TORAJA COUNTRY, LAKE TEMPE AND BIRADay 1 . Arrival at Makassar airport, reception and departure for Toraja country, destination Rantepao: 328 km of road (about 8 hours with stops), passing through plains and Bugis villages, people of legendary sailors . You will cross small villages, located along the sea, with their small houses on stilts. Free lunch at Pare-pare.
The road then leaves the seaside, goes up along the Sa'dan river and then rises towards the mountain, offering you magnificent panoramas. The coastal zone, very quickly replaced by thick forest, is the kingdom of coconut trees and the nipah palm which is used to build roofs. Arrival at the end of the day in Rantepao. Night at Pias Poppies Hotel or similar.
Day 2. Rantepao-Lemo-Londa- RantepaoAfter breakfast, day of discovery of the surprising Toraja country. The Toraja live in boat-shaped houses, and worship buffaloes, the only animal capable of transporting the souls of the deceased, on the path of their ancestors. They organize grandiose ceremonies which sometimes last several days. You will visit Lemo's burial site. The rock face features a series of balconies decorated with Tau-tau. The large balcony features dozens of figures, arms outstretched like cheers. Free lunch en route. You will then visit the Londa caves: vast burial caves at the foot of a large cliff. Inside, you will discover a series of coffins and scattered bones. Then you will discover the royal tombs of Suaya. You can continue on foot to go to Tampang Allo, another interesting Toraja site. Return to your hotel at the end of the day.
Day 3. Rantepao-Ke'te Kesu'-Palawa-Bori-RantepaoThe Torajas generally hold two funeral ceremonies, one immediately after the death, and another more complex one after the preparations are completed. The second ceremony can last several days. For the Toraja the souls of animals must follow that of their master, hence the importance of animal sacrifices. You may be able to attend one of these ceremonies. Typically, guests participate in the meal with fellow guests and family.
In the afternoon, you will visit the site of Ke'te Kesu', nicknamed for its wood carvings, tongkonan and traditional rice barns. On the cliffs behind the village there are troglodyte tombs and very old hanging tombs. Continuation to the site of Palawa, a traditional village and bori: place of traditional menhirs called Rante, and the tombs of babies, installed in the trunks of still living trees. On the way back, you will pass through the village of Tallung-lipu. Return to your hotel at the end of the day.
Day 4. Rantepao-Lempo-Batutumonga-RantepaoThe day is dedicated to discovering magnificent landscapes north of Rantepao. Transfer to the village of Lempo. Then on foot, we cross bamboo forests and rice fields to the village of Batutumonga perched on the foothills of Mount Sesean. We pass through several villages, allowing the authentic discovery of the daily life of the Toraja people. Night in Batutumonga in a traditional house (guest house) Approximately 3-4 hours of walking.
Days 5 to 6. Rantepao-Ke'pe-Poya-Limbong – Salu-Rantepao (Trekking 2 days/one night at a local's home)After breakfast, we reach Kepe, the starting point for our two days of hiking, then easy descent, crossing villages, rice fields, cocoa and coffee plantations, to the village of Salu. Return to the hotel by car (approximately 5 hours walk). Night at the hotel
Day 7. Rantepao-SengkangBreakfast, departure south via the coastal road to the lakeside village of Sengkang, on the banks of Lake Tempe. The journey takes approximately 5 hours. Visit to a silk weaving workshop. Afternoon, departure for the small lake port and boarding motorized boats for a two-hour stroll on Lake Tempe. You will see the inhabitants of the lakeside city engaging in all kinds of activities on the barges, and perhaps you will observe the beautiful bird species of the lake. Night at the hotel
Day 8. Sengkang-BiraBreakfast, then continuation to Bira located on the western tip of the island, on the way visiting shipbuilding yards (mainly in Tana Beru) renowned for supplying the best wooden boats in Sulawesi, and probably Indonesia. Carpenters have expertise that is passed down from father to son. At the end of the afternoon arrive in Bira. Night at the Anda bungalow hotel or similar
Day 9. Bira / beaches and liukang island After breakfast, you will leave by boat to discover the island of Liukang, an ideal place to discover the seabed (snorkeling), or relax on magnificent beaches or even discover the local village. Free afternoon on the beach. Night at the Anda bungalow hotel or similar.
Day 10. Free day in Bira
Day 11. Bira-MakassarBreakfast, then transfer with return to Makassar, via the typical villages of Bulukumba, Jeneponto, and Takalar. Afternoon, arrival at Makassar airport for your flight. End of trip.
