Indonesia
Sulawesi & the Spice Islands
20 days £3,950 – £8,500pp
Includes: flights, transfers, all accommodation, guided activities, local guides as per your itinerary.
Overview
Sulawesi and North Maluku are islands of Indonesia in which unique traditions are still well alive, where wildlife is abundant both on and offshore surrounded by untouched beautiful landscapes. Tourist paths are relatively unworn, making for an ideal getaway for those wanting to explore the real culture, wildlife and landscapes of Indonesia.
This three-week itinerary will see you travelling through Makassar in the south, journeying north through Sulawesi, immersing yourself in traditional village life along the way before relaxing in the highlands of Tomohon.
Observe the unique, intriguing and rare wildlife in Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Head east to North Maluku where, underneath the clear waters, you’ll find a world of pristine coral reefs brimming with abundant marine life. Here at an eco-friendly dive resort, you’ll have many opportunities to dive and snorkel through these waters.
You’ll also have a chance to explore a local village and discover some incredible birdlife. End your holiday in the smaller, contrasting spice island Sultanates of bustling Ternate and peaceful Tidore.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in Torajan village life and their fascinating traditions by visiting local markets and homes
- Get up close and personal with the friendly black crested macaques and other wildlife with a park ranger through Tangkoko Nature Reserve
- Cool off and relax in the picturesque highland region of Tomohon with two days at your leisure
- Spend several days at an eco-friendly dive resort snorkelling or diving in some of the world’s best coral reefs
- Explore the contrasting ‘Spice Islands’ of bustling Ternate and sleepy Tidore
“The wildlife and cultural history of Sulawesi offers the curious traveller an insight into ancient traditions & stunning rainforests. Along with world class diving and incredible birding, this destination is a must see for anyone interested in evolution and escaping mass tourism in Indonesia”
Travel to Sulawesi and you will be rewarded with up-close wildlife encounters both on the land and in the water, fascinating cultural practices, mountainous lands, thick forests and some of the best diving opportunities in the world. The peculiar ‘K’ shaped land lies northeast of Bali and across the Makassar Strait from Borneo.
Discover the island’s unique flora and fauna, experience the traditions of some of Indonesia’s earliest inhabitants, and get a sense of Sulawesi’s significance as a spice trading center in the 16th century. Along with stunning coastlines offering brilliant snorkelling and diving around the island.
- Day 1: Depart the UK on your flight to Makassar in South Sulawesi.
- Day 2: Arrive Makassar and transfer to hotel
- Day 3: Visit Rammang-Rammang village to board a boat and sail along the river, admiring the breath-taking Karst mountain and limestone cliffs along the way. Enjoy lunch at the Udhin Eco-Lodge before returning to Makassar for a visit to the Paotere Schooner Harbor and a short walking tour of the city’s best landmarks.
- Day 4: Short flight to Palopo, located in northern Makassar. Travelling with your guide and driver to Toraja, you’ll pass by magnificent tropical rainforests before stopping at several village graveyards. Visit Karuaya, one of the oldest Tongkonan traditional villages, and KeteKesu village, renowned for its woodcarving and unique Tongkonan houses and rice barns.
- Day 5: After visiting a local market in Toraja, wander through traditional villages, watching daily life go by, before driving to the Lemo village graveyard, famous for its Tau-Tau effigies.
- Day 6: Visit a family who preserves the Tomasaki Ullunna (the dead body) of their family members within their house. Continue to another Tongkonan traditional village for a unique experience in which a family will cook lunch for you to enjoy under their rice barn.
- Day 7: Depart Toraja on another scenic drive to Palopo, stopping by the Puncak Pass for a spectacular panorama of the dense tropical rainforest. Fly to Manado City where your driver will transport you to your resort in the picturesque highlands of Tomohon.
- Days 8-9: The highland area of Tomohon features a pleasant climate and is home to lush forests, towering volcanic peaks, beautiful flowers and fresh, delicious produce. You have the next two days to spend at your leisure. Perhaps you may want to pay a visit to the colour changing Lake Linow, bird watch or hike 30 minutes up to Mount Mahawu’s crater edge for panoramic views over the surrounding islands, Bay of Manado and the sulphur crater lake.
- Days 10-12: Journey two hours into the fascinating Tangkoko Nature Reserve, passing small villages before reaching your accommodation where you can relax in the afternoon. With a full day in the reserve, begin your morning with a walk accompanied by a forest ranger. Wander through the lush 9,000 hectares of land, spotting the famous and friendly Black Crested Macaques (indigenous to North Sulawesi), along with couscous bears, hornbills and much other bird species native to the area. After a boat ride through the mangroves, on an evening walk, you’ll have a higher chance at spotting the shy tarsiers as they hunt for the night.
- Days 13-16: Fly to from Manado to the island of Ternate this morning where you will transfer to a dock and board a speedboat ride to the mainland. After a three-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the eco-friendly Weda Dive Resort, situated in the heart of the coral triangle on Halmahera Island, it is ideal for keen divers, bird watchers and nature lovers alike. With four days and three nights at the resort, you won’t be short on activities such as bird watching trips, snorkelling offshore and diving excursions to explore beautiful reefs and abundant marine life. Relax by the pool or on the beach by day and enjoy fresh, quality food at the restaurant in the evenings.
- Days 17-18: Transfer back to Ternate. Dominated by the Gamalama volcano, Ternate is a small, round island with a long history as the original ‘spice’ island. Visit the mother of clove trees, ‘CengkehAfo’, known to be 350 years old. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting several forts dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries as your guide explains the history behind each one. End your historical tour at the peculiar Tolire Lake. Set at the foot of Mount Gamalama, without any connection to the sea, it comprises an ecosystem of its own.
- Day 19: Board a local fast boat this morning to Tidore island, arriving in less than an hour. Explore the Fort of Torre with your guide. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to experience local life upon visiting the Gurabunga Village on the slopes of Mount Kiematubo, 800 metres above sea level.
- Day 20: Fly back to Jakarta for your onwards connection homeward bound.
This is just one example of a bespoke holiday to remote Indonesian islands. Contact me to discuss your own requirements and we can create a truly memorable trip of a lifetime!
A few impressions…
“We booked our holiday to South East Asia with Jules as we had heard great things about her service, we were not disappointed! It all went seamlessly and we had an incredible time – memories like this are priceless!”
Tom and Jo C
Let us begin the journey that will create memories to last a lifetime.
