Unveil traditional values and customs unlike anywhere else and enjoy the idyllic natural surroundings in this South Sulawesi destination.
Tana Toraja is one of the well-known regencies in the province of South Sulawesi thanks to its tangible traditional values that make a fascinating cultural attraction for travellers from all around Indonesia and the world.
Londa
The most famous – and also most beguiling – part of Tana Toraja is Londa cave, where visitors can be awed by the Torajan ancient cemetery, which takes the form of balcony-like holes carved into the cave. On these “balconies” you can see wooden dolls that represent the corpses that have been buried in the cave.
Yes, it might sound a little macabre compared to your usual excursions, but trust us, you won’t want to miss this. Find out if there is a funeral coming up that you can observe. The Torajan funeral procession matches the enchanting grotesque allure of the cemetery, and it will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
Sa’dan Weaving Village
If you’re looking to complete your collection of Indonesia’s rich variety of traditional weaving, then you need to pay a visit to Sa’dan village. Known as the weaving centre of Toraja, Sa’dan also showcases the intricate details of Tongkonan, a Torajan traditional house. All the colourful and patterned fabrics found in Sa’dan are handwoven, so if you want to buy a customised fabric, you might have to wait two months before receiving it.
Batutumonga
This destination is picturesquely nestled on the slopes of Mount Sesean, the highest mountain in Toraja. Batutumonga makes a great place to take a breather and inhale the fresh mountain air. Lose track of time while you’re enjoying the views of Rantepao city sprawling not far ahead, as well as the terraced rice paddies; it’s great for a photo-op.
Buntu Burake
You don’t have to go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to see a massive Jesus Christ statue, just head to Buntu Burake hill and see the Yesus Kristus Memberkati statue on the peak. Standing on a 1,100m peak, the statue was built in 2014 and finished a year later. The destination also serves as an elevated vantage point to be mesmerised by the views of Makale – the capital city of Tana Toraja.
Bori Kalimbuang
Torajan culture is very closely associated with ancient values and macabre customs that celebrate death as well as life, evident from the aforementioned funeral in Londa. Another gothic destination you should visit is Bori Kalimbuang, where there are over 100 menhir stones that mark a funeral procession. Around the menhirs are boat-shaped bamboo constructions and massive stone structures that act as a mausoleum.
