As a travel blogger who travels around Indonesia, I have to say: Sulawesi has something different. Not just a beautiful beach or has many mountains, but there is a soul, culture, and authenticity that are becoming rare in popular tourist destinations.
If you are looking for a Sulawesi tour guide that is unusual, practical, and full of local insight, then you have come to the right place. Let’s talk about all the exciting things you can experience on this“K”shaped island !
Why Choose Sulawesi Tour?
Sulawesi (formerly called Celebes) is very unique. From its wild coastline, misty mountains, ancient living cultures, to its colorful underwater, everything is pristine and not too crowded with tourists.
You can find everything in Sulawesi: lakes, mountains, indigenous culture, underwater paradise, megalithic history, etc. Seriously, this is no ordinaryplace. This is for travelers looking for an authentic experience.
Areas To Visit During Sulawesi Tour
1. Makassar-gateway to Sulawesi
As the capital of South Sulawesi, Makassar is often the first place to land. Although many go directly to Toraja, this city actually has its own charm.
What to do:
- Coto Makassar & amp; Pallubasa -very savory culinary specialties.
- Losari Beach -the best sunset spot in the city.
- Rotterdam fortress -a historical heritage from the Dutch colonial era.
Budget: Makanan lokal mulai Rp20.000, hotel budget Rp200.000/malam
2. Tana Toraja-Paradise Of Traditional Culture
If there is a reason to go to Sulawesi, Toraja is the answer. The unique Tongkonan traditional house, cliff burial, and philosophical death Ceremony make this place very different from others.
What You Must Visit in Toraja:
- Pasar Bolu Rantepao -Buffalo market and the heart of local life.
- Lemo -cliff grave with Tau tau statue.
- Kambira – where babies are buried in trees
- Traditional funeral ceremonies -can last days and are open to tourists if polite.
Entrance ticket: around Rp20.000–Rp40. 000 per Venue
Best Time: June–September (dry season and many traditional ceremonies)
Tip: Find Local friends using the Couchsurfing app or hire a local guide in Rantepao to get a deeper experience!
3. Danau Poso & Tentena – Healing Time!
Tentena is a small town in the middle of Sulawesi, super quiet and suitable for healing. Poso Lake is famous for its uniqueness where the lake has fine sand like a beach by the sea, the water is clear and wide lake as far as the eye can see.
What You Must Visit:
- Saluopa waterfall – one of the most beautiful in Indonesia.
- Pamona cave church -historic and super peaceful.
- Padamarari Hill -from the top of the hill we can see the beauty of the vast Lake Poso.
- Bada Valley and Lohe Valley-when it comes to Tana Poso it feels incomplete if you don’t visit the destination of Megalith statues in Bada Valley and Lohe Valley .
Recommended accommodation in Tentena: Torau Resort (Hp / Wa: 082195959566)
4. Hidden paradise in Togean Ampana Islands
Things to do in Togean Island:
- Snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake
- Diving di spot kapal karam & coral wall
- Spear Fishing di sekitar Pantai Penginapan Kadidiri Island
- Santai di hammock di Kadidiri Island
Think Raja Ampat, but more affordable and not crowded. Butuh effort buat ke sini, tapi worth it banget!
Cost:
Ferry: Rp60.000-100.000
private boat rental: Rp700. 000++
Recommended hotels in Kadidiri Island:
- Backpaker: Lestari Togean Homestay (start 300k/malam Hp: 085259372660)
- Middle: Black Marlin Dive Resort
- Hight: Kadidiri Paradise Resort & Dive Center
5. Luwuk & Kepulauan Banggai – Hidden Paradise!
Luwuk in Central Sulawesi is a hidden paradise that not many tourists know. And this is the destination of Gongnya Sulawesi.
What You Must Do:
- Explore Luwuk -Luwuk is known as the city of Water which has many unique waterfalls such as Cup waterfall, Mokokawa etc
- Explore Banggai Kepulauan – Danau Paisupok, Paisubatango, Pantai Mandel, Pantai Puganda dll.
- Explore Banggai Laut – Bontolan Beach, Oyama Beach , Tanjung Gundul , Kelapa Lima Beach dll.
Tips: it’s best to rent a motorbike on these 3 islands for free exploration.
6. Charming northern part: Manado & Bunaken
Manado city has its own beauty, in addition to the city, the famous extreme culinary, Bunaken will make you fall in love with the sea.
1. Bunaken Marine Park
One of the best coral reef ecosystems in the world! Perfect for divers and snorkelers. You can see turtles, sharks, and thousands of colorful fish.
Biaya:
Tiket masuk: Rp50.000–Rp150.000
Diving tips: Booking operator seperti Two Fish Divers atau Froggies Dive Resort
Waktu terbaik: April–Oktober
2. Outdoor Trip
Di Kota Manado kamu bisa mengikuti beberapa kegiatan Outdoor seperti Paragliding, Rafting, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle (SUP), Rappeling dll.
Operator Tour Recommend: Cross Adventure tours (Ig:cross.adventure_)
Recommended Sulawesi Tour Route (14 Days)
Day 1-2: Makassar (culinary & historical exploration)
Day 3-6: Tana Toraja (culture & traditional ceremonies)
day 7-9: Tentena & Lake Poso (healing & waterfall)
day 10-11: Togean Islands (snorkeling & relaxing)
day 12-13: Togean Islands (snorkeling & relaxing)
day 14: back to Makassar or continue to Manado
