Best of Sulawesi and Sumatra

Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Hong Kong	Victoria Peak & Disneyland, Religious relics, historic buildings & colonial heritage, Shopping & Nightlife	Eaton Hotel, Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong
3 - 4	Medan	Dutch Trading Center, Vibrant City and Nightlife, Street Food	Four Points by Sheraton Medan, JW Marriott Hotel Medan
4 - 6	Bukit Lawang	Gunung Leuser National Park, Diverse Fauna and Flora, Endangered Orangutans, Sumatran Elephants and Rhinos	Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang, The Heritage Resort & Restaurant Bukit Lawang
6 - 7	Berastagi	Dutch Colonial Heritage, Karo Highlands, Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak	Sinabung Resort , Berastagi
7 - 9	Samosir	Lake Toba, Natural Beauty, Toba Batak People	Tabo Cottages, Tabo Cottages
9 - 10	Jakarta	National Museum, Merdeka Square, Dutch Colonial Heritage, Shopping & Nightlife	Kemang Icon by Alila, Alila Jakarta
10 - 11	Makassar	Dutch Colonial Heritage, Bustling Harbor Town, Snorkeling and Water Sports	Melia Makassar, Aston Makassar
11 - 14	Toraja	Ethnic Communities, Verdant Landscape, Hiking, Cycling and Mountain Biking	Toraja Heritage, Toraja, Toraja Misiliana, Toraja
14 - 16	Makassar	Dutch Colonial Heritage, Bustling Harbor Town, Snorkeling and Water Sports	Melia Makassar, Aston Makassar

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong Hotel

Hong Kong

2 Days

Hong Kong is a fascinating fusion of the East and the West, combining the mystery of the Orient with the avant-garde vibe of the West. Its dramatic, jagged skyline, best seen from Victoria Peak or the harbor, is accentuated by the daily Symphony of Lights show by night.

Included Activities

Evening Street Food Jaunt
Explore the sumptuous street food delights of Hong Kong on an exciting walking tour. Sample some of the city’s finest foods on the go and stop by to taste a variety of delicious dishes. Catch up with local vendors and exchange notes with fellow foodies at food stalls as you dig into local signature street foods. Wander the streets of Island East and visit food stalls which offer local delicacies such as egg tart, suimai, fish ball noodles, milk tea and egg puffs. As a part of your itinerary, visit an open ‘wet market’ (market which sells fresh meat and produce) for a better understanding of the indigenous food culture of Hong Kong. (Half Day; Evening Activity; Private activity & transfer; Travel time to activity: 30 mins; Duration: 4 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate, as there is some walking involved. Please wear comfortable shoes. Please note that this tour is unavailable between 24 Dec to 1 Jan, and that it depends on the weather conditions.)

Hotel Options

Eaton Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong – Opt 2

Room	Premier Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 3 - 4

Transfer from Hong Kong Hotel to Hong Kong Airport

Flight from Hong Kong to Medan

Transfer from Medan Airport to Hotel

Medan

1 Day

For travelers, Medan functions more as a transit hub to the island of Sumatra than as the busy trading center established by the Dutch. There is not much to see in this multicultural melting pot in terms of the natural beauty of many of Indonesia’s other holiday destinations.

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	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

JW Marriott Hotel Medan – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 4 - 6

Drive from Medan to Bukit Lawan (90 km, 3 hrs)

Bukit Lawang

2 Days

Bukit Lawang is a charming tropical village by the banks of a swiftly flowing river. Standing by the striking Bohorok River and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Gunung Leuser National Park, this rural spot is a popular Sumatran tourist destination.

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. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 3-4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Meals included: Lunch: Note: Please indicate dietary preferences before the trip).

2h – River Tubing in Bukit Lawang
You will experience the Bohorok river by floating down the river in an inflated truck inner tube. Suitable for all, this tour is more of a gentle, leisurely rafting experience allowing you time to lie back and enjoy the stunning scenery around you. Starting from Bukit Lawang, you will float approximately 12 km downstream with a few gentle rapids thrown in for good excitement and afterward return back to your hotel by car.

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
Meals
Style	Guest house

The Heritage Resort & Restaurant Bukit Lawang – Opt 2

Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 6 - 7

Drive from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi (140 km, 4.5 hrs)

Berastagi

1 Day

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.

Included Activities

Berastagi Market Excursion
Visit the colorful fruit market – Brastagi has volcanic fruitful soil which is ideal for growing fruits like passionfruit, mangistan, Solanum Betaceum which is locally called Terong Belanda, oranges and a variety of flowers.

Volcano Trek to Sibyak
Rise early in the morning to begin your short climb to the Sibayak volcano. With over 120 active volcanoes fuming around Indonesia, Gunung Sibayak at 2,212 meters in Northern Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s best accessible mountains and among the top volcanoes in terms of effort to enjoyment ratio. Situated above the friendly hill town of Brastagi, which is just 2 hours from Medan, the volcano’s crater lies just around 1,5 hours walk from the nearest road and can therefore be explored by anyone in reasonably good shape. The summit of Mt. Sibayak provides excellent views of Berastagi and the surrounding countryside, including the neighboring Mt. Sinabung, which is frequently erupting since 2010 after lying dormant for 400 years. Although Mt. Sibayak has been quiet for the last century, new steam vents and seismic activity indicate that the volcano is merely only taking a break. Geothermal activity is high on and around the volcano and offers a very unique experience for visitors with many fumaroles near the Crater Lake, the sound they make as jets of hot gas and steam shoot out is tremendously eerie and can get as loud as a starting jet plane engine. Take your time to let this bizarre moonscape scenery sink in before you begin your moderate descend back to the car and drive back to your hotel for breakfast, freshen up and checking out.

Hotel Options

Sinabung Resort , Berastagi – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 7 - 9

Ferry from Parapat Boat Jetty to Samosir

Drive from Berastagi to Samosir Enroute Dokan (170 Km, 5 hrs)

Samosir

2 Days

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.

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	Standard Room
Meals
Style	Resort

Tabo Cottages – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals
Style	Resort

Day 9 - 10

Transfer from Samosir Hotel to Silangit Airport

Flight from Silangit to Jakarta

Transfer from Airport to Hotel (25 Km, 1 Hr)

Jakarta

1 Day

Set on the northwest coast of Java, the capital city of Jakarta boasts millennia of history, tracing its roots back to a fourth century Hindu kingdom. Modern day Jakarta is a melting pot of culture and cuisine.

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

Kemang Icon by Alila – Opt 1

Room	Inner Courtyard Suite
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Alila Jakarta – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 10 - 11

Transfer from Hotel to Airport (25 Kms, 1 Hr)

Flight from Jakarta to Makassar

Transfer from Makassar Airport to Hotel

Makassar

1 Day

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.

Included Activities

Discovering Makassar’s Dutch Colonial Quarters
Discover this Sulawesi port city’s charming colonial quarters on this leisurely day tour. Makassar boasts of delightful 17th century Dutch area around Fort Rotterdam with a museum and several colonial structures. Explore the Fort area with its wonderfully preserved Dutch military architecture, before walking over to the original site of an old Gowanese fort. The latter had been built by the local population to resist the Dutch East India Company. Visit the Museum Negeri La Galigo housed inside the Fort area to admire traditional Tana Toraja artefacts, musical instruments, Polynesian and Buddhist exhibits, as well as Palaeolithic artefacts. After a long afternoon or evening spent sightseeing, refresh yourself with a delicious luncheon or dinner spread, before returning to your hotel. (Half Day; Duration: 3-4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Lunch / Dinner; Please bring comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget your camera).

Hotel Options

Melia Makassar – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Style	International

Aston Makassar – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Premier
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 11 - 14

Transfer from Makassar Hotel to Airport

Flight from Makassar to Palopo

Transfer from Palopo Airport to Toraja Hotel (60 km, 2 hrs)

Toraja

3 Days

Tana Toraja is an impossibly bright splash of color in the lap of a forested landscape strewn with verdant hills. These tropical highlands of Central Sulawesi boast the vividly painted traditional homesteads of the Toraja with their boat-shaped houses (Tongkonans) built on stilts.

Included Activities

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)

Highlights of Toraja
Explore Tana Toraja with your local guide, getting an insight into the Torajans’ complex rituals and traditions celebrating death. Just after sunrise, and breakfast, visit the famous burial site at Lemo where coffins are placed in niches of vertical rock faces. Observe the display of Tau-Tau – carved and adorned, wooden life-size effigies of the deceased, embedded alongside cave entrances. Later, head to the hushed village of Sangalla featuring rows of old Tongkonan (traditional Toraja houses), and engage with the friendly residents. Nearby, witness baby graves set in the midst of large bamboo groves, where dead infants are entombed within the trunk of big jackfruit trees. Break for lunch at Rantepao and taste the region’s delicacies. Spend your afternoon touring the natural burial caves of Londa, a sacred site scattered with skeletons, contrasting the scenic surroundings. End your day at the ancient Ke’te Kesu’ village, a living museum with well-preserved megaliths amid lush paddy, decorative hanging graves, and intricate wood crafts. (Private Activity & Transfers)

Hotel Options

Toraja Heritage, Toraja – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Toraja Misiliana, Toraja – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 14 - 16

Transfer from Toraja hotel to Palopo Airport (2 hrs, 60 km)

Flight from Palopo to Makassar

Transfer from Makassar Airport to Hotel

Makassar

2 Days

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.

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 (Full 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
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Style	International

Aston Makassar – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Premier
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Transfer from your hotel to the airport

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 6,490 /person
Option 2 From $ 6,990 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 16 days / 15 nights
Meals as indicated
Flights mentioned below on Economy Class unless otherwise specified:
- Flight from Hong Kong to Medan
- Silangit – Jakarta
- Jakarta – Makassar (Flight)
- Makassar – Palopo (Flight)
- Palopo – Makassar (Flight)
All activities as listed :
- Hong Kong: Evening Street Food Jaunt
- Sumatra, Medan: Touring the Grand Monuments of Medan
- Sumatra, Bukit Lawang: Rural Recipes from Bukit Lawang
- Sumatra, Bukit Lawang: 2h – River Tubing in Bukit Lawang
- Sumatra, Bukit Lawang: Trailing Orangutans in the Wild
- Sumatra, Berastagi: Market tour of Berastagi
- Sumatra, Berastagi: Early morning trek to Sibyak volcano
- Sumatra, Samosir: Scenic Road to Samosir Island
- Sumatra, Samosir: Village walk through Samosir Island
- Java, Jakarta: Half Day Tour of Jakarta
- Sulawesi, Makassar: Discovering Makassar’s Dutch Colonial Quarters
- Sulawesi, Toraja: Explore the Villages of Tana Toraja
- Sulawesi, Toraja: Highlights of Toraja
- Sulawesi, Makassar: Countryside Tour of Rammang Rammang & Leang Leang
All airport and hotel transfers
A high-quality air conditioned vehicle with a safety-tested chauffeur for all activities specified in the itinerary
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees wherever applicable, accompanied by our tour guide
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
Welcome kit including all important documents and information regarding your itinerary
Insolvency insurance
Fees and taxes

Itinerary Summary

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Itinerary Details

Price & Inclusions

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