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The Great Sulawesi Crossing Circuit
This Indonesian journey begins in Makassar and highlights the rich culture and natural beauty of Sulawesi. With a French-speaking guide, you'll visit boat builders in Tanaberu, sail on Lake Tempe, and discover Toraja culture in Rantepao, while staying with a local family in Batutumonga. You'll enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting on the Sa'da River and hiking around Lake Poso. Exploration continues at Lore Lindu National Park and the megaliths of the Bada Valley, before relaxing on the beaches of the Togian Islands. The trip concludes with a climb up Mount Mahawu in Tomohon and some relaxation time in Pulisan. Sulawesi offers a unique experience with its diverse wildlife and fascinating cultures. Unforgettable memories await you amidst pristine nature.
trip
28 Days / 25 Nights
Groups of 2 to 15
Maximum number of participants.
$6,978 THAT
Price
Effort
Exploration
4-star hotel or similar
& Atypical
& Staying with a local
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This description is for guidance only. It is important to keep in mind that the daily organization of a trip may be subject to change. Indeed, unforeseen events can occur and, sometimes, enrich the travel experience, whether they are related to natural disasters or adverse weather conditions that may affect your travels. A trip is a dynamic and evolving process; it is essential to remain flexible and open to the possibilities it offers.
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Day 28
Airport of your choice - Jakarta - Makassar
It is with great excitement that the long-awaited departure day for the Island of the Gods has arrived! We set sail for Denpasar, Indonesia, and we invite you to discover the treasures of the enchanting islands: Bali, Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan.
On the program, a journey filled with adventures and discoveries in the heart of heavenly landscapes.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience in this corner of paradise.
Let's go on an adventure!
Journey: Plane (between 26 and 38 hrs, depending on stopovers)
Meals: Meals on board (not included).
Night: plane
In flight - Stopover
In flight all day.
After a day of travel, you will have a stopover and continue your flight to Denpasar.
Due to the time difference, you will be traveling through different time zones.
Meals: Meals on board (not included).
Night: plane
Jakarta
Upon your arrival at Jakarta airport you will be greeted by your local French-speaking guide and their driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Jakarta.
After settling into your room, you can enjoy the comfort of your magnificent hotel.
Travel time: 30 min
Meals: Meals are not included and can be taken on board.
Night: Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport or similar
Jakarta - Makassar
Upon arrival at Denpasar airport, you will be met by Dominique, Patrick and your local French-speaking guide, who will take you to your hotel in Candi Dasa, located approximately 45 km away.
After settling in, you can enjoy the beautiful black sand beach nearby, popular with surfers but generally uncrowded. It's a great place for a morning stroll and sunrise viewing.
Journey: 1h30 min mini bus
Meals: Lunch and dinner on your own (not included)
Night: Hotel
Makassar - Bira
Get ready for your first day of sightseeing with a boat trip to the beautiful island of Nusa Penida, located just 25 kilometers from Bali, Indonesia's most famous tourist destination, renowned for its spectacular cliffs. Dinner is free upon arrival on the island. Check in to the hotel, where you can enjoy the pool or go for a walk. The rest of the day is yours! Take the opportunity to discover the local culinary specialties in one of the island's picturesque restaurants or enjoy something at the hotel.
Journey: 15 min Mini bus, 50 min Boat
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, lunch and dinner free.
Night: Hotel
Bira - Sengkang
Pack your backpacks because we are heading out for an unforgettable day trip to the island, a true natural gem. Accompanied by a local guide, we will explore some of the most spectacular landscapes, including; Kelingking Beach: Admire the steep cliffs and the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters. This is one of the most photographed sites on the island! As well as many other sites.. The day's program will be adapted to the conditions and points of interest of the moment. Don't forget your camera to capture these magical moments!
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, free lunch on the road and free dinner (not included)
Night: Hotel
SengKang - Rantepao
Departure very early in the morning for a boat tour of about 75 km lasting about 3 hours. Direction Gili Trawangan, located northwest of Lombok.
A day of exploring this paradise island is coming up, where cycling and horse-drawn carriages are also in the spotlight. An island without motors.
Check in to the hotel, then the rest of the day is free to explore. Don't forget to watch the sunset and experience this moment of intense and unforgettable emotions.
Journey: 3 hrs boat
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, lunch and dinner free (not included).
Night: Hotel
Rantepao
Free day today!
You are in the perfect place to escape: an island with turquoise water. Discover this 2 km wide and 3 km long island, which has a circumference of only seven kilometers. You can cycle throughout your free day and choose from various activities: snorkeling or scuba diving ($) in more than 20 exploration sites, admiring exotic fish and colorful corals, swimming with sea turtles or simply lounging on the beaches. You will be spoiled for choice! There are so many possibilities.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, lunch and dinner free (not included).
Night: Hotel
Rantepao - Batutumonga
Free day for exploration!
You can be charmed by these small traders or professional counters who offer you excursions of all kinds. You will not want to miss admiring the fabulous breathtaking sunsets. Whether you want to dance barefoot on the sand, sip cocktails while listening to live music, or simply have a good meal at the restaurant (because yes, there is a huge choice), or even watch a movie on the beach, Gili Trawangan offers you an unforgettable experience.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, lunch and dinner free (not included).
Night: Hotel
Batutumonga - Karonanga
Departure from Gili, the ferry takes us back to the island of Bali.
Head to the village of Kintamani which is at the foot of Mount Batur, where we will spend the night. Visit on the way the largest sacred Hindu temple of Balinese culture. The largest and main spiritual center of the inhabitants of the island as well as the gates of paradise, a must. Direction our hotel which is majestic in the mountains with the magnificent view of the mountain that we will climb the next day.
Journey: 3 hrs Boat, 3 hrs Minibus
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, lunch and dinner free (not included).
Night: Hotel
Karonanga - Rantepao
Departure for one of the most emblematic points of Bali. The star of the region, the hike to Mount Batur, is a volcano still active, but without any danger, because it is under high surveillance. This mountain is considered sacred by the Hindus, and religious ceremonies are frequently organized there.
This is a physical hike since it requires climbing, but it is not technical (easy). With your lunch box, you will be eager to reach its summit to admire the breathtaking panorama and watch the superb spectacle of the sunrise.
After the hike, relax in the hot springs. On the way back, head to our hotel in the center of Ubud.
Journey: 30 min Mini bus
Walk: 6 hrs
Meals: Boxed lunch included, free lunch on the road and free dinner (not included).
Night: Hotel
Rantepao
Day of activities; visit a beautiful rice terrace in the village of Tellagalang, located in a deep valley, on the edge of tropical jungle and palm trees. This site is classified as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO and is the jewel of the region. Take this opportunity to take your best souvenir photos.
Then, head to a workshop of a great Balinese artist. You will have a creative experience by making a small wood sculpture. Return to your hotel afterwards.
Journey: 60 min Mini bus
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, free lunch on the road and free dinner (not included).
Night: Hotel
Rantepao - Tentena
Free day to explore Ubud, a town that has retained its traditional charm and Balinese authenticity. Prepare to be amazed by the diversity of experiences it offers.
During this free day, it's up to you to choose the activities according to your desires. With the help and experience of the field, Dominique will guide you in your choices, because there is so much to do in Bali!
Right in the city center, you could visit the Ubud Palace, also called Puri Saren Agung, which is the residence of the royal family of Ubud. The royal family resides in a part of this palace, located just opposite the traditional market. There you will find
all the souvenirs you want. Not far away, you can admire a superb temple, nicknamed the "water temple", also known as the Saraswati temple. Don't miss the famous monkey forest, which is the most popular attraction ($).
For walking enthusiasts, you can take the small paths and discover nature as far as the eye can see, just a few minutes from the center of Ubud. You can also take the Campuhan Ridge Walk, one of the most popular walks,
which is about 4 km round trip. A little tip: go there at sunset!
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel, lunch and dinner free (not included).
Night: Hotel
Tentena - Lake Poso
Take the opportunity to discover Ubud from a different angle and explore its spiritual side. Don't hesitate to take advantage of this trip to take some time for yourself and relax in a spa ($). Bali is known worldwide for its spas that offer a multitude of experiences and treatments.
Why not try a yoga session ($)! The Yoga Barn in downtown offers you a wide range of classes in the spiritual field.
If you enjoy cooking, why not take a short Balinese cooking class and learn how to make authentic dishes like nasi goreng ($)?
Whether you are looking for typical Indonesian restaurants or more Western food, you will be spoiled for choice. Ubud is the gastronomic capital.
You will be suggested to attend with us, if available, a traditional dance dinner show. Balinese dances are real shows, telling stories related to gods and mythical creatures.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and dinner show included, dinner on your own (not included).
Night: Hotel
Tentena - Bada Valley
Bada Valley
A day full of discoveries in Lore Lindu National Park. This fascinating place offered us an invaluable glimpse of its exceptional wildlife and allowed us to explore the mysterious giant megaliths, stone sculptures rising to four meters high, located in the Bada Valley.
Walking along the banks of the Laliang River, one is struck by the enigmatic aura of these vestiges of the past, whose origins remain unexplained. These monumental statues seem not only to be silent witnesses of an ancient history, but also watchful guardians of the surrounding villages and their inhabitants.
This day will be marked by a mixture of wonder and curiosity, inviting reflection on the civilizations that preceded our time and on the profound link that these monuments maintain with the landscape and cultures that surround them, the mysteries that punctuate this extraordinary region.
Walking time: 6 hours (Elevation gain/loss: +100m / -150m)
Meals: Lunch, dinner and supper included
Night: Staying with a local or similar
Bada Valley - Tentena - Ampana
We begin this day with a return trip by 4x4 to Tentana, an immersive experience in the heart of magnificent landscapes.
After a delicious lunch, we continue our journey with a transfer to Ampana, a drive of approximately four hours. Along the way, we will make a pleasant stop at Lake Poso, where we can enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the natural beauty of the area.
To end this relaxing day, we will spend the night by the sea, overlooking the vast Gulf of Tomini and the Moluccas Sea. An idyllic setting that invites contemplation and serenity.
Travel time: 8 hours
Meals: Lunch, dinner and supper included
Night: Marina Cottage or similar
Ampana - Togian Island
This morning, our adventure begins with boarding a public boat bound for the Togian Islands, a magnificent archipelago made up of 56 islands and islets. Located just 30 km south of Ecuador, in the serene bay of Tomini, this archipelago promises breathtaking landscapes and an immersion in unspoiled nature.
As we sail towards our destination, we'll have the opportunity to admire the crystal-clear waters and lush greenery that characterize this still relatively undiscovered region. Each island possesses its own unique charm, and we eagerly anticipate discovering the rich local culture and the exceptional biodiversity that inhabits this unique ecosystem. This journey will immerse us in the heart of the world's natural wonders and allow us to create unforgettable memories in this corner of paradise.
Journey time: 2h30
Meals: Lunch, dinner and supper included
Night: Fadhila Cottages or similar
Togian Island
Le véritable coin de paradis constitue un rêve éveillé pour les amateurs de randonnée et de snorkeling.
L'archipel des Togian Émergées d'une intense activité volcanique, ces îles sont recouvertes d'une luxuriante forêt tropicale et bordées par des barrières de corail majestueuses. La température moyenne de l'eau y atteint agréablement 31 °C, tandis que la clarté des eaux permet souvent une visibilité sous-marine exceptionnelle allant de 40 à 50 mètres.
L'écosystème marin, tout comme le milieu terrestre, se présente dans un état d'exception, demeurant entièrement vierge et sauvage — une rareté dans le monde actuel, Les côtes et les barrières de corail offrent un habitat idéal pour une multitude d'espèces endémiques aux Togians, parmi lesquelles des tortues marines, des dugongs, des macaques, des perroquets, ainsi que les emblématiques sangliers babiroussa.
Trajet : 2h00
Marche: 2h00 (Dénivelées : + 100m / - 150m)
Repas : Déjeuner, dîner et souper inclus
Nuit : Fadhila Cottages ou similaire
Ampana - Togian Island
Aujourd'hui, notre journée est entièrement consacrée à l'exploration de ce véritable petit paradis qu'offre l'archipel des îles Togian. Nous avons l'opportunité de découvrir des trésors naturels uniques, tels que le volcan actif Colo de Unauna, aux paysages époustouflants, ainsi que la faune diversifiée de Malengue qui envoûte par sa richesse.
Nous nous immergerons également dans la culture des villages Bajau, peuplés de nomades des mers dont les traditions maritimes fascinent. Et bien sûr, les incroyables fonds sous-marins,
Au cœur de ce paradis vivant, 37 villages prospèrent dans la joie et la diversité culturelle. Nous aurons l'occasion de côtoyer des populations aux racines ethniques variées, telles que les Bobongko, les Togian, les Saluan et, bien sûr, les Bajau, dont le mode de vie nomade en harmonie avec la mer témoigne d'un savoir-faire ancien et d'une richesse culturelle inestimable.
Repas : Déjeuner, dîner et souper inclus
Nuit : Fadhila Cottages ou similaire
Togian Island - Gorontalo
Nous entamons la journée par un retour en bateau public à destination d'Ampana, suivi d'un trajet en voiture vers Pagimana. De là, nous embarquerons sur un ferry à destination de Gorontalo. Il est à noter que la traversée du golfe peut également être envisagée depuis les îles Togian, selon les horaires parfois imprévisibles des différents bateaux.
La nuit se déroulera à Gorontalo, en fonction des horaires de traversée. Ainsi, cette étape du voyage allie à la fois le charme des déplacements maritimes et la découverte des paysages côtiers.
Trajet : 3h00
Repas : Déjeuner, dîner et souper inclus
Nuit : Hôtel 4**** ou similaire
Gorontalo - Manado - Tomohon
We set off towards Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi. This journey will then take us to Tomohon, a charming little mountain town nestled in the heart of a rich volcanic region, within the Sangihe Arc.
Upon arrival, we will settle into an exceptional lodge, ideally situated amidst a lush garden. This enchanting setting will offer us breathtaking views of three active volcanoes: Soputan, Lokon, and Mahawu. This will be an opportunity to discover the natural beauty and serenity of this region while immersing ourselves in its unique culture.
Travel time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Meals: Lunch, dinner and supper included
Night: Minahasa Highland Resort or similar
Tomohon - Mahawu - Tomohon
Nous entamerons notre journée par une ascension facile du majestueux volcan Mahawu. Ce parcours, accessible à tous, nous offrira une vue panoramique imprenable sur le lac d'acide qui se niche dans son cratère, ainsi que sur le volcan Lokon, la région pittoresque de Minahasa et la pointe de l’île de Sulawesi.
Après cette exploration enrichissante, nous entreprendrons la descente vers le lac de caldeira Tandano, un lieu d'une beauté naturelle époustouflante.
Pour le déjeuner, nous visiterons un élevage de poissons « ikan mas », où nous découvrirons les techniques de pisciculture locales. Nous savourerons ensuite un repas traditionnel dans un restaurant typique situé au bord du lac, profitez d'une ambiance conviviale tout en dégustant des plats régionaux préparés avec soin. Ce sera une parfaite conclusion pour cette journée d'aventures et de découvertes.
Trajet : 2h00
Marche : 5h00 (Dénivelées : +/- 500m)
Repas : Déjeuner, dîner et souper inclus
Nuit : Minahasa Highland Resort ou similaire
Tomohan - Tangkoko
Ce matin, nous entamerons notre journée par une visite enrichissante d'un chantier de construction de chalets typiques de Minahasa. Cette immersion dans le processus de création nous permettra d'apprécier le savoir-faire local et les matériaux utilisés.
Après cette visite, nous ferons une halte captivante pour explorer les tombeaux animistes de Waruga. Ces sépultures traditionnelles, qui témoignent d'une riche culture ancestrale, offrent un aperçu fascinant des croyances et des rites funéraires de la région.
En fin de matinée, nous arriverons au Parc National de Tangkoko, un véritable sanctuaire de biodiversité. Préparez-vous pour un trekking d'environ deux heures à travers cette forêt luxuriante. Ce parcours nous conduira à la rencontre d'une faune exceptionnelle, dont les majestueux macaques noirs et les impressionnants calaos. Nous aurons le plaisir d'observer la star incontestée du parc, le Tarsius, le plus petit mammifère du monde. Son regard perçant et sa silhouette délicate en font un véritable trésor de la nature.
Trajet : 2 h30
Marche : 2 h00 (Dénivelées : + 100 / - 150m)
Repas : Déjeuner, dîner et souper inclus
Nuit : Tangkoko Hills Hotel ou similaire
Tangkoko - Pulisan
Today, we're heading to the magnificent beaches of Pulisan, renowned as the most beautiful in North Sulawesi. Upon arrival, we'll be staying at the Jungle Beach Resort, an establishment distinguished by its commitment to ecotourism. The owner has developed an exemplary approach in collaboration with local communities, promoting environmental preservation while supporting the local population.
We'll spend the day exploring the exceptional coral reefs of the Bangga Islands, where marine biodiversity unfolds in all its splendor. Prepare for an unforgettable snorkeling experience in these crystal-clear waters, where a multitude of colorful fish and captivating corals await you.
Travel time: 2 hours
Meals: Lunch, dinner and supper included
Night: Pulisan Beach Resort or similar
Pulisan
Today we offer you a free day, ideal for enjoying the charms of the sea and the magnificent white sand beach that North Sulawesi is famous for. You will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of activities, such as fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, which will allow you to discover the richness of the local marine life.
If you prefer a more peaceful break, a walk around the hotel will offer picturesque views and the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscapes.
Make the most of this day to relax and recharge your batteries in this idyllic setting.
Meals: Lunch, dinner and supper included
Night: Pulisan Beach Resort or similar
Pulisan - Manado - Jakarta
Today, we are transferring to Manado Airport for the return flight to Jakarta.
Airport pickup in Jakarta and transfer to the hotel.
Journey time: 2h30
Meals: Lunch, dinner and supper included
Night: Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport or similar
Jakarta - Airport of your choice
Today we say goodbye to Indonesia. Return journey to your next destination.
This trip has been filled with discoveries, encounters, and unforgettable moments. As we prepare to return home, we wish to express our deep gratitude to this magnificent country and its warm-hearted people. Indonesia, with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, will forever remain etched in our memories.
Journey time: 2h30
Meals: Lunch included, dinner and supper (not included)
