Makassar, is known as much for its colorful past as for its cosmopolitan
present. Formerly called Ujung Pandang this major port was for 500 years
a collecting point for the exotic goods of the East and the getaway to East
Indonesia's famed "Spice Islands". Today, Makassar with the rich ethnic
diversity common to a coastal metropolis, has the feel of a great Asian
city. Wooden prahus still proudly grace the seafront, giving the city an
old-world charm. Food stalls, offering the dazzling and delicious variety
of seafood for which the city is famous, line the waterfront every evening
for more than a kilometer. Makassar is home to several prominent landmarks
including the 16th century Dutch fort Fort Rotterdam, Trans Studio Makassar—the
third largest indoor theme park in the world and the Karebosi Link—the first
underground shopping center in Indonesia.
Fort Rotterdam, Makassar.
Toraja
is located approximately 230 kilometers north of Makassar.Tana Toraja is
a land of contrasting sights, blue mountains next to vivid green rice fields,
interspersed with distinctive sloped-roof houses. Life here follows the
familiar patterns of the past. The word toraja means "people of the uplands".
The Dutch colonial government named the people Toraja in 1909. The Toraja
are an ethnic group indigenous to the mountainous region of South Sulawesi,
Indonesia. Their population is approximately 650,000, of which 450,000 still
live in the regency of Tana Toraja ("Land of Toraja"). Most of the population
is Christian, and others are Muslim or have local animist beliefs known
as aluk ("the way"). The Indonesian government has recognized this animist
belief as Aluk To Dolo ("Way of the Ancestors"). Torajans are renowned for
their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive
peaked-roof traditional houses known as tongkonan, and colorful wood carvings.
Toraja funeral rites are important social events, usually attended by hundreds
of people and lasting for several days.
The tour listed below is just an example. We can arrange the tour according to your personal wishes. Also 5, 6 or 7 day tours are possible.
TANA TORAJA - MAKASSAR TOUR
| Day 1 |
Flight Manado - Makassar. Upon arrival at Hasanudin Airport Makassar, set out on the picturesque drive to Toraja passing the Buginese villages with their typical houses. Lunch will be served at a seafood restaurant in Pare Pare. Precedes a scenic drive with many photo-stops enroute. In the afternoon stop on the Puncak Lakawan to enjoy the spectacular view. Late in the afternoon arrival in Rantepao. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 2 |
After breakfast, a full day exploring Toraja. First we will visit Lemo to see rows of Tau Tau statues and the hanging graves. Onwards to Suaya to discover the secret of the Baby Tree, Also visiting today Londa, to see an ancient grave where the deceased are entombed. At Kete Kesu one of the oldest Torajan villages we can see Tongkonan, and old rice barns, also famous for its traditional colorful woodcarving. Lunch in Rantepao. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 3 |
After breakfast, we drive back to Makassar. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Pare-Pare. In the afternoon arrival in Makassar. Onwards transfer directly to Hotel for dinner and overnight. |
| Day 4 |
After breakfast, we take you on a city tour around Makassar the former Ujung Pandang, visiting Fort Rotterdam the old Dutch fortress and Paotere Anchorage the Makassarese and Buginese boat harbor. Afterwards, transfer directly to Hasanuddin Airport to fly back to Manado or your next destination. |
