25 days trans Sulawesi
Complete island crossing — from Makassar to Manado
Three and a half weeks across all of Sulawesi — from Makassar in the south to Manado in the north. A complete cross-section of the island for those who want to experience Toraja culture, mysterious megaliths, Togian coral islands, endemic fauna and the underwater paradise of Bunaken.
This is not a comfortable resort vacation, but a meaningful journey for travelers who want to experience Sulawesi in depth. The itinerary is a proven route — we customize it to your wishes, fitness and pace.
Route overview
Makassar → Sengkang → Toraja → Pendolo → Tentena → Lore Lindu → Bada → Togian → Gorontalo → Tangkoko → Bunaken → Manado
Culture & traditions of the south
Six days through southern Sulawesi. Karst landscapes, prehistoric paintings, floating fishing villages and Tana Toraja — some of the most powerful cultural experiences in all of Indonesia.
Makassar & Rammang-Rammang
Gateway to Sulawesi. Motorized canoe ride into the karst landscape of Rammang-Rammang — limestone formations, rice fields. Leang-Leang caves with prehistoric rock paintings. Traditional stilt houses of the Bugis people.
Sengkang & Lake Tempe
Morning boat ride on Lake Tempe among floating houses of fishermen. Herons, ibises and dense vegetation that closes immediately behind the boat. Traditional silk weaving workshop using the ikat technique.
Tana Toraja — tombs, villages & ceremonies
Kete Kesu, Lemo (rock tombs with Tau Tau figures), Londa (burial cave), Suaya (royal tombs). Night trekking to Lokomata — village cemetery carved into a single boulder. Buffalo market.
Night in a Toraja village & treks
Batutumonga — panoramic views of rice terraces. Trek through bamboo groves and authentic villages. Overnight in a traditional tongkonan house in Bangkelekila. Cooking dinner together with hosts.
Rainforests, megaliths & coral islands
Transition from the mountains to central Sulawesi. The clearest lake in Indonesia, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with endemic fauna, mysterious megaliths of the Bada Valley and four days on the Togian Islands — one of the most beautiful places in all of Indonesia.
Lake Poso & Saluopa Waterfall
One of the clearest and deepest lakes in Indonesia — 450 m deep, water temperature 26–30 °C. The multi-tiered Saluopa Waterfall with dozens of small terraces. Accommodation in a resort right on the lakeshore.
Lore Lindu & Bada Valley
UNESCO biosphere reserve (2,290 km²). Home to 227 bird species including the world’s largest hornbill, the dwarf buffalo anoa, babirusa and three species of tarsiers. Mysterious megaliths of the Bada Valley — stone figures up to 4 m tall, scattered along the Laliang River. Origin, purpose and age unknown.
Togian Islands (4 days)
56 islands and islets south of the equator in Tomini Bay. Water temperature 31 °C, visibility up to 50 m. Beach bungalows on Kadidiri Island. Trips to Una-Una Island with an active volcano, Bajau village (sea nomads), snorkeling. Four days of free program in a tropical paradise.
Volcanoes & underwater paradise of the north
Northern Sulawesi — volcanic landscape of Minahasa, night trekking for tarsiers in Tangkoko and the legendary Bunaken. The final chapter of the journey combining mountains, rainforest and ocean.
Tomohon & Minahasa volcanoes
Mountain town surrounded by three active volcanoes. Climb of Mahawu — crater with an acidic lake. Mount Lokon — descent into the active crater. Lake Tondano, traditional Tomohon market, Cap Tikus distillery.
Tangkoko National Park
Waruga stone tombs — ancient Minahasa civilization. Trek with a ranger to find black macaques, hornbills and tarsiers — night observation of the world’s smallest primates.
Bunaken Island (4 days)
Speed boat to the legendary island in the heart of the marine park. Breathtaking drop-off walls, thousands of fish species, coral gardens, turtles. Four days of snorkeling, diving and rest. Observing the underwater world right from the resort pier.
What’s included
Included
Not included
Upgrade options
All modifications are handled individually. Prices are indicative.
Extended stay on Togian
Extra days on the coral islands, snorkeling and trips.
Extended stay on Bunaken
Extended stay in the marine park.
Certified diving
Organized dives on Bunaken and/or Togian.
Attending a Toraja ceremony
If a funeral ceremony takes place during your visit, we arrange an invitation.
Who is this trip for
Ideal for those who
Probably not ideal if
Frequently asked questions
Is the trip safe?
Yes. The route goes through safe regions and local guides accompany you throughout. We handle logistics for you.
How physically demanding is the program?
Moderately demanding, but 25 days is a long time. We adjust the pace, island days serve for recovery.
Will we have internet access?
In cities, yes. On the Togian Islands, in Bada Valley and in Tangkoko, limited or none.
Can children travel with us?
Depends on age. 25 days is demanding. For families with younger children, we recommend shorter northern or southern Sulawesi itineraries.
How does the night ferry from Togian to Gorontalo work?
Standard mode of transport, 11–12 hours, sleeping in a cabin. The ferry departs in the evening and arrives in the morning.
Will guides be with us the whole time?
Roby from Makassar to Togian, local driver and guides in the north. On the islands they are nearby but respect your privacy.
Can the program be modified?
Of course. We can shorten or extend the island stays, add or skip volcanoes, change the pace.
Let’s discuss your trip
This itinerary is an example of a proven route. We always customize the final program to your wishes, fitness and budget. Write to me and we’ll design a trip just for you.