Contrasts of Sulawesi, Bali & Lombok

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 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 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 at your hotel late afternoon. 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 can see the incredible Tongkonan houses and rice barns 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 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. 

DAY 9-12 Lombok beach

Today depart Makassar on a direct flight to Lombok. On arrival, transfer to your beachfront property for 4 days. Lombok's beaches are much more laidback than neighbouring Bali, with waterfalls, countryside walks, and glorious sunsets.

Day 13-16  A quieter side of Bali

Transfer by boat to Bali for the final part of your holiday. On arrival in Padang Bai harbour, 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 experience authentic Balinese life.

You can laze around the resort and take in the views, pool and spa, or you might be more energetic. Activities on offer include a trek to nearby Pura Bukit, 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 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 visiting more of Bali, Flores or beyond.