Explore Sulawesi 14 Days | Jiwa Explore

Jiwa Explore

Explore Sulawesi with Jiwa Explore

14 Days / 13 Nights · South to North Expedition
Makassar → Tana Toraja → Tentena → Togian Islands → Gorontalo → Manado → Bunaken

South to North

A journey across Sulawesi — from Makassar to Bunaken

Travel with Jiwa Explore from the southern coast of Makassar to the tropical waters of Bunaken. The expedition moves through remote mountain landscapes, traditional villages, ancient cultures, tropical forests, waterfalls and islands, meeting local communities along the way. This is more than a sightseeing tour. It is a journey across Sulawesi.

Duration

14 Days / 13 Nights

Route

South to North

Difficulty

Moderate

From

On request

Itinerary

01

Arrival Makassar

Overnight: Makassar

Meet your Jiwa Explore guide at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, explore Makassar — Fort Rotterdam, Losari Beach, traditional food and local markets.

Airport pickupFort RotterdamLosari Beach
02

Makassar → Tana Toraja

Overnight: Rantepao

After breakfast, begin the expedition north into the mountains. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, traditional villages and mountain scenery toward Tana Toraja. Arrive in Rantepao in the afternoon. Evening free to relax or explore the town.

RantepaoMountain road
03

Discover Tana Toraja

Overnight: Rantepao

Cultural exploration of Toraja: Ke'te Kesu', traditional Tongkonan houses, ancient burial sites, Londa, local villages and rice terraces. Learn about Toraja culture, architecture, ancestral traditions and the relationship between people, nature and community. If a traditional ceremony is taking place and visitors are welcome, your local guide will explain the appropriate cultural etiquette before joining.

Ke'te Kesu'TongkonanLonda
04

Tana Toraja highlands

Overnight: Rantepao

A slower day exploring the quieter side of Toraja. Travel into the highlands around Batutumonga, Pallawa, traditional farming villages, mountain viewpoints and rice terraces. Enjoy a countryside walk and daily life of local communities — time to walk, photograph, meet people and enjoy the landscape.

BatutumongaPallawa
05

Tana Toraja → Tentena

Overnight: Tentena

Leave the Toraja highlands toward Central Sulawesi through mountain scenery and remote countryside. Arrive in Tentena, near Lake Poso. Relax beside the lake.

Lake PosoTentena
06

Tentena & Lake Poso

Overnight: Tentena

Explore the Tentena region. Highlights may include Lake Poso, local villages, waterfalls, tropical countryside, traditional food and community experiences. Time in nature before continuing toward the Gulf of Tomini.

Lake PosoVillagesWaterfalls
07

Tentena → Ampana → Togian Islands

Overnight: Togian Islands

Drive to Ampana, gateway to the Togian Islands. Board the boat toward turquoise water, small islands, coral reefs and remote beaches. Arrive at your island accommodation and enjoy your first sunset in the Togians.

AmpanaBoat transferTogian Islands
08

Togian Islands adventure

Overnight: Togian Islands

A full day in the Togians. Activities may include snorkeling, island hopping, coral reefs, local villages, white-sand beaches, kayaking, swimming and sunset by the sea. The day is flexible depending on sea conditions and local boat availability.

SnorkelingIsland hopping
09

Life by the sea

Overnight: Togian Islands

Another day in the slower rhythm of island life. Explore hidden beaches and nearby islands or enjoy the tropical surroundings. Optional activities can include snorkeling, jungle walks, kayaking, fishing with local communities and village visits.

Island lifeOptional activities
10

Togian Islands → Gorontalo

Overnight: Gorontalo

After breakfast, continue north by boat toward the mainland. Arrive in Gorontalo, one of North Sulawesi’s cultural gateways. Depending on the boat schedule, enjoy a short city or local-area exploration.

Boat northGorontalo
11

Gorontalo → Manado

Overnight: Manado

Continue north toward Manado through North Sulawesi’s countryside and mountain landscapes. Check into the hotel. Evening at leisure.

Manado
12

Manado → Bunaken

Overnight: Bunaken

Transfer to the harbor and take a boat to Bunaken. Enjoy snorkeling, coral reefs, tropical fish, island beaches, swimming and time by the sea. Certified divers may arrange optional diving activities.

BunakenSnorkelingOptional diving
13

Bunaken → Manado / Tomohon

Overnight: Manado

Return to the mainland and continue toward the highlands. Visit the Tomohon area: Tomohon, Lake Tondano, traditional Minahasa villages, local markets and mountain viewpoints. Return to Manado in the afternoon. Farewell dinner and final evening together.

TomohonLake TondanoMinahasa
14

Manado departure

Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Sam Ratulangi International Airport for your onward flight. Your South-to-North Sulawesi expedition comes to an end. Thank you for travelling with Jiwa Explore.

Airport transfer

Route

Makassar to Manado over 14 days.

1

Makassar

2

Rantepao (Tana Toraja)

3

Tentena & Lake Poso

4

Togian Islands

5

Gorontalo

6

Manado

7

Bunaken

8

Tomohon & Manado

Trip highlights

  • South-to-North Sulawesi expedition
  • Makassar cultural experience
  • Tana Toraja traditional villages, Tongkonan houses and ancestral heritage
  • Mountain landscapes and rice terraces
  • Lake Poso, Tentena and remote Central Sulawesi
  • Tropical Togian Islands — island hopping and snorkeling
  • Gorontalo, Manado, Tomohon and Minahasa highlands
  • Bunaken Marine Park — coral reefs and tropical marine life
  • Experienced local guide, small-group adventure, local food and community experiences

Trip style

Adventure · Culture · Nature · Wildlife · Island Life. Difficulty: Moderate. The expedition includes long road journeys, mountain walks, boat transfers and activities in remote areas. Travelers should be comfortable with changing travel conditions and basic accommodation in remote destinations.

What’s included

  • Airport transfer on arrival and departure
  • Private transportation during the mainland journey
  • Experienced English-speaking Jiwa Explore guide
  • Accommodation based on twin sharing
  • Daily breakfast
  • Boat transfers according to itinerary
  • Island transportation
  • Entrance fees for scheduled attractions
  • Local guides where required
  • Snorkeling activities according to itinerary
  • Parking and driver expenses
  • Mineral water during road journeys
  • Government/local tourism fees applicable to the itinerary

What’s not included

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights, if required by the final operating schedule
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches and dinners unless specified
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Diving and diving equipment
  • Personal snorkeling equipment
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Laundry
  • Optional activities
  • Additional hotel nights
  • Expenses caused by flight, ferry or weather changes

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Lightweight clothing
  • Swimwear
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Sun protection, hat, sunglasses
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Small daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Personal medication
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof bag for electronic equipment
  • Passport and travel documents

Ready for Sulawesi?

WhatsApp 085649845212 · info@jiwaexplore.com