Sulawesi & Bali Holiday | Experience Travel Group

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Indonesia is so vast that, in a short holiday, it's nigh on impossible to sense how truly diverse the country is. However, this itinerary combines two very different parts of the archipelago, and you’ll get a feel for how contrasting the scenery, culture and religion are from island to island. Explore the lush hills of Sulawesi with its very traditional communities before heading to the rice-terraced valleys of eastern Bali for a combination of relaxation and discovery in the countryside and at the beach.

Highlights include:

Trekking through Sulawesi’s remote villages to learn about their fascinating and elaborate local rituals
Experiencing authentic Balinese life in the island's remarkably beautiful countryside
Enjoying the charm and quality of Bali’s excellent boutique hotels

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive Journey Planner here.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK.

DAYS 2 & 3 Singapore

Most flights to Sulawesi transfer via Singapore. We recommend a stop here to relax for a couple of days and ease into Asia time.

DAY 4 MAKASSAR (SULAWESI)

Today you’ll travel fly from Singapore to Makassar in southern Sulawesi. Spend the afternoon exploring the city with your guide. Visit the old Dutch fort where a museum brings to life the ethnology and vibrant history of the area. Explore the local harbour, which was an important strategic port for the Dutch. Spend some time admiring the world famous “Phinisi” or Bugis Schooners, or pick up some salted fish from the local fisherman.

DAY 5 MAKASSAR TO TANA TORAJA (SULAWESI)

Today you’ll begin the drive to Tana Toraja; it's a long but scenic journey to reach this fascinating part of the world, with stops along the way. There are now 50-minute flights between Makassar and Tana Toraja, but they are few and far between, so speak to your Indonesia expert for details.

The scenic drive follows the coast to Pare Pare where you will stop for lunch. From there, head inland up into the stunning mountains before arriving, late afternoon, at your hotel. Accommodation is in traditionally-styled Tongkonan houses and facilities include a swimming pool.

DAY 6 TANA TORAJA (SULAWESI)

Explore the eerie yet beautiful traditional ancestral hanging graves, effigies and cave tombs of Lemo and Londa. On their death, Toraja people are entombed in caves or hanging graves in the cliffs around these sites, which are guarded over by tau tau (life-sized wooden effigies) carved in their image. Learn about the intricate Christian and ‘animalism' hybrid religion that has developed uniquely in this region of Sulawesi. You will also visit Kete Kesu, a beautiful Toraja village, where you will be able to see the incredible Tongkonan houses and rice barns, which are designed to look like boats.

DAY 7 TANA TORAJA (SULAWESI)

Today will begin with a walk around the markets to see the local farmers selling their wares - among them coffee, cloves and nutmeg. Every 6th-day cattle are brought to market, and though traditional money is accepted in Toraja, if you visit on this day you will see that the 'local currency' in Toraja is cattle!

You will then head up to Batutumonga for stunning views across the countryside surrounding Rantepao, one of Tana Toraja's main towns.

DAY 8 MAKASSAR (SULAWESI)

After breakfast you’ll begin the journey back to Makassar, stopping for breaks along the way. As before, a short flight may be an option, so speak to your travel expert for details.

You could opt to spend a last night in Makassar or take the evening flight to Bali and stay near the airport on arrival.

DAY 9 & 10 SIDEMAN (BALI)

On arrival, your guide will meet you for your private transfer to the picturesque hills of East Bali. You’ll stay in a lovely retreat where you can relax and get a feel for authentic Balinese life.

You can opt to laze around the resort and take in the views, pool and spa or you might choose to be more energetic. Activities on offer include a trek to nearby Pura Bukit which is home to traditional Ikat weavers, cycling through the foothills of Mount Agung or exploring the secluded coast nearby. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll enjoy a remarkably beautiful landscape of rice paddy terraces, volcanic valleys, lush tropical forest and mountain terrain.

DAY 11-13 UBUD (BALI)

Transfer by road to the cultural capital Ubud, stopping en route at Besakih Temple and Bali Aga.

During your time in Ubud, you have the chance to gain an insider's perspective on the artwork, architecture, food and rural scenery that make this region so special. There will also be a unique private walking tour through the beautiful countryside guided by a local Balinese Priest who offers a great insight into Balinese nature, religion and culture. And there is the option of a downhill cycle ride from Mount Batur through lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and local villages.

Days 14-16 Bali Beach

Today you head to the coast for the last part of your holiday.

The areas of Candi Dasa and Canggu are good options if you like the idea of a quiet beach location away from the crowds, while we recommend Seminyak if you prefer somewhere livelier with excellent restaurants. We have included a resort in Seminyak in the price of this holiday but do speak to one of our travel experts as they have first-hand experience of each area and will help you select the best option for you.

Day 17 Fly Home or Stay

Today you’ll transfer to Denpasar airport for your flight back to the UK. Of course, Indonesia offers a range of other possibilities so if you have more time to spare we can tailor your holiday to include a visit to Lombok, Flores or beyond.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

International flights (we can omit if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
24-hour in-country backup while away
Your dedicated travel experts in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Aston , Makassar, South Sulawesi

A comfortable, unflashy base in the city centre with solid amenities.

Surya Shanti, Sideman

Boutique hideaway and authentic Balinese experience in the remote eastern hills.

Toraja Heritage Hotel , Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Simple, but comfortable accommodation in traditional Torajan style

Uma Sapna, Seminyak

Modern villas with their own pool offering privacy and seclusion in the heart of trendy Seminyak

Wapa di Ume , Ubud

Welcoming small hotel set amongst paddy fields on the outskirts of Ubud

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Central Highlands of Sulawesi, Minahasa, North Sulawesi

A hidden gem of the island, sparsely populated, offering stunning views of cratered valleys and roaming forests.

Country Walk with a Balinese Priest, Ubud

Take a private walking tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Ubud.

Explore the cultural capital of Bali, Ubud, Ubud

Explore Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali, with its famous markets, monkey forest, temples, great selection of restaurants and its traditional Balinese architecture.