Sulawesi & Bali Holiday | Experience Travel Group

Indonesia is so vast that, in a short holiday, it’s nigh on impossible to sense how diverse the country is. However, this itinerary combines different parts of the archipelago, and you’ll get a feel for how the scenery, culture, and religion contrast from island to island.

Explore the lush hills of Tana Toraja (the land of the Torajan people) in southern Sulawesi. This region has traditional communities and a strong and elaborate culture of veneration for buffalo. Tana Toraja is a journey of cultural discovery. It’s also beautiful, with lush green hills and an almost fairytale-like quality.

Then, head to the rice-terraced valleys of Lombok and Bali for 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 glorious sunsets from your beachside property on Lombok.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

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.

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452