Toraja culture © Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Indonesia

TORAJA CULTURE - Land of an old ancient

The regency of the Toraja land, called Tana Toraja, is located in the Northern areas of the province of South Sulawesi. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia besides Bali. Tana Toraja can be reached from Ujungpandang ( about 300 kilometers ) or from Enrekang (74 kilometers ). Most tourists like to stay in Rantepao, the largest town and the main travellers� centre of Tana Toraja. Toraja land is known for its ancient culture and traditions. According to the myths of the Torajas, their ancestors descended from heaven to the top of the mountains, then spread through the valleys. The most spectacular aspect of Toraja′s culture is the burial ceremony. According to their belief, death is an important event that must not be forgotten. Therefore, burial ceremonies cost a lot of money, and a whole family′s inheritances could well be spent to hold a single one. Hundreds of pigs and buffaloes are sacrificed during the ceremony, which takes place in the mountains. The coffins are then buried in holes, similar to caves.

Toraja village © Vera Bogaerts
Serving the Funeral Guest © Rhona Mowat
Toraja culture © Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Indonesia
Toraja culture © Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Indonesia
Toraja culture © Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Indonesia

Sights to see in Toraja land

The city of Rantepao is the best base for exploring surrounding Tana Toraja. An the city itself offers a traditional market with a very interesting livestock department. Ask the hotel reception about the exact date of the market.
Tradional houses with their unique buffallo horn architecture can best be viewed at the village of Ke'te Kesu, located about 5km from Rantepao, of at Palawa, which is developed for tourism but however might be more original.
The Toraja funeral ceremony is famous far beyond the boundaries of Tana Toraja. The funeral ritual is the most elaborate and expensive event in a Toraja's live. It might be attended by thousands of visitors and last for several days. A important component of the ritual is the slaughter of water buffalo and pigs. Not just few, but dozends of animals will be slaugtered. The more powerful the person was who died, the more buffalo get slaughtered at the death feast. Buffalo carcasses, including their heads, are usually lined up on a field. Such bloody doings require a strong stomach of tourists-visitors. Prime funeral season is after the harvest in July to October. Visitors attending a Toraja funeral should wear dark coloured clothing.
10km South of Rantepao travelers find Lemo, the most popular rock-grave site in Tana Toraja. The best time for visiting is early morning so the sunlight is coming form the right direction for good photographs.

Getting there & Around

Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar is the gate to Tana Toraja. Direclty at Hasanuddin Airport tickets of a small regional flight operator called SMAC can be bought that will bring you directly into the land of Toraja. The flight costs around Rp. 220,000 and takes 1 hour. At the time we post this information the flight is operated each Thuesday and Friday.

As an alternative travelers can take a bemo or taxi to Makassar bus terminal. From there a relatively compfortable air-conditioned bus to Tana Toraja costs only Rp. 80,000, but however needs 8 to 10 hours for the 300km ride. There is usually a morning or an overnight bus.

Tour operators & Links

A overview map of the city of Rantepao, some videos and photos, as well as additional information about the Toraja culture can be found at this Toraja website.
Toraja Tour offers several packages into the region as well as additional information.
And Adventure Indonesia might also be a good try.
Joenjo Tours offers longer trekking tours throug Tana Toraja.