Azimuth Adventure Travel Ltd (Tour operator / Travel Agency in Indonesia)
Tour-Operator based in Indonesia, specialised in volcano and trekking tour
Founding member of the "Adventure Travel Network"
Member of ASITA (Association of Indonesian travel agencies)
Tour-Operator based in Indonesia, specialised in volcano and trekking tour
Founding member of the "Adventure Travel Network"
Member of ASITA (Association of Indonesian travel agencies)
Trip informations
- The Transulawesi : from Makassar to Bunaken
- Island(s) : Sulawesi
- Price from : 1 575
- Number max of persons : 12
- Number of day(s) : 24 Day(s)
You are free to choose your own departure dates.
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Before departure
The Transulawesi : from Makassar to Bunaken | REFERENCE - AZT301
The Bugis: They are the finest and the most notorious sailors of the country. The Bajau, Bugis, Buton and Makassar people had commercial exchanges with the Aborigine from Australia over 500 years ago. Their ships, built following an ancestral technique, continue to sail to and fro across the Indonesian archipelago… from Kalimantan to Jakarta, from Makassar to Moluccas.
The Toraja: These “Mountain People” are famous for their spectacular funeral ceremonies and very distinct cultural features. When you see the amazing boat-shaped houses surrounded by the scenic rice paddies, you will understand to what extent Toraja land is a confluence of sacred rites and beauty.
The Minahasa: “The land of smiling people” and volcanoes, is in fact a real laboratory for those interested in studying tectonic plates. It is the only place in the world where two arcs collide into each other, the Halmahera plate on the west side and Sangihe on the east, creating a double subduction zone.
We will explore the fascinating Lokon and Mahawu volcanoes … as well as Tangkoko Nature Reserve, home of numerous species including the world’s smallest mammal, the Tarsius. And, of course, we will visit Bunaken islands, world renowned as one of the most colorful marine eco systems in Asia.
Bugis, Toraja and Minahasa people will help you fully experience the beauty and diversity of their lands and cultures. Above all, they will share their formidable gaiety and joy of loving, laughing and singing.
Afficher La Transulawesi, de Makassar à Bunaken - 24J sur une carte plus grande
Trajet présenté à titre indicatif: le trajet de votre voyage pourra donc différer légèrement de celui-ci.
D/1 – Makassar
Arrival at the Makassar airport, greeting and transfer to hotel.
Dinner and night at hotel, ideally located at Losari Beach
D/2 – Makassar – Bira
Travel to Bira, located on the western tip of the island. On the way, we make a stop to visit a traditional shipyard in Tanaberu well known for producing the best wooden boats of Sulawesi, very likely the best of Indonesia too. The carpenters still follow the ancestral method, working without any layout, only using the knowledge passed down by their fathers. The Phenisi boats can reach up to 30 meters long and weigh as much as 200 tons.
Relaxing afternoon on the seaside; visit traditional Bugis homes where ikat textiles are woven.
Night in a hotel.
D/3 – Bira – Sengkang
Free morning (snorkeling) before departing for Sengkang, located on the banks of Tempe Lake. This 350km2 by only 5meter-deep bird sanctuary is home to hundreds of aquatic birds.
On the way, we stop to visit a rubber plantation.
Night in a hotel near the lake.
D/4 – Sengkang – Rantepao/ Toraja Land
At day break we board a motorized longboat to discover Tempe Lake’s numerous wild birds, egrets and herons. They fly off as our boat makes its way through the dense vegetal universe that immediately closes itself behind us. We come across fishermen who live permanently on the lake, in bamboo floating houses. In August, we can witness the "Maccera Tappareng” festival intended to purify the water of the lake. After our boat excursion, we visit a silk weaving workshop then follow a spectacular mountain road with stunning views to Rantepao, the capital of Toraja Land.
Arrival at the end of the day, night in a hotel.
D/5 – Rantepao/ Toraja Land
First encounter with the astonishing Toraja society; visit the pig and buffalo market and a number of interesting sites such as Lemo, Suaya, Kete, Londa, Bri and Tampang Allo. All will help you understand the special relationship Toraja people maintain with death. There is a chance we can witness a funeral ceremony as they are very frequent.
Night in a hotel.
D/6 – Tantepoa – Batutumonga
Morning transfer to Batutumonga, a village perched at 1300m altitude in the highlands of Toraja. We reach it after a pleasant 2-hour walk through terraced ricefields. Several opportunities to meet with the villagers.
Night in a boat-shaped Toraja house.
D/7 – Batutumonga – Karonanga
The entire day is spent trekking in the ricefields and the bamboo forests. You will be surprised to see how the Toraja make use of bamboo in cooking while visiting numerous Toraja villages.
Night in a villager’s house.
D/8 – Karonanga – Rantepao
Another day of trekking before coming back to Rantepao.
Night in a hotel in Rantepao.
D/9 – Rafting – Sa’dana river – Tentena
The whole day is spent rafting on the very scenic Sa’dana river, another great way to discover the Toraja’s rich culture… lots of animation on the banks.
Night in a hotel in Rantepao.
D/10 – Rantepao – Pendolo – Tentena
Long drive (approximately 9 hours) towards the middle of the island, destination Pendolo on the south side of Poso Lake. This lake is huge, 232km2 and it is one of the world’s deepest – 450m. The water is considered one of the purest on earth with an average temperature varying very little between 26-30 degrees at any depth.
Night in a hotel by the lake.
D/11 – Tentena – Poso
Today, orchid hunting in the rainforests surrounding the lake…and, if we are lucky, we might catch a glimpse of two extremely rare endemic species, the Anoa (dwarf buffalo) and the Babirusa (literally, pig deer). Back to the hotel and possibility to swim in the lake. (However, you must be careful… a local legend says the lake is inhabited by a monster similar to the Loch Ness).
Night in a hotel.
D/12 – Tentana – Bada Lore Lindu Valley
After 4 to 5 hours of jeep travel on rough roads and trails, we reach Lore Lindu National Park. This 2290 km2 park has been declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. Ranging from an altitude of 200 to 2620m, it shelters a unique fauna consisting of 227 bird species, including the Rhinoceros Hornbill, the largest on earth. We might also come across the very discreet Anoa, a rare babirusa, a cuscus (Strigocuscus celebensis callenfelsi), a giant civet (Sulawesi palm civet) and 3 species of tarsiers (the smallest mammal on earth).
Dinner and night in a villager’s house.
D/13 – Bada Valley – Lore Lindu
A day filled with multiple discoveries; from the fauna’s uniqueness to the giant megaliths (4m high) standing along the Laliang River in the Bada Valley. Silent witnesses of a forgotten and still unexplained past, these statues seem to be watching over the neighboring villages and their inhabitants.
Dinner and night in a villager’s house.
D/14 – Bada –Tentana – Ampana
Back to Tentana by jeep. After lunch, we transfer to Ampana (about 4 hours of travel). Lunch on the banks of Poso Lake.
Night on the seashore, facing the vast Tomini golf course and the Molucca Sea.
D/15 – Ampana – Togian Islands
Morning departure to the Togian Islands by public ferry.
Night in a hotel.
D/16 & D/17 – Togian Islands
Togian is an archipelago consisting of 56 islands and islets, located 30 km south of the equator in the Gulf of Tomini. Formed by volcanic activity, these islands are covered with tropical rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs. The average water temperature is 31 degrees Celsius and the underwater visibility goes up to 50 meters. Both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems are still in their natural states, something extremely rare today.
The coastline and the coral reef formations provide an excellent habitat to numerous wild animals endemic to the Togian Islands, such as turtles, dugongs, macaques, parrots, babirusas. There are 37 villages within this tropical paradise, reflecting the culture of different ethnicities like Bobongko, Togian, Saluan and Bajau (sea nomads). We have 2 days to explore this small paradise; Una-Una and its active volcano Mt Colo, Malengue with its fauna, the Bajau villages of the sea nomads, plus many opportunities to explore the exceptionally beautiful underwater universe.
Night in a bungalow.
D/18 – Togian – Ampana – Pagimana – Gorontalo
We come back to Ampana by public boat, then by car to Pagimana where we catch a night ferry to Gorontalo. Otherwise, we might cross the gulf directly from the Togians to Gorontalo; this will depend on the often changing boat schedules.
Night on board or in Gorontalo, depending on the ferry schedule.
D/19 – Gorontalo – Manado
We travel by land to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, then transfer to Tomohon, a small mountain town located in the middle of the Sangihe subduction zone. We finally settle in a beautiful lodge, nestled in an extraordinary garden overlooking the 3 towering active volcanoes, Soputan, Lokon and Mahawu.
Night in a lodge.
D/20 – Tomohon – Lokon – Mahawu
We make an easy trek to Mahawu volcano and discover its acidic lake while enjoying a magnificent view of Lokon volcano, Minahasa region and the northern tip of Sulawesi Island. Descending, we then follow a scenic route towards Tandano Lake, lying adjacent to an ancient volcanic caldera. We visit a goldfish farm and eat lunch in a traditional restaurant along the lake. Back to Tomohon and hike to Lokon volcano (approx. 1½ hour hike). We might be able to go inside the crater but this will depend on the volcanic activity.
Back to the lodge.
D/21 – Tomohon – Tangkoko
We depart to visit a construction site where the Minahasa traditional houses are built. On the road, we make a stop over at the Waruga animistic stone grave. Arrival in Tangkoko National Park and trekking in search of fauna like the black macaque, hornbill and the tiny Tarsier, the big star of the National Park and smallest mammal on earth.
Dinner and night in a basic losmen, Mama Rossa/ Tangkoko.
D/22- Tangkoko – Pulisan
Transfer to the splendid beaches of Pulisan, the most beautiful of North Sulawesi. We settle at the “Jungle Beach Resort” which offers an interesting ecotourism approach involving the local communities. The rest of the day is spent snorkeling on Bangga Islands.
Dinner and night in bungalows at Pulisan Jungle Beach Resort.
D/23 – Pulisan
Free day. Enjoy the sea and the best beach of Northern Sulawesi, walk around the hotel grounds, or choose from many other activities including fishing, snorkeling, and diving.
Night in bungalows.
D/24 – Pulisan – Manado
Transfer to Manado then to airport to board your international flight.
End of Program.
The volcanoes
Lokon Volcano (1580m): In 2001, Lokon was in a state of permanent activity and many recent eruptions have considerably modified the shape of its crater. We might be able to go down and get a close look at its new crater, approximately 200m deep and covered with an emerald green carpet.
Mahawu Volcano (1324m): At the bottom of its crater sits a light green acidic lake, solfataras, boiling cauldrons and numerous holes releasing hot smoke and gases.
Inclusions
- Services of an Azimuth English speaking (or French speaking) local guide.
- Land & sea transfers needed for the circuit
- Accommodation
- Meals as indicated in the description day by day
- Entrance fees for touristic sites and museums
- Mineral water and snacks (fruit, biscuits ...) during the days of walking
* In high season, our tour guides can be already busy. If you want a guarantee of supervision by one of them, we recommend an early booking of this tour.
Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare
- Airport taxes & visa fees
- Drinks, personal expenses and tips
- Travel Insurance & Assistance
- Anything that is not listed in "Inclusions"
What to bring?
- Good walking shoes
- Headlamp
- Flask (for water)
- Hat or cap, light clothing & replacement clothes
- Raincoat (for the rainy season, from October to April)
- Small backpack & camera
- Mosquito repellent (lotion / cream)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses & your good mood!
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Travel in Indonesia
Detailed information about your trip
Transportation
Land transfers by private buses. Few drivers speak English. Other transfers by ferry.
Your Guide
Our English-speaking guides are highly trained, competent, thoughtful and pleasant Indonesians who are eager to meet your needs.
Accommodations
Because of their exceptional location or beauty, simple inns and guesthouses are sometimes preferred over other accommodations. Most nights however, you will rest in standard local inns or guesthouses. You will also stay in better hotels in main cities.
Meals
A wide variety of cuisines are found in Indonesia. Coconut milk and aromatic spices add delicious tastes and delicate flavors to meat, vegetable and fruits. You will enjoy a number of spicy dishes served on steamed or fried rice (“nasi goreng”) and a large variety of fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, cantaloupes, and watermelons in addition to so exotic fruits you might taste for the first time but will remember forever.)
Tipping
It is customary to tip local guides and drivers. Allow a maximum of USD 40 per trip.
“The spirit of our trip”
We are rigorous and strict in the description and organisation of our trips, but adventure treks and eco-tourism are full of surprises. Please consider the unexpected as a bonus to your trekking and hiking experience and as a contribution to the total change of scenery you are looking for! Trust your guide! He will deal with these slight inconveniences, turning them into lasting and striking memories. Similarly, trust your guide with respect to possible itinerary changes. Adjustments might indeed be required due to weather conditions, changes in accommodations, or for safety reasons. You will meet populations with a sensibility regarding time and daily life different than your own. Learn to respect these differences and grow wiser from your contact with local religious and cultural values. This is the best way to totally enjoy your trip!
Insurance
The purchase of travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy meets your needs, in particular regarding search and rescue assistance. Your coverage should be no lower than the equivalent of USD 5,100.
Visas and red tape
Ratified by the president of Indonesia on December 17th, 2003, the new visa policy states that tourists who are nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Norway are eligible for the visa on-arrival program. However, the validity of tourist visas (for citizens from the above countries and others) has been reduced from 60 to 30 days. Visa fees are around USD 25. Learn more about this new policy by consulting our “News” page. For detailed information, please contact your Indonesian embassy or General Consulate.
Health
Immunization is not required on trips to Java and Bali. For other destinations however, immunization is strongly recommended, in particular for typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Indeed, prevention is the best cure for these diseases. Please remember that tap water undergones very little treatment, if any. However, bottled water is widely available, except off beaten tracks, where iodine tablets provide effective sterilization. Finally, Indonesia lies within a malaria zone, although developed and touristic areas are practically risk-free. However, pregnant women and children need professional advice on the various drugs available as well as they posology.
Safety
Indonesia is a rather safe country and tourists are welcome. However, display of wealth is not recommended, in particular in crowded areas, including markets and city centres.
Selecting the appropriate level of difficulty
To help you assess the difficulty of our trips, we grade them based on the trekking or walking involved. These grades apply to healthy people,but, more than health itself, trekking is a question of attitude, confidence, stamina and agility.
‘Easy’
- Description: ’Easy’ trips require a certain level of fitness, with some walking (2 to 4 hours) on generally well-marked tracks. They include some ascent and descent without major difficulties.
- Individuals who enjoy going for walks on a regular basis will be delighted on these trips and on short sightseeing tours. If you are new to this, you will soon notice their benefit on your body and soul.
- Preparation: A weekly two-hour long walk is recommended! An excellent exercise.
‘Moderate’
- Description: Both long and short trips require a longer personal investment than trips graded ‘easy’. You trek half or full days (between 4 and 6 hours). Ascents and descents are regular in terms of effort (variation in height ranging from 400 m to 700 m, with the exception of hikes to reach volcanoe summits).
- If you enjoy all-morning or full-day hikes, or if you have enjoyed mountain hiking in the past, you will truly love our short or long moderate trips.
- Preparation: Whatever your profile, you should take long walks (four hours) once a week starting two months prior to departure, and practice another physical activity on a regular basis (swimming, biking…).
‘Demanding’
- Description: These trips include practically full-day walks (six hours, with successive ascents and descents and a variation in height ranging from 700 m to 1000 m). Some trekking on wild unmarked tracks, an exclusivity of Azimuth adventure Travel Ltd.
- If you enjoy trekking over several days in challenging natural surround or if you practice a sport on a regular basis, you already meet the requirements for this type of trips. If you have enjoyed and have had no difficulty on trips rated ‘moderate,’ you will know what to expect.
- Preparation: Experienced trekkers and novices need to be in good shape. Two months before departure, start to exercise on a weekly basis: long-distance jogging and swimming and/or biking.
‘Strenuous’
- Description: These include challenging full-day treks (averaging a minimum of six hours) on sometimes unmarked tracks. Variation in height may reach 1000 m, and even more on the final ascent of volcanoes.
- If you find long adventurous hikes in the heart of nature exciting and if you enjoy physically testing environments, you will definitely be enthused by these treks. If in the past you have enjoyed hikes graded ‘strenuous’ and have experienced no difficulty, you have an edge on these treks.
- Preparation: To benefit the most from your trip, exercise rigorously! Two to three months before leaving, start joggin (10 km per week). We also recommend an additional regular exercise, including long-distance swimming (1 km) and biking (40 km).
‘Extreme’
- Description and preparation: These are challenging treks, within the sphere of high-level mountaineering expeditions. Solid experience and the steady practice of an intensive physical activity over a very long period of time are an absolute a must..
Trekking & hiking: What do I bring along?
Remember that the right clothes significantly contribute to how much you enjoy hikes. Bring along only essential pieces of clothing or equipment. However, pay particular attention to the boots you choose. Toe injuries are far from pleasant on hikes. Here is a recommended list of what to bring:
- A daypack: Ideally large enough to pack all you need for a day’s walk (rain gear, water bottle, sunglasses, camera, packed food, warm clothes…). You will need at least a 25litres pack for a full day, but a 30 to 40 -litre pack is preferable. Our experience shows that a larger pack is more comfortable.
- Trek bag/travel bag, both with padlocks: Our porters and vehicles bring daily your luggage to our overnight accommodations.
- Headgear: A sun hat and a scarf or bandana will efficiently protect you against dust and an irritant sulphuric atmosphere (they also protect your neck from sunburns).
- Clothes: Long hiking shorts (for mountain climbing), lightsweat pants, T-shirts, a warm sweater (also in cool weather in mountainous regions), a raincoat.
- Footwear: Hiking boots and light shoes to wear indoors (sneakers or sandals).
- Other useful items include: spare shoe laces, needles and thread, a towel, night clothes, spare clothes, swimming trunk/bathing suit, toilet paper, a lighter, wet wipes and/or antibacterial gel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a small knife, plastic bags (to pack and protect some of your belongings), sleeping bag and a bedsheet.
- First aid kit: throat lozenges, medication, insect and mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoeal treatment (Imodium, Oralite). Your guide will carry along a sterile medical kit including a range of useful drugs.
- In a small envelope or a pouch hanging around your neck or hidden under your clothes, carry a photocopy of your identity papers, your insurance contract, and your credit cards