Authentic Celebes

Immersion in the Toraja Funeral Festival

8 Days 7 Nights

ITINERARY: AUTHENTIC FAMOUS

DAY 1: MAKASSAR – SENGKANG – LAKE TEMPE

  • Arrival from Bali or Java around 11:00 AM. Airport pick-up and transfer to Sengkang, located on the shores of Lake Tempe (approximately a 5-hour drive). Several stops will be planned along the way to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

  • Lunch is at your own expense and can be taken at a local restaurant upon arrival in Sengkang.

  • In the afternoon, depart in a long motorized canoe for an unforgettable excursion to discover the treasures of Lake Tempe. You will navigate through a fascinating natural landscape where abundant wildlife awakens around you: dozens of egrets, herons and other birds take flight as our boat gently makes its way through an amazing world of vegetation.

  • As you travel along the lake, you will encounter fishermen who live permanently in their floating bamboo houses. This will be an opportunity to interact with the locals and observe their traditional way of life and daily activities.

Possible option: You can also spend the night in a floating house on Lake Tempe (simple/basic accommodation) for an even more authentic experience.

DAY 2: SENGKANG – RANTEPAO / TORAJA

  • After breakfast, visit traditional silk weaving workshops, a renowned specialty of the region. You will be able to observe the expertise of local artisans and discover the magnificent colorful fabrics made using ancestral techniques.

  • Next, we'll depart by road for Toraja (approximately a 4.5-hour drive). The route winds through stunning mountain scenery, dotted with traditional villages and offering spectacular panoramic views. Several stops are planned along the way to admire the landscapes and take photos.

  • Lunch at your leisure in a local restaurant.

  • The afternoon is free time. Depending on the opportunities, you may be able to attend a traditional funeral ceremony, a significant moment in Toraja culture. You can also take a walk around the villages of Siguntuk and Maruang, through beautiful rice paddy landscapes, while meeting the locals and learning about their daily activities.

  • Nicknamed "the people of the mountains," the Toraja are one of the ethnic groups in Indonesia that have preserved a particularly vibrant traditional culture. Their customs and rituals, passed down from generation to generation, still occupy a central place in daily life.

  • The impressive and symbolically rich Toraja funeral ceremonies are one of the most fascinating aspects of this culture. They can include animal sacrifices, particularly of buffalo, which play an essential role in the rites intended to accompany the soul of the deceased to the afterlife.

  • This ancestor worship, rooted in animistic beliefs, coexists harmoniously today with Christianity, which is widely adopted in the region. Despite the gradual opening up to tourism, these traditions remain authentic and deeply rooted.

  • Note :
    During the next three days in Toraja, our guide will do his best to allow you to attend funeral ceremonies. However, it is best to avoid visiting on Saturdays and Sundays, as ceremonies are not usually held on weekends, Sunday being dedicated to prayer. We also remind you that these ceremonies are not organized for tourists: they remain entirely authentic, making each experience unique.

DAY 3: RANTEPAO – TORAJA COUNTRY

  • A day dedicated to discovering the fascinating Toraja Country, organized by your local guide according to any funeral ceremonies you may attend.

  • The Toraja live in spectacular traditional houses called Tongkonan, recognizable by their boat-shaped roofs. In their culture, the water buffalo holds an essential place: it is considered the only animal capable of accompanying the souls of the deceased to the world of the ancestors.

  • The Toraja hold impressive funeral ceremonies, which can last several days and bring together the entire community. Their unique burial systems, with tombs suspended in cliffs and burial caves, are what make this region famous.

  • Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

DAY 4: RANTEPAO – BATUTUMONGA – RANTEPAO

  • In the morning, visit the colorful Rantepao market, a lively place where locals come to sell their produce. Then, depart for a hike of approximately 2.5 hours through bamboo forests and terraced rice paddies, towards the mountain village of Batutumonga.
    For those who prefer, it is possible to reach the village by minibus (approximately 1 hour drive).

  • The road offers magnificent views of the rice paddies and surrounding mountains. Upon arrival, you will discover a mountain lodge boasting spectacular views of the valley and terraced rice fields.

  • Lunch with a view of this exceptional panorama.

  • In the afternoon, there is the possibility of taking a walk in the village, up to the primary school, or a longer walk to Lokomata, where the entire village is buried in a gigantic rock.

  • Back to Rantepao.

DAY 5: RANTEPAO – TORAJA COUNTRY

  • Kete Kesu and Palawa, traditional villages famous for their Tongkonan, the richly decorated Toraja family homes
  • Lemo, famous for its burial cliffs adorned with statues representing the deceased, called Tau Tau
  • Londa, impressive burial caves housing ancient coffins
  • Suaya, site of the Toraja royal tombs

DAY 6: RANTEPAO – MAKASSAR – DEPARTURE

  • After breakfast, transfer to Makassar to catch your afternoon flight.

  • On the way, lunch at the Kupa Beach restaurant, overlooking the sea. You will then visit fishing villages as well as the traditional Barombong shipyard, where the famous phinisi boats are built.

  • Then transfer to the airport for your return flight in the afternoon.

The highlights

  • Immersion in the heart of the ancient Toraja culture.
  • Boat trip on Lake Tempe and meeting with the inhabitants of the floating houses.
  • Authentic experience of a Toraja funeral ceremony (depending on the dates).
  • Traditional villages and impressive burial cliffs.
  • Hiking between terraced rice paddies, bamboo groves and mountains.
  • Special encounters with artisans and local communities.
  • Discover the famous Phinisi boats and traditional shipyards.
  • Wild and unspoiled landscapes among the most beautiful in Sulawesi.
  • An immersive journey, rich in emotions, traditions and authenticity.

OUR GUARANTEES

Local Expertise

Tailor-Made Experience

Secure Payment

Responsible Commitment

When to Leave?

The best time to travel is during the following months:

The price starts from X.XXX euros, minimum 4 people in normal season.

The price is per person, subject to availability. We will send you a personalized quote with the fixed price. This final price may vary depending on several factors (number of participants, holiday period and hotel availability, transport size, guide specifications, and service levels).

If you are interested in this itinerary and the price indicated does not correspond to your budget, we can customize the quote according to your wishes.

Supervision and Support

For your comfort, we offer different levels of support depending on the stage of your trip:

Private drivers (Logistics)

They handle the logistics of your stay. They know the routes perfectly and drop you off directly at the different sites.

  • Language: They speak basic English (generally not French).
  • Role: They are happy to share anecdotes about their island, manage the logistics, and buy your entrance tickets. However, they do not accompany you on visits and activities, where you remain completely independent.
The guides (French-speaking or English-speaking)

They work in addition to the local drivers. They accompany you during visits and activities throughout the trip, as detailed in your itinerary.

Important note: The guides are not the drivers, they are two separate people.

Local specialist guides (On site)
  • At major sites(e.g., Borobudur, Prambanan, Sultan's Palace): Official local guides (English or French speaking) will explain in detail the culture, history and philosophy of the places.
  • East of Java (e.g., Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Madakaripura and Tumpaksewu waterfalls): It is impossible to find local French-speaking guides on site. You will therefore be accompanied by a English-speaking local guide.
Sites open for self-guided visits (without a local guide)

Some smaller sites do not have guides on site. In this case, your driver will buy your entrance tickets and you will visit independently, at your own pace.

Transport & Vehicles

Transportation is a key element to the success of your trip. On islands like Java, Sumatra or FloresJourneys are often very long. We select spacious and comfortable vehicles to ensure your travels remain pleasant.

Vehicle typeIdeal CapacityRecommended configuration

Toyota Innova Reborn

(2.0L – 2.5L engine)

2 to 3 passengers (with guide on board)

Maximum 4 passengers (without a guide on board)

Very comfortable vehicle. Has 6 seats in the rear, configured to leave room for luggage and suitcases.

Toyota Hiace Minibus

(2.5L – 2.8L engine)

4 to 9 passengers (with guide on board)

Ideal for 6 to 7 people + 1 guide

Large space. Features 9 seats in the rear with dedicated luggage space for all passengers.
Bus / Coach10 people or moreWe provide buses for you 30 seats or 40 to 50 seats depending on the size of your group.

*) Please provide the exact number of participants so that we can best adapt your vehicle and offer you the fairest price.

Accommodation

We select our accommodations according to several categories to best suit your expectations and budget:

Guest Houses / Homestays

Our criterion is to find simple and welcoming places.

  • Services: Clean accommodation with private bathroom, garden and small terrace to enjoy nature. Some establishments have a small swimming pool ideal for children.
  • Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Mid-Range (Superior Category)

Establishments offering excellent value for money with more space.

  • Services: Spacious, nicely decorated, clean room with a private bathroom. You will enjoy a lovely garden, a small terrace and, for some rooms, a children's pool.
  • Comfort level: ☆ ☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Local Hotels – Superior Range (Charm and Authenticity)

For travellers seeking artistic details and a more typical setting.

  • Services: Spacious rooms with charming and tasteful décor, private bathrooms (sometimes open to the outdoors in harmony with nature). The hotels boast beautiful terraces overlooking magnificent gardens and are situated in prime locations. They generally feature lovely swimming pools suitable for children.
  • Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (4 out of 5)
Luxury Hotels

Ideal for families seeking absolute serenity or for an unforgettable honeymoon.

  • Services: Charming accommodations with exquisite artistic touches in the rooms, on the terraces, and in the bathrooms. These are often small, intimate, and welcoming establishments nestled in lush natural surroundings. They feature a magnificent swimming pool in the middle of a large garden, offering a perfect romantic setting for honeymooners.
  • Comfort level: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (5 out of 5)
Hotels of International Standards (3 to 5 Stars / Resorts)

If you prefer the infrastructure of large hotel chains to local charm.

  • Services: Large complexes or resorts offering a multitude of services and facilities: huge swimming pool, large landscaped garden, sometimes even a golf course.

Please do not hesitate to let us know your specific requirements so that we can offer you the ideal establishment.

Food & Drinks

  • Breakfasts: They are almost always included and served directly by your hotels.
  • Lunches and Dinners: They are generally excluded from our packages in order to leave you free to choose where and what you want to eat, according to your desires and the type of restaurant you like.
  • Water safety: Never drink tap water or water from local springs. When hiking, water should always be treated. In town, drink only bottled water with a sealed cap.
  • At your disposal: For your comfort and safety, your driver will provide you with the following every day: bottled mineral water.

Tips

Tips are not never mandatoryHowever, they are a much-appreciated gesture of gratitude. In Indonesia, it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service provided.

The amount of a tip depends on your discretion and should be in line with the local economy. Tips that are too high relative to the country's standard of living can destabilize local economies.

Indicative benchmarks:

  • In hotels: Expect to pay approximately 1 € for the porter who carries your luggage to your room. At check-out, you can leave approximately 1 € for the cleaning staff.
  • During the tour: An amount of €10 to €20 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver (for example: €10 for the guide / €5 for the driver), corresponds to local standards.

Important reminder: A tip is a small token of appreciation for good service. It does not replace our team's salary. Everyone involved in your trip receives a fair and fixed wage from us.

 

General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC)

Booking and Payment

Registration for one of the activities or a trip offered by the agency Java Exotic Tour implies full and complete acceptance of our general terms and conditions of sale.

  • Booking confirmation: Your reservation is definitively confirmed upon receipt and acceptance of a deposit representing 30% of the total amount of the trip, subject to availability.
  • Last-minute booking: If registration takes place less than 32 days before the departure date, the full price of the trip must be paid at the time of booking.
  • Payment methods: You can make your payments by international bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or by credit card via a secure online payment link. A booking confirmation will be sent to you by email as soon as possible.
  • Payment of the balance (70%):
    • It can be adjusted in cash (in Euros) upon your arrival in Indonesia.
    • If you prefer to pay the balance by bank transfer, we ask that you do so upon your arrival in the country or 1 week before departure if it is a mini-tour (stay of less than one week).
  •  Important banking clauses:
    • The payment is net of fees: all bank transfer fees (sender and recipient fees) remain exclusively your responsibility.
    • The name of the bank beneficiary provided is unique. To avoid failure or rejection of your transfer, you must not change this name under any circumstances.

Cancellation Terms and Fees

If, for any reason, you are forced to cancel your trip, the refund of sums paid will be made less the following cancellation fees (calculated based on the date your notification is received):

Cancellation deadline before departureFees retained (% of the total amount of the file)

Up to 31 days

From 30 to 21 days

From 20 to 14 days

From 20 to 14 days

In less than 8 days

30 % of the total amount (equivalent to the deposit)

40 % of the total amount

50% of the total amount

75% of the total amount

100% of the total amount

Cancellation by the agency:

  • Insufficient number of participants: If the agency Java Exotic Tour If the company is forced to cancel a group departure due to a lack of participants, the decision will be made and customers will be informed as soon as possible. 20 days before departure.
  • Cases of force majeure: The agency may also cancel a departure due to exceptional and unavoidable events constituting force majeure (volcanic eruptions, civil unrest, strikes, severe weather) that could compromise the safety of participants. In these situations, participants will be reimbursed for the sums paid, less any compensation and expenses already incurred and non-refundable with service providers (such as hotels).
Reminder: Tips

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a highly appreciated gesture of gratitude in Indonesia when customers are satisfied with the service. The amount should be reasonable and in line with the local economy so as not to destabilize the country's overall standard of living.

  • At the hotel: Approximately 1 € for the baggage handler and about 1 € for the cleaning staff at the time of departure (check-out).
  • During the tour: An amount of €10 to €20 per couple per day, to be divided between the guide and the driver, corresponds to local standards.
  • Remuneration: Gratuities are an additional service and in no way replace the salaries of our staff. All individuals involved in our trips are properly compensated separately.
  1. Encourage interaction with the residents
    Throughout this tour, you will be in regular contact with local people.
    Learn a few simple words in Indonesian like "Terima kasih" (thank you),
    "Selamat pagi" (hello) or "Permisi" (excuse me) is always very much appreciated
    and facilitates communication. These small gestures make encounters more authentic and enriching.
  2. Protect yourself from the tropical sun
    Indonesia has a sunny climate all year round. Remember to pack:
    • ✓ A high SPF sunscreen
    • ✓ A hat or a cap
    • ✓ Sunglasses

    This will allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities:
    hiking, cultural visits and sea excursions.

  3. Choose appropriate clothing
    For temples and traditional villages, it is advisable to wear:
    • ✓ Clothing that covers the shoulders
    • ✓ Trousers or skirts below the knee
    • ✓ A sarong can be very useful (and is often provided on site at temples)
  4. Recommended footwear
    Some tours include walks, hikes, or wetlands
    (waterfalls, volcanoes). Plan ahead:
    • ✓ Comfortable shoes
    • ✓ Non-slip sandals
    • ✓ Possibly water shoes
  5. Respect for local customs
    Indonesia is a welcoming country that respects traditions.
    A few simple steps:
    • ✓ Avoid overly visible displays of affection in villages
    • ✓ Ask permission before photographing the inhabitants
    • ✓ Use your right hand to give or receive
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