Sulawesi Overland Trip
Description
A special interest adventure overland trip to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Discover the unique culture, traditions, wonderful landscape of Toraja, the gorgeous Bira famous for its traditional Phinisi Boat Builder, the unique smallest Trasier of Tangkoko throughout the underwater marine life of Bunaken island.
All the magnificent natural landscape and its uniqueness will explore on 18 days adventure overland trip from South Sulawesi of Maksar and end up at North Sulawesi of Manado. You will discover the most tourism highlights of both unique Indonesian provinces.
Trip Highlights
Sulawesi Overland Trip Itinerary
Day 01 : Makassar – Tanjung Bira (LD)
Upon arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar, the meeting service then transfer to the local restaurant for having lunch. After lunch direct to Tanjung Bira at Bulukumba Regency via Gowa, Takalar and Bantaeng and Bulukumba Regency. On the will stop to visit the Royal Palace of Gowa Kingdom “Balla Lompoa” The palace was built in 1936, in traditional style on stilts, with an imposing flight of steps leading up to a large reception room, nowadays the palace has become a museum, here you can see the heritage of Gowa Kingdom, afterward continue the trip to Tanjung Bira. In Tana Beru Village you will have a chance to admire the skillful hands of Buginese in constructing the Phinisi boat, this is the Center of Pinisi Boatbuilding in Sulawesi Island. After that continue the trip to Tanjung Bira, afternoon arrives in Bira. Check-in Hotel and overnight. Lunch at the local restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. If arriving in the morning, guests will have time to visit: Fort Rotterdam in Makasar downtown before heading to Tanjung Bira.
Day 02 : Bira – Liukkang Island (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, leaving to Liukkang Island it's about 30 minutes ride a boat from Bira beach, Liukkang Island is a small beautiful island that is an ideal place for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Lunch will be provided on the island in a simple style. Afternoon back to Tanjung Bira, free program. Dinner at a local restaurant or at a hotel.
Day 03 : Bira – Kajang Tribe – Bone – Sengkang (BLD)
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, check out, then proceed for leaving for Sengkang Regency. En-route you will visit Kajang Village (a unique tribe preferred isolation from the modern world. This tribe is ruled by a tribal and religious chief called Ammatoa). To enter this place we have to do it by walk. Afterward, continue the trip to Bone Regency in the center of the former Bugis kingdom to visit the Museum of Andi Mappasissi where we can find all the ancient collections of the former Bone kingdom. Lunch at the local restaurant in Bone. After that continue the trip to Sengkang Regency. Upon arrival in Sengkang visit Silk Weaving center, Sengkang silk weaving industry which is the result belongs to the people. Sengkang is known as the center of the silk industry. The silk fabric is sold in the market Sengkang such as Sarong, Clothing, etc, There are several silk home industry can be found around this regency, usually their work from under the house, people weave silk yarn for weaving into a beautiful work, they working with patiently and full of appreciation. After that check-in hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 04 : Sengkang – Lake Tempe – Toraja (BLD).
Breakfast at hotel, check out then tour to Lake Tempe and by ride a traditional boat to see the way of life of some people who still live on their floating houses, the floating fisherman village stands in a row decorated with colorful flags. The lake, which is about 13.000 hectares in width, seems like a giant washbasin when it is viewed from above. Subsistence for people living around. After that lunch at a local restaurant then continue the trip to Tanah Toraja. Upon arrival in Toraja, check-in to your hotel, overnight, Dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 05 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting Toraja tour to visit Ke’te Kesu (traditional wooden carving village and hanging grave), Marante (is a village where a lot of Tongkonan House, big paddy barns and big rocky hill containing hanging stone graves which the located called “Erong”), Bori menhir stones, soared up several meters above the land and then lunch at a local restaurant, afterward continue the tour to visit Pallawa (The most beautiful village with buffalo horns in front of their houses) and Lokomata (the boulder grave) then visit Sa’dan To’Barana, the traditional cotton weaving village. Afternoon back to the hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 06 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting Toraja tour to visit Londa (the natural cave grave), Lemo The cliff-side stone grave with wooden effigies on the balcony, the royal family tombs at Suaya then lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward continue the tour to visit Kambira (Baby grave) and Sangalla, a village lying among the leafy bamboo trees, and the tomb of King Sangalla. Afternoon back to the hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 07 : Toraja – Pendolo (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, check out then leaving to Pendolo via Palopo. Along the road from Tana Toraja to Palopo you can enjoy some spectacular views and natural scenes, Padi fields, and local people do it their activities. Lunch will be served at an-route. The trip will take about an 8 – 9 hour drive. Along the way, you may see mountain natural scenery. Lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival in Pendolo, a small town located on the south shore of Lake Poso, check-in hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 : Pendolo – Ampana (BLD).
Simple breakfast at hotel, check out then leaving to Ampana. On the way, we will stop to visit Orchid garden Bancea, Wera Saluopa waterfall, famous for its multi-stepped waterfall, and Pamona Caves then visit Lake Poso and by ride a boat, crossing the crystal clear waters to explore around the lake. Afterward continue the trip to Ampana, along the road you may enjoy rain forests and Coconut plantations, the trip will take about a 7 – 8 hour drive. Upon arrival at Ampana, check-in hotel, Dinner, and overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Ampana – Togian Island (BLD).
Simple breakfast at hotel, check out then drive to the pearl, and then by charter boat cross to Togian Island. The trip will take about 5 – 6 hours of boat rides. Lunch will be served at the box or upon arrival at Togian Island, check-in at hotel/resort. Dinner at hotel/resort and overnight, free program.
Day 10: Togian Island Snorkeling (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, take time to snorkel around the island. enjoy the beach while sunbathing and snorkeling or Diving and this optional. Lunch and Dinner at hotel/resort.
Day 11: Togian Island Snorkeling (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, take time to snorkel around the island. Snorkeling or Diving and this optional. Lunch and Dinner at hotel/resort.
Day 12 : Togian Island – Marisa – Gorontalo (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, check out then leaving for Marisa by ride charter boat. The boat rides to Marisa will take about 3 – 4 hours. Upon arrival at Marise continue the trip to Gorontalo for check-in hotel, dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13 : Gorontalo – Kotamobagu (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out then leaving for Kotamobagu. on the way you will visit Fort Otanaha, located at the Hill of faces to the lake Limboto. In the past, the Kings of Gorontalo used Otanaha castle as a place of protection and defense. The uniqueness of the castle applies to the material that was used to build the castle, which was the mix of sand, plaster, and the white part of Maleo egg. The panorama of Lake Limboto also can be seen clearly from the castle of Otanaha, because the castle itself stands at the top of the highland. After that continue the trip to Kotamobagu, the trip will take about a 6 – 7 hour drive. Lunch will be served en-route. Along the trip, you will enjoy also some natural views, mountains,s and with few stops en route for some interesting stuff. Upon arrival in Kotamobagu, check-in hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 14 : Kotamobagu – Tomohon (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel, check out then leaving for Tomohon, in the highland of Manado. Tomohon is known for flower planting at people’s homes. Nearby is the mountain Mount Lokon. Tomohon is also known for wooden house production, palm sugar (Aren) production, vegetable agriculture, and as a center of Christian Ministry and as a student town. on the way you will have time to visit Lake Moaat and Lake Linow, Lake Linow is a beautiful but rather strange lake. It can change colors! The waters of the lake sometimes look blue, sometimes green, and sometimes red. Located on Lake Linow lies in Tomohon city, Minahasa Regency. The lakeside is a lovely place to relax. Lake Linau is a unique lake for its high level of sulfur content that causes it tends to turn its color based on the viewing perspective and the lighting angle of the sun. There are numerous endemic faunas like Blibis birds and insects called “Sayok” or “Komo.” Those winged insects living in the water are consumed by the inhabitants around the lake. Besides the panoramic view of the surrounding area, Lake Linau has special characteristics as the tendency to turn its color because of the high level of sulfur content. That is the beauty of the lake that will amaze you by watching it from different viewing perspectives. Lunch will be served en route at a local restaurant. Afternoon arrives in Tomohon, check-in hotel, dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 15 : Tomohon – Minahasa Hingland – Tangkoko National Park (BLD).
After breakfast, check out then tour to visit Woloan; traditional Minahasan house craftsmen, its traditional wooden houses are built in the small village of Woloan. This wooden house is special because it is a knockdown house too, meaning that the house will be built in the production area and after it is finished, it will be knocked down and send to the client’s place and rebuilt the house there, either permanently or not. This type of house is good because it works well for the earthquake Japanese Cave, Built during World War II by the Japanese, these caves are located between the two charming countryside villages of Kawangkoan and Kiawa. The caves were mostly used to store supplies during the war and defenses against a possible Allied invasion, and as arsenals Kawangkoan ‘peanuts village’, Pulutan Pottery Village, and Sumoro Endo’s Lake Tondano. Lunch will be served en route at a local restaurant. After that proceed to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Late afternoon, arrive in Tangkoko and before dark, take a walk into this nature reserve park. The Tangkoko National Park is located on the slopes of Mount Dua Saudara. It is situated to the north of Bitung and is a few hours away from Manado. Tangkoko National Park comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The lush green hills and valleys that make up the landscape of the nature reserve offer some exceptionally beautiful views. This ancient rainforest is packed with striking fauna and flora. Some of the more common fauna found here include anoa, black apes, cus-cus, hornbill, Tarsius Spectrum (world’s smallest primate/the smallest monkey in the world), black tailless monkeys, Maleo Birds, Wild pigs, and Kuskus (marsupial family), after that back to the lodge/homestay, Dinner at the local restaurant or at hotel.
Day 16 : Tangkoko – Manado – Bunaken (BLD).
Simple breakfast at lodge/homestay, check out then transfer to Manado pier and directly take a boat ride to Bunaken Island. Like the Manado coastline, Bunaken Island is characterized by clear waters, beaches, and stunning drop-offs. The world-famous Bunaken Marine National Park has very deep water bodies. The depth is 1,566 m in Manado Bay and the clear waters afford visibility of 35 to 40 meters. The temperature here is a mild 27 ° C to 29 ° C. One of the most remarkable dive sites in the world is the Bunaken Coral Reef with an area of 75.26 hectares, is located very close to Manado, and compare of 5 islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage, and Nain. The superb diving and snorkeling sites put the Marine Park in one of the Top 10 dive areas and it's ideal for experienced divers or beginner divers. Glass-bottom boat cruises around Bunaken are also always a popular attraction with tourists. Upon arrival in Bunaken free program, enjoy the beach while sunbathing and snorkeling or Diving, and this optional. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 17 : Bunaken Island Snorkeling (BLD).
After breakfast at the resort, enjoy the beach while sunbathing and snorkeling or Diving, and this optional. Lunch and Dinner at the resort.
Day 18 : Bunaken – Transfer Out (B).
After breakfast, check out then transfer to Manado, arrive in Manado directly transfer to Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado to catch your flight to the next Destination. (end program).
All the magnificent natural landscape and its uniqueness will explore on 18 days adventure overland trip from South Sulawesi of Maksar and end up at North Sulawesi of Manado. You will discover the most tourism highlights of both unique Indonesian provinces.
Trip Highlights
- Toraja
- Tangkoko National Park to witness the Smallest Trasier in The World
- Snorkelling at Bunaken island
- Minahasa Highland
- Tomohon
- Gorontalo
- Togian Snorkelling
- Pendolo scenic view
- Kajang Tribe
- Tanjung Bira The Phinisi Boat Builder
Sulawesi Overland Trip Itinerary
Day 01 : Makassar – Tanjung Bira (LD)
Upon arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar, the meeting service then transfer to the local restaurant for having lunch. After lunch direct to Tanjung Bira at Bulukumba Regency via Gowa, Takalar and Bantaeng and Bulukumba Regency. On the will stop to visit the Royal Palace of Gowa Kingdom “Balla Lompoa” The palace was built in 1936, in traditional style on stilts, with an imposing flight of steps leading up to a large reception room, nowadays the palace has become a museum, here you can see the heritage of Gowa Kingdom, afterward continue the trip to Tanjung Bira. In Tana Beru Village you will have a chance to admire the skillful hands of Buginese in constructing the Phinisi boat, this is the Center of Pinisi Boatbuilding in Sulawesi Island. After that continue the trip to Tanjung Bira, afternoon arrives in Bira. Check-in Hotel and overnight. Lunch at the local restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. If arriving in the morning, guests will have time to visit: Fort Rotterdam in Makasar downtown before heading to Tanjung Bira.
Day 02 : Bira – Liukkang Island (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, leaving to Liukkang Island it's about 30 minutes ride a boat from Bira beach, Liukkang Island is a small beautiful island that is an ideal place for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Lunch will be provided on the island in a simple style. Afternoon back to Tanjung Bira, free program. Dinner at a local restaurant or at a hotel.
Day 03 : Bira – Kajang Tribe – Bone – Sengkang (BLD)
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, check out, then proceed for leaving for Sengkang Regency. En-route you will visit Kajang Village (a unique tribe preferred isolation from the modern world. This tribe is ruled by a tribal and religious chief called Ammatoa). To enter this place we have to do it by walk. Afterward, continue the trip to Bone Regency in the center of the former Bugis kingdom to visit the Museum of Andi Mappasissi where we can find all the ancient collections of the former Bone kingdom. Lunch at the local restaurant in Bone. After that continue the trip to Sengkang Regency. Upon arrival in Sengkang visit Silk Weaving center, Sengkang silk weaving industry which is the result belongs to the people. Sengkang is known as the center of the silk industry. The silk fabric is sold in the market Sengkang such as Sarong, Clothing, etc, There are several silk home industry can be found around this regency, usually their work from under the house, people weave silk yarn for weaving into a beautiful work, they working with patiently and full of appreciation. After that check-in hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 04 : Sengkang – Lake Tempe – Toraja (BLD).
Breakfast at hotel, check out then tour to Lake Tempe and by ride a traditional boat to see the way of life of some people who still live on their floating houses, the floating fisherman village stands in a row decorated with colorful flags. The lake, which is about 13.000 hectares in width, seems like a giant washbasin when it is viewed from above. Subsistence for people living around. After that lunch at a local restaurant then continue the trip to Tanah Toraja. Upon arrival in Toraja, check-in to your hotel, overnight, Dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 05 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting Toraja tour to visit Ke’te Kesu (traditional wooden carving village and hanging grave), Marante (is a village where a lot of Tongkonan House, big paddy barns and big rocky hill containing hanging stone graves which the located called “Erong”), Bori menhir stones, soared up several meters above the land and then lunch at a local restaurant, afterward continue the tour to visit Pallawa (The most beautiful village with buffalo horns in front of their houses) and Lokomata (the boulder grave) then visit Sa’dan To’Barana, the traditional cotton weaving village. Afternoon back to the hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 06 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting Toraja tour to visit Londa (the natural cave grave), Lemo The cliff-side stone grave with wooden effigies on the balcony, the royal family tombs at Suaya then lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward continue the tour to visit Kambira (Baby grave) and Sangalla, a village lying among the leafy bamboo trees, and the tomb of King Sangalla. Afternoon back to the hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 07 : Toraja – Pendolo (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, check out then leaving to Pendolo via Palopo. Along the road from Tana Toraja to Palopo you can enjoy some spectacular views and natural scenes, Padi fields, and local people do it their activities. Lunch will be served at an-route. The trip will take about an 8 – 9 hour drive. Along the way, you may see mountain natural scenery. Lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival in Pendolo, a small town located on the south shore of Lake Poso, check-in hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 : Pendolo – Ampana (BLD).
Simple breakfast at hotel, check out then leaving to Ampana. On the way, we will stop to visit Orchid garden Bancea, Wera Saluopa waterfall, famous for its multi-stepped waterfall, and Pamona Caves then visit Lake Poso and by ride a boat, crossing the crystal clear waters to explore around the lake. Afterward continue the trip to Ampana, along the road you may enjoy rain forests and Coconut plantations, the trip will take about a 7 – 8 hour drive. Upon arrival at Ampana, check-in hotel, Dinner, and overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Ampana – Togian Island (BLD).
Simple breakfast at hotel, check out then drive to the pearl, and then by charter boat cross to Togian Island. The trip will take about 5 – 6 hours of boat rides. Lunch will be served at the box or upon arrival at Togian Island, check-in at hotel/resort. Dinner at hotel/resort and overnight, free program.
Day 10: Togian Island Snorkeling (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, take time to snorkel around the island. enjoy the beach while sunbathing and snorkeling or Diving and this optional. Lunch and Dinner at hotel/resort.
Day 11: Togian Island Snorkeling (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, take time to snorkel around the island. Snorkeling or Diving and this optional. Lunch and Dinner at hotel/resort.
Day 12 : Togian Island – Marisa – Gorontalo (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel/resort, check out then leaving for Marisa by ride charter boat. The boat rides to Marisa will take about 3 – 4 hours. Upon arrival at Marise continue the trip to Gorontalo for check-in hotel, dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13 : Gorontalo – Kotamobagu (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out then leaving for Kotamobagu. on the way you will visit Fort Otanaha, located at the Hill of faces to the lake Limboto. In the past, the Kings of Gorontalo used Otanaha castle as a place of protection and defense. The uniqueness of the castle applies to the material that was used to build the castle, which was the mix of sand, plaster, and the white part of Maleo egg. The panorama of Lake Limboto also can be seen clearly from the castle of Otanaha, because the castle itself stands at the top of the highland. After that continue the trip to Kotamobagu, the trip will take about a 6 – 7 hour drive. Lunch will be served en-route. Along the trip, you will enjoy also some natural views, mountains,s and with few stops en route for some interesting stuff. Upon arrival in Kotamobagu, check-in hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 14 : Kotamobagu – Tomohon (BLD).
After breakfast at the hotel, check out then leaving for Tomohon, in the highland of Manado. Tomohon is known for flower planting at people’s homes. Nearby is the mountain Mount Lokon. Tomohon is also known for wooden house production, palm sugar (Aren) production, vegetable agriculture, and as a center of Christian Ministry and as a student town. on the way you will have time to visit Lake Moaat and Lake Linow, Lake Linow is a beautiful but rather strange lake. It can change colors! The waters of the lake sometimes look blue, sometimes green, and sometimes red. Located on Lake Linow lies in Tomohon city, Minahasa Regency. The lakeside is a lovely place to relax. Lake Linau is a unique lake for its high level of sulfur content that causes it tends to turn its color based on the viewing perspective and the lighting angle of the sun. There are numerous endemic faunas like Blibis birds and insects called “Sayok” or “Komo.” Those winged insects living in the water are consumed by the inhabitants around the lake. Besides the panoramic view of the surrounding area, Lake Linau has special characteristics as the tendency to turn its color because of the high level of sulfur content. That is the beauty of the lake that will amaze you by watching it from different viewing perspectives. Lunch will be served en route at a local restaurant. Afternoon arrives in Tomohon, check-in hotel, dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 15 : Tomohon – Minahasa Hingland – Tangkoko National Park (BLD).
After breakfast, check out then tour to visit Woloan; traditional Minahasan house craftsmen, its traditional wooden houses are built in the small village of Woloan. This wooden house is special because it is a knockdown house too, meaning that the house will be built in the production area and after it is finished, it will be knocked down and send to the client’s place and rebuilt the house there, either permanently or not. This type of house is good because it works well for the earthquake Japanese Cave, Built during World War II by the Japanese, these caves are located between the two charming countryside villages of Kawangkoan and Kiawa. The caves were mostly used to store supplies during the war and defenses against a possible Allied invasion, and as arsenals Kawangkoan ‘peanuts village’, Pulutan Pottery Village, and Sumoro Endo’s Lake Tondano. Lunch will be served en route at a local restaurant. After that proceed to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Late afternoon, arrive in Tangkoko and before dark, take a walk into this nature reserve park. The Tangkoko National Park is located on the slopes of Mount Dua Saudara. It is situated to the north of Bitung and is a few hours away from Manado. Tangkoko National Park comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The lush green hills and valleys that make up the landscape of the nature reserve offer some exceptionally beautiful views. This ancient rainforest is packed with striking fauna and flora. Some of the more common fauna found here include anoa, black apes, cus-cus, hornbill, Tarsius Spectrum (world’s smallest primate/the smallest monkey in the world), black tailless monkeys, Maleo Birds, Wild pigs, and Kuskus (marsupial family), after that back to the lodge/homestay, Dinner at the local restaurant or at hotel.
Day 16 : Tangkoko – Manado – Bunaken (BLD).
Simple breakfast at lodge/homestay, check out then transfer to Manado pier and directly take a boat ride to Bunaken Island. Like the Manado coastline, Bunaken Island is characterized by clear waters, beaches, and stunning drop-offs. The world-famous Bunaken Marine National Park has very deep water bodies. The depth is 1,566 m in Manado Bay and the clear waters afford visibility of 35 to 40 meters. The temperature here is a mild 27 ° C to 29 ° C. One of the most remarkable dive sites in the world is the Bunaken Coral Reef with an area of 75.26 hectares, is located very close to Manado, and compare of 5 islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage, and Nain. The superb diving and snorkeling sites put the Marine Park in one of the Top 10 dive areas and it's ideal for experienced divers or beginner divers. Glass-bottom boat cruises around Bunaken are also always a popular attraction with tourists. Upon arrival in Bunaken free program, enjoy the beach while sunbathing and snorkeling or Diving, and this optional. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 17 : Bunaken Island Snorkeling (BLD).
After breakfast at the resort, enjoy the beach while sunbathing and snorkeling or Diving, and this optional. Lunch and Dinner at the resort.
Day 18 : Bunaken – Transfer Out (B).
After breakfast, check out then transfer to Manado, arrive in Manado directly transfer to Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado to catch your flight to the next Destination. (end program).