Treasure in Tana Toraja Indonesia

Bizarrely shaped Sulawesi has four arms of land sticking out into the sea, creating magnificent stretches of coastline and tranquil bays.

The most interesting area, Tana Toraja, is a mystical region of rolling hills, rice paddies and country roads that lead past ornate homes and pretty villages.

The Toraja people have an extraordinary culture centered on the belief of tribal gods. Ceremonies and feasts are held throughout the year, the most important being for a funeral. The Toraja believe that without an elaborate funeral, the sprit of the deceased will remain on earth to haunt the living. Funerals can therefore last days, and include a ritual slaughter of buffalo, followed by a grand feast. Tourists are usually invited to watch the goings-on! You may also witness buffalo fighting and a game called sisemba (similar to Thai boxing).

Nearby Mamasa Valley is a great place for trekking and village walks.

By plane
The only airport in Tana Toraja is in Rantepao, which was closed for several years for upgrading. The airport reopened in late 2005 and Dirgantara Air Service (DAS) now operates flights three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing from Makassar at 10 AM (30 min, Rp. 250,000 one way). Note that the tiny airport can only handle turboprops and has no navigation gear, so flights are often delayed or cancelled in bad weather.

By bus
Tana Toraja is a solid 300-km, 8-10 hour drive from Makassar. The cost is 80,000 Rupiah on an air-conditioned bus from Makassar to Rantepao. There is usually a morning or an overnight bus. Frequent mikrolets/bemos leave from Makassar to the bus terminal and take about 40 minutes.

By taxi or charted vehicle
A chartered car usually costs about 700,000 Rupiah one-way from Makassar. It is possible to find one for a few hundred thousand less if you can coordinate with someone who is driving in that direction. If you plan on staying for a few days and would like the return trip as well, a driver with car should cost about 400,000 Rupiah per day.