Rural scene of Samosir Island Indonesia, Asia Tours

Best of Sulawesi and Sumatra

15 Days from $5,790 USD / person

Uncover the tropical treasures of Sulawesi and Sumatra with this private Indonesia tour. From enigmatic Singapore, make your way to the lush jungles in Sumatra where a host of endangered primates await you. In Sulawesi, spend time learning the ways of indigenous tribes and hiking and trekking in verdant hills and valleys.

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

This itinerary will be customized for you. Please reach out and our experts will work with you to create a journey so unique, it could only be yours.

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Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 3

Singapore
Highlights: Modern Skyscrapers, Sentosa Island, Shopping Malls, Cuisine

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore by Shangri-La

3 – 4

Medan
Highlights: Dutch Trading Center, Vibrant City and Nightlife, Street Food

Four Points by Sheraton Medan
JW Marriott Hotel Medan

4 – 6

Bukit Lawang
Highlights: Gunung Leuser National Park, Diverse Fauna and Flora, Endangered Orangutans, Sumatran Elephants and Rhinos

Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang
Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang

6 – 7

Berastagi
Highlights: Dutch Colonial Heritage, Karo Highlands, Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak

Sinabung Hills, Berastagi

7 – 9

Samosir
Highlights: Lake Toba, Natural Beauty, Toba Batak People

Tabo Cottages
Tabo Cottages

9 – 11

Jakarta
Highlights: National Museum, Merdeka Square, Dutch Colonial Heritage, Shopping & Nightlife

The Hermitage Hotel Jakarta
Mandarin Oriental

11 – 12

Makassar
Highlights: Dutch Colonial Heritage, Bustling Harbor Town, Snorkeling and Water Sports

Melia Makassar

12 – 14

Toraja
Highlights: Ethnic Communities, Verdant Landscape, Hiking, Cycling and Mountain Biking

Toraja Heritage, Toraja

14 – 15

Sulawesi, Sengkang

Hotel BBC Sengkang

15 – 15

Makassar
Highlights: Dutch Colonial Heritage, Bustling Harbor Town, Snorkeling and Water Sports

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 3

2 Nights

Singapore

Singapore, a city state on the Malaysian peninsula, is a melting pot of cultures. Modern skyscrapers stand next to Indian temples, while shopping malls rub shoulders with Chinatown in Singapore. Main attractions of the city are the numerous shopping and entertainment centers as well as the island of Sentosa.

Hotel options

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay – Opt 1

Room Premier Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore by Shangri-La – Opt 2

Style International

Day 3 – 4

1 Night

Medan

For most travelers, Medan functions more as a transit hub to the island of Sumatra than as the busy trading center established by the Dutch. While there is not much to see in this multicultural melting pot in terms of the natural beauty, Medan does have a distinct character of its own, with a buzzing city life, great shopping opportunities and an equally vibrant nightlife. One could spend a day taking in the city’s old colonial quarters and historical monuments, finishing off the evening by exploring its back alleys for delicious street food stalls.

Included activities

Touring the Grand Monuments of Medan

Discover the grand mansions, mosques, and palaces of Medan on this leisurely day tour of the city. Prepare to be awed by one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, the impressive Tjong A Fie Mansion built in the late 19th century. Admire the exquisite hand-painted ceilings, lovely dark wood furniture, exotic art pieces, grand ballroom and Taoist temple within the premises. The mansion was home to renowned Chinese merchant Tjong A Fie, considered to be the city’s founder, who is credited with building various public structures, mosques, temples, orphanages and a hospital for the city. Drop by the magnificent Maimoon Palace built by the Sultan of Deli. Part of the historic palace continues to be occupied by the Sultan’s family, but the rest of the grounds are open to the public. Stroll by the family’s signature collection of traditional artifacts, weapons, antique Dutch furniture, and family photographs displayed in the many rooms of this sprawling palace. End your delightful city tour with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Medan, which was originally part of the royal Maimoon estate. Note the rich amalgamation of Middle Eastern, Indian and Spanish design elements in the building. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel options

Four Points by Sheraton Medan – Opt 1

Room Guest Room

Meals Room Only

Style International

JW Marriott Hotel Medan – Opt 2

Room Guest Room

Meals Room Only

Style International

Day 4 – 6

2 Nights

Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is a charming tropical village by the banks of the Bohorok River and the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Gunung Leuser National Park. Set off on jungle treks with experienced guides in search of the Sumatran orangutan – the region’s star attraction. Walks into the forest are particularly rewarding with sightings of a number of tropical primates like macaques, leaf monkey, and gibbons. The forests are also home to hornbills, barbets, and Sumatran elephants. Wildlife enthusiasts are often lucky enough to catch sight of one of the largest flowers in the world, Rafflesia, along with other exotic tropical plants and flowers. The area’s numerous wildlife resorts are also perfect for lazing on hammocks along a palm-fringed sandy river bank, tubing or swimming in the rivers or even exploring bat caves!

Included activities

Rural Recipes from Bukit Lawang

Embark on a traditional ‘Becak’ or single-seat Tuktuk as you set off to uncover the well-kept culinary secrets of the Bukit Lawang region. Enjoy your ride through the surrounding plantations as you are greeted by friendly local children along the way. Drop by the village rice flour mill, visit a palm plantation and watch how fresh palm sugar is churned out. Learn all about the region’s food processing cottage industries and stop by local family homes for a tasting of delicious, freshly-made tofu. Accept the gracious hospitality of your local host as she invites you into her kitchen, joined here by your local guide. Make the most of your day, as your expert home cook shows you how to cook the island’s favorite dish, Beef Rendang, now popular across the globe. Relish a sumptuous luncheon of the rich Rendang curry before heading back to your hotel. ( Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 1.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Meals included: Lunch: Note: Please indicate dietary preferences before the trip).’

Trailing Orangutans in the Wild

Set off on an early morning wildlife trek through the lush rainforest covered hills of the Gunung Leuser National Park in search of wild orangutans. The national park is one of the precious few natural habitats of these magnificent primates left on the planet today. Hike through the forested and rugged park in the company of a local forest guide as you take in the fantastic landscape all around. Spot a variety of exotic birds, butterflies, gibbons, monkeys, and if you are lucky, the endangered orangutan, as you make your way through the forest. Learn about the flora and fauna of the jungle as your guide enlightens you about the medicinal value of the plants found in the region and the purpose of the old Bohorok Orangutan Center, which was originally set up to help conserve and rehabilitate the fast dwindling population of the great apes. Although the center is no longer operational with all the orangutans released into the wild, forest rangers continue their watch over the fragile population. Be on a lookout for popular Orangutan, ‘Ucok’ or ‘Mina’, as well as Thomas Leaf Monkeys and the Sumatran Striped Rabbit. Return to your hotel for lunch after the jungle safari. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Note: Please carry bug spray. Comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing is recommended).

Hotel options

Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang – Opt 1

Room ROH

Meals Room Only

Style Guest house

Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang – Opt 2

Room ROH

Meals Room Only

Style Guest house

Day 6 – 7

1 Night

Berastagi

Berastagi is a fertile ‘rice bowl’ that links the city of Medan to the highlands of Northern Sumatra. Established by colonial Dutch traders, the town also acts as a stopover between Medan and the beautiful Lake Toba. Fringed by the Barisan Mountains, the temperate climate of the highland village is conducive to growing a variety of fresh produce, including passion fruit. One could spend a day here, taking in the two active volcanoes of Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak, and visiting the hot springs. Travelers also use Berastagi as a base for exploring the Karo Highlands and surrounding villages known for their spectacular local ethnic homesteads.

Included activities

Berastagi Market Excursion

Head out to explore the vibrant fruit market in the mountain town of Berastagi. Invigorate your senses with the varied aromas, sights, and sounds of the bustling market where traders showcase colorful displays of produce that has been cultivated in the rich volcanic soil found in the region. Weave your way among baskets overflowing with exotic passion fruit, juicy mangosteen, Terong Belanda or tamarillo, delicious oranges, and flowers of varied hues. Walk past a sprinkling of stalls selling non-fruit items such as t-shirts and local handicrafts as well as street food vendors hawking their tempting snacks before you start on your return journey. (Early evening activity ;Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Volcano Trek to Sibayak

Drive off early in the morning for a short trek to the high altitude Sibayak volcano, one of the most accessible of over 120 volcanoes in Indonesia. Walk for about an hour and a half to reach the crater of this dormant volcano, which has stayed calm for the past century. Scale the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the charming town of Berastagi and the surrounding landscape. You’ll be able to see right up to Mount Sinabung, an active volcano that has been erupting intermittently since 2010 after lying dormant for over four centuries. Gaze in awe at the steam and gases ooze out of the many fumaroles surrounding the crater lake – a unique and breathtaking natural phenomenon. The hissing noises can get as loud as the engine of a jet plane taking off! Explore the unique scenery at your own pace before making the descent back to your car. (Half Day; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that while there is no fixed time for this trek, it is advisable to start early by 0500 hrs. Do wear trekking shoes and bring along a flashlight.)

Hotel options

Sinabung Hills, Berastagi – Opt 1

Room Superior Room

Meals Room Only

Style International

Day 7 – 9

2 Nights

Samosir

Samosir is the world’s largest island within an island, created by an ancient volcanic eruption in the midst of Lake Toba. At nearly 2,000 sq. km, the majestic cerulean blue lake of Danau Toba is also Southeast Asia’s largest. Linked to the Sumatran mainland by a narrow isthmus, discover the spectacular natural beauty of the lake island in the shadow of ragged hills. Samosir Island also holds much social and cultural interest, being an important center for the Toba Batak people of Indonesia. The locals are predominantly a peaceful Christian population, many of whom continue to live in colorful traditional homesteads or ‘rumah adat’. Since getting to this island paradise can be challenging, with the nearest airport about five hours away in Medan, Samosir is worth at least a few days visit.

Included activities

Scenic Road to Samosir Island

After a delicious traditional Karo breakfast at Berastagi, head south past numerous farmlands to reach Dokan, a Karo-Batak village. Admire the giant communal longhouses built in vernacular heritage using wood and ijuk palm, featuring colorful motifs. Across the plateau, visit the spectacular Sipiso-Piso waterfall, an underground river plunging from a cliffside cave into a caldera. Get glimpses of Lake Toba’s expanse during your hike, and soak in the green surroundings. Shortly after, visit Rumah Bolon, an open-air museum in Pematang Purba village. Enter through an impressive stone passageway, and past an effigy of a medicine man into the magnificent palace complex. Marvel at the restored longhouses featuring ornate gables, belonging to the Simalungun Batak chiefs. See the main longhouse displaying artifacts of all the kings that ruled the region. Later, drive past scenic spice gardens and coffee plantations along sinuous roads to arrive at the bustling town of Parapat. From here, cross Lake Toba via ferry to Samosir Island. (Private Activity & Transfer)

Village walk through Samosir Island

Explore Samosir island in north Sumatra, the world’s largest island within an island, located on the volcanic Toba lake. Soak in the laidback vibe of the island as you walk past beautiful rice fields taking in the dramatic lakeside views and fresh air of this pristine region. Start from Tuk-Tuk and head towards Ambarita, an ancient Batak village known for its stone chairs and execution blocks used in trials of enemies and criminals. Learn about the culture and cannibalistic rituals of the Batak ethnic group that were practiced in ancient times. Continue onto Simanindo, walking around the traditional village as locals go about their daily life. Stop by the small museum that showcases cultural artifacts of the region and enjoy a traditional Batak Toba dance. Take a detour from the main road and walk through a scenic route crossing paddy fields, vegetable gardens and traditional homes that overlook spectacular views of the mountains and Toba lake to get an insight into the lives of the Toba people. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Dance performance at museum: Once a day at 10:30am, 45 minutes).

Hotel options

Tabo Cottages – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Room Only

Style Resort

Tabo Cottages – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Room Only

Style Resort

Day 9 – 11

2 Nights

Jakarta

Discover Jakarta, the vibrant heart of Indonesia! Set on the northwest coast of Java, the capital city traces its roots back to a fourth century Hindu kingdom. Modern day Jakarta is a melting pot of culture and cuisine, where the Batavian heritage of the Dutch East Indies vies for attention against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, and spice scented streets in the old town offer unexpected experiences around every corner. Soak in centuries of history, walk into swanky shopping malls, experience the vibrant nightlife, and sample delicious cuisine from the ubiquitous street food vendor or at a high end restaurant – in Jakarta, not a moment is wasted!

Included activities

Half Day Tour of Jakarta

Soak in the unique cultural identity of Indonesia on this leisurely tour of Jakarta’s national landmarks. Begin the day with a trip to the National Museum, originally established by the Dutch Batavia Association of Arts and Science in the 18th Century. It offers an excellent collection of historical, archeological and religio-cultural artefacts. Stroll up to the National Monument next, symbolising the spirit of modern-day Indonesia. The half-day tour also includes a visit to the National Archives Building, which was the official residence of Reynier de Klerck, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies in the late 18th Century. For the rest of the day, give yourself over to the pleasures of retail therapy at the Taman Anggrek Mall. It is one of the biggest shopping centers in South East Asia. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; National Museum Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)

Hotel options

The Hermitage Hotel Jakarta – Opt 1

Room Deluxe King

Meals Room Only

Style Heritage

Mandarin Oriental – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 11 – 12

1 Night

Makassar

Makassar is an upcoming trading and port city on the Sulawesi Island. Also known as Ujung Padang, it is inhabited by a mixed population of the Makassarese, Bugis and Chinese. Much of its cosmopolitan culture comes down from its Dutch colonial lineage. Makassar’s crowded harbor forms the gateway to East Indonesia, and its prosperous sea trade forms its main economy. Apart from acting as the entry to South Sulawesi, the town does not have much to offer travelers beyond a night’s stay. The city has of a charming 17th-century Dutch colonial quarter around the Fort Rotterdam area with an old Gowanese fort, museum and colonial buildings. The bustling waterfront along the popular Losari Beach is a seafood paradise and the nightlife at this port town is worth exploring. Various water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling are available for sports enthusiasts at the exotic coral reefs of the nearby Samalona Island.

Included activities

Countryside Tour of Rammang Rammang & Leang Leang

Experience the idyllic countryside near Makassar on this day trip to the charming little village of Rammang Rammang and the Leang Leang caves. Spend a leisurely day soaking in the lovely rural ambiance of the village that sits by a beautiful river and is famous for its spectacular limestone cliffs. Take a canoe ride along the river, lined with tall Nipa palms followed by long walks down the beautiful valley crisscrossed by a patchwork quilt of emerald green paddy fields and limestone hillocks of varying heights. Visit mysterious limestone grottos and trek through lush rainforests. Watch local farming and fishing communities as they go about their daily lives. Visit a village homestead for a delicious local lunch in the company of your gracious hosts, surrounded by a breath-taking countryside landscape. Stop by the limestone caves of Leang Lenang, famous for the prehistoric etchings along their walls before returning to your hotel (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Meals included: Local lunch; Note: Please carry sun hat, shades, and sunscreen).

Hotel options

Melia Makassar – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Room Only

Style International

Day 12 – 14

2 Nights

Toraja

Tana Toraja is an impossibly bright splash of color in the lap of a forested landscape strewn with verdant hills. It is home to the local ethnic population of the Toraja people with mixed religious backgrounds, including traditional animist beliefs (‘aluk’ or ‘the way’). These tropical highlands of Central Sulawesi boast of the vividly painted traditional homesteads of the Toraja with their boat-shaped houses (Tongkonans) built on stilts. Terraced farms with emerald rice fields along the tall, forested hills adorn the Toraja’s exotic landscape. The spectacular highlands are also the adventure traveler’s paradise with myriad hiking trails, cycling and mountain biking routes. Local rituals like elaborate funeral events are key highlights for the intrepid traveler. Toraja burial rituals, however, may involve animal sacrifices and some of the cultural rites may not be suitable for all travelers.

Included activities

Personalized Tour of Tempe Lake

On your way to Sengkang, take the Enrekang route through the fascinating Toraja highlands. Take a coffee and refreshments break at Puncak Lakawan, enjoying the verdant landscape of forested mountains. On reaching Sengkang, board a local canoe at Tempe Lake. Sail down one of the largest lakes in the country, noting the local life, flora and fauna along the banks. If you’re a bird lover, you’ll love this boat ride, as the lake attracts huge flocks all around the year. Note the local homesteads on stilts around the shores of the massive lake, which is home to plenty of freshwater fish. Naturally, fishing is a major activity in these waters, feeding the local community who also live on floating villages in the middle of Tempe Lake. You may be in time to catch the sun set over the lake, framed by the highlands in the distance. Visit a traditional ‘floating’ home of the local fishing folk and enjoy their warm hospitality over some delicious coffee and refreshments. Sail back to Sengkang after the boat ride. (En route activity; Seasonal: May-Oct; Private activity; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes)

Explore the Villages of Tana Toraja

After breakfast, head to Palawa in the Sesean district where the village street is flanked by two rows of old Tongkonan (traditional houses) amid forest surroundings. Marvel at the ornate rising facades adorned with numerous buffalo horns. See the rice barns and granaries called ‘Alang’. Here, try local food including eel meat and several dishes cooked inside soft bamboo. Back in Rantepao, admire the sacred designs and colorful motifs of traditional Toraja textiles at Sa’dang Weaving Center. Later, at a local restaurant, savor a home-cooked lunch complemented by cold beverages. Shortly after, set out for Marante on scenic hill roads. The main attraction here is a limestone hill with a traditional tombstone and many Tau-Tau statues spread across the grassland. Chat with the village folks and learn about their age-old customs. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included)

Hotel options

Toraja Heritage, Toraja – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Room Only

Style Resort

Day 14 – 15

1 Night

Sulawesi, Sengkang

Sengkang in South Sulawesi is a convenient stopover for travelers taking a trip between Makassar and the southern beaches of Bira. Sengkang has a few travel secrets of its own too, and is primarily known for its location by the Tempe Lake. This small town in South Sulawesi is a convenient stopover for travelers taking a trip between Makassar and the southern beaches of Bira. A scenic lakeside promenade offers travelers a few moments of peace and tranquility in perfect solitude. The large lake houses a village in its midst, as well as charming little villages across its calm waters. One could take leisurely boat trips through this idyllic landscape and visit the ‘lake villages’ built on stilts. The surrounding wetlands also attract a myriad of exotic birdlife. Sengkang is home to Indonesia’s traditional silk weaving industry as well, with numerous workshops and silkworm farms strewn along its outskirts. One may visit the local workshops and watch skilled workmen hand-weave traditional Indonesian silk (or sutera).

Hotel options

Hotel BBC Sengkang – Opt 1

Room Superior Room

Meals Room Only

Style Lodge

Day 15 – 15

Makassar

Makassar is an upcoming trading and port city on the Sulawesi Island. Also known as Ujung Padang, it is inhabited by a mixed population of the Makassarese, Bugis and Chinese. Much of its cosmopolitan culture comes down from its Dutch colonial lineage. Makassar’s crowded harbor forms the gateway to East Indonesia, and its prosperous sea trade forms its main economy. Apart from acting as the entry to South Sulawesi, the town does not have much to offer travelers beyond a night’s stay. The city has of a charming 17th-century Dutch colonial quarter around the Fort Rotterdam area with an old Gowanese fort, museum and colonial buildings. The bustling waterfront along the popular Losari Beach is a seafood paradise and the nightlife at this port town is worth exploring. Various water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling are available for sports enthusiasts at the exotic coral reefs of the nearby Samalona Island.

What Our Guests Say

Our family took a trip to Indonesia this summer booked through Enchanting Travels. All of the flights, went smoothly and there was an english speaking tour guide to pick us up at each location. The tour guides were very friendly and a pleasure to be with. The accommodations at each location were even better than expected! During the planning phase it was nice to be able to go back and forth and change things up until we created a trip that was perfect for our family and our budget.

Renee Craddock

USA

Enchanting Travels and their staff put together a trip of a lifetime. We hadn’t traveled to Asia before and were nervous about what to expect or how to navigate once we were there. We also really didn’t know what we wanted to do other than a few expectations. We went to four countries with multiple hotels, flights and boat excursions. I cannot believe that the 5 week trip went off with out any hitches! Everything was so smooth and effortless. We did not worry about anything the whole time we were there. It was comforting to know that our trip coordinator was there for us if we needed her and she certainly responded quickly if we did have a need or question. The choices for hotels that Enchanting Travels recommended were superb and the guides and driver were knowledgeable and fun. I can not speak more highly of all of their services and plan on using them again for another big trip.

Candace Morton

USA

Enchanting Travels is phenomenal. Not only did they plan a great trip they were quick to accommodate anything we needed, especially while we were traveling.

Tatiana Cervera

USA

Enchanting Travels takes care of every step of the trip so you can relax and enjoy. All of the hotels, tours and guides booked were excellent. Very smooth experience.

Tamarin Carlson

USA

Enchanting Travels makes an ‘off the beaten track’ experience stress free and ensures memories for a life time.

Michael Wysong

USA

Our Bali honeymoon was the trip of a lifetime! From the amazing hotels, to the excursions to memorable tour guide, we can’t say enough positive things about our experience. We didn’t want it to end!

Gillian Krejcir

Canada

Best of Sulawesi and Sumatra

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Thank You for Inquiring

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 3

Day 3 – 4

Day 4 – 6

Day 6 – 7

Day 7 – 9

Day 9 – 11

Day 11 – 12

Day 12 – 14

Day 14 – 15

Day 15 – 15

Singapore

Medan

Bukit Lawang

Berastagi

Samosir

Jakarta

Makassar

Toraja

Sulawesi, Sengkang

Makassar

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

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