Day 01: Arrive Makassar

Arrival at Makassar Airport located on the southwest coast of the island of Sulawesi. After immigration formalities we are cordially welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free. Hotel check-in time is 1400 hrs. Dinner is at our hotel.  We have a 2-night stay in Makassar.

Overnight: Imperial Aryaduta Hotel, Makassar (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: Makassar/Rammang Rammang/Makassar (Drive)    

After breakfast at our hotel our adventure begins as we take a 2 hours drive through beautiful scenery to Kampung Berua, a village where the Rammang Rammang cave is situated. Rammang Rammang, in the local language, means "cloud," as the hilly rock formation is usually covered by thick clouds in the morning. It is a natural museum consisting of 89 caves, with three caves bearing prehistoric paintings dating back to thousands of years ago. These caves are believed to have been dwellings for early humans in South Sulawesi which we will have time to explore. Late afternoon, we are back in Makassar. (B, D)

Day 03: Makassar/Sengkang (Drive)

After breakfast our hotel we drive to Sengkang passing Cimba Village, a small village with a beautiful view of the towering hills of South Sulawesi. Arrive in Sengkang early afternoon, where we see a local silk weaving place. Later, we  take an interesting boat ride on Tempe Lake to see Wajo fisherman’s floating houses and freshwater fish ponds.

Overnight: Sermani Hotel, Sengkang (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Sengkang/Rantepao (Drive)

Early morning a leisurely and scenic drive to Rantepao stopping enroute to see village life. Rantepao is a small town in the North Toraja Regency. It known for being the cultural center of the Toraja ethnic group. It is the starting point when exploring Tana Toraja. It is a new area which opened for foreign tourists in 1970. Upon arrival at Rantepao we visit Londa Village to see its natural cave graves before checking into our hotel. Evening is free to enjoy the tranquility and the enchanting scenery. We have a 3-night stop at Rantepao.

Overnight: Toraja Heritage Hotel, Rantepao (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Rantepao

A full-day tour exploring several interesting and cultural highlights of the Rantepao region. At the beautiful village of Palawa we will see buffalo horns decorated in front of houses and are made aware of the significance of this ancient rituals. At the traditional cotton-weaving village of Sa'dan, we will see the ancient megalithic stones at Bori, and Mt. Sesean and view the large rice-field terraces at Batutumonga. In the afternoon, continue to visit the boulder grave at Lokomata, then take an easy nature walk from Pana through the rice fields and villages down to Tikala and then we are back at our hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Rantepao

After breakfast we visit Lemo Village to see the cliff graves. Passing through a small muddy path from the Lemo village amidst rice paddy fields, we get to the best known ancient burial site in Toraja. Here, we will see an impressive burial cliff riddled with hanging graves and a series of balconies with Tau-Tau, wooden effigies of the dead persons. They sit lined up in rows, held in place by beams of wood and staring out at the fields below, making the whole scene hauntingly stunning with the eerie mystical atmosphere. At Kambira Village baby graves are placed in one big tree. At Tampang Allo many local notables are buried and then we get to Suaya Village where we will see the royal family tombs all with their different character. We end this interesting day at Sangalla, where we visit a local bazaar. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Rantepao/Makassar (Drive)/Jayapura (Flight)

Driving back to Makassar via a different route we pass through Parepare, a small Bugis Town with typical Bugis clan houses built on stilts. Lunch at a local restaurant in Parepare. Spend some time here before reaching Makassar. Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to the airport for an early morning flight (2:40 AM past midnight) to Jayapura.

Overnight: Baliem Pilamo Hotel (3 nights) (L, D)

Day 08: Jayapura/Wamena (Flight)

We arrive at Jayapura, the capital of Papua just after sunrise with fresh air and bright green colour from the amazing greenery around and connect with a flight to Wamena - home of the Dani tribe. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel for rest. Late afternoon, we explore Wamena, exploring the local market where everything from organically grown veggies to live pigs is sold. Witness the Dani people in traditional attire and experience the vibrant market atmosphere. We have a plasant 3-night stay at Wamena.

Overnight: Baliem Pilamo Hotel, Wamena (3 nights) (L, D)

Day 09: Kurima/South Baliem

A different form of activity today as we depart for Sogokmo after breakfast. Baliem Valley Trekking is one of the most sought of activity in this beautiful valley. We take a 40 minutes’ drive from Wamena to Sogokmo Village which is the start point of this easy trek. The scenery here is incredibly beautiful and we will witness sweet potato fields. Continue to Kurima, encountering tribes and learning about their culture, lifestyle, and values. We explore the traditional Papuan tribe in their small villages and local people working in the field. After a picnic lunch, we trek back to Sogokmo and drive to our hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Wamena/Pig Feast at Obia/Wamena

Today we head to Obia Village to witness the Pig Feast Ceremony - a mini cultural show held by the Dani tribe at the Obia village. The aim of this ceremony is the perseverance of Dani culture and is also offered to tourists. Attending Pig Feast Ceremony is a very good opportunity to learn and experience the real living life of Dani tribe. This will be accompanied by a “war” dance, providing insights into prehistoric age culture. Witness the traditional methods of conflict resolution through festive war rituals. Something for all of us to take back home! We then drive back to our hotel for dinner and overnight at Wamena. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Wamena/Jayapura (Flight)

After an early breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our one-hour flight to Jayapura. We are received and visit the monument, Sentani Lake, and Cendrawasih Museum. Explore the villages of Ayapo and Asei by a small motorized wooden boat. Here we will see life of villagers in small islands. After lunch, we visit Cendrawasih Museum and the popular Hamadi Art Market. We are then transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Suni Garden Hotel (1 night) (B, L)

Day 12: Jayapura/Bali (Flight)/Sanur

Transfer for the flight to Denpasar the capital city of Bali Island. It is also the major hub that connects the many tourists' d]]s within Bali Island. Denpasar is also the site where the famous and colourful Bali Arts Festival is held annually. The 2024 dates for the festival is from June 15-July 13, 2024. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free. Enjoy this well-known island with its many attractions, activities and of course, the beach.

Overnight: Puri Santrian Sanur (Garden Wing) Prama Sanur (1 night) (B)

Day 13: Depart Bali

Breakfast at the hotel after which we bid farewell to Indonesia's interesting and remote cultures of the Toraja and Dani people and are transferred to Denpasar Airport. For those wishing to extend stay kindly contact us. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 08 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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