TORAJA TOUR Package

On the most southern tip of the Sulawesi lies the capital of the island. It is the largest city in Celebes with nearly 900.000 inhabitants. Makassar was, until very recently, known as Ujung Pandang and it is a city with a glorious history of sailors and worriers.

Gateway to Toraja

Makassar is the main entrance to the highlands to the north. During the economic and political crisis that started in 1997, Merpati Nusantara Airlines ceased operation of the flight from Makassar to Toraja. One used to be able to fly there in a 14-seater in less than an hour. Nowadays, there is a very good and reliable bus service that takes you there in about 8 hours. (See: How to get there & By bus). Hopefully, with renewed efforts to promote tourism to the country, airline services to Pongtiku Airport in Toraja will be resumed in the near future.

Short History

Makassar's history dates back to at least the 14th century. It became the islands major town towards the 16th century thanks to various kingdoms such as Gowa and Tallo and the so-called nomads of the sea, the Bajau-people.

In the 17th century, when Makassar had already been in extensive contact with Islam, the city grew enormously and became a center of trade and commerce. This trend continued during the following decades, with initially slaves, and later on with pearls, copra, sandalwood as the major commodities. In 1938, with a population of more than 700,000 people, Makassar was given the status of capital of virtually the entire eastern half of Indonesia.

After the Second World War, the city grew even further and extended in all directions. The name Ujung Pandang (sometimes used by Bugis and Makassar traders) was given to the city in the mid seventies. Ujung Pandang has an important state university named after Makassarese Sultan Hasanuddin, and the number of smaller kampungs towards the east have created a whole new urban area of which today's Panakkukang is a part.

Recently, in December 1999, the municipality of the city decided to change its name back to Makassar.

Day 01 : Ujungpandang – Toraja (L,D)

Arrive Hasanudin Airport, meeting and transfer to Toraja with 8 hrs drive across Bugis Village with their typical house on pole along the magnificent mountaint passes. Lunch will be served at Bukit Indah Restaurant in Pare-pare, a small port situated 155 Km north of Ujungpandang. Late afternoon arrive Toraja, check in Hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 02: Toraja Tour (B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel, fullday tour visiting; stone grave at Lemo, the royal tombs at Suaya, the baby grave in the tree at Sangalla. Lunch in Rantepao. After lunch visiting Natural burial at Londa and traditional carving village at Kete Kesu. Dinne and overnight.

Day 03: Toraja – Ujungpandang (B,L,D)

After breakfast, proceed to Ujung Pandang, lunch at Bukit Indah Restaurant in Pare-pare. After lunch continue drive to Ujungpandang, afternoon arrive Ujungpandang, check in hotel. Dinner at local seafood Restaurant.

Day 04: Fullday city tour – transfer out (B,L)

After breakfast at hotel, fullday tour to Port Rotterdam, Paotere traditional harbour. Bala Lompoa Museum, bundts orchid and seashell collection and Somba Opu Shopping Centre. Lunch at Local Restaurant. In time, transfer to the airport for onward flight.

Services included:
- Meeting services and porterage
- Tours and transfers
- Private Aircondition vehicle
- Meals ( F/B )
- Accommodation based on ½ twn sharing at: Ujungpandang is Sahid Raya Toraja
- is Missiliana toraja
- All Admission and entrance fee.
- Spanish speaking guide.
- Insurance.