OPTIONAL TOUR PACKAGES
Post-Conference Tours: Immersive Explorations of Indonesia’s Wonders
Enhance your ACRS 2025 experience by immersing yourself in Indonesia’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage through specially curated post-conference tours. Each tour offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and cultural exploration, giving participants the opportunity to engage deeply with the host country while promoting sustainable travel practices.
The Toraja Highland Cultural Expedition invites you on a fascinating journey into the highlands of South Sulawesi, where the traditions of the Toraja people come to life. Explore ancient burial sites like Lemo and Kete Kesu, where cliffside tombs and Tau-Tau effigies tell stories of ancestor veneration practices that have endured for centuries. Visit traditional Tongkonan houses with their iconic boat-shaped roofs and intricate carvings that symbolize social status, and witness cultural performances such as the Ma’badong ritual dance that illustrates Toraja’s unique blend of animism and Christianity. Trek through the serene landscapes of the Mentirotiku Valley, passing terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, and megalithic sites like Bori Parinding. The expedition also includes a taste of authentic Toraja cuisine, including Pa’piong, a meat dish cooked in bamboo, and Tuak, the region’s celebrated palm wine. This cultural tour not only immerses you in local traditions but also provides scenic views and unforgettable experiences.
For those captivated by geological wonders, the Maros-Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark Adventure offers an in-depth exploration of Indonesia’s renowned karst landscapes. Begin your journey with cave expeditions to Leang-Leang, where prehistoric hand stencils dating back 40,000 years provide a glimpse into the region’s ancient human history. Continue to Bantimurung Falls, lovingly nicknamed “Butterfly Valley” due to its vibrant insect biodiversity, where lush surroundings and cascading waters create a tranquil retreat. Dive into the unique karst ecology of the Kappang Hills, where endemic plant species like Nepenthes pitopangii and wildlife thrive, making this area a biological treasure. Participate in guided conservation walks and reforestation projects led by local rangers, and capture stunning photographs of Bulu Barakka limestone peaks at sunrise and Rammang-Rammang’s karst formations as the sun sets. This adventure combines scientific exploration with conservation efforts and breathtaking scenery.
If a tropical escape is what you seek, the Spermonde Islands Marine Odyssey is your gateway to the pristine waters of Makassar’s coastal paradise. Engage in island-hopping activities that take you to Samalona Island for snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons and Badi Island for relaxing on secluded beaches. Participate in coral reef conservation projects alongside marine biologists, helping to restore fragile ecosystems. Immerse yourself in the traditional fishing practices of the Palang communities, learning techniques from the Bajo sea nomads and sampling freshly prepared seafood dishes. Explore Pulau Kodingareng Keke, where remnants of Dutch colonial history meet local legends, creating a rich tapestry of heritage. Conclude your day with a sunset cruise aboard a Phinisi schooner, where you’ll enjoy grilled seafood feasts, spot dolphins, and take in breathtaking views of the ocean at twilight.
These post-conference tours are designed with sustainability in mind, supporting local communities while offering travelers exclusive access to UNESCO sites, cultural rituals, and pristine ecosystems. Led by expert guides, anthropologists, and conservationists, these small-group tours provide a meaningful opportunity to deepen your connection with Indonesia and its incredible diversity. Additionally, the tours are customizable, allowing participants to combine itineraries or extend their stay for a personalized adventure that suits their interests. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking outdoor exploration, a culture enthusiast eager to learn about Indonesia’s traditions, or a professional looking to unwind after the conference, these tours offer something for everyone. ACRS 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences that celebrate the synergy between science, culture, and nature.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Key Component
Maros-Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark Adventure
Delve into the geological wonders of the Maros-Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark, a labyrinth of karst formations and hidden ecosystems. Navigate the Leang-Leang Caves, adorned with 40,000-year-old prehistoric hand stencils, and hike to Bantimurung Falls, known as “Butterfly Valley” for its vibrant biodiversity. Study unique flora like the Nepenthes pitopangii pitcher plant and endemic wildlife in the Kappang Hills, then join guided conservation walks to support peatland restoration. Capture breathtaking sunrise views at Bulu Barakka limestone peaks and sunset at Rammang-Rammang, Southeast Asia’s largest karst landscape, blending adventure with ecological stewardship.
Spermonde Islands Marine Odyssey
Unwind in the Spermonde Archipelago, a tropical paradise of coral atolls and turquoise waters. Island-hop to Samalona for snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons and Badi Island for pristine beaches, then collaborate with marine biologists on coral reef restoration projects. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Bajo sea nomads, learning Palang fishing techniques and savoring fresh seafood. Explore Pulau Kodingareng Keke, where Dutch colonial ruins merge with local legends, and cap the day with a sunset cruise on a Phinisi schooner, spotting dolphins while enjoying grilled fish feasts. This tour blends marine conservation, cultural heritage, and tropical serenity into an unforgettable experience.
Toraja Highland Cultural Expedition
Embark on a journey to South Sulawesi’s highlands, home to the Toraja people, celebrated for their ancient funeral traditions and architectural marvels. Explore Lemo and Kete Kesu, where cliffside tombs and Tau-Tau effigies honor ancestral spirits, and marvel at the iconic Tongkonan houses adorned with intricate carvings. Witness the Ma’badong ritual dance, a poignant blend of animist and Christian traditions, and trek through terraced rice fields and bamboo forests in the Mentirotiku Valley, stopping at megalithic sites like Bori Parinding. Conclude your adventure with a feast of Pa’piong (bamboo-cooked meat) and Tuak (palm wine), immersing in Toraja’s rich cultural tapestry.