Sulawesi & The Spice Islands

DAY 1: DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Makassar in South Sulawesi.

DAYS 2 & 3: MAKASSAR CITY

Upon arrival at Makassar Airport, your expert local guide will transfer you to your hotel where you can spend the evening at your leisure.

The next morning, after a 1.5-hour drive, you will reach Rammang-Rammang village to board a boat for a sail along the river, admiring the breath-taking Karst mountain and limestone cliffs along the way. Enjoy lunch at the Udhin Eco-Lodge before returning to Makassar for a visit to the Paotere Schooner Harbor and a short walking tour of the city’s best landmarks. That evening we’ll recommend one of the superb seafood restaurants for your dinner.

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO TORAJA

After a short flight, you will arrive in Palopo, located in northern Makassar. Travelling with your guide and driver to Toraja, you’ll pass by magnificent tropical rainforests before stopping at several village graveyards. Next, pay a visit to Karuaya, one of the oldest Tongkonan traditional villages, and KeteKesu village, renowned for its woodcarving and unique Tongkonan houses and rice barns.

DAYS 5, 6 & 7: TANA TORAJA

Begin your first full day in Toraja with a glimpse into the local life of the area. After visiting a local market wander through traditional villages, watching daily life go by, before driving to the Lemo village graveyard, famous for its Tau-Tau effigies.

Day six will see you discovering more traditional Torajan ways of life by visiting a family who preserves the Tomasaki Ullunna (the dead body) of their family members within their house. Continue to another Tongkonan traditional village for a unique experience in which a family will cook lunch for you to enjoy under their rice barn.

Depart Toraja on another scenic drive to Palopo, stopping by the Puncak Pass for a spectacular panorama of the dense tropical rainforest. Fly to Manado City where your driver will transport you to your resort in the picturesque highlands of Tomohon.

DAYS 8 & 9: THE HIGHLANDS OF TOMOHON

The highland area of Tomohon features a pleasant climate and is home to lush forests, towering volcanic peaks, beautiful flowers and fresh, delicious produce. You have the next two days to spend at your leisure. Perhaps you may want to pay a visit to the colour changing Lake Linow, bird watch or hike 30 minutes up to Mount Mahawu’s crater edge for panoramic views over the surrounding islands, Bay of Manado and the sulphur crater lake.

DAYS 10, 11 & 12: TANGKOKO NATURE RESERVE

Journey two hours into the fascinating Tangkoko Nature Reserve, passing small villages before reaching your accommodation where you can relax in the afternoon.

With a full day in the reserve, begin your morning with a walk accompanied by a forest ranger. Wander through the lush 9,000 hectares of land, spotting the famous and friendly Black Crested Macaques (indigenous to North Sulawesi), along with couscous bears, hornbills and much other bird species native to the area. After a boat ride through the mangroves, on an evening walk, you’ll have a higher chance at spotting the shy tarsiers as they hunt for the night.

DAYS 13, 14, 15 & 16: WEDA DIVE RESORT  

Fly to from Manado to the island of Ternate this morning where you will transfer to a dock and board a speedboat ride to the mainland. After a three-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the eco-friendly Weda Dive Resort, situated in the heart of the coral triangle on Halmahera Island, it is ideal for keen divers, bird watchers and nature lovers alike.

With four days and three nights at the resort, you won’t be short on activities such as bird watching trips, snorkelling offshore and diving excursions to explore beautiful reefs and abundant marine life. Relax by the pool, or on the beach by day and enjoy fresh, quality food at the restaurant in the evenings.

DAYS 17 & 18: TERNATE ISLAND

After your transfer back to Ternate, you will check in to your accommodation and are free to explore the city, or perhaps you may opt for an afternoon of snorkelling nearby at Sulamadaha beach.

Dominated by the Gamalama volcano, Ternate is a small, round island with a long history as the original ‘spice’ island. On your second day in the region, you’ll begin by visiting the mother of clove trees, ‘CengkehAfo’, known to be 350 years old. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting several forts dating back to the 15^th and 16^th centuries as your guide explains the history behind each one. End your historical tour at the peculiar Tolire Lake. Set at the foot of Mount Gamalama, without any connection to the sea, it comprises an ecosystem of its own.

DAY 19: TIDORE ISLAND

Board a local fast boat this morning to Tidore island, arriving in less than an hour. After transferring to your privately chartered taxi, you’ll head explore the Fort of Torre with your guide. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to experience local life upon visiting the Gurabunga Village in the slope of Mount Kiematubo, 800 metres above sea level.

DAY 20: FLY HOME

Fly back to Jakarta for your onwards connection homewards bound. 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK