South - North Sulawesi Experience

Discover Sulawesi’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife on this 15-day journey. Explore Toraja’s traditional villages, colorful Tongkonan houses, and sacred cliffside and cave burial sites. Visit floating villages on Lake Tempe, relax on Bira Beach, and swim with green turtles on Liukang Island. Travel north to Manado and the Minahasa highlands, then experience Tangkoko Nature Reserve, spotting tarsiers, macaques, and other rare wildlife. Conclude with leisure and diving at Cocotinos Dive Lodge on Lembeh Island. A perfect blend of culture, nature, wildlife, and coastal relaxation.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Makassar – Toraja
Upon your arrival at Makassar airport, your guide will greet you and promptly escort you to Toraja. En route through the Buginese area, you will be mesmerized by the sight of distinctive stilt houses framed by breathtaking landscapes and towering mountains. Your journey will feature several captivating stops, including a visit to the renowned Erotic Mountain in Enrekang, a city along the route to Toraja. By afternoon, you'll reach the fascinating destination of Toraja.
Day 2 : Toraja Tour
After your breakfast, embark on a captivating journey through the fascinating villages of Toraja, each adorned with unique Tongkonan Houses reminiscent of ship bows and sterns. Begin your exploration in Lemo Village, renowned for its cliffside graveyard adorned with symbolic puppets representing the deceased. Continue to Suaya Village, where ancient royal stone graves of the seventh king await your discovery, with a poignant stop at Sanggala Village to pay respects to the baby graves along the way. In the afternoon, delve into the ancient natural cave graves of Londa Village, still in use today and adorned with puppet representations of the departed. Conclude your enriching day in Ketekesu, immersing yourself in the traditions of a traditional Toraja Village.
Day 3 : Toraja Tour
After your breakfast, explore Toraja's stunning mountain landscape, starting in Batutumonga Village, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Pause to admire the Rock Graves, a testament to the area's rich culture. Take a gentle trek through the village to experience local life firsthand. Visit Palawa Village to see charming Tongkanan Houses and rustic rice barns steeped in history. Continue to Bori Village, where ancient stone markers mark sacred funeral sites. In the afternoon, visit Nanggala Village to see iconic Tongkonan houses against a lush backdrop. Before heading back, immerse yourself in the vibrant local market, filled with the colors and flavors of Torajan culture.
Day 4 : Toraja - Sengkang
After breakfast, drive to Sengkang, known as the silk city. Along the way, make a refreshing stop at Bambapuang to catch another glimpse of the fascinating Erotic Mountain of Buntu Kabobong. Upon arrival in Sengkang early afternoon, delight in a boat ride on Lake Tempe to explore the charming floating villages.
Day 5 : Sengkang - Bira Beach
After breakfast, heading to Bira, with picturesque stops along the way. You will pass through typical Bugis-Makassar villages. By afternoon, you will arrive at Tanjung Bira. Enjoy some free time, perhaps taking in the stunning sunset from Bira Beach.
Day 6 : Bira Beach – Liukang Island Excursion
After breakfast, take a boat trip to Liukang Island, just across from the main island. This idyllic island is known as a breeding ground for green turtles, offering a rare opportunity to swim alongside these gentle creatures. Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and relaxing on the pristine beach before returning to Bira.
Day 7 : Bira – Makassar
After breakfast, depart from Bira for the return drive to Makassar City. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the city on your own.
Day 8 : Makassar – Manado (Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Manado, North Sulawesi. Upon arrival, meet your guide for a short city tour of Manado before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy your evening at leisure in this vibrant coastal city.
Day 9 : Tomohon – Tangkoko
After breakfast, head to the highlands of Tomohon, visiting the colorful local market and enjoying scenic views from Mahawu Volcano. Continue to Lake Tondano for a relaxing stop by its tranquil shores. Explore the Waruga ancient burial site to learn about Minahasan history before proceeding to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. After checking in at Tangkoko Lodge, embark on an evening jungle walk with a park ranger to spot the Tarsius spectrum, the world’s smallest primate, known for its adorable large eyes.
Day 10 : Tangkoko – Cocotinos Dive Lodge (Lembeh Island)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning trek through Tangkoko National Park, where you might encounter black macaques, hornbills, and other tropical wildlife. Return to the lodge, then transfer to Lembeh Island, home of the famous Cocotinos Dive Lodge, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by serene ocean views.
Day 11 : Cocotinos Dive Lodge – Leisure
Spend your day at leisure at Cocotinos Dive Lodge. Relax by the beach, go for a swim, or join optional diving and snorkeling activities to explore Lembeh’s incredible underwater biodiversity.
Day 12 : Cocotinos Dive Lodge – Leisure
Another free day to unwind or continue exploring the waters around Lembeh, world-renowned for its macro diving sites and rare marine species. Optional excursions are available for those interested in photography or marine exploration.
Day 13 : Cocotinos Dive Lodge – Leisure
Enjoy your final full day in this tropical paradise. Take time to relax, read by the beach, or indulge in water sports before wrapping up your North Sulawesi adventure.
Day 14 : Cocotinos Dive Lodge – Manado Airport
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Manado Airport for your onward flight. Your memorable Sulawesi adventure comes to an end — leaving you with unforgettable memories of culture, nature, and discovery.
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