Tana Toraja indonesia

Introducing Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja is quite simply unique. A cultural island, hemmed in by mountains on all sides, the Toraja prove there is life after death with their elaborate ceremonies. Take the beauty of Bali, the houses of the Bataks in Sumatra and the megalithic cultures of Sumba and you’re still not even close. Cave graves, hanging graves, tau tau (life-sized wooden effigies) of the dead and buffalo carnage every summer; it’s macabre but mesmerising. This is a world unto itself.

Tana Toraja is undoubtedly the most popular destination in Sulawesi. It’s a vast, pretty and mostly unspoilt area of trad­itional villages, unique architecture and fascinating cultures. The funeral season is usually during July and August, when Toraja working throughout Indonesia return home for celebrations, tourists come in numbers and Rantepao hotel prices peak. However, in recent years, visitor numbers have been pretty low, so it doesn’t hurt to time a visit with the funeral season to see the elaborate ceremonies in full swing.

place in tana toraja :
Rantepao

Introducing Rantepao

Rantepao is the most popular base for exploring the stunning countryside around Tana Toraja. It is in striking distance of most of the major sites and has a good range of accommodation and restaurants. It is the largest town and commercial centre of Tana Toraja and a far better option than the provincial capital of Makale. Rantepao has cool evenings and rain throughout the year – even in the dry season.

Transportation :

Land
Bus & bemo

Most long-distance buses leave from bus company offices along, or just off, Jl Andi Mappanyukki. The most comfortable buses (with slightly higher prices to match) are Litha, Batutumonga and Alam Indah. Try to book the ticket a day or so in advance.

There are plenty of buses heading north to Pendolo (70, 000Rp, eight hours), Tentena (90, 000Rp, 12 hours), Poso (110, 000Rp, 13 hours) and Palu (135, 000Rp, 20 hours). Even more buses head south to Pare Pare (25, 000Rp, five hours). To Terminal Panai­kang in Makassar (45, 000 to 75, 000Rp, eight hours), buses often run at night, and prices vary according to speed and the level of comfort and space. Various companies also have services to Mamuju via Polewali, from where there are connections to Mam­asa. The only direct bus between Tana Toraja and Mamasa leaves from Makale.

From Terminal Bolu, 2km north of Rantepao, there are regular vehicles to Palopo. From outside Rachmat Restoran, Kijangs leave every minute to Makale (4000Rp, 20 minutes). See Around Tana Toraja for more details about transport between Rantepao and other places in Tana Toraja. Plenty of bemos travel between Rantepao and Terminal Bolu.
Air

Flying – especially into Tana Toraja – provides a dramatic look at the landscape and architecture of traditional villages. The only carrier, DAS, flies from Makassar at 10.30am on Tuesday and Friday for 250, 000Rp, returning around 11.40am. However, most locals consider this an unreliable service. Tickets can be booked through Toraja Permai (21785; Jl Andi Mappanyukki 10) or at hotels around town.