Tours
PACEBO TOURS can offer you unique, personalised tours to suit your interests.
For example, a Tana Toraja itinerary can include:- Village accommodation and meals in a typical peaked roof Torajan house
- An afternoon hike for an overnight stay in the Kandora Mountain Lodge
- Or the recognized comfort of a high class hotel
- Perhaps even a traditional Torajan village funeral ceremony where you will be most welcome
Irrespective of your accommodation needs, this will be a unique cultural experience where you can explore and even stay in the massive traditional houses built in the 16th century, hanging graves from the same era, cliff and stone graves, effigies new and old and mix with an ethnic group of people indigenous to this mountainous region.
Bird watching? - our 'Activities' section has a suggested tour.
The Wallace Line? Interested in Alfred Russell Wallace? PACEBO TOURS can arrange for you to walk in Wallaces footsteps where he uncovered the zoogeographical differences between Asian and Australasian species.
PACEBO TOURS can even arrange tours of neighbouring islands such as West Papua (Irian Jaya).
Suggested Tana-Toraja Itinery:Day 1: Airport- Makassar- Kupa.
Upon arrival at Hasanuddin airport Makassar, you will be welcomed and transferred to the protected area of Bantimurung, a place of butterflies, a waterfall, forest landscapes, limestone mountains, caves and beautiful countryside. A picnic lunch box will be provided during your visit in the National Park. In the afternoon proceed to Kupa Beach, past Bugis villages and on the way you will see traditional procedures for drying fish. Then to the harbour of Awerange to see construction of traditional Pinisi; the timber boat of Sulawesi. In this harbour where people build Pinisi schooners, you can observe local activities such as fishing, boat building and houses of local materials. At the end of the day when you reach Kupa Beach home-stay, located right on the beach, swim or swing and watch the sun set while enjoying a coconut juice with banana pancakes. Sea food dinner will follow.
Day 2: Kupa- Parepare- Mengkendek.
After breakfast leave Kupa beach for Mengkendek on a fascinating trip to the South Sulawesi highlands. The countryside of the mountain people is beautiful and photo-stops will be made en-route according to your interest. Enjoy the views of Sadan River and Erotic Mountain of Bamapuang. In the afternoon arrive at the entrance gate to Toraja-land where the first unique Torajan architectural style can be seen.
Arrive Mengkendek then begin the steep climb to Kandora Pass offering magnificent Torajan landscape views; you will also have a chance to explore villages and some of the agricultural richness of the Mengkendek area. You will also visit archeological sites of Potok Tengan. Annual ceremonies are held at Potok Tengan to commemorate the legend of the arrival from heaven of Torajan people to Kandora Mountain. Lunch will be served accordingly. In the afternoon arrive at Kandora Mountain Lodge and enjoy the magnificent views and sunset from the hillside balcony. Dinner will follow.
Day 3: Mengkendek- Kandora- Sangalla.
After breakfast you descend into the valley below and follow a different trail towards Suaya where the famous effigies of Torajan ancestors watch over their generations from a high balcony. Then a short walk across the paddy fields which leads to Tampang Allo, the cave burial site and the nearby baby graves. Lunch will be served accordingly. In the afternoon you will arrive at the village of Sangalla for home-stay accommodation and meals at a typical Torajan house. Enjoy talking with local people and watching their activities before you retire for a truly memorable night.
Day 4: Sangalla- Batutmonga.
After breakfast you will walk all morning to the village of Nanggala where you will meet your driver who will take you to a restaurant for lunch. Then you will climb the mountain of Sesean for beautiful landscapes and typical Torajan villages. In the afternoon arrive at Batutumonga for a home-stay, to take a rest and later dinner.
Day 5: Batutumonga- Pana- Tikala- Rantepao.
After breakfast an all morning walk down to Tikala village. During the walk you will see ancient Torajan grave stones, typical villages, rice terraces, a bamboo forest and meet people along the way. Your driver will be waiting for you down the hill from Tikala and take you to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch, subject to availability you will visit a local village to see a traditional Torajan funeral ceremony. Check in to Torajan Prince Hotel, a small hotel with swimming pool and friendly staff. Dinner and accommodation will be at this hotel.
Day 6: Excursion in Toraja
Breakfast at hotel. Another full-day to see the remarkable architecture of Torajan houses which are designed in a boat shape or are similar to the horns of a buffalo, in order to carry their spirit to heaven. This reflects on their concept of the hereafter. Visit the village Londa and the daily market of Rantepao. Your lunch will be served at Kupa Beach Restaurant. In the afternoon drive down the coast to Makassar for dinner and accommodation at the Pantai Gapura Hotel.
Day 8: Makassar- Denpasar.
After breakfast enjoy a swim at the hotel. Midday you will check, enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant and then continue for a city sight seeing tour. Visit Paotere Anchorage to see this pinisi only harbour as well as local activities. Visit a colourful Chinese Temple, Fort Rotterdam then transfer to the airport for your flight to Denpasar Bali.
