Bali and Sulawesi  

September 16 - Sept.28, 2010

This is an extra ordinary tour to the exotic island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, not an average tourist package tour, but a private adventure limited to 12 participants. The tour will start and end in beautiful Bali with a leisurely stay to get acclimated and to end a one-of-a-kind tour with a stay in a luxurious a retreat, all at a very affordable cost.

Helga and Jack van Horn, Posh Journeys

Itinerary

Sept. 16 - Depart USA

Sept. 17 - In transit across the Pacific

Sept. 18 - Arrive Bali where our Indonesian host will welcome you warmly at the airport and transfer you your Hotel. Check in and take the rest of the day to relax. In the evening enjoy a pool-side buffet dinner under the stars. D

Sept. 19 - Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Makassar on the island of Sulawesi.  After Arrival you will  be welcomed by our associate Alam. You then travel by road directly to Toraja Land, one of the most mysterious provinces in Indonesia. The drive will take you through forests of ebony, teak and mahogany, lush and dense with orchids in all colors of the rainbow growing in abundance. En route stop for lunch in Pare Pare. Arrive late in the afternoon at Toraja Land where a 4-star resort will be home for the next 3-nights.  B L D

Sept. 20 - After breakfast embark on an all-day excursion of Toraja Land. The Toraja are a mystic people who believe that they are descended from heaven and came to earth in ships, thus their houses resemble up-turned ships. One of the mysterious aspects of Toraja culture is their worship of  the dead. The Hanging Graves, tombs carved into cliffs in the forest, guarded by wooden effigies are a fascinating and eerie sight.  After exploring the cliff graves you continue to a traditional Toraja village with rows of "boat houses".  Here you can observe local artisans at work. Late afternoon return to the hotel with time to relax until dinner either at the hotel or at a local restaurant.  B L D

Sept. 21 - This morning an excursion will take you into the mountains to an elevation of almost 6000 feet. This area is known for its coffee and tea plantations, one which you will visit. Later you are the guests of the manager of a self-reliance group,  natives who have been trained  to manage their natural resources, thus having become self-reliant, rather than to be substituted by government assistance.  Dinner this evening is either in the village or at the hotel.  B L D

Sept. 22 - Today you leave Toraja to travel to Sengkang located in an area that is home to the primitive and exotic Buginese. The drive along mountain roads will take you through a scenic national park. At noon you arrive in Sengkang. After checking into the hotel and  pausing for lunch visit Tempe Lake aboard a traditional boat to see the floating houses of the Buginese. Back at the hotel enjoy your tropical surroundings before meeting for a traditional Buginese dinner. B L D

Sept. 23 -  After breakfast visit local weavers to observe the making of silk fabrics and the beautiful traditional sarongs. Then continue to Bira making stops along the way to visit a rubber plantation and a village of boat builders whose craft has been passed on through the centuries. Later in the afternoon arrive in Bira where you will stay in a hotel facing the  turquoise sea dotted with dozens of green islands. Overnight and dinner in Bira.  B L D

Sept. 24 - Spend the morning snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing.  At noon board a boat to sail to one of the islands for a fish-grill which you will enjoy in the shadow of a coconut grove. Later in the afternoon return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. B L D

Sept. 25 - After breakfast leave Bira to travel to Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi. En route visit a local village and a sea-salt producing farm. Arrive at Makassar in time for lunch. After checking in your 4-star hotel the afternoon is at leisure to go shopping.  Dinner  is in nearby restaurant where you will sample the specialties of local cuisine.   B L D

Sept. 26 - This morning embark on a city tour of Makassar visiting Fort Rotterdam build by the King of Makassar in 1645, as well as several other historic sights in the city. Later transfer to the airport for your flight back to Bali. After arrival in Bali, your guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the a lush mountain resort in Ubud where you will spend the next two nights in one of the world's most luxurious and expensive resorts. Yours is a romantic suite with a private walled garden and a sunken outdoor marble pool.  You may not ever want to leave, but do join us for dinner this evening in a beautiful open air restaurant Ubud.   B L D

Sept. 27 - Take the day to relax and to savor the tropical splendor of the resort, You can explore the village of Ubud  just a short walk away which is known for its painters who produce some of the finest paintings to be found on Bali. Or perhaps walk down the stone path that winds through the extensive gardens with pools and hidden shrines. The day is yours to do as you please.  We have left the evening open for to spend on your own. You can to either dine at the resort or to seek out one of the lovely small restaurants of Ubud, or have dinner brought to your suite.  B

Sept. 28 - Transfer to the airport for your return flight.  B

The operator in Sulawesi for this tour is our associate Alam, his web site is:  http://www.alamnusantaratour.com

TOUR COST: Please contact us
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 

INCLUDED: 13-nights first class and deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast, daily lunch and dinner except for Aug. 20th, transportation in a air conditioned 25 passenger bus, all entrance fees and included sightseeing, domestic airline ticket between Bali and Sulawesi, airport transfers, tips to drivers and guides, the services of experienced guides and of our Indonesian hosts, and the services of Posh Journeys as your tour host.

NOT INCLUDED: Additional food and drink, alcoholic beverages with meals, and any item not specifically mentioned in this itinerary.

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION:
You may do your own air or contact us for special fares on Cathay Pacific Airways connecting through Hong Kong. A lay-over in Hong is possible.

Posh Journeys
530 E. Patriot Blvd. #172
Reno, NV 89511
Tel./Fax 775-852-5105

 E-Mail - contact@poshjourneys.com