Depart your home country on your flight to Singapore. (Most flights to Sulawesi go via Singapore).
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
April - October
Indonesia is so vast that, in a short holiday, it’s nigh on impossible to sense how many contrasts the country has. However, this itinerary will give you a feel for how the scenery, culture, and religion shift from island to island.
Explore the lush hills of Tana Toraja (the land of the Torajan people) in southern Sulawesi: the region has traditional communities and a strong and elaborate culture of veneration for buffalo, which makes for a journey of cultural discovery. It’s also beautiful, with lush green hills and an almost fairytale-like quality. Then, head to the blissful beaches of Lombok and explore the rice-terraced valleys of Bali.
Contrasts of Sulawesi, Bali & Lombok
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Singapore
We recommend spending a day or so here to relax and ease into Asia time.
Day 4
South 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
South Sulawesi
This morning, you’ll meet your driver to begin the journey to Tana Toraja: it’s a long but scenic drive 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’ll stop for lunch. From there, head inland up into the incredible mountains before arriving, late afternoon, at your hotel. Unwind in your traditionally-styled Tongkonan house or take a refreshing dip in the pool.
Days 6 - 7
Tana Toraja
Today, you’ll 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 on the cliffs around these sites, which are guarded 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.
The next day, you’ll begin with a walk around the markets to see the local farmers selling their wares—among them coffee, cloves, and nutmeg. Every sixth day, cattle are brought to market, and though traditional money is accepted in Toraja, on this day, you can see that the real local currency in Toraja is cattle! You will then head to Batutumonga for scenic views across the countryside surrounding Rantepao, one of Tana Toraja’s main towns.
Day 8
South Sulawesi
After breakfast, you’ll begin the journey back to Makassar, stopping for breaks along the way.
Days 9 - 12
Lombok
Today, you’ll leave Makassar and take a direct flight to Lombok.
Your driver will meet you on arrival and whisk you to your next hotel: a gorgeous beachfront retreat, your home for 4 days. Lombok’s beaches are much more laidback than neighbouring Bali, with waterfalls, countryside walks, and glorious sunsets galore.
Days 13 - 16
Bali
Today, you’ll travel by boat across to Bali for the last leg of your holiday.
Your driver will meet you on arrival in Padang Bai harbour and take you to the picturesque hills of East Bali. Here, you’ll settle into a lovely boutique retreat where you can unwind in a serene Balinese atmosphere.
You can take it easy at the hotel, revelling in the views, pools and spoiling spa or up the tempo by trekking to nearby Pura Bukit, (home to traditional Ikat weavers), cycling through the foothills of Mount Agung, or exploring the secluded coast nearby. Whatever activity you go for, you’ll be surrounded by remarkably beautiful landscapes of rice paddy terraces, volcanic valleys, lush tropical forest and mountain terrain. Bliss.
Day 17
Fly home
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.
Day 18
Fly home
Time to wave goodbye to Indonesia. Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.
If you have more time to play with, we can easily extend your bespoke trip – perhaps adding a few more days in Bali, exploring Flores, or venturing further afield to uncover more of Indonesia’s islands.
First-class Island Hopping in Indonesia
Fantastic journey, away from the tourists hotspots, of Java, Borneo, Bali and Komodo. All means of transport and wide variety of experiences from primary jungle to volcanos to dragons.
Simon & David
9 July 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Indonesia Experts
Lola’s love for Indonesia runs deep – and not just for Bali (though she has a soft spot for its magical interior and knows exactly where to find the best warung for lunch). What really excites her is helping travellers uncover the country’s sheer variety – from the smouldering volcanoes of Java to the rich marine areas in far-flung corners like Raja Ampat.
“This adventure captures the archipelago’s amazing contrasts. You’ll experience Sulawesi’s fascinating rituals and markets far away from the usual tourist trail, before blissing out on Lombok’s serene shores and getting a sense of Bali’s special kind of energy.”
Lola
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Toraja Heritage Hotel
Lovely welcoming hotel, set amongst paddy fields on the outskirts of Ubud.
Highlights
Highlights
Stone’s throw from Rantepao downtown,
Pool
Best for
Couples
Families
Gallery
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South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Aston Makassar Hotel
A comfortable, unflashy base in the city centre with solid amenities.
Highlights
Highlights
City views, Rooftop pool,
Central location
Best for
Couples, Families
Gallery
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Lombok
Qunci Villas Resort
Excellent property on a quiet stretch of beach in lovely Lombok. Sensational sunsets.
Highlights
Highlights
Spellbinding scenery
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Bali, Sidemen
Surya Shanti Sidemen
Boutique hideaway and authentic Balinese experience in the remote eastern hills.
Highlights
Highlights
Beautiful boutique feel,
Staggering scenery
Best for
Couples
Families
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The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Indonesia
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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South Sulawesi
Toraja Village Walk & Funeral Ceremony
You’ll go on a light trek to a local Toraja village, where you can interact with the villagers and witness their unique funeral rites, which are integral to daily life in this part of Indonesia.
It’s worth noting that while this gives you a great insight into local culture, these funerals do involve the live sacrifice of buffalo and pigs, which can be quite disturbing or even abhorrent, depending on your point of view. However, there’s also much more to the ceremony than the sacrifices: traditional dances, large feasts and huge family gatherings are well worth stopping by for. Funerals are such an important part of the culture and tradition of the Torajans: it can take years to plan them, and family will come from all over Indonesia, Papua and even as far as Australia to take part.
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South Sulawesi
Shopping at a Toraja Market
Toraja’s local markets are filled with herbs, spices, local produce and all kinds of people and is well worth a visit. Though traditional money is accepted in Toraja, you will soon find out that the local ‘currency’ is cattle! So for a unique insight into how this community functions, head down to the local cattle market (if you’re lucky, you may even spot the exclusive and expensive ‘Mercedes’ cow!). Life for the Toraja revolves around death, and the local people spend their days earning the money to send away their dead properly. These animals play a crucial, though gruesome, part in the funeral rites of Toraja, so they are an exceptionally prized possession.
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South Sulawesi
Discover Lemo, Londa and Kete Kesu in Tana Toraja
Explore the fascinating remote villages of Lemo and Londa, where you will find a number of traditional ancestral hanging graves and effigies, and cave tombs. High-class Toraja are entombed in cave graves or hanging graves in the steep cliffs around these sites, which are guarded over by tau tau (life-sized wooden effigies) carved in their image. These sites can be eerie yet beautiful and impressive at the same time. Throughout the day, your guide will explain the intricate Christian and ‘animalism’ hybrid religion that has developed uniquely in this region of Sulawesi.
You will also visit Kete Kesu, a wonderful Torajan village. Here, you will see the incredibly unique Tongkonan houses and rice barns, which are designed to look like the boats that brought the local tribes up the rivers into this part of the island. This particular village is also famous for its wood carvings.
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View Experience Page
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Countryside Walk with a Balinese Priest
Ever wondered what daily life in ‘The Island of the Gods’ really feels like? This private walking tour through the Balinese countryside is a wonderful way to find out.
You’ll spend the day wandering through rice paddies and little villages, away from the main tourist trail. But the real magic? It’s in the stories and the unique, local insights you’ll hear along the way…
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Lombok, Indonesia
Bonjeruk Community Village
‘A Day in the Life of Bonjeruk’ is an excellent community tourism initiative in a rarely visited corner of Lombok.
The morning begins when you meet one of the local women who guide the tours, who’ll accompany you on a two-hour walk around the village, where you’ll see how traditional weaving and cooking are still practised.
Take a walk through the paddy fields before you arrive at the open-air lunch setting, where you’ll help make some satay before enjoying the finished product for lunch. There’s an optional scenic bicycle ride in the surrounding area after you’ve eaten.
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Bali, Indonesia
Biking in Bali
With its kaleidoscopic landscape, there is so much more to see in Bali than the beaches. A e-bike tour is a great way to get away from the crowds and see the island in a new and unique light. From the striking volcanic mountains and hills to the lush tropical forests and paddy fields and on to the dramatic coastline and river valleys, Bali has some truly breathtaking scenery to cycle through.
We can arrange various tours throughout the island and can design them to meet every ability, from a gentle downhill cycle or challenging climb. You’ll be picked up by your local guide and provided with excellent quality bikes and safety equipment. A support vehicle can be arranged throughout and the guide will proceed at a pace that suits all.
Some of our favourite tours on the island are around Ubud including the one-way adventures from Wanigiri to Ubud and from Ubud to Sideman. Both are wonderful alternatives to a road transfer. You’ll take small paths, only accessible on bikes with verdant views of rice terraces and forests, mountains and valleys and, depending on the season, you’ll also see farmers planting or harvesting their crops.
Another great cycle ride starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Ubud. You’ll be driven to a beautiful spot overlooking Mount Batur for breakfast before a downhill ride through lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and a tour of a village temple. After a traditional lunch in a local village that provides a wonderful insight into the local Balinese way of life, you will be picked up and dropped back in Ubud.
Please speak to one of our consultants about arranging a cycle tour and how it can fit into your wider holiday in Bali.
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Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all tailored to suit you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely tailored to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
