Tana Toraja (Toraja Land), which lies in the north of the province is known for its unique culture and ancient traditions. The center of tourism is Rantepao, 328 km from Ujung Pandang or Makassar by road. There are several small bungalow hotels at Rantepao, and Makale, the district capital. The entry to Tana Toraja is marked by a gate built in traditional boat-shaped architecture.
The entry to Tana Toraja is marked by a gate built in traditional boat-shaped architecture. The road passes through the mountains of Kandora and Gandang on which, according to Toraja mythology, the first ancestors of celestial beings descended from heaven. The majority of the people still follows an ancestral cult called "Aluk Todolo" which governs all traditional ceremonies. From Rantepao, side trips can be made to Kete, a traditional village where there are handicraft and unique shops. Behind the village there is a grave site on a hillside. Life-size statues guard over old coffins. As roads are not always paved, it is necessary to use a jeep or walk if the weather is good (between May and October).
Two cliff graves easy to reach are Lemo and Londa. Londa is one of the oldest hanging graves belonging to the nobility. A large balcony is filled with effigies of the dead. Kerosene lamps with young village guides, can be hired to enter the caves to see skeletons and old coffins. At Lemo, burial chambers are cut out of the rock and several balconies filled with effigies look out while new caves are being dug to serve as family graves.
There are several grave sites and traditional villages of which Palawa is a classic example of a village on a small hill with "Tongkonan" or a burial place with celebrations and festivals. Visitors are welcome but they are expected to adhere to local customs of dress, seating and bringing a token present.
We can arrange various packages of tour to Tana Toraja either from Bali Island, Yogjakarta, Jakarta, Lombok Island or other destinations including domestic flight ticket bookings.
Below are the prepared packages for 3 days and 2 nights program, as below :
Day 01 ARRIVAL IN MAKASSAR / DEPART TO TANA TORAJA (L,D)
Upon arrival at Hasanuddin Airport Makassar, you will be picked up by our tour guide. Then we will directly depart to Tana Toraja with approx. 8 hours drive passing through the Buginese villages with their typical houses on poles. On the way, we will visit the fishermen village in Barru district with its beautiful beach panorama. If we are lucky, we also could see the traditional Buginese “ Pa’bagan “ fisher boats. Lunch will be served at a seafood restaurant in Pare-Pare. In the afternoon, stop also will be made on Puncak Lakawan for having coffee break while enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Kabobong. Late in afternoon, arrive in Rantepao, Tana Toraja. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 02 FULL DAY TANA TORAJA TOUR (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we will take you on a full day Tana Toraja Tour. In the morning, we will visit Kete’ Kesu, a local Torajan village where we can find the original of traditional Tongkonan houses and their rice barns. Here we can also see the giant tomb of the Kete’ Kesu royal family. Then we will visit Lemo where we can see hanging graves with their rows of Tau-Tau sculptures. Continue our trip to Londa, a natural grave in a cave with its entombed deceased. Lunch will be served at a local Restaurant in Rantepao. After lunch, we will visit Bori’ to see ancient megalith stones which already exist since thousands years. After that, we will take you to Tinombayo highland to enjoy the superb view of the rice terraces and Torajan local villages from the hill-top. Then we will visit Batutumonga where we can view the town of Rantepao. At last, we will visit Lokomata where we will find graves on a giant megalith stone. In the afternoon, we will back to the Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03 TANA TORAJA—MAKASSAR / TRANSFER AIRPORT (B,L)
After breakfast, check out hotel. Then we drive back to Makassar via the same road of 1st day. Lunch will be served at a seafood Restaurant Pare-Pare. In the afternoon, arrive in Makassar. Onwards, transfer directly to Hasanuddin Airport Makassar to catch your flight for your next destination.
Tana Toraja Accommodation Option:
Option 1:
- Hotel Toraja Heritage (****) on Standard Room
Option 2:
- Hotel Misiliana Toraja (***) on Deluxe Room
or
- Luta Hotel (***) on Deluxe Room
Option 3:
- Hotel Torsina Toraja (**)
or
- Hotel Indra Toraja (**)
The price are including of :
- Includes Private AC Car Based on Minibus L-300 ( Tour With 2 Pax Passenger Also Can Use Other Luxury Car – We Provide Toyota Innova )
- Tour as Per Program
- English or Other Required Speaking Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Full Board Meals
- Refreshment
- Mineral Water During Tour
- Parking / Toll Fees
- Tax & Service and Accommodation as Per The Above Hotels Mentioned.
