Tana Toraja
Written in Dec 2020
Tana Toraja, beautiful and mystical, land of the greenest colour and a blue sky.
A place where your social status is measured by the number of sacrificed buffaloes at your funeral ceremony.
Toraja traditional houses, Tongkonans, and the rice barns are exceptional and beautifully carved.
This authentic region in Sulawesi (Indonesia) is famous for its unique culture, ancient traditions and incredible panorama. Its strong and complex cultural heritage is still visible and felt everywhere.
Toraja people are extremely friendly and open-minded. Most of them are Christians, but they also practice traditional ancestor beliefs.
Visiting Tana Toraja, you may truly feel like you are going back in time!
Continue reading and find out what are the best things to do in Tana Toraja.
A place where your social status is measured by the number of sacrificed buffaloes at your funeral ceremony.
Toraja traditional houses, Tongkonans, and the rice barns are exceptional and beautifully carved.
This authentic region in Sulawesi (Indonesia) is famous for its unique culture, ancient traditions and incredible panorama. Its strong and complex cultural heritage is still visible and felt everywhere.
Toraja people are extremely friendly and open-minded. Most of them are Christians, but they also practice traditional ancestor beliefs.
Visiting Tana Toraja, you may truly feel like you are going back in time!
Continue reading and find out what are the best things to do in Tana Toraja.
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Why should you visit Toraja
1. Tongkonans (traditional houses) and rice barns
2. Burial sites
3. Traditional ceremonies (funeral ceremony, wedding, a new house ceremony, ma'nene ritual)
4. Beautiful natural scenery
5. Hiking and cycling
6. Weaving
2. Burial sites
3. Traditional ceremonies (funeral ceremony, wedding, a new house ceremony, ma'nene ritual)
4. Beautiful natural scenery
5. Hiking and cycling
6. Weaving
How, When, Where
1. traditional houses (Tongkonans) and rice barns (Lumbung padi)
Tongkonans (tongon-to sit, -to gather), the traditional houses, are not only a tourist attraction.
They are very traditional as they are the centre of life and embody the connection between families and their ancestors.
They are truly exceptional in the way they look. The massive saddleback roof is in a shape of a boat. Toraja people claim that they came from Cambodia and arrived from the north by sea. Caught in a violent storm, their boats were so damaged as to be unseaworthy, so instead they used them as roofs for their new homes. The roof is topped with layered split bamboo and the house is built on piles.
Extended family groups built their Tongkonan together and then use it together for family gatherings and making important decisions. Each family usually lives in a small house nearby.
Ownership of Tongkonan shows the family's status in the society and sometimes families save money for many years and travel to work abroad before they can afford to build one.
The rice barns are also build in the shape of the Tongkonan as rice is so valued and appreciated. The rice barns either stand individually by a family house or they are build in aesthetic rows.
They are very traditional as they are the centre of life and embody the connection between families and their ancestors.
They are truly exceptional in the way they look. The massive saddleback roof is in a shape of a boat. Toraja people claim that they came from Cambodia and arrived from the north by sea. Caught in a violent storm, their boats were so damaged as to be unseaworthy, so instead they used them as roofs for their new homes. The roof is topped with layered split bamboo and the house is built on piles.
Extended family groups built their Tongkonan together and then use it together for family gatherings and making important decisions. Each family usually lives in a small house nearby.
Ownership of Tongkonan shows the family's status in the society and sometimes families save money for many years and travel to work abroad before they can afford to build one.
The rice barns are also build in the shape of the Tongkonan as rice is so valued and appreciated. The rice barns either stand individually by a family house or they are build in aesthetic rows.
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The houses are beautifully carved with traditional ornaments and coloured in the four traditional colours of red, white, black and yellow. The most commonly carved motifs are symbolic animals and plants (can you spot the bull heads in the left picture?). The number of buffalo horns piled at the front of the Tongkonan reflect the family's status.
2. Burial sites
Toraja people traditionally invest heavily, both spiritually and financially in burials of their ancestors. Death is part of a spiritual journey. Families keep the mummified remains of their relatives in their homes (or Tongkonans) for years and traditionally even invite them to join family events before they are eventually buried. This is because burial ceremonies are extremely expensive and many years are spent saving money for the funeral, which is the most important ceremony in life. Even then, the bodies are often exhumed to be cleaned, changed dress and cared for.
There are different methods of burial: the coffin may be laid in a cave or in a carved stone grave, or hung on a cliff.
It contains any possessions that the deceased will need in the afterlife. The wealthy are often buried in a stone grave carved out of a rocky cliff. The grave is usually expensive and takes a few months to complete. In some areas, a stone cave may be large enough to accommodate a whole family.
There are different methods of burial: the coffin may be laid in a cave or in a carved stone grave, or hung on a cliff.
It contains any possessions that the deceased will need in the afterlife. The wealthy are often buried in a stone grave carved out of a rocky cliff. The grave is usually expensive and takes a few months to complete. In some areas, a stone cave may be large enough to accommodate a whole family.
A wood-carved statue called Tau tau, is usually placed in the cave looking out over the land. Only a family that sacrifice at least 24 buffalos at the funeral can have Tau tau figures.
The coffin of a baby or child may be hung from ropes on a cliff face or from a tree. This hanging grave usually lasts for years, until the ropes rot and the coffin falls to the ground. Babies up to two months old are placed in a large tree so their spirit can become connected with nature and their soul can go to heaven. The mother is not allowed to visit the site. This is because the bond with her child is so great that she has the power to prevent the baby's soul from returning to nature and going to heaven.
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Each burial site in Toraja is very unique and some of them are under UNESCO heritage.
3. Traditional ceremonies
Funeral ritual (Rambu Solo)
This is the most elaborate and expensive event in Toraja society. It usually takes a week to ten days with a carefully planned schedule for each day. The timing and details of the funeral must be discussed with the village priest in advance. At this important meeting it is decided how many buffalos / funerary items each family member brings.
The ceremonial site, "rante", is usually prepared in a large grassy field where shelters for audiences, rice barns and other ceremonial funeral structures are specially erected.
Flute playing, funeral chants, songs and poems, and crying and wailing are traditional Toraja expressions of grief. (With the exceptions of funerals for young children, and poor, low-status adults.)
The dead bodies are later carried in a house shaped vessel. The Tau tau, if there is one, representing the deceased is displayed at the most important place at the ceremony.
Torajans believe that death is a gradual process toward Puya (the Land of Souls, or afterlife). During the waiting period, the body of the deceased is wrapped in several layers of cloth and kept in the Tongkonan. The soul of the deceased is thought to linger around the village until the funeral ceremony is completed, after which it begins its journey to Puya.
This is the most elaborate and expensive event in Toraja society. It usually takes a week to ten days with a carefully planned schedule for each day. The timing and details of the funeral must be discussed with the village priest in advance. At this important meeting it is decided how many buffalos / funerary items each family member brings.
The ceremonial site, "rante", is usually prepared in a large grassy field where shelters for audiences, rice barns and other ceremonial funeral structures are specially erected.
Flute playing, funeral chants, songs and poems, and crying and wailing are traditional Toraja expressions of grief. (With the exceptions of funerals for young children, and poor, low-status adults.)
The dead bodies are later carried in a house shaped vessel. The Tau tau, if there is one, representing the deceased is displayed at the most important place at the ceremony.
Torajans believe that death is a gradual process toward Puya (the Land of Souls, or afterlife). During the waiting period, the body of the deceased is wrapped in several layers of cloth and kept in the Tongkonan. The soul of the deceased is thought to linger around the village until the funeral ceremony is completed, after which it begins its journey to Puya.
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credit to guide Yacob and his son
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credit to guide Yacob and his son
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Another component to the ritual is the slaughter of water buffalo. The wealthier and more socially prominent the person who died, the more buffalos are slaughtered at the death feast. Torajans believe that the deceased will need the buffalo to make and hasten the journey to Puya. Slaughtering tens of water buffalo and hundreds of pigs using a machete is the climax of the elaborate death feast. Many animals are given by guests as "gifts", which are carefully noted because they will be considered debts to the deceased's family.
A cockfight is an integral part of the ceremony. As with the sacrifice of the buffalo and the pigs, the cockfight is considered sacred because it involves the spilling of blood on the earth.
A cockfight is an integral part of the ceremony. As with the sacrifice of the buffalo and the pigs, the cockfight is considered sacred because it involves the spilling of blood on the earth.
Wedding
The wedding ceremony in Toraja is very simple and it lasts between a day and up to a few days.The caste system influences the traditional Toraja wedding party that will be held. The higher the caste, the bigger and longer the ceremony.
Marriage in Toraja is no longer organised by a match maker but the weddings have to be with the blessing of both sets of parents otherwise the child is not considered part of the family.
The proposal starts with a betel delivery from the groom's family to the bride's and then vice versa.
Betel is later served to the guests and it is an important part of the ceremony. Again, pigs are brought and slaughtered as gifts, as part of the inauguration, and confirmation of the agreement. They are also eaten as part of the wedding meal. The feast is accompanied by music and traditional dances.
Upon marriage, Toraja men will usually go to live with their wives.
The wedding ceremony in Toraja is very simple and it lasts between a day and up to a few days.The caste system influences the traditional Toraja wedding party that will be held. The higher the caste, the bigger and longer the ceremony.
Marriage in Toraja is no longer organised by a match maker but the weddings have to be with the blessing of both sets of parents otherwise the child is not considered part of the family.
The proposal starts with a betel delivery from the groom's family to the bride's and then vice versa.
Betel is later served to the guests and it is an important part of the ceremony. Again, pigs are brought and slaughtered as gifts, as part of the inauguration, and confirmation of the agreement. They are also eaten as part of the wedding meal. The feast is accompanied by music and traditional dances.
Upon marriage, Toraja men will usually go to live with their wives.
Wedding, credit to guide Yacob and his son
New house ceremony
Since Tongkonan form an integral part of a Torajan person's life, there is an important ceremony held when a new house is built.
Tongkonan is more than just a structure. They symbolise the family, their identity and tradition. The construction is time-consuming and complex, and requires the employment of skilled craftsmen. It can take eight men three months to build, and six men one month to carve and paint the outside wall panels of the new house.
Since Torajan society is extremely hierarchical, comprising nobility, commoners and a lower class, villagers are only permitted to decorate their house with the symbols and motifs appropriate to their social station.
Usually, only noble families can afford to build Tongkonan and hold the related ceremony, when family and villagers gather, dance, sing and sacrifice many pigs.
New house ceremony
Since Tongkonan form an integral part of a Torajan person's life, there is an important ceremony held when a new house is built.
Tongkonan is more than just a structure. They symbolise the family, their identity and tradition. The construction is time-consuming and complex, and requires the employment of skilled craftsmen. It can take eight men three months to build, and six men one month to carve and paint the outside wall panels of the new house.
Since Torajan society is extremely hierarchical, comprising nobility, commoners and a lower class, villagers are only permitted to decorate their house with the symbols and motifs appropriate to their social station.
Usually, only noble families can afford to build Tongkonan and hold the related ceremony, when family and villagers gather, dance, sing and sacrifice many pigs.
Ma'nene ritual
In this ritual the corpses of the dead, some of which may be tens or even hundreds of years old are removed from the grave to be cleaned and changed into clothes.
Before opening the coffin and lifting the corpse, there will be prayers recited by the Ne'tomina (village priest) in the ancient Toraja language, asking permission from the ancestors, so that the community receives blessings.
The body is then cleaned with a brush after being removed from the Patane (tomb) and the clothes are replaced. The body is then returned to the Patane. The event is closed with family members gathering at the Tongkonan to worship together.
This tradition is held approximately every three to four years to strengthen relationships so that families who are overseas can return and visit their ancestors. Usually the Ma'nene ritual is carried out simultaneously by families or even one village, so this ceremony can last a while. The timing is based on agreement with the families and the priest.
Most of Ma'nene rituals take place in August.
Ma'nene,
credit to guide Yacob and his son
The landscape of Toraja is fascinating. The light green colour of the rice fields contrasts with the dark green of the hills. Combine this with the unusual shapes of the Tongkonans and you are entranced.
Interesting sights which we have not seen anywhere else in Indonesia, are small fish ponds in the middle of the rice fields! We were wondering what these small circles where when seeing them from the airplane! Well, Toraja people make double use of their "sawah". Rice growing and fish being bred in the same place :)
Batutumonga is a town that is located in the mountainous areas and offers the most refreshing landscape. Take a walk around Batutumonga and local villages and you will be overwhelmed by the scenery.
Interesting sights which we have not seen anywhere else in Indonesia, are small fish ponds in the middle of the rice fields! We were wondering what these small circles where when seeing them from the airplane! Well, Toraja people make double use of their "sawah". Rice growing and fish being bred in the same place :)
Batutumonga is a town that is located in the mountainous areas and offers the most refreshing landscape. Take a walk around Batutumonga and local villages and you will be overwhelmed by the scenery.
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5. Hiking and cycling
Hiking
Mount Sesean, 2100m, is relatively easy hike from Batutumonga. You can hike for the sunrise but you can also do it easily in the morning after enjoying the sunrise from the terrace of Mentirotiku Guesthouse with a cup of Toraja coffee in your hand :)
The views from Mentirotiku (actually at any time of the day, but the sunrise especially) are absolutely stunning.
Mount Sesean, 2100m, is relatively easy hike from Batutumonga. You can hike for the sunrise but you can also do it easily in the morning after enjoying the sunrise from the terrace of Mentirotiku Guesthouse with a cup of Toraja coffee in your hand :)
The views from Mentirotiku (actually at any time of the day, but the sunrise especially) are absolutely stunning.
The trail to the mountain starts very close to Mentirotiku, just opposite the local school.
It takes about 2hrs up to the top of the mountain and it took us 1hr to get down. We started trekking at 8am to avoid the high heat, reached the top at 10, stayed about an hour and then headed down.
The hike is not difficult but after the rain it can be slippery and it is steep in some parts, so good shoes are always an advantage! Someone asked if kids can manage? Mount Sesean is the hill for the beginner hikers, so yes, even kids could manage if they hiked before and know what to expect. For us it is always a bonus they have friends as companions :)
A guide is not needed unless you start walking in the dark for the sunrise. During the day, you can find your way around, just keep going up!
We visited in November 2020 and there was a road being built all the way up to the top, it looked like an entire new village with rice fields being set up here… we truly wonder what we might find here as the time goes by..
The views from the top are truly rewarding! There were initially some clouds but in about half an hour the sky was clear and we could enjoy the view of green hills, rice fields, villages and could not stop taking pictures :)
It takes about 2hrs up to the top of the mountain and it took us 1hr to get down. We started trekking at 8am to avoid the high heat, reached the top at 10, stayed about an hour and then headed down.
The hike is not difficult but after the rain it can be slippery and it is steep in some parts, so good shoes are always an advantage! Someone asked if kids can manage? Mount Sesean is the hill for the beginner hikers, so yes, even kids could manage if they hiked before and know what to expect. For us it is always a bonus they have friends as companions :)
A guide is not needed unless you start walking in the dark for the sunrise. During the day, you can find your way around, just keep going up!
We visited in November 2020 and there was a road being built all the way up to the top, it looked like an entire new village with rice fields being set up here… we truly wonder what we might find here as the time goes by..
The views from the top are truly rewarding! There were initially some clouds but in about half an hour the sky was clear and we could enjoy the view of green hills, rice fields, villages and could not stop taking pictures :)
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Cycling
Cycling through the villages and finishing in the traditional village of Bori, was an awesome experience. There is so much to see including traditional villages, rice fields, coffee plantations, churches. The only disadvantage is that you need to stop frequently as you want to take so many pictures :)
Tell your guide that you want to cycle on the small roads through the villages only, as cycling along the roads with cars and trucks would be unpleasant.
When planning the tour, rather than having a picnic lunch, ask to stop at some of the local cafes for lunch or a cup of traditional coffee.
A small pick-up truck follows you all along the cycle route, carrying your luggage. You can refill your water bottle or have a snack anytime :) Most of all you feel very safe as the truck slows the cars coming behind you.
Cycling through the villages and finishing in the traditional village of Bori, was an awesome experience. There is so much to see including traditional villages, rice fields, coffee plantations, churches. The only disadvantage is that you need to stop frequently as you want to take so many pictures :)
Tell your guide that you want to cycle on the small roads through the villages only, as cycling along the roads with cars and trucks would be unpleasant.
When planning the tour, rather than having a picnic lunch, ask to stop at some of the local cafes for lunch or a cup of traditional coffee.
A small pick-up truck follows you all along the cycle route, carrying your luggage. You can refill your water bottle or have a snack anytime :) Most of all you feel very safe as the truck slows the cars coming behind you.
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6. Weaving
Sa'dan region and To'Barana village are well-known for their weaving. The region produces high-quality woven cloth which are sought by people from all over Indonesia and abroad. You can join some charming traditional weaving activities and have a lunch cooked by the weavers.
To buy a woven cloth, an interested buyer must place an order and wait for around two weeks. The price is highly dependent on motifs. The Paruki motif is the most intricate, thus most expensive. A piece 4 meters Paruki woven cloth costs around Rp 2,500,000 (info from 2018). It would be more pricey to get it from a gallery outside the village.
To buy a woven cloth, an interested buyer must place an order and wait for around two weeks. The price is highly dependent on motifs. The Paruki motif is the most intricate, thus most expensive. A piece 4 meters Paruki woven cloth costs around Rp 2,500,000 (info from 2018). It would be more pricey to get it from a gallery outside the village.
Credit to Carel de Groot
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Credit to Carel de Groot
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7. Traditional BuFFalo market |
Bolu Market is located near Rantepao and is famous for selling buffalos. It is open once every six days. Small herders bring their buffaloes including the exotic albino buffaloes. These buffaloes are worth ten to hundred millions of Rupiah! The buffaloes are washed and pampered to look impressive for the buyers. As well as buffaloes being on display, you will find a whole range of products, such a colourful vegetables, fruit and woven clothes.
credit to guide Yacob and his son
How we did it
1. day
We flew to Tana Toraja airport (from Jakarta via Makassar), arriving at 10.30am.
Our guide for the first day, Pak Yacob, waited for us with a car and a driver.
Makale, Buntu Burake - this was our first stop, we went up the hill to see the magnificent statue of Jesus Crist overlooking the green hills of Toraja
We flew to Tana Toraja airport (from Jakarta via Makassar), arriving at 10.30am.
Our guide for the first day, Pak Yacob, waited for us with a car and a driver.
Makale, Buntu Burake - this was our first stop, we went up the hill to see the magnificent statue of Jesus Crist overlooking the green hills of Toraja
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We continued north to see burial sites along the way to Rantepao. Each one is different and each one is worth to visit!
Suaya - the grave of the Kings of Sangalla. This grave is located on one side of a rocky hillside wall that is carved and shaped into pockets. Statues (tau-tau) of kings and royal families are dressed in regal.
Suaya - the grave of the Kings of Sangalla. This grave is located on one side of a rocky hillside wall that is carved and shaped into pockets. Statues (tau-tau) of kings and royal families are dressed in regal.
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Tampangailo - from Suaya we walked about 1km through the villages and between the huge bamboo trees to a large cave-graveyard surrounded by rice fields. We then walked bit further through another village to visit the baby grave in a tree
The car picked us up and we continued north.
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Lemo - is one of the oldest burial cliffs in Toraja, originated in 16th century, and probably the most famous one.
The spectacular Lemo cliff is considered symbolic of Toraja and you can see it featuring on many pictures of Toraja land. Lemo is also waiting to become an UNESCO heritage sites.
To reach the huge cliff with all the Tau tau statues, you take a small path through paddy fields. The surroundings are amazing and with young kids playing underneath the respected statues of ancestors.
To get to the cave burial sites, go further and take the stone stairs. After seeing the cliff and the burial site, take a walk through the incredibly green paddies, we were there through out the evening's golden hour and we do not have enough superlatives to praise this beautiful spot :)
You can also buy a souvenir here such as small Tau tau figure or a wooden plate with carvings - a "piece" of old Tongkonan, which was replaced by a new one.
The spectacular Lemo cliff is considered symbolic of Toraja and you can see it featuring on many pictures of Toraja land. Lemo is also waiting to become an UNESCO heritage sites.
To reach the huge cliff with all the Tau tau statues, you take a small path through paddy fields. The surroundings are amazing and with young kids playing underneath the respected statues of ancestors.
To get to the cave burial sites, go further and take the stone stairs. After seeing the cliff and the burial site, take a walk through the incredibly green paddies, we were there through out the evening's golden hour and we do not have enough superlatives to praise this beautiful spot :)
You can also buy a souvenir here such as small Tau tau figure or a wooden plate with carvings - a "piece" of old Tongkonan, which was replaced by a new one.
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Londa - another absolutely extraordinary experience. Hire a guide with a kerosene lantern as this makes your journey truly unique and head towards the adventure. You will find two natural caves that serve as burial sites, where not only coffins, but the bones and skulls of the deceased can be seen.
Many coffins are also placed in front of the caves, on the cliffs, hanging down and on the grounds.
Many coffins are also placed in front of the caves, on the cliffs, hanging down and on the grounds.
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We stayed the night in Rantepao, which is the capital of the north Toraja region.
We were woken up by crow of roosters and singing in the church. The singing happens between 5.30am to 6.30am and you can hear beautiful traditional Christian songs, with a Christmas feel :)
2. day
Kete Kesu - in the morning, we went to see the UNESCO heritage traditional village and burial site. This village is absolutely stunning. You can admire the beauty of the houses overlooking the rice fields from the main road. You definitely cannot miss this village on your trip to Toraja. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region, about 300 years old. Kete Kesu consists of two rows of traditional Tongkonans, which you can enter.
We were woken up by crow of roosters and singing in the church. The singing happens between 5.30am to 6.30am and you can hear beautiful traditional Christian songs, with a Christmas feel :)
2. day
Kete Kesu - in the morning, we went to see the UNESCO heritage traditional village and burial site. This village is absolutely stunning. You can admire the beauty of the houses overlooking the rice fields from the main road. You definitely cannot miss this village on your trip to Toraja. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region, about 300 years old. Kete Kesu consists of two rows of traditional Tongkonans, which you can enter.
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Funeral ceremony - our guide informed us ahead of time that the ceremony will take place while we are at Toraja and that we should really visit on the day of "welcoming visitors". We did so and had an incredible experience witnessing an important tradition. We were invited for tea, cookies and a chat with the guests (Bahasa Indonesia knowledge proved to be very useful :). The ceremony was very well organised and we were able to see many things happening such as processions and dances. The only unpleasant thing to witness was the animal sacrifices but we did not have to watch if we did not want to. We stayed for about 2hrs from 10.30 to 12.30 taking many pictures, posing for many other pictures, chatting with the guests and understanding the atmosphere.
Cycling - we were picked up at the funeral and we started cycling.
We had great experience (see above).
Bori - the village with tall stone menhirs reaching up to the sky between the trees and Tongkonans was our final place to visit. Very impressive and different to the other sites, more like a garden to walk through, there are more then 100 menhirs in this Stonehenge like place!
We had great experience (see above).
Bori - the village with tall stone menhirs reaching up to the sky between the trees and Tongkonans was our final place to visit. Very impressive and different to the other sites, more like a garden to walk through, there are more then 100 menhirs in this Stonehenge like place!
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After finishing the cycling trip the guys drove us up to Batutumonga area. You cannot stop being amazed by the the views along the steep and curvy road!
Lokomata - was the last burial site we planned to see. It is easy to see as it stands just by the main road.
It is an impressive boulder with decorative grave doors. You can also see the Tongkonan shaped carriers which are usually left at the burial sites after bringing the deceased to their resting place. This is another must-see place to visit.
Lokomata - was the last burial site we planned to see. It is easy to see as it stands just by the main road.
It is an impressive boulder with decorative grave doors. You can also see the Tongkonan shaped carriers which are usually left at the burial sites after bringing the deceased to their resting place. This is another must-see place to visit.
We enjoyed a good dinner and spent the night at Batutumonga, Mentirotiku Guest House.
3. day
After seeing the most beautiful sunrise you can imagine and having a tasty breakfast, we climbed up Mount Sesean. We started at 8am and came back before 12 just in time for lunch.
After a tasty lunch we were picked up by a car and went up to the mountains to take a walk through the villages.
The driver dropped us off in Limbong Langi and we walked all the way down to Barana, an area close to the weaving villages, about 6km, through villages and rice fields watching how the local people take care of their precious buffalos!
3. day
After seeing the most beautiful sunrise you can imagine and having a tasty breakfast, we climbed up Mount Sesean. We started at 8am and came back before 12 just in time for lunch.
After a tasty lunch we were picked up by a car and went up to the mountains to take a walk through the villages.
The driver dropped us off in Limbong Langi and we walked all the way down to Barana, an area close to the weaving villages, about 6km, through villages and rice fields watching how the local people take care of their precious buffalos!
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The driver picked us up in Barana and took us back to our hotel in Rantepao.
We stayed our last night here and headed for the airport early next morning.
4. day
We woke up at 5.30am and headed directly to Palopo airport as there were no flights from Tana Toraja airport that day. We were informed that there was a land slide a couple of months ago and that we need to take one car, cross the newly built bridge only for pedestrians and motorbike and then continue with another car.
Another adventure!
Everything went well and we safely arrived to Jakarta via Makassar at 3pm in the afternoon.
We stayed our last night here and headed for the airport early next morning.
4. day
We woke up at 5.30am and headed directly to Palopo airport as there were no flights from Tana Toraja airport that day. We were informed that there was a land slide a couple of months ago and that we need to take one car, cross the newly built bridge only for pedestrians and motorbike and then continue with another car.
Another adventure!
Everything went well and we safely arrived to Jakarta via Makassar at 3pm in the afternoon.
When to go:
The best time would be the dry season May - September. In June - August there is a high number of funerals happening so there is definitely a chance to attend one. But at this time the region is most visited (holidays) so there will be lots of tourists overall.
We visited Toraja at the beginning of November, experienced a few showers but it was still ok. Mt. Sesean would not be fun to climb in the rainy season (the trail will be muddy and slippery).
Airports:
Tana Toraja (TRT)
The best option. About 1,5 hr to Rantepao (Aug 2020), and then you can start your trip directly. Check your schedule very carefully since the airlines do not fly here here everyday.
Palopo (LLO) - about 2-3 hrs to Rantepao, plan enough time for changing the cars on the way.
Makassar (UPG) - about 7-9 hrs to Rantepao, chance to visit other interesting sites on the way.
Where to stay:
Toraja Heritage hotel in Rantepao
website: torajaheritagehotel.com/
email: [email protected]
Jl,Ke'te Kesu, Rantepao, Kabupaten Toraja Utara, Sulawesi Selatan
Mentirotiku Guest house in Batutumonga
tel. 0811-4052-587
Jl.Simpang Batutumonga Tikal, Lempo, Sesean Suloara, Kabupaten Toraja Utara, Sulawesi Selatan
Recommended guides:
Yacob Kakke - 081241652407 (WA)
Local English speaking guide with wide knowledge of his home region
We used his service on the first day. He and driver pick us at the Toraja airport at 10 am and guided us for whole day.
Price: Rp 900 000 per day including guide, driver, car and gasoline.
Andre Lantang - [email protected], phone: 0821 8958 7988, WA 08134 2613 826
Travel agent who is himself Torajan, who can organize the whole trip from A to Z. Our friends as a family with 3 kids took the trip organized by Andre, they were very happy and absolutely recommend him.
Price: Rp 7-9 mio per person for 5 days, all included (except flight ticket). Price depends on nr of days, activities and number of participants.
Recommended driver:
Pak Aman - 081355843448 (WA)
Reliable with very comfortable car and seats.
The best time would be the dry season May - September. In June - August there is a high number of funerals happening so there is definitely a chance to attend one. But at this time the region is most visited (holidays) so there will be lots of tourists overall.
We visited Toraja at the beginning of November, experienced a few showers but it was still ok. Mt. Sesean would not be fun to climb in the rainy season (the trail will be muddy and slippery).
Airports:
Tana Toraja (TRT)
The best option. About 1,5 hr to Rantepao (Aug 2020), and then you can start your trip directly. Check your schedule very carefully since the airlines do not fly here here everyday.
Palopo (LLO) - about 2-3 hrs to Rantepao, plan enough time for changing the cars on the way.
Makassar (UPG) - about 7-9 hrs to Rantepao, chance to visit other interesting sites on the way.
Where to stay:
Toraja Heritage hotel in Rantepao
website: torajaheritagehotel.com/
email: [email protected]
Jl,Ke'te Kesu, Rantepao, Kabupaten Toraja Utara, Sulawesi Selatan
Mentirotiku Guest house in Batutumonga
tel. 0811-4052-587
Jl.Simpang Batutumonga Tikal, Lempo, Sesean Suloara, Kabupaten Toraja Utara, Sulawesi Selatan
Recommended guides:
Yacob Kakke - 081241652407 (WA)
Local English speaking guide with wide knowledge of his home region
We used his service on the first day. He and driver pick us at the Toraja airport at 10 am and guided us for whole day.
Price: Rp 900 000 per day including guide, driver, car and gasoline.
Andre Lantang - [email protected], phone: 0821 8958 7988, WA 08134 2613 826
Travel agent who is himself Torajan, who can organize the whole trip from A to Z. Our friends as a family with 3 kids took the trip organized by Andre, they were very happy and absolutely recommend him.
Price: Rp 7-9 mio per person for 5 days, all included (except flight ticket). Price depends on nr of days, activities and number of participants.
Recommended driver:
Pak Aman - 081355843448 (WA)
Reliable with very comfortable car and seats.