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One of the most fascinating cultural destinations in Indonesia is Tana Toraja, literally “Land of the Toraja”, in South Sulawesi. The word Toraja was derived from the Buginese phrase to riaja, which means “people of the highlands”. Nearly half of the 1.1 million Torajans live in the mountain towns of Tana Toraja, 300 km north of Makassar, the biggest city and gateway to Sulawesi island. Despite the distance, travelers are still drawn here, owing to the uniqueness of Torajan culture and heritage. With death and the afterlife being important aspects of their culture, they are best known for their extravagant funeral rites and burial practices. Their horn-shaped traditional houses called tongkonan are also wondrous sights to behold. While flights now link Makassar to Toraja, our media tour, organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, opted for the overland route, chartering a bus that shuttled us to the mountain town of Rantepao in less than nine hours. It was long journey but was enjoyable as we had some interesting stops along the way. From Makassar, we first dropped by Rammang-Rammang Karst, 40 km away from the city, to see the marvelous landscape, before bussing onwards. Several hours later, we also had food stops at Pare-Pare, overlooking Makassar Strait, and Bamba Puang, overlooking the vagina-shaped slopes of Gunung Nona or Erotic Mountain. Yes, you heard it, vagina.
Overlooking Gunung Nona or "Erotic Mountain"Snack stop at Bamba Puang, overlooking the vagina-shaped slope of Erotic Mountain.
After a good night’s rest in Rantepao, we visited all the best sights of Toraja in a single day, as we had the luxury of chartered bus. In order to save time, one can easily rent a car or motorcycle to visit all the tourist attractions below in one full day. It’s possible to drive on your own, but, in the interest of safety and efficiency, I would suggest hiring an English-speaking driver, who would know the way better and also serve as your private tour guide. Here are seven places in Tana Toraja you shouldn’t miss!
Rantepao Morning MarketBuy freshly ground Torajan coffee at the morning market.
Lada KatokkonDon’t underestimate the heat of lada katokkon, one of the fieriest chili peppers.

RANTEPAO MORNING MARKET

Morning markets are always a great way to kickstart a tour and familiarize yourself with the local culture, like our experience in Luang Prabang. By 7 am, Pasar Pagi Rantepao (Rantepao Morning Market) was bustling with activity, packed with vendors hawking baskets of fruits, vegetables, and fish. While the market exuded an atmosphere akin to most markets found throughout Southeast Asia, there were unique finds like tamarillo, a red-orange fruit locally known as tamarella or terong belanda (“Dutch eggplant), which is often juiced in hotels and restaurants. There were also extremely hot chili peppers called lada katokkon, which we tried as sambal sauce later in day over lunch. Of course, Toraja is one of the places in Indonesia known for its coffee. Its bittersweet smell lured our group to heaps of roasted robusta beans, which were being sold whole and, upon request, ground on the spot. At IDR 20,000 (PHP 76) per liter-sized can, good coffee comes cheap here! (Another great place to buy authentic premium Torajan coffee is Kaa Coffee Roastery, which sources robusta and arabica beans from different farms at IDR 40,000 to 55,000 per 100 grams.)
Palawa' VillagePalawa’ is one of the few remaining villages with excellently preserved tongkonan houses.
Detail of Tongkonan at Palawa' VillagePalawa’s tongkonans are built from ironwood embellished in bas relief and carvings.

PALAWA’ VILLAGE

It’s hard to miss the distinctive architecture of Torajan nobility called tongkonan with its high-pitched saddleback roofs – a remnant of the people’s maritime roots. They can be found throughout Tana Toraja, and often inspire modern structures like government buildings, buildings and monuments. Our second stop for the morning was the traditional village of  Palawa’, which stands out from other settlements for its 11 excellently preserved houses and granaries called alang neatly standing side by side. This is one of the most photographed destinations in Toraja, often featured in postcards and magazines. Most tongkonans are built with iron roofing but those at Palawa’ still have their original bamboo roofing, albeit covered by clumps of weeds. Looking closer at the houses, one can admire the details of the abstract bas relief carvings painted in red, yellow and black. Behind the granaries are souvenir shops where you can find, besides the usual trinkets, traditional textiles being woven, and antique pieces dismantled from old houses. I was able to buy four pieces of bas relief carvings, included a pa’tedong or water buffalo motif, for only a few hundred thousand rupiah.
Bolu Water Buffalo MarketTedong (water buffalo) are symbols of wealth in Torajan culture. 
700-Million Rupiah Water Buffalo at Bolu MarketThis 800-kg albino buffalo costs 700 million rupiah – that’s more than USD 52,000!

BOLU WATER BUFFALO MARKET

Water buffaloes play a significant role in the society, not only as a beast of burden but also as symbol and measure of wealth. As our guide puts it, “Tying a water buffalo in front of your house is like showing off your luxury car.” They are also ritually sacrificed during opulent funeral ceremonies. The death of a prominent noblemen would require the sacrifice of a hundred buffaloes.  These animals even have their own market where they are showcased and traded called Bolu Water Buffalo Market. Hundreds of buffaloes are sold here everyday, reaching its peak during funeral season. Their prices are dictated by the animal’s size, color and pattern. A small black water buffalo would cost about five million rupiah. Among the prized buffalos is the tedong bonga or spotted buffalo which can fetch tens of millions, while albino ones with unique pattens can reach hundreds of millions. During our visit, the most expensive buffalo for sale was an 800-kilogram albino thirteen-year-old costing 700 million rupiah – that’s USD 52,700 !
Kalimbuang BoriTorajans still practice megalithic customs to this day. Photo by Asmo Riyanto

BORI’ KALIMBUANG MENHIR FIELD

Menhirs are large upright stones, often erected by various cultures around the world. In Bori Kalimbuang, there are over a hundred menhirs or megaliths of different sizes, each ceremonially put in place when a community leader passes away. This is a custom still practiced today, making Tana Toraja the only living megalithic culture in the world.  This would have been another fascinating stop in the itinerary, but unfortunately for our group a landslide caused by frequent rains has made the access road to the village virtually impassable for large vehicles.
Pa'piong at Sallebayu RestaurantSallebayu Restaurant serves Torajan dishes like pa’piong.
View of Rice Fields at Sallebayu RestaurantPeaceful views of the rice fields from Sallebayu Restaurant.

SALLEBAYU RESTAURANT

Torajan culture has its unique culinary offerings which you shouldn’t miss out on your visit. For lunch, we went to Sallebayu Restaurant, a quaint open-air joint that specializes in Torajan cuisine. The rustic restaurant had a wonderful ambiance as the dining area overlooked rice terraces. We feasted on grilled carp, paku (fern) salad, red rice and pa’piong, native chicken and banana stem cooked in bamboo. The dishes were accompanied with one of the hottest sambals made from local peppers called lada katokkon and washed down with tamarella juice. Everything was delicious. Or as they say in Bahasa Indonesia, enak!
Tampang Allo Burial CaveTampang Allo is a 500-year-old burial site for local rulers.
Baby GravesDeceased infants are interred in “baby graves” inside living trees.

TAMPANG ALLO BURIAL CAVE

In the afternoon, we first visited Tampang Allo, a natural cave used as a burial site for local rulers since the 16th century, located in Kaero village. Inside the cave, skulls and bones are piled along the walls and on boulders, having fallen from the decaying wooden coffins carved in animal-like shapes. Guarding from the rock shelves are three-foot tall tau-tau, wooden effigies representing the deceased. The cave sure looks eerie, but surprisingly I wasn’t scared. A few in our group found the site unsettling, while it was a serene experience for me. A short walk away from the cave into the forest are the “baby graves”, where infants are interred inside living trees. This is a traditional practice disappearing in Tana Toraja, as most now practice Christian burials.
Burial Site at Lemo VillageThis centuries-old burial site in Lemo village features tau-tau, wooden effigies of the deceased.
Lemo VillageView of Lemo village from the burial site.

LEMO VILLAGE

Aside from Palawa’, one of the most iconic tourist spots of Tana Toraja is Lemo village, our last destination for the day. Here, the dead are interred in rock walls and giant boulders. This burial site was established in the 16th century. The most prominent area is a 20-meter tall cliff overlooking rice fields, containing 75 niches and shelves of tau-tau standing in rows, carved out by hand. Behind this rock wall are more niches and walking below are the workshops of tau-tau carvers, who sell also them in different sizes as souvenirs. Before it got dark, we had to return to the bus and return to our hotel.

Toraja Heritage HotelToraja Heritage Hotel has tongkonan-inspired rooms set in a lush landscape.

HOW TO GET THERE

Rantepao – the main gateway to Tana Toraja – is eight to ten hours away by bus (IDR 70,000 to 150,000) from Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, which is linked by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali) and other major Indonesian cities. Transnusa and Susi Air also serves one-hour flights to Pongtiku Airport in Tana Toraja from Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport.

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Here, Tana Toraja, I can recognize cultures and customs that do not exist elsewhere even in any world.
tana-toraja
How to travel to Toraja?
Departing from Jakarta by plane, I landed in Makassar. I am a promo ticket hunter, so I have prepared for this trip with a pretty neat planning .
From Makassar to Toraja takes about 8 hours. Based on the information I get, I need to depart from Makassar to Toraja at 9:00 pm local time. Because night we can sleep on the bus. The next morning, upon arrival I was ready to continue my journey and touring Tana Toraja. Energy has been replenished.
For bus tickets to Toraja it costs Rp 150.000, - to Rp 180.000, - per person.
To maximize the adventure in Toraja, I chose to rent a motor vehicle. Places of tourist sites located in the north and across the south, making me have to take the alternative with the nimble moves and motor is the answer. The vehicle I rented is the one I rent from the inn. Because we will be able to price double discount.

Where will you stay?

Tana Toraja provides many places to stay because of its location as a tourist attraction. There are some cheap lodging recommendations I can that is Wisma Maria I in Rantepao city and Mama Rina Homestay in Batutumonga. From both of them I was not too comfortable , and finally my choice fell to the house Monica at a rate of Rp 250,000, - thousand per night.Although a little expensive per night in appeal with an offer of lodging at Rp 90.000, - but this inn is much more comfortable. 

Where are you going?

ne'-coupled
Ne 'Gandeng - Photos taken from Compass
Visiting Museum Na 'Gandeng' we can see the typical Toraja custom burial process. Originally Ne 'Gandeng was used for the funeral procession of Ne' Gandeng character who was instrumental in Tana Toraja. However, today, all Tana Toraja residents may use it.
kete-kesu
Pallawa - Photos taken from your wisatamu
To just look around what kind of custom house Toraja, there is no harm in my visit to Pallawa. Toraja traditional house called Tongkonan with a curved roof like a boat and made of bamboo are arranged strong. If in every corner of the classroom there are photos of the president and his deputy and the eagle, here is the arrangement of buffalo horns on the front.
batutumonga
Batutumonga - Photo from Andina Laksmi
The vast expanse of paddy fields and large boulders lying in every place, is a stone cemetery for Toraja residents in Batutumonga. One family has one stone. This tour is quite scary because it is identical with corpses and graves. But the panorama from the top of the slope of Mount Sesean is so spoil the eye. The rice fields are neatly arranged in a ring. Like the beautiful rice fields in Bali are often exposed to television.
bori
Bori - Photo by Setiawan Danu
In addition to the graves located in large rocks, Toraja also has a grave lawn field, Bori. To enter, I was charged an entrance fee of Rp 10.000, -. I like to be invited to ancient times with the menhir (standing stone) that I used to hear in history lessons,
ketes-desu
Kete Desu - Photo from Febby
Kete desu, this grave is thousands of years old. That's what I heard from locals here. Stone graves that resemble a canoe. Just shudder when I see the remains of human skulls and bones scattered beside the coffin.

What are you eating?

No need to worry to hunt for food in Tana Toraja which is identical with pork-based food. There is also a substitute for pork for Muslims, ie with chicken or fish. The first food I hunt is pa'piong burak.
If in the land of Java, pa'piong burak similar to Pepes. It's just the difference lies in the way of cooking. Toraja typical food is burned on bamboo stems covered with banana leaves. The combination of spices complete with chicken meat, makes the tongue did not want to stop chewing.
A few days on vacation there, I do not want to miss to taste other cuisines. There is also pamarrasan. Actually this food is also made from pork, but utuk Muslim can be replaced with fish. From the look, pamarrasan is similar to rawon just a little sauce. For fresh food, I can enjoy pantollo 'uwai sour food, Toraja soup. It's just that his unique name makes me want to taste it.
Almost at the food stall there is sambel. This sambel is made from typical Toraja sauce, Tu'tuk Lada Katokkan. Ah, spicy kick really up to my stomach.
Long before my arrival here, friends ask for souvenirs of Toraja coffee. He said it tasted different from other places, namely the taste of the land and the forest and after I tried, it is true. However, the scent is so piercing the nose when a glass of coffee presented in front of me.
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The popularity of the name of Bali in the world of international tourism is already no doubt. So famous, the name of Indonesia itself is still less internationally known than Bali
Try it if you are traveling overseas and introduce your home country, foreign tourists know Bali better than Indonesia. Then, when you ask which destinations in Indonesia you want to visit, most will answer "Bali".

Yep, Bali is already attached and become an icon of Indonesian tourism. Let Indonesia tourism is not focused on Bali doang, then Kemenpar began to prioritize other tourist destinations that are not less cool than Bali in the program 10 Bali New.
Flores and Wakatobi into two of Kemenpar's 10 priority destinations. Well, in line with Kemenpar, Bali & Beyond Travel Fair also participate in promoting Flores and Wakatobi. Not only Flores and Wakatobi, there are also Tana Toraja and Tanjung Puting who participated promoted. What is interesting is Wakatobi, Flores, Tana Toraja, and Tanjung Puting?

The beauty of diving spots are House Reef, Cornucopia, Coral Garden, and Rome in the waters of Wakatobi make the divers fall in love

Wakatobi
You can diving while roaming underwater world Wakatobi kayak this animation. Photo by Hendra-Tan
To see other interesting Wakatobi destinations you can visit here.

Not only the beauty of the underwater world is charming, Wakatobi have a tradition of Karia who still remain awake in the midst of Liya Raya community in the tourist village of Liya Togo

Wakatobi
The Karia tradition is organized as a sign of the shift of childhood to baligh

The graceful movements of the dancers and the profound meaning of the Lariangi dance became a tourist attraction that began ogled


Lariangi dance movement accompanied by poems that tells the ships that enter the island of Kaladupa. Photo by THAIB-CHAIDAR

In addition to Wakatobi, Flores comes with underwater beauty that is not less cool. In fact, the coral reefs in the waters of Komodo and Labuan Bajo were named the best underwater diving spot along with Raja Ampat!

diving in dragons
Underwater Komodo waters are clear and colorful. Photos are from www.florestourism.com

No less fascinating is Kelimutu Lake in Flores. This volcanic lake is known to change color. Very beautiful ..


Lake Kelimutu with its unique colors. Photos are from www.florestourism.com

Wae Rebo's custom house may be no stranger to you, but already knowing you with Caci war dance? The traditional dance belongs to the Manggarai, Flores community is played by two male dancers who whip each other and protect themselves with a shield

wae rebo
War Dance in the Wae Rebo custom village area Photos come from www.florestourism.com

Indonesia also still has Tanjung Putting National Park, a place where orangutans are protected from extinction. This tourist destination so attracted the attention of foreign tourists who want to see the orangutan life up close


An adorable baby orangutan

No less interesting, Central Kalimantan began to revive the Festival Babukung. This festival is followed by many dancers who wear various kinds of masks with different supporting characters (ghosts)


Bukung represents the ghost characters that Dayak people believe.

Cool again, it turns out Central Kalimantan not just have Tanjung Puting. You can enjoy the beautiful white sand and calming views of Tanjung Keluang beach


You can find funny tugs ready to be released into the ocean.

Lastly, Bali & Beyond Travel Fair offer to the world of beautiful Tana Toraja tourist destinations that are identical with their traditional Tongkonan house


If to Tana Toraja, must really photo in front of traditional house Tongkonan this!

Oiya, play games to Tana Toraja not just beautiful photos in front of traditional house Tongkonan, you can stop by enjoy the green view Toraja from Mentirotiku


Terraced rice fields in Mentirotiku
To see other interesting Tana Toraja destinations you can visit here.

No less interesting, Tana Toraja known as "his death tour" save the cave grave is so unique, its name Natural Cave Look Allo


When entering this cave, you will see many skulls in it. Yes, because this Natural Cave Look is a cemetery, you will ngerasain mystical atmosphere that makes goosebumps
***
So, agree not if Indonesia is not just about Bali? Well, now it's time for us as young people of Indonesia to promote other Indonesian tourism. Not only Bali, you can introduce 12 destinations above to your friends wherever they are. How? Share this article! Let many people know more and love Indonesia.


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My excitement suddenly vanished. Indonesia has 17.000 islands and most foreigners only know Bali. Bali is beautiful and very easy to get to from almost anywhere. 
Today I am going to write about Tana Toraja, one of the famous tourism object in Indonesia.

Drink

If you are used to drinking beer or wine back home, forget about it while you are in Tana Toraja. Some restaurants have Indonesian Beer, Bintang, but why don’t you try the local drink Ballo’? It is made from palm wine and please don’t ask me how to make it. If you are brave enough, mix it up with Durian!
For those who come with kids, Tamarella juice would be great. If you want to make your own tamarella juice, go to the morning market and ask for ‘katarrung’. Once you get the kattarrung, peel it up and blend it with some sugar and water. Don’t have a juicer or blender? Just crush it in a cup with a spoon and then add some water and sugar. Easy peasy.
Batutumonga toraja sulawesi

Attractions

Tana Toraja is famous for its funeral ceremonies and burial caves. But actually it’s more that that. There are so many things to do during your Tana Toraja trip:

Batutumonga

Batutumonga is a highland village in Toraja. Some people say it is one of the most beautiful villages in Indonesia. The sunrise from Batutumonga is beautiful, but you need to get up very early in the morning and do some hiking to get the best spot to see sunrise. Want to have an experience staying in a Tongkonan (traditional house of Torajan)? Stay in Mama Ria Guesthouse.
You can go to Bolu Terminal to find a public transport to Batutumonga. It costs Rp 20.000 – 25.000. The road is uphill with breathtaking views along the way.

Hike to the top of Sesean

Once you get Batutumonga, don’t miss the beautiful views and stunning sunrise from the top of Mount Sesean. It’s a bit tricky to find the way up because there is no sign. Just ask the local people and they will be more than happy to show you the way (i you pass through a house with a loud barking dogs, you are on the right way). If you want to camp on mount Sesean, you can rent equipment from some of the tour operators in rantepao.

Bolu Market

This is the place of animal trading, mostly buffalo and pig. Buffalo have a special place in the rituals of Tana Toraja. That’s the reason why buffalos, especially albino buffalos can be so expensive. The cost of one buffalo can equal the price of a brand new car!
To get Bolu Market from Rantepao, you can take the blue public transport called pete-pete from Jalan Ratulangi (it passes by Wisma Maria I and Luta Resort) or from the Tongkonan Roundabout. It costs only 3000 rupiah each way.

Rafting in Sa’dan River

There are plenty of tour organizers in Rantepao that can organise rafting. They will take you down the hill through the muddy road to reach the river.

Traditional Village Pallawa

Just take one of the Pete-pete (public transport) from Rantepao past Ke’te. Stop at the sign ‘Pallawa’ and you can see the line of Tongkonans (Traditional house). Hike to the top of the hill and you will find another burial cave and a beautiful view. Some of the dogs will probably bark at you crazily. Keep calm and keep going.

Megaliths in Bori Parinding

Hundreds of megaliths stand on the ground as part of the ritual in Bori Parinding. Each stone represents the past social status of the dead person. Bori Parinding can easily be reached by public transport to Batutumonga from Bolu Market.
Ke'te Kesu tana toraja trip

Transportation

There are two kinds of local public transport in Tana Toraja: Pete-pete (blue or yellow van) or Kijang (it can be real Toyota Kijang or a car with a yellow plate number). Pete-pete has a fixed route and price while Kijang doesn’t. Most of the top attractions in Tana Toraja can be reached by public transport, but it will take ages, because they only leave when the vehicle is full. Though public transport is supposed to have yellow number plates, some private cars take passengers as well.
Hitchiking would be fun in Tana Toraja, but make sure you get on a private car instead of a nice Kijang with black number-plates with a driver who would ask you to pay.
A motorbike is the best way to explore Tana Toraja. The roads can be muddy in the wet season. All of the hotels and guesthouses can arrange motorbike or car rentals complete with the driver as a tour guide.
For short rides there are Bentors, the three wheeled taxis that can accomodate 2-3 person. There is no fixed price, but don’t pay more than 10.000 IDR.
Ojek is a motorbike taxi. You can hire a motorbike for a short ride or even for a day tour.
Art shop tana toraja trip
Note:
– Altough Tana Toraja is in the tropics, it is in highlands so temperature can be very cold. Make sure you bring enough warm clothes during your Tana Toraja trip.
– If you are foreigner, local people (mostly children) will probably ask you to take pictures with them wherever you go. Please don’t be annoyed, because they are just curious.

Arranged Your Accommodation in Tana Toraja? Here are the Best Hotels in the Highlands:

Luxury Hotel – The Misliana Hotel
Mid Range Hotel –  Sahid Toraja Hotel
Budget Homestay – John House Family
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