Private driver since 2011 • Makassar, South Sulawesi
Private Driver in Sulawesi: Car Rental with an Experienced Local Driver
Since 2011 I have driven European and international travelers across Sulawesi, from Makassar to Tana Toraja, Tanjung Bira, Lake Poso and beyond. One driver, one comfortable car, your own pace.
Independent local driver, not a travel agency. You deal directly with me.
Why travel with Aii
Sulawesi is big. Roads are long. A local driver makes it easy.
Distances in Sulawesi are long and roads are often narrow, winding and shared with motorbikes and trucks. Instead of worrying about navigation, parking and timing, you sit back and enjoy the landscape.
Knows the island
I have driven almost every road in Sulawesi with guests, so I know realistic travel times, good rest stops and what to skip.
Used to international guests
Most of my guests are European. I know what visitors expect: punctuality, safe driving, clear communication and a flexible plan.
Your itinerary, your pace
No fixed group tour. Stop for photos, a warung lunch or a village visit whenever you like.
One person to talk to
You message me directly before, during and after the trip. No call centre, no hidden agency fees.
About Aii
Hello, I’m Aii, your driver in Sulawesi
I am a professional driver based in Makassar. I started driving in 2011 and have taken local and international travelers all over Sulawesi, especially guests from Europe.
I have also worked in professional international settings, which taught me reliability, careful planning and clear communication. Today I focus full time on what I know best: driving travelers safely through Sulawesi.
- Driving experience since 2011
- Private car with driver
- Airport, hotel and intercity transfers
- Day trips and multi-day journeys
- Long-distance overland routes
- Communication in English
I welcome travelers from Europe, North America, South Korea, Japan, Russia, the Middle East and beyond.
Aii Private Driver is an independent service and not a travel agency.
Services
Car rental with driver for every kind of trip
From a single airport pick-up to a two-week overland journey, the service is built around your plan.
Makassar airport transfer
Pick-up and drop-off at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) to your hotel or onward destination.
Intercity transfer
Comfortable transport between cities such as Makassar, Rantepao, Sengkang and Tentena.
Day trips
Rammang-Rammang, Bantimurung and other places around Makassar at your own pace.
Multi-day journeys
Keep the same driver and vehicle for the whole trip. Hotels and activities are booked by you.
Long-distance overland
Routes across the island, including South to Central Sulawesi and on toward Ampana.
Custom route planning
Send your wish list and I will suggest a realistic driving plan with sensible daily distances.
Families and groups
Innova for couples and small families, HiAce for larger groups.
Local assistance
Practical help on the road: where to eat, where to stop, how to reach a village.
Popular routes
Overland routes in South and Central Sulawesi
Examples only; your route can be adjusted. Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic and road conditions. Select a route to add it to your quote request.
Makassar → Tana Toraja
About 8–9 hours by road to the Toraja highlands, with a stop for lunch along the way.
SouthMakassar → Tanjung Bira
About 5–6 hours to the white-sand beaches of Bira.
SouthMakassar → Rammang-Rammang
A short trip of around 1.5 hours to karst scenery and river views.
SouthBira → Sengkang & Lake Tempe
North through Bone toward Lake Tempe and local fishing life.
South to CentralTana Toraja → Tentena
A long scenic day to Lake Poso. Often split with an overnight stop.
CentralTentena → Bada Valley
Remote highland roads to ancient megaliths. Needs careful planning.
CentralTentena → Ampana
Continue to Ampana, the usual gateway for the Togean Islands.
EasternLuwuk / Banggai
Longer eastern routes on request.
CustomAnother route?
Tell me where you want to go and I will check it.
Sample itineraries
Sulawesi itinerary ideas by length
Starting points for planning. I will adjust them to your arrival date, interests and energy level.
5 days: Makassar, Bira and Rammang-Rammang
- Airport pick-up, Makassar
- Rammang-Rammang karst and river
- Drive south to Tanjung Bira
- Beach day at Bira
- Return to Makassar airport
7 days: South Sulawesi highlights
- Makassar arrival
- Rammang-Rammang
- Makassar to Tana Toraja
- Toraja villages and culture
- More Toraja highlands
- Return toward Makassar
- Makassar airport drop-off
12–14 days: Overland to Central Sulawesi
- Makassar and Rammang-Rammang
- Tanjung Bira
- Lake Tempe area
- Tana Toraja (several days)
- Toraja to Tentena and Lake Poso
- Bada Valley (optional)
- Tentena to Ampana
Destinations
Private driver destinations in Sulawesi
Short guides to the places I drive guests to, from Makassar airport to Tana Toraja, Tanjung Bira, Lake Poso and the Togean gateway.
Makassar Airport Transfer (UPG)
Arrive at Makassar airport and find your driver ready. A private car takes you straight to your hotel or starts your Sulawesi journey right away.
Airport (UPG): Sultan Hasanuddin International
- Hotel transfer. Direct ride to your hotel in Makassar. Travel time is usually 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Onward trips. Start your overland trip to Toraja, Bira or other places straight from the airport.
- Departure transfer. Return to the airport on time for your flight, with luggage space for all bags.
Private Driver Makassar
Makassar is where most Sulawesi trips begin. Hire a private driver for city sights, airport pick-ups and day trips to nearby places.
Starting point: Most trips begin here
- Fort Rotterdam. A historic fort in the old part of the city.
- Losari Beach. A waterfront promenade, lively at sunset.
- Paotere Harbour. See traditional wooden boats at work.
Rammang-Rammang Day Trip
A short drive from Makassar takes you to towering limestone karst, quiet rivers and rice fields. Easy to do in a day, with a private driver at your pace.
About 1.5 hours: Makassar to Rammang-Rammang*
- River and karst views. Take a short boat ride and walk through the karst valley.
- Leang-Leang. Nearby caves known for ancient hand stencil art, a stop for those interested in prehistory.
- Bantimurung area. Waterfalls and forest nearby, suitable to combine in a longer day.
Private Driver Tanjung Bira
White sand, clear water and traditional boat-building villages at the southern tip of Sulawesi. Reach Bira in comfort with a local private driver.
About 5–6 hours: Makassar to Bira by road*
- Bira beaches. Swim, snorkel and relax at beaches around Bira and nearby bays.
- Boat-building village. Tana Beru nearby is known for building traditional wooden phinisi boats by hand.
- Island boat trips. Boats can be arranged locally for island and snorkel outings.
Private Driver Sengkang & Lake Tempe
A quiet part of South Sulawesi with a large shallow lake, floating houses and traditional silk weaving. A good stop between the coast and the highlands.
About 5–6 hours: Makassar to Sengkang by road*
- Lake Tempe. Boat rides to see floating houses and the lake at sunrise or late afternoon.
- Silk weaving. Visit local weavers and see traditional silk being made.
- Bugis culture. A chance to see everyday life away from the main tourist places.
Private Driver Tana Toraja
Tongkonan houses, burial sites, rice terraces and cool highlands. The Toraja road from Makassar is long and winding, so a private driver makes it comfortable.
About 8–9 hours: Makassar to Rantepao by road*
- Villages and burial sites. Kete Kesu, Londa, Lemo and nearby tongkonan villages.
- Highlands. Batutumonga and Lolai for views, depending on weather.
- Plan. Stay 2–3 nights; ask me for a 3 or 5 day plan.
Private Driver Lake Poso & Tentena
A calm lake town in Central Sulawesi, reached overland from Tana Toraja. A private driver makes the long road simpler and more comfortable.
Long day: Toraja to Tentena by road*
- Lake Poso. Walk along the shore, enjoy sunrise and relax by the water.
- Saluopa Waterfall. A popular waterfall near Tentena, good for a short outing.
- Siuri Beach. A lakeside beach area for a calm afternoon.
Private Driver Bada Valley
Quiet highland valleys with ancient stone statues far from the usual tourist routes. A remote journey that is best planned carefully with a local driver.
Remote route: Long drive, plan ahead
- Megalith sites. Stone statues scattered across the valley, set among rice fields and hills.
- Highland scenery. Quiet villages, forest edges and mountain views.
- Nature. The area is close to national park landscapes, suited to slow travel.
Private Driver to Ampana (Togean Gateway)
Ampana is the usual starting point for boats to the Togean Islands. Reach it overland from Tentena with a private driver.
Long drive: From Tentena by road*
- Port town. A simple, local base before or after your island stay.
- Togean access. Boats leave from Ampana. Check the schedule before you travel.
- Overland link. A natural continuation after Lake Poso and Tentena.
*Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and stops. Standard price from USD 75 per day (car, driver and fuel). Request a quote.
Vehicles
Air-conditioned cars for couples, families and groups
The right vehicle depends on group size, luggage and route. Ask about availability for your dates.
Toyota Innova Reborn
Comfortable for couples, families and small groups, with room for everyday luggage.
Toyota HiAce
A larger option for families and groups travelling together.
Gallery
Scenes from the road in Sulawesi
FAQ
Questions travelers ask about hiring a driver in Sulawesi
How much does a private driver in Sulawesi cost?
Standard arrangements start from USD 75 per day for a private car, driver and fuel. The final quote depends on route, number of days, vehicle and distance. Send your itinerary for a route-based quote.
Are you a travel agency?
No. I am an independent local driver. You communicate directly with me about your route and trip, and you book hotels and activities yourself or with my suggestions.
Why hire a driver instead of renting a car yourself?
Roads in Sulawesi can be narrow, winding and busy with motorbikes and trucks, and distances are long. A local driver handles navigation, road conditions and timing so you can focus on the trip.
Can you pick me up at Makassar airport?
Yes. I do pick-ups and drop-offs at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar. Send your flight details with your request.
Can I plan my own itinerary?
Yes. Send your destinations and dates and we will build the most practical driving plan together. The sample itineraries above are only a starting point.
Can you drive long distances, for example Makassar to Tana Toraja or Tentena?
Yes. Long overland routes are possible depending on dates, vehicle and availability. Longer routes are often split over more than one day for comfort.
How many passengers can travel?
The Innova suits small groups of up to about 5 passengers. The HiAce can carry larger groups of up to about 10. Please mention your luggage when you ask.
Do I pay online?
No online payment is taken through this website. Send your request first; itinerary, availability and arrangements are agreed directly before the trip is confirmed.
What languages do you speak?
I communicate with guests in English. Bahasa Indonesia is my native language.
How do I request a trip?
Use the form below or message me on WhatsApp. Include your dates, number of travelers, pick-up point and the places you want to visit.
Get a quote
Tell me about your Sulawesi trip
The form opens WhatsApp with your details so we can continue directly.
For an accurate quote include travel dates, number of travelers, pick-up point and the places you want to visit.
Let’s plan your Sulawesi journey
From Makassar and Tanjung Bira to Tana Toraja, Lake Poso, Bada Valley and Ampana, tell me where you want to go.
Chat with Aii on WhatsApp