Toraja, Sengkang & Bira: Unusual Graves & Floating Village (7D/6N)

We will have two days of adventure in the Toraja Lands. It will be two days to explore not only its incredible landscapes but also its remarkable culture. And it is time to discover it during our stay in this magical land. The local people, mostly Christians, still practice animism according to their original religion called Aluk Todolo. Are you ready to soak up the Toraja culture? We will visit Lemo with the cemetery on the rock walls and all the wooden statues called Tau-Tau that represent their deceased.

The town of Ke’te Kesu, one of the oldest in Toraja where you will see the typical houses called “Tongkonan”. You will also see other hanging tombs in one of its caves. And in the towns of Bori, Nanggala, Suaya, there are baby graves in the trees. We may find it strange, but it is something that is part of this ancient culture. During your stay in this land of spirits, with “luck”, we can see their funeral ceremonies up close. These picturesque funerals are frequent, but not every day, so we can’t assure you will see them. When we attend them, as an offering to the family, tourists are asked to donate about 100,000 Rupiah.

In addition to these visits, we will visit its attractive markets where local people carry out their daily transactions. On Tuesday and Thursday, a larger market develops.

Afterwards we will return to the hotel to rest.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Toraja

Breakfast at the hotel and then we continue our adventure on this dream island. We will leave for Sengkang in the Bugis territory (enclave of the old feudal kingdom, nowadays best known for its handmade silk fabrics).

As soon as we finish our lunch, we will visit Tempe Lake with canoe where the fishing community of the Bugis is settled. It is really impressive to see their houses built in the middle of the lake that they only leave when they go to work or trade. We will have the possibility to visit them and enjoy their hospitality by taking you together with them. A very enriching experience where we can live with this ethnic group with so many years of unique existence in the world. After spending this day that will undoubtedly impress you, we will go to the hotel and you’ll have time for yourself.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Sengkang 

After our well deserved breakfast, we will go south to the paradisiacal Bira. It is a quiet white sand beach where there are caves, diving reefs, traditional weaving arts and boat building workshops. During this trip we will visit the villages of the Bugis region, sugar and cocoa plantations and rice fields. At approximately noon we will be in Bira, where you can enjoy lunch. We will have time to relax on the beach. Afterwards, return to your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Bira

Today will be a great day under the sea and the sun of Bira. In the morning we will take a boat of local fishermen and go to a nearby island called Liukan. There, we will enjoy fantastic nature, diving in a bottom full of corals and colorful fish. What will we do on Liukan Island? We will visit the fishing community of “Konjo” that lives there. This community is known for its traditional hand weaving, known as “ikat”. Before returning to Bira, we will still have time to relax on the beautiful Liukan Beach. In the afternoon, we will visit the town of Tanah Beru, known as the heart of the marine buggy industry. We will see gunners and the city. After this visit to Beru, we return to Bira for dinner and rest.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Bira

Today is our last day in this special area of Indonesia. After breakfast, we depart south towards the capital of Sulawesi and then take the flight to our next destination. This will take approximately 5 hours. Thank you for exploring Toraja, Sengkang & Bira through the hands of Come2Indonesia. Sampai Jumpa!

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: –