Set high in the mountains of the Province of Southern Sulawesi lies the remote Regency of Tanah Toraja. Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Indonesia, the Land of Heavenly Kings provides a unique setting for an unforgettable experience in a relatively undiscovered part of the world. We provide an opportunity to gain an insight into the fascinating local culture whilst exploring the enchanting landscape filled with tumbling turquoise waterfalls, looming mountains, cacao plantations and bamboo forests across the Torajan countryside.
"Staying overnight at the home of a Torajan family (with a dedicated translator) offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Torajan culture."
Beginning in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi and the largest city on the island, pay a visit to Fort Rotterdam – a famous cultural centre constructed in the sixteenth century. Later, stop by Paotere Harbour to enjoy the atmosphere at this famous old port, home to the distinctive Pinisi Boats of Buginese – Makassarese Schooners. When dusk falls it’s an ideal time to take a stroll along the Losari Makassar Beach to one of Indonesia’s most opulent religious buildings, the Asmaul Husna 99 Dome Mosque before your overnight stay in the city.
After a short flight to Palopo or Tanah Toraja, you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable local guide before heading to Makale for a sightseeing tour of the city. The afternoon provides a mix of cultural highlights, from visiting one of the largest Jesus statues in the world in Buntu Burake to exploring Lemo and Suaya villages. The villages are surrounded by steep cliffs carved with graves, displaying the central role death plays in local cultural norms. There’s also an opportunity to marvel at the silhouettes of the Tongkonan that pierce the sky in Kete Kus village, one of the finest displays of traditional Toraja houses.
The following day you’ll visit the villages of Bori and Palawa, notable for their religiously significant stone circles, and a series of impressive Tongkonan houses. Afterwards, enjoy an invigorating trek to Batutumonga, a village located on the slopes of Mount Sesean that displays epic views overlooking emerald green rice fields.
Here you will meet the local Torajans, the indigenous people of this mountainous region. They are renowned for their elaborate funeral rituals and cliff burial sites, traditional boat-shaped houses and colourful wood carvings. Staying overnight at the home of a Torajan family (with a dedicated translator) offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Torajan culture.
Whilst trekking through the countryside to Limbung the following day, you might be lucky enough to come across a funeral ceremony taking place. This unique ritual is one of the most elaborate and expensive events in Toraja society and usually takes place over several days. Witness flute music, funeral chants, songs and poems as the Torajans express their grief.
After flying back to Makassar, be prepared to step back in time to a prehistoric era. The magnificent countryside of Rammang-Rammang contains vast numbers of striking karst limestone mountains and treasured archaeological findings in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Glide along the Puteh River in a canoe, marvelling at the karst landscapes before reaching Passaung Cave. Learn about the remarkable prehistoric drawings that adorn the walls here dating back to around 4,000 – 8,000 BC.
Finally, no excursion to this region would be complete without visiting the magnificent Bantimurung National Park, referred to locally as the ‘Butterfly Kingdom’ given the abundance of endemic butterflies.
The visual allure is only the beginning of what you’ll find and experience during your journey through one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets. Staying with a Torajan family and becoming immersed in the landscape’s natural splendour offers a truly enriching life experience.
