Trans Sulawesi Overland Tour (20D19N)
A epic exploration traversing the island of Sulawesi from Makassar to Manado. Discover ancient Toraja culture, the megaliths of Bada Valley, the beauty of Lakes Matano & Poso, cross the Equator Line, explore Tangkoko's endemic wildlife rainforests, and dive into the underwater wonders of Bunaken Marine Park.
Makassar & The Exotics of Toraja Land
Beginning the journey in the capital of South Sulawesi, exploring karst landscapes, and venturing into the cultural highlands of Toraja Land.
Day 01 - 02: Arrival in Makassar & National Park Tour
Day 01: Airport pickup at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar, and transfer to Dalton Hotel.
Day 02: Full-day tour visiting the National Park featuring majestic karst mountain landscapes. Lunch on tour and return to hotel in the afternoon.
- 🛬 Airport pickup & check-in at Dalton Hotel (AC & Hot Water)
- ⛰️ Exploration of the National Park's mountain karst scenery
- 🍽️ Lunch on tour & evening rest in Makassar
Day 03 - 04: Overland Drive to Toraja Land
Day 03: Overland drive to Toraja Land via comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle. Stay overnight in a Traditional Toraja House near Rantepao.
Day 04: Full-day tour visiting traditional Toraja villages and hiking through the scenic Toraja countryside.
- 🏡 Stay at a Traditional Toraja House (Guest House)
- 🥾 Countryside hiking & visits to traditional villages and stone graves
- 🚗 Private comfortable vehicle throughout the Makassar - Toraja route
Soroako, Lake Matano & Pamona Tribe Culture
Heading to northeast South Sulawesi, crossing waterfalls, traversing ancient lakes, and connecting with the Pamona tribe.
Day 05 - 06: Toraja – Soroako & East Luwu Tour
Day 05: Depart to Soroako in northeastern South Sulawesi. Check-in at Grand Mulia Hotel.
Day 06: Full-day tour around the nickel mining area, visiting Molino Beach, Soroako traditional market, plus Matabuntu & Kali Dingin Waterfalls in Wasuponda.
- 🏨 Stay at Grand Mulia Hotel Soroako (AC & Hot Water)
- 🌊 Tour Matabuntu & Kali Dingin Waterfalls
- 🛍️ Explore traditional markets in Wasuponda & Soroako
Day 07 - 08: Lake Matano, Londi & Pamona Cultural Dance
Day 07: Cross Lake Matano by fast ferry to Central Sulawesi, drive through mountain roads to Londi. Overnight stay in Tomata.
Day 08: Full-day tour around Londi villages, visit palm oil plantations & factory, meet local children, and watch a traditional Pamona tribe dance performance in the evening.
- 🛥️ Cross Lake Matano aboard a Fast Ferry
- 🌴 Visit local palm oil plantations & processing factory
- 💃 Evening Traditional Pamona Tribal Dance Performance
Tentena, Bada Valley Megaliths & The Equator
Enjoying Lake Poso, witnessing ancient mysterious megalithic statues in Bada Valley, and crossing the Equator Line toward Gorontalo.
Day 09 - 10: Tentena (Lake Poso) & Bada Valley Megaliths
Day 09: Relaxed drive to Tentena town by Lake Poso. Check-in at Dolidi Cottage by the lake near tropical rainforest.
Day 10: Visit Bada Valley to discover ancient megalithic statues, enjoying a delicious packed lunch box from Tentena.
- 🏡 Stay at lakeside Dolidi Cottage near rainforest
- 🗿 Explore ancient Bada Valley megalithic archaeological sites
- 🍱 Packed lunch box served right at the megalithic site
Day 11 - 12: Crossing the Equator Line: Moutong – Gorontalo
Day 11: Long drive along Tomini Bay to Moutong, crossing the Equator Line on the way. Seaside lunch. Simple air-conditioned stay.
Day 12: Shorter overland drive to Gorontalo City. Check-in at Quality Hotel Gorontalo.
- 📍 Cross the iconic Equator Line landmark
- 🌊 Scenic coastal drive along Tomini Bay
- 🏨 Stay at Quality Hotel Gorontalo (AC & Hot Water)
Hungayono Rainforest, Tomohon Highlands & Tangkoko
Trekking tropical rainforests in Hungayono, exploring volcanic lakes in Tomohon, and entering Tangkoko Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 13 - 14: Hungayono National Park Trekking – Tomohon
Day 13: Travel by car, motorbike, and a 2-hour trek to Ranger Base Camp in Hungayono Park to explore tropical rainforest. Overnight at Base Camp.
Day 14: Early wildlife search, trek back to meet the driver, and long overland drive to Tomohon City along mountain & Sulawesi Sea routes. Check-in at Joani Hotel.
- 🏕️ Exclusive overnight stay at Hungayono Ranger Base Camp
- 🦉 Rainforest trek & wildlife search guided by experienced rangers
- 🏨 Stay at Joani Hotel in Tomohon Highland City
Day 15 - 16: Tomohon Highland Tour & Journey to Tangkoko
Day 15: Visit Linow Sulphur Lake, traditional market, Mount Mahawu volcano, and traditional Minahasa house center. Enjoy traditional Minahasan lunch.
Day 16: Scenic drive to Tangkoko National Park via Lake Tondano, stopping at Waruga (ancient Minahasan stone graves). Check-in at Tangkoko Hills Cottage.
- 🌋 Visit Sulphur Lake Linow & Mount Mahawu Volcanic Crater
- 🍲 Authentic traditional Minahasan tribe culinary lunch
- 🪨 Historical visit to ancient Waruga sarcophagus graveyard
Tangkoko Endemic Wildlife, Bunaken Island & Departure
Spotting Tarsiers & Crested Macaques in Tangkoko, relaxing and snorkeling at Bunaken Marine Park, followed by departure from Manado.
Day 17 - 18: Tangkoko Wildlife Tour & Speedboat to Bunaken
Day 17: Morning wildlife safari at 05:00 AM (3-4 hours) in Tangkoko (Tarsiers, Black Macaques, Maleo birds). Afternoon village tour & second forest session.
Day 18: Overland transfer to Manado Harbor, private 45-minute speedboat to Bunaken Island. Check-in at beach resort.
- 🐒 Wildlife safari: Tarsius Spectrum, Crested Black Macaque & Maleo Birds
- 🛥️ Private Speedboat Transfer to Bunaken Island (45 Mins)
- 🏖️ 2-night stay at a comfortable beachfront resort on Bunaken Island
Day 19 - 20: Bunaken Snorkeling & Departure Transfer
Day 19: Full day snorkeling and relaxing along the beach in front of your resort (Full board meals included).
Day 20: Morning private speedboat back to Manado City, car transfer to Sam Ratulangi Airport for departure. Tour ends.
- 🥽 Snorkeling world-class coral reefs & drop-off walls in Bunaken
- 🚤 Private speedboat transfer to Manado & airport car transfer
- 🏁 Completion of the Trans Sulawesi Overland Expedition
Key Highlights of Trans Sulawesi
Cultural & Heritage Sites: Traditional Toraja Tongkonan houses, Pamona tribal dances, ancient Bada Valley megalithic statues, and historic Minahasan Waruga stone graves.
Nature & Wildlife Wonders: Makassar Karst, Matabuntu Waterfalls, Ancient Lakes Matano & Poso, Hungayono Rainforest Trek, Mahawu Crater, Linow Lake, Tangkoko Tarsiers & Macaques, and Bunaken Marine Park.
Consult Schedule & Availability