity and social interaction, as fish is a staple in Indonesian cuisine. Afterwards, transfer to Paotere harbor to admire magnificent wooden gulets. The day concludes with a visit to Fort Rotterdam, built in 1545 by Raja Tunipalangga. Originally, it consisted of an earthen rampart called "makassar." It was only in 1634 that these were reinforced with stone walls at the behest of Sultan Alauddin. The fort was later conquered by the Dutch in 1667 and renamed "Rotterdam" (the birthplace of Speelman). Today, the fort is fully restored and even houses a small museum that retraces its history.
Day 1 -
Towards Toraja Country
- Transportation Car - 07h30 - 330km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning transfer to the Maros region (discovered by Alfred Wallace), renowned for its rice paddies and karst peaks. A short walk in the surrounding area and exploration of a cave nearly 39,000 years old, filled with numerous rock paintings. Your guide also offers a canoe trip on a nearby river inhabited by many bird species. Meet the local people who live in stilt houses. Late morning transfer to the coastal town of Pare Pare, then travel up the Sa'Dan River towards the mountains, through magnificent landscapes. The plains quickly give way to dense coconut palm forests. A stop en route at Bambapuang offers a view of a mountain known as the "erotic mountain." Arrival in Rantepao (the capital of Toraja) in the early evening. Check-in at the hotel.
Day 2 -
Start of the trek
- Transportation Car - 01h - 30km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early morning transfer to Sangkurapi, the starting point of your 5-day trek through Toraja country. Rice paddies, forests, rivers, and authentic villages will be your daily companions. Arrival in Karonanga in the afternoon. Free time until dinner, which you will share with the local people, who use bamboo in surprising ways in their cooking.
Day 3 -
Green Ocean
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day two of hiking towards Sapan, through terraced rice paddies, villages & bamboo forests. Overnight stay with a local family in a typical Toraja house.
Day 4 -
Towards Baruppu
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You continue your trek towards Baruppu, mostly through the forest.
Day 5 -
Towards Melosya
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The path leads you today to Melosya through splendid landscapes.
Day 6 -
Last day of trekking
- Transportation Car - 01h - 30km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Last day of walking, which brings you closer to Rantepao. Transfer to the Toraja capital in the mid-afternoon.
Day 7 -
Funeral art
- Transportation Car - 02h - 40km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you begin with a visit to the Lemo burial site. It is a rock face in which balconies have been carved, housing numerous figurines called Tau Tau.
Next, transfer 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. An easy hike leads to the village of Kete Kusu (renowned for its wood carvings and rice granaries), passing through rice paddies, villages, and a bamboo forest. Discover cave tombs and other, older, hanging tombs.
Day 8 -
Towards Bugs Country
- Transportation Car - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We travel to the shores of Lake Tempe and board motorized canoes for an extraordinary exploration of this marshy lake, home to numerous bird species and a remarkable lakeside village. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of the villagers, for whom time seems to stand still. In the morning, we visit the charming little town of Sengkang, which stretches along the banks of the Walanae River. In the afternoon, we tour traditional silk weaving workshops.
Day 9 -
See you very soon in Indonesia
- Transportation Car - 04h30 - 200km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early departure towards the Bantimurung region, with the opportunity to visit the Leang-Leang archaeological site en route. In the afternoon, you continue your journey to Makassar airport.
Day 10
Accommodation
Access
You will be met at Makassar airport by your guide. Airport transfer at the end of your stay is also included.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- French-speaking guide and team of porters
- Ground transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles
- Lake transfers
- Bed and breakfast accommodations at the hotel
- Full board accommodation with local residents
- Site admissions & donations
- Mineral water and energy supplements during walking days
The price does not include
- International air travel
- Insurance & assistance, visas & any airport taxes
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary above
- Drinks, personal expenses & tips
- Anything not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
• Visa on arrival (VOA - 30 days renewable):
○ Price: 500,000 IDR (+500,000 IDR for the 30-day extension).
○ To be obtained directly at the airport upon arrival.
○ Requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry and a ticket to leave the territory.
○ Allow 1 hour for the protocol.
• Online visa (30-day e-visa):
○ Available on the official website: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/
○ Allows entry into Indonesian territory within 90 days of obtaining it.
○ Allows you to avoid the queue for purchasing the visa at the airport.
○ Upon arrival, you will go through the automatic gates (follow the E-visa/Evoa signs) by directly scanning your passport.
○ A confirmation email will be sent to you once the visa is activated.
Health and Vaccines
• Health advice: We are not doctors, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate recommendations.
• Health form: To be completed in advance online or on site by scanning the QR code.
Payment and Withdrawals
• Credit cards accepted almost everywhere (Indonesia is part of the G20).
• ATMs available in all major cities.
• Bring cash for warungs and small shops.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 20-30L backpack for trekking (with rain cover)
- Waterproof bag or pouches (protects passport, money, electronics from moisture)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 1.5L)
- Hiking poles (optional but useful for steep descents)
- Category 3/4 sunglasses
- Cap or hat for the sun
- High protection sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Tropical mosquito repellent (DEET or equivalent)
- Small first aid kit (mosquito repellent, plasters, disinfectant, personal medication, motion sickness tablets)
- Wipes / hand sanitizer
- Camera or smartphone + external battery
- Type C/F electrical plug adapter (as in France, but sometimes a power strip is useful)
Clothing to bring
For everyday life (city, beach, sightseeing):
- Lightweight and breathable T-shirts (technical fabrics or fine cotton)
- Lightweight linen or cotton shorts/trousers
- Dresses or flowing outfits suitable for the heat
- Swimsuit(s)
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt (protects from sun and mosquitoes)
- Pareo or scarf (practical for temples, the beach, or as a light blanket)
- Sandals or flip-flops (for resting after the trek and for everyday use)
For the trek:
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Thermal base layers (technical long-sleeved t-shirt + lightweight leggings if trekking at night)
- Breathable and comfortable hiking pants
- Hiking socks (anti-blister, breathable)
Shoes
- Suitable footwear: low-cut with a solid sole.