Joint expeditionary journey with the Russian Geographical Society and a scientist from the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the unique funeral ceremonies of the Toraja, to the spiderweb rice fields of the Manggarai, in search of the remains of the Flores man, and to the Komodo dragons.
CENTRAL INDONESIA
November 9 - 18, 2026
турFlores, Comodo and Lembata islands, Indonesia
tour to Altai, tour to Khakassia
*In partnership with the Russian geographical society
November 9 - 18, 2026
турFlores, Comodo and Lembata islands, Indonesia
tour to Altai, tour to Khakassia
*In partnership with the Russian geographical society
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Tour to Central Indonesia, Kelimutu lakes, Pasola Festival
Journey into the very heart of the Indonesian archipelago, where ancient traditions meet incredible natural wonders!
See the legendary Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, swim with giant manta rays, and visit the Liang Bua cave—the site where the remains of the Flores "hobbit" were found.
Immerse yourself in the unique cultures of the Manggarai and Toraja: witness ritual ceremonies and spend a night in a traditional house.
Witness the unique funeral ceremonies of the Toraja—among the most complex and spectacular in the world, where every detail reflects centuries-old traditions.
We will trek to picturesque hanging tombs, see the "ship-houses" Tongkonan, the spiderweb rice fields, and mountain landscapes that will take your breath away.
In this joint journey by MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS, the Russian Geographical Society, and the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the team is accompanied by an RGS expert and an ethnographer-scientist, a practicing specialist in the peoples of Southeast Asia.
Participants of the expedition will be able to observe ethnographers at work "in the field," collect ethnographic materials (diary entries, photographs, sketches, interviews), and attend a series of lectures by scientists. All participants will learn to see culture from both the outside and the inside, combining the perspective of a local community member and an outside observer.
The results of the research and impressions are planned to be presented at a seminar at the RGS Headquarters in St. Petersburg and in scientific publications.
See the legendary Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, swim with giant manta rays, and visit the Liang Bua cave—the site where the remains of the Flores "hobbit" were found.
Immerse yourself in the unique cultures of the Manggarai and Toraja: witness ritual ceremonies and spend a night in a traditional house.
Witness the unique funeral ceremonies of the Toraja—among the most complex and spectacular in the world, where every detail reflects centuries-old traditions.
We will trek to picturesque hanging tombs, see the "ship-houses" Tongkonan, the spiderweb rice fields, and mountain landscapes that will take your breath away.
In this joint journey by MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS, the Russian Geographical Society, and the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the team is accompanied by an RGS expert and an ethnographer-scientist, a practicing specialist in the peoples of Southeast Asia.
Participants of the expedition will be able to observe ethnographers at work "in the field," collect ethnographic materials (diary entries, photographs, sketches, interviews), and attend a series of lectures by scientists. All participants will learn to see culture from both the outside and the inside, combining the perspective of a local community member and an outside observer.
The results of the research and impressions are planned to be presented at a seminar at the RGS Headquarters in St. Petersburg and in scientific publications.
Tour to Central Indonesia, Kelimutu lakes, Pasola Festival
SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates: November 9 – 18, 2026
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Number of participants: 7–12
Price per person:
10% early booking discount (until April 9, 2026)
All-inclusive (including 3 domestic flights and three meals a day), except for:
- international flights to Labuan Bajo (Flores Island, Indonesia) and return from Makassar (Sulawesi Island, Indonesia),
- international travel medical insurance,
- Indonesian visa (purchased at the airport upon arrival for USD 35. Requirements may change)
Estimated cost of flights Moscow – Labuan Bajo and Makassar – Moscow: 1,000–1,400 USD.
Single supplement: 450 USD (applies for the entire itinerary except for the guesthouse in Wae Rebo).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Indonesia
Day 1. November 9, 2026 (Monday). LABUAN BAJO – TADO VILLAGE – RUTENG
Morning arrival in Labuan Bajo, on the island of Flores in Central Indonesia. After meeting at the airport, we head to Tado Village. We will be welcomed with a traditional "adat," a welcome ceremony and "Caci"—a ritual whip fight, which is one of the main elements of Manggarai cultural identity.
We will have the opportunity to get acquainted and engage in various traditional activities such as mat and basket weaving and preparing folk medicines.
Towards evening, we arrive at our hotel in Ruteng city.
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Spring Hill Bungalow, Deluxe Room
*Recommended flights from Moscow to Denpasar:
— any flight from Moscow to Denpasar arriving no later than 3:00 AM on November 9.
*Recommended flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo:
— PT Indonesia AirAsia, flight QZ-644, departure from Denpasar at 7:00 AM on Nov 9, arrival in Labuan Bajo at 8:10 AM on Nov 9,
— Batik Air Indonesia, flight ID-6333, departure from Denpasar at 7:55 AM on Nov 9, arrival in Labuan Bajo at 9:10 AM on Nov 9,
— any other flight arriving in Labuan Bajo no later than 10:00 AM on November 9.
Day 2. November 10, 2026 (Tuesday). RUTENG – RICE FIELDS – LIANG BUA CAVE – WAE REBO (100 km, 3-hour drive)
Today we get up early, have breakfast, and head to Liang Bua Cave, where the remains of the Flores man, one of the most recent branches of human evolution discovered by science, were found.
Due to their small stature, the Flores man is also known as the "hobbit" (by analogy with creatures created by J.R.R. Tolkien). Based on skulls and the most complete skeletons, the height of Flores people is estimated at about 1 meter, and the brain volume at about 400 cm³, which is three times smaller than that of a modern human.
On the way, we will stop to see the rare spiderweb rice fields.
Here we will learn the reason why the Manggarai make rice fields in this particular shape.
Then we head to a traditional Manggarai village – Wae Rebo. On the way, we will have lunch in Dintor village, and here we will also leave our vehicles. From the parking area, we will ride motorbikes for another 20 minutes to the trekking starting point. The remaining 6 km to Wae Rebo we will cover on foot (first about 2 km uphill, then about 2 km on flat ground, and the last 2 km downhill to the village).
Here we will get to know the Manggarai culture more deeply, their daily activities, and the layout of their houses. The Manggarai do not have separate rooms in their houses, and the entire extended family lives together under one roof. A house accommodates about 30-35 people. We will spend the night in one of these traditional houses.
We will sleep on a traditional mattress, with one blanket and pillow per person. The bathroom and toilet are shared. For dinner, we will taste traditional Manggarai food.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse in Wae Rebo, shared accommodation
Day 3. November 11, 2026 (Wednesday). WAE REBO – LABUAN BAJO
Today we will spend the first half of the day in the village, observing the traditional way of life of the Manggarai, and then begin our return journey to Dintor village, where we will board our bus and return to Labuan Bajo.
In the evening, you can relax a bit on the hotel beach.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Puri Sari Beach Hotel
Day 4. November 12, 2026 (Thursday). LABUAN BAJO – KOMODO ISLAND – LABUAN BAJO
Early in the morning, we depart by boat to Komodo Island (or Rinca – depending on weather conditions) in Komodo National Park to see the Komodo dragons—the legendary Komodo dragons!
Komodo Island is the largest of the two islands where you can see the famous dragons. Accompanied by one of the rangers, we will go for a walk in the national park, where, if we are lucky, we might see flying lizards and the rare yellow-crested cockatoo.
In the afternoon, an equally amazing adventure awaits us—we will stop at a site where giant manta rays come to feed. Here we will have a unique opportunity to snorkel with these amazing creatures!
In the evening, we return to Labuan Bajo.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Puri Sari Beach Hotel
Day 5. November 13, 2026 (Friday). LABUAN BAJO – MAKASSAR
Transfer to the airport, flight to Makassar, and hotel check-in. Flight from Labuan Bajo to Makassar via Denpasar on Batik/Lion Air ID6332 09:50–11:05, connecting flight JT3740 15:05–16:35 – economy class, including 20 kg baggage.
Welcome to Makassar, once known as Ujung Pandang, the capital of South Sulawesi province.
This bustling cosmopolitan city is located at the center of the Indonesian archipelago and is now one of Indonesia's largest ports and aviation hubs. Thanks to its rich and vibrant history, the city center boasts many attractions, including historical monuments, architectural landmarks, as well as numerous shops and restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Aston Makassar, Deluxe room
Day 6. November 14, 2026 (Saturday). MAKASSAR – TANA TORAJA
Today we head to Makassar airport to fly to the very center of Sulawesi, to Tana Toraja (the land of the Toraja), the capital of the mysterious Toraja people.
The mountainous Toraja region is home to several ethnic groups called Toraja (Toraja means "mountain people" or "people of the west"). The Toraja call their traditional religion Aluk to Dolo (the way of the ancestors) and live according to a patron's way of life defined by ancestors and gods. These include impressive rituals accompanying the burial of the deceased. Beautiful carved houses with impressive roofs, the so-called Tongkonan, are also built according to the principles of Aluk to Dolo. Although most Toraja officially profess Christianity, many traditions continue to live on.
The Toraja are known for having some of the most complex and expensive funeral ceremonies in the world. The funeral ceremony itself lasts at least 3 days, and years can pass from the moment of death to the burial. Families save for years to afford a worthy funeral. The cost of the most modest funerals starts from $50,000, and for members of the highest caste can reach $250,000. The main part of the expenses are sacrificial buffalo, the price of which can reach $40,000.
After death, the person, who is called "to makula" ("sick" or "sleeping"), remains at home. They are embalmed and cared for as if alive: fed, changed, and taken for walks.
When funds are collected, the celebration is organized, and relatives from all corners of the island have gathered in the village to celebrate the departure of a loved one to another world, the multi-day funeral ceremonies begin. According to Toraja beliefs, "real" death occurs only after the completion of the funeral ceremony or Rambu Solok, as it is commonly called. Only then can the soul of the deceased begin its journey to Puya—the final stage of the afterlife, where the soul reincarnates. It is believed that buffalo must transport the soul to the afterlife, so funerals begin with the sacrifice of these animals. The sacrifice is preceded by buffalo fights or "tedong silaga," accompanied by dancing and music.
According to Aluk Todolo, the number of sacrificial buffalo should not be less than 24, although there is no upper limit. The animals must differ from each other, and the uniqueness of their appearance reflects the status of the deceased and their clan. The funeral of a wealthy Toraja can be accompanied by the slaughter of 30 or more buffalo and hundreds of pigs. Often, guests bring additional animals as a gift. In gratitude for this gift, the relatives of the deceased must repay the donors in kind at the next funeral.
After the animals are slaughtered, their meat is distributed among the funeral guests according to their social status. A piece of buffalo meat is set aside for the deceased.
After arrival and hotel check-in, we will visit Lemo, a site known for its tombs hanging on sheer cliffs, the ledges of which are adorned with dozens of Tau-Tau statues depicting deceased ancestors. Here, if desired, there will be an opportunity to take memorable photos in traditional Toraja clothing.
IMPORTANT! Funerals usually take place on weekdays at the beginning of the week. Therefore, we will stay in Tana Toraja not only on weekends but also on Monday and Tuesday to maximize our chances of attending a funeral ceremony. It is also possible that we can attend a home ceremony (where the deceased is dressed and taken out for a "walk") or the colorful animal market.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 7. November 15, 2026 (Sunday). TANA TORAJA
After breakfast, our acquaintance with Tana Toraja (the land of the Toraja) continues. First, we will head to the Tampang Allo and Kambira tombs, where we will learn about the various burial methods of the Toraja: from hanging graves, as was customary in the old days, to children's graves in the trunks of large trees.
After lunch, a hike through the picturesque surroundings from Bebo to Karuaiya awaits us. Along the way, we will enjoy the atmosphere of the scenic surroundings and truly get acquainted with the village life of the locals. The trail passes by rice terraces and small picturesque villages, whose traditional houses combined with the beautiful landscape create a perfect picture.
The day ends in Kete Kesu village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is one of the most important cultural centers of Tana Toraja with its typical Tongkonan houses, richly decorated with carvings and antique wooden ornaments. Nearby are rock cave tombs and hanging coffins.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 8. November 16, 2026 (Monday). TANA TORAJA
We continue to explore Tana Toraja. Today's tour will charm us with beautiful landscapes. In the morning, we visit Londa to see the most unusual tombs in the world. They are located on steep, overgrown limestone cliffs and in caves. The feature of this place is the densely placed ancestor figures on the porch with very realistic facial features. This is a very impressive sight.
Listen to the morning grunts of buffalo and the lively bargaining at the buffalo market in Bolu. This open-air market, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is certainly a very colorful sight but, nevertheless, remains more of a local event, rarely visited by tourists.
Passing through impressive landscapes, we will arrive in Bori, where over a hundred ancient monoliths rise at the burial site, symbolizing the family's status. In Pallawa, we will again see impressive Tongkonan-style houses.
For lunch, we will stop in Batu Tumonga, located on a scenic ridge on the slopes of Mount Sesean, known for its impressive rocky terraces that have been preserved since ancient times. A relaxing and cool atmosphere prevails here. You can walk around the terraces for 2-3 hours to immerse yourself in local life. Lunch at a local restaurant on the mountaintop with a beautiful view of Rantepao.
And after lunch, we will visit Lokomata, a huge funeral stone, and walk through the authentic village of Buntu Lobo.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 9. November 17, 2026 (Tuesday). TANA TORAJA
Today we will immerse ourselves in Toraja culture from a new perspective. We will have a cooking masterclass: a culinary journey into the world of local traditions. We will feel the heart of Toraja culture through its flavors. This unique culinary journey begins with a visit to a traditional Toraja market, where together with locals we will walk through the colorful stalls and select fresh ingredients—fragrant herbs, bright spices, crisp vegetables, and other necessary ingredients for our cooking masterclass.
From the market, we will drive to a traditional Toraja village, located away from popular tourist routes. Upon arrival, a local family will welcome us and introduce us to their kitchen and way of life.
Under the guidance of the host and our guide, we will learn to prepare authentic Toraja dishes using ancient methods passed down from generation to generation.
We will prepare pamarrasan—a rich dark soup with meat and the unique pangium fruit. And also pa'piong—a signature Toraja dish of chicken, pork, or buffalo meat cooked with spices and baked in bamboo racks.
The masterclass will take about two hours, and then we will sit down and enjoy the meal prepared together, which will be served in a lumbung or alang-alang—traditional rice barns where locals often gather to eat.
After lunch, a light walk through rice fields and bamboo forests awaits us, where we can admire the picturesque views and enjoy peaceful moments in nature.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 10. November 18, 2026 (Wednesday). TANA TORAJA – MAKASSAR – RETURN FLIGHT
Transfer to Toraja/Palopo airport, then flight to Makassar.
Flight from Tana Toraja to Makassar on IW1331 at 11:10 (arrival in Makassar at 12:00) OR flight from Palopo to Makassar on Wings Air IW1351 at 09:30 (arrival in Makassar at 10:25), economy class, including 20 kg baggage.
Upon arrival at Makassar airport, we will check into a hotel and go on a sightseeing tour of the city.
Makassar (from 1972 to 1999 – Ujung Pandang) is the bustling capital of South Sulawesi, and thanks to its central location, the city has served as a gateway to the eastern islands of Indonesia for centuries. Makassar also has a rich historical past: two powerful kingdoms resisted Dutch colonial troops for many years. Fort Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang) in the center of Makassar is a well-preserved monument of the past.
After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Jakarta or Denpasar.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: none
*Recommended flights from Makassar to Jakarta or Denpasar:
— any flight from Makassar to Jakarta or Denpasar, departing from Makassar on November 18 no earlier than 18:00.
Recommended flight from Jakarta or Denpasar to Moscow:
— any flight from Jakarta (or Denpasar) to Moscow or another city, departing from Jakarta (or Denpasar) at any time on November 18, connecting with the flight from Makassar.
Recommended flight from Jakarta to Manila, Philippines (for those continuing the joint journey with RGS to the Philippines):
– Cebu Pacific, flight 5J-760, departure from Jakarta on November 19 at 00:15, arrival in Manila at 5:50 AM on November 19, OR
– Philippine Airlines, flight PR-536, departure from Jakarta on November 19 at 01:20 AM, arrival in Manila at 6:35 AM on November 19.
— any other flight from Jakarta to Manila, arriving in Manila no later than 7 AM on November 19.
*The program schedule may be altered while preserving all activities. Some activities may be substituted to participate in ceremonies.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Number of participants: 7–12
Price per person:
- 4,690 USD with 12 participants, or
- 4,850 USD with 11 participants, or
- 4,990 USD with 10 participants, or
- 5,190 USD with 9 participants, or
- 5,590 USD with 8 participants, or
- 5,890 USD with 7 participants, based on double occupancy.
10% early booking discount (until April 9, 2026)
All-inclusive (including 3 domestic flights and three meals a day), except for:
- international flights to Labuan Bajo (Flores Island, Indonesia) and return from Makassar (Sulawesi Island, Indonesia),
- international travel medical insurance,
- Indonesian visa (purchased at the airport upon arrival for USD 35. Requirements may change)
Estimated cost of flights Moscow – Labuan Bajo and Makassar – Moscow: 1,000–1,400 USD.
Single supplement: 450 USD (applies for the entire itinerary except for the guesthouse in Wae Rebo).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Indonesia
Day 1. November 9, 2026 (Monday). LABUAN BAJO – TADO VILLAGE – RUTENG
Morning arrival in Labuan Bajo, on the island of Flores in Central Indonesia. After meeting at the airport, we head to Tado Village. We will be welcomed with a traditional "adat," a welcome ceremony and "Caci"—a ritual whip fight, which is one of the main elements of Manggarai cultural identity.
We will have the opportunity to get acquainted and engage in various traditional activities such as mat and basket weaving and preparing folk medicines.
Towards evening, we arrive at our hotel in Ruteng city.
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Spring Hill Bungalow, Deluxe Room
*Recommended flights from Moscow to Denpasar:
— any flight from Moscow to Denpasar arriving no later than 3:00 AM on November 9.
*Recommended flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo:
— PT Indonesia AirAsia, flight QZ-644, departure from Denpasar at 7:00 AM on Nov 9, arrival in Labuan Bajo at 8:10 AM on Nov 9,
— Batik Air Indonesia, flight ID-6333, departure from Denpasar at 7:55 AM on Nov 9, arrival in Labuan Bajo at 9:10 AM on Nov 9,
— any other flight arriving in Labuan Bajo no later than 10:00 AM on November 9.
Day 2. November 10, 2026 (Tuesday). RUTENG – RICE FIELDS – LIANG BUA CAVE – WAE REBO (100 km, 3-hour drive)
Today we get up early, have breakfast, and head to Liang Bua Cave, where the remains of the Flores man, one of the most recent branches of human evolution discovered by science, were found.
Due to their small stature, the Flores man is also known as the "hobbit" (by analogy with creatures created by J.R.R. Tolkien). Based on skulls and the most complete skeletons, the height of Flores people is estimated at about 1 meter, and the brain volume at about 400 cm³, which is three times smaller than that of a modern human.
On the way, we will stop to see the rare spiderweb rice fields.
Here we will learn the reason why the Manggarai make rice fields in this particular shape.
Then we head to a traditional Manggarai village – Wae Rebo. On the way, we will have lunch in Dintor village, and here we will also leave our vehicles. From the parking area, we will ride motorbikes for another 20 minutes to the trekking starting point. The remaining 6 km to Wae Rebo we will cover on foot (first about 2 km uphill, then about 2 km on flat ground, and the last 2 km downhill to the village).
Here we will get to know the Manggarai culture more deeply, their daily activities, and the layout of their houses. The Manggarai do not have separate rooms in their houses, and the entire extended family lives together under one roof. A house accommodates about 30-35 people. We will spend the night in one of these traditional houses.
We will sleep on a traditional mattress, with one blanket and pillow per person. The bathroom and toilet are shared. For dinner, we will taste traditional Manggarai food.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse in Wae Rebo, shared accommodation
Day 3. November 11, 2026 (Wednesday). WAE REBO – LABUAN BAJO
Today we will spend the first half of the day in the village, observing the traditional way of life of the Manggarai, and then begin our return journey to Dintor village, where we will board our bus and return to Labuan Bajo.
In the evening, you can relax a bit on the hotel beach.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Puri Sari Beach Hotel
Day 4. November 12, 2026 (Thursday). LABUAN BAJO – KOMODO ISLAND – LABUAN BAJO
Early in the morning, we depart by boat to Komodo Island (or Rinca – depending on weather conditions) in Komodo National Park to see the Komodo dragons—the legendary Komodo dragons!
Komodo Island is the largest of the two islands where you can see the famous dragons. Accompanied by one of the rangers, we will go for a walk in the national park, where, if we are lucky, we might see flying lizards and the rare yellow-crested cockatoo.
In the afternoon, an equally amazing adventure awaits us—we will stop at a site where giant manta rays come to feed. Here we will have a unique opportunity to snorkel with these amazing creatures!
In the evening, we return to Labuan Bajo.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Puri Sari Beach Hotel
Day 5. November 13, 2026 (Friday). LABUAN BAJO – MAKASSAR
Transfer to the airport, flight to Makassar, and hotel check-in. Flight from Labuan Bajo to Makassar via Denpasar on Batik/Lion Air ID6332 09:50–11:05, connecting flight JT3740 15:05–16:35 – economy class, including 20 kg baggage.
Welcome to Makassar, once known as Ujung Pandang, the capital of South Sulawesi province.
This bustling cosmopolitan city is located at the center of the Indonesian archipelago and is now one of Indonesia's largest ports and aviation hubs. Thanks to its rich and vibrant history, the city center boasts many attractions, including historical monuments, architectural landmarks, as well as numerous shops and restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Aston Makassar, Deluxe room
Day 6. November 14, 2026 (Saturday). MAKASSAR – TANA TORAJA
Today we head to Makassar airport to fly to the very center of Sulawesi, to Tana Toraja (the land of the Toraja), the capital of the mysterious Toraja people.
The mountainous Toraja region is home to several ethnic groups called Toraja (Toraja means "mountain people" or "people of the west"). The Toraja call their traditional religion Aluk to Dolo (the way of the ancestors) and live according to a patron's way of life defined by ancestors and gods. These include impressive rituals accompanying the burial of the deceased. Beautiful carved houses with impressive roofs, the so-called Tongkonan, are also built according to the principles of Aluk to Dolo. Although most Toraja officially profess Christianity, many traditions continue to live on.
The Toraja are known for having some of the most complex and expensive funeral ceremonies in the world. The funeral ceremony itself lasts at least 3 days, and years can pass from the moment of death to the burial. Families save for years to afford a worthy funeral. The cost of the most modest funerals starts from $50,000, and for members of the highest caste can reach $250,000. The main part of the expenses are sacrificial buffalo, the price of which can reach $40,000.
After death, the person, who is called "to makula" ("sick" or "sleeping"), remains at home. They are embalmed and cared for as if alive: fed, changed, and taken for walks.
When funds are collected, the celebration is organized, and relatives from all corners of the island have gathered in the village to celebrate the departure of a loved one to another world, the multi-day funeral ceremonies begin. According to Toraja beliefs, "real" death occurs only after the completion of the funeral ceremony or Rambu Solok, as it is commonly called. Only then can the soul of the deceased begin its journey to Puya—the final stage of the afterlife, where the soul reincarnates. It is believed that buffalo must transport the soul to the afterlife, so funerals begin with the sacrifice of these animals. The sacrifice is preceded by buffalo fights or "tedong silaga," accompanied by dancing and music.
According to Aluk Todolo, the number of sacrificial buffalo should not be less than 24, although there is no upper limit. The animals must differ from each other, and the uniqueness of their appearance reflects the status of the deceased and their clan. The funeral of a wealthy Toraja can be accompanied by the slaughter of 30 or more buffalo and hundreds of pigs. Often, guests bring additional animals as a gift. In gratitude for this gift, the relatives of the deceased must repay the donors in kind at the next funeral.
After the animals are slaughtered, their meat is distributed among the funeral guests according to their social status. A piece of buffalo meat is set aside for the deceased.
After arrival and hotel check-in, we will visit Lemo, a site known for its tombs hanging on sheer cliffs, the ledges of which are adorned with dozens of Tau-Tau statues depicting deceased ancestors. Here, if desired, there will be an opportunity to take memorable photos in traditional Toraja clothing.
IMPORTANT! Funerals usually take place on weekdays at the beginning of the week. Therefore, we will stay in Tana Toraja not only on weekends but also on Monday and Tuesday to maximize our chances of attending a funeral ceremony. It is also possible that we can attend a home ceremony (where the deceased is dressed and taken out for a "walk") or the colorful animal market.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 7. November 15, 2026 (Sunday). TANA TORAJA
After breakfast, our acquaintance with Tana Toraja (the land of the Toraja) continues. First, we will head to the Tampang Allo and Kambira tombs, where we will learn about the various burial methods of the Toraja: from hanging graves, as was customary in the old days, to children's graves in the trunks of large trees.
After lunch, a hike through the picturesque surroundings from Bebo to Karuaiya awaits us. Along the way, we will enjoy the atmosphere of the scenic surroundings and truly get acquainted with the village life of the locals. The trail passes by rice terraces and small picturesque villages, whose traditional houses combined with the beautiful landscape create a perfect picture.
The day ends in Kete Kesu village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is one of the most important cultural centers of Tana Toraja with its typical Tongkonan houses, richly decorated with carvings and antique wooden ornaments. Nearby are rock cave tombs and hanging coffins.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 8. November 16, 2026 (Monday). TANA TORAJA
We continue to explore Tana Toraja. Today's tour will charm us with beautiful landscapes. In the morning, we visit Londa to see the most unusual tombs in the world. They are located on steep, overgrown limestone cliffs and in caves. The feature of this place is the densely placed ancestor figures on the porch with very realistic facial features. This is a very impressive sight.
Listen to the morning grunts of buffalo and the lively bargaining at the buffalo market in Bolu. This open-air market, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is certainly a very colorful sight but, nevertheless, remains more of a local event, rarely visited by tourists.
Passing through impressive landscapes, we will arrive in Bori, where over a hundred ancient monoliths rise at the burial site, symbolizing the family's status. In Pallawa, we will again see impressive Tongkonan-style houses.
For lunch, we will stop in Batu Tumonga, located on a scenic ridge on the slopes of Mount Sesean, known for its impressive rocky terraces that have been preserved since ancient times. A relaxing and cool atmosphere prevails here. You can walk around the terraces for 2-3 hours to immerse yourself in local life. Lunch at a local restaurant on the mountaintop with a beautiful view of Rantepao.
And after lunch, we will visit Lokomata, a huge funeral stone, and walk through the authentic village of Buntu Lobo.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 9. November 17, 2026 (Tuesday). TANA TORAJA
Today we will immerse ourselves in Toraja culture from a new perspective. We will have a cooking masterclass: a culinary journey into the world of local traditions. We will feel the heart of Toraja culture through its flavors. This unique culinary journey begins with a visit to a traditional Toraja market, where together with locals we will walk through the colorful stalls and select fresh ingredients—fragrant herbs, bright spices, crisp vegetables, and other necessary ingredients for our cooking masterclass.
From the market, we will drive to a traditional Toraja village, located away from popular tourist routes. Upon arrival, a local family will welcome us and introduce us to their kitchen and way of life.
Under the guidance of the host and our guide, we will learn to prepare authentic Toraja dishes using ancient methods passed down from generation to generation.
We will prepare pamarrasan—a rich dark soup with meat and the unique pangium fruit. And also pa'piong—a signature Toraja dish of chicken, pork, or buffalo meat cooked with spices and baked in bamboo racks.
The masterclass will take about two hours, and then we will sit down and enjoy the meal prepared together, which will be served in a lumbung or alang-alang—traditional rice barns where locals often gather to eat.
After lunch, a light walk through rice fields and bamboo forests awaits us, where we can admire the picturesque views and enjoy peaceful moments in nature.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana, Deluxe room
Day 10. November 18, 2026 (Wednesday). TANA TORAJA – MAKASSAR – RETURN FLIGHT
Transfer to Toraja/Palopo airport, then flight to Makassar.
Flight from Tana Toraja to Makassar on IW1331 at 11:10 (arrival in Makassar at 12:00) OR flight from Palopo to Makassar on Wings Air IW1351 at 09:30 (arrival in Makassar at 10:25), economy class, including 20 kg baggage.
Upon arrival at Makassar airport, we will check into a hotel and go on a sightseeing tour of the city.
Makassar (from 1972 to 1999 – Ujung Pandang) is the bustling capital of South Sulawesi, and thanks to its central location, the city has served as a gateway to the eastern islands of Indonesia for centuries. Makassar also has a rich historical past: two powerful kingdoms resisted Dutch colonial troops for many years. Fort Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang) in the center of Makassar is a well-preserved monument of the past.
After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Jakarta or Denpasar.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: none
*Recommended flights from Makassar to Jakarta or Denpasar:
— any flight from Makassar to Jakarta or Denpasar, departing from Makassar on November 18 no earlier than 18:00.
Recommended flight from Jakarta or Denpasar to Moscow:
— any flight from Jakarta (or Denpasar) to Moscow or another city, departing from Jakarta (or Denpasar) at any time on November 18, connecting with the flight from Makassar.
Recommended flight from Jakarta to Manila, Philippines (for those continuing the joint journey with RGS to the Philippines):
– Cebu Pacific, flight 5J-760, departure from Jakarta on November 19 at 00:15, arrival in Manila at 5:50 AM on November 19, OR
– Philippine Airlines, flight PR-536, departure from Jakarta on November 19 at 01:20 AM, arrival in Manila at 6:35 AM on November 19.
— any other flight from Jakarta to Manila, arriving in Manila no later than 7 AM on November 19.
*The program schedule may be altered while preserving all activities. Some activities may be substituted to participate in ceremonies.
Cost includes:
- 3 domestic one-way flights: Labuan Bajo – Makassar and Makassar – Tana Toraja – Makassar
- Speedboat ticket to Komodo Island
- All ground transportation according to the program in all cities: Toyota Hiace minibus for up to 8 people, for groups over 8 people – 2 Toyota Hiace minibuses, with air conditioning and an experienced driver
- All airport transfers along the route
- Motorboats with experienced drivers
- Double occupancy in hotels
- Accommodation in a local house in Wae Rebo
- Three meals a day along the entire route
- Drinking water along the entire route
- Permits and entrance tickets to national parks and protected areas
- All visits and activities according to the program
- Porters on the trek to the Manggarai (up to 10 kg)
- Local guides
- Experienced English-speaking local guides along the entire route
- Russian- and English-speaking team leader along the entire route
- An expert from the Russian Geographical Society throughout the entire route
- A professional practicing ethnographer-scientist from the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences throughout the entire route
- Lectures by scientists throughout the entire route
- Participation in scientific work: introduction to "anthropological kitchen," studying the "field," collecting ethnographic materials (diaries, photographs, interviews, etc.)
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid) :
- International flight to Labuan Bajo and return from Makassar
- International medical insurance
- Indonesian visa (Purchased on arrival at the airport for 35 USD. Requirements may change)
- Alcohol and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses
- Extra charge for single occupancy
To take with:
- Two sets of clothing (pants, long-sleeved shirt, T-shirt, underwear, socks);
- Light hiking jacket;
- Raincoat;
- Sun hat;
- Swimsuit;
- Sun and wind protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Headlamp;
- Backpack (preferably waterproof), capacity no more than 70 liters;
- Small backpack for personal items and photo/video cameras;
- Sleeping bag for warm weather;
- Sleeping mat (optional, for the overnight stay, we will use traditional Manggarai mattresses);
- Personal first aid kit (analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal medication, multivitamins, ORS, band-aids, motion sickness medication, your personal medications);
- Personal hygiene items (towel, soap, lots of wet wipes, as the shower may not be provided for several days);
- Mosquito net (important!);
- Repellents;
- Photo/video camera;
- Anti-malaria prophylaxis (optional but recommended);
- Waterproof document case;
- Extra batteries for cameras and a power bank
- Waterproof camera case
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbs are tested by Mzungu himself and guided by seasoned team-leaders, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - REASONABLE PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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