Sulawesi Adventure: The Culture of Tana Toraja
Indonesia
9 days / 8 nights
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
Guide Price €1,012 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
Duration: 9 days/8 nights
For adventure travellers craving something truly off the beaten path, this nine-day journey into the heart of Sulawesi is unlike anything else. Tana Toraja is a place where life, death, and the afterlife intertwine in ways that will challenge everything you thought you knew. With your local CEO leading the way, explore villages where traditional cliffside tombs and elaborate funeral ceremonies honour loved ones for generations. Meet the Torajan people, hear their stories firsthand, and gain a deeper understanding of a culture that sees death not as an end, but as a sacred continuation. Along the way, soak in the region’s breathtaking landscapes, from misty highlands to lush rice terraces, and experience a way of life unlike any other.
from €1,012
per person (based on 2 people sharing)
Interested in this holiday? Call and speak to one of our travel experts.
Offers and News
Enjoy access to our latest offers, travel inspiration and news
Itinerary
Day 1 - Ubud
Welcome to Indonesia! Arrive at any time.
Day 2 - Ubud
Ubud is often considered the cultural heart of Bali. Today you have the opportunity to explore however you'd like. From monkey forests, local cooking classes, making spiritual offerings and Balinese village experiences, your options for today are endless.
Day 3 - Ubud/Makassar
Our trip continues with a flight from Bali to Makassar, the largest city in Sulawesi. After we arrive to our hotel, enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Day 4 - Makassar/Sengkang
Depart Makassar this morning after breakfast and head north to Maros, known for its absolutely stunning karst formations called tanggul. After the drive, load into a small boat to arrive to the village. Learn about the importance of the rice paddies and their unique techniques in this village, and admire the incredible natural beauty that these villagers call home. After the tour of the village, drive to Sengkang for the evening and settle into the hotel.
Day 5 - Sengkang/Tana Toraja Regency
Your day begins with a boat tour of Lake Tempe, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Indonesia. Explore the floating homes of the Bugis people, meet the locals and learn about the unique life of this area. Continue on to Tana Toraja, the land of ancestral spirits and unique traditions and easily one of the most fascinating places in Indonesia. This region is famous for its indigenous culture, dramatic landscapes, and elaborate funeral ceremonies. Although we cannot guarantee we'll see one of their famous funeral processions, we have the unique opportunity to visit and connect with the local community to discover them in depth.
Day 6 - Tana Toraja Regency
Drive through the countryside this morning toward Lemo Village and enjoy breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and traditional villages dotted along the way. In Lemo, we have the opportunity to witness some of the ionic burial sites carved into limestone caves. Continue on to visit Suaya to learn about the famous Baby Tree, a sacred tree where the spirits of deceased infants are believed to rest, and visit the graves of the royal family in the area. Next we head to Londa, another ancient burial site that highlights the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the Torajan people, followed by a traditional Torajan lunch. Conclude the day's discoveries with a walk through the Kete Kesu village, and admire the architecture and artwork.
Day 7 - Tana Toraja Regency
Today you have the opportunity to explore the incredible Tana Toraja area however you'd like. With so many unique and interesting aspects to the local culture, opt to delve deeper into what piques your interest the most. Choose to stay active on a trek or get hands-on with a cooking class.
Day 8 - Tana Toraja Regency/Makassar
Say goodbye to the amazing Tana Toraja area early this morning as we return to Makassar. Drive to the airport, then board a flight to arrive to Makassar by late morning. After free time for lunch, explore the historic city of Makassar alongside your CEO. Start at Fort Rotterdam, the 17th century fort, once a major trading hub in Southeast Asia. Then drive to Paotere Harbor for a walk to see the pinisi ships, followed by a visit to the Makassar's most beautiful mosque Masjid 99 Kubah. Finish today with a relaxing sunset at Losari beach, an amazing way to finish up your trip around Sulawesi.
Day 9 - Makassar
Depart at any time.
Departs: Selected departures April, June - July, September - October, December
Map
Price & Inclusions
- Hotels (8nts)
- 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches
We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 27/02/2025 to 31/12/2036. For holiday guide price terms and conditions, click here.Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
Work for Trailfinders
homeBook a Travel Centre Appointment
screen_shareBook a Virtual Appointment
Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 99% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
Your travel plans on the go
- View your up-to-date travel plans
- Book online & manage your account
- Flight details including baggage & seating
- Update your contact information
- Check visa & travel health requirements
- Access to E-Vouchers
- Trip Hub
Tales from the Trail
Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team