TORAJA HERITAGE

TORAJA HERITAGE
It is out of the question that Tana Toraja is one of the beautiful areas in Indonesia. From afar, the serrated ridges of the hills laying parallel in the north till the far away clear valley. Penetrating the gaps of Bamboo and the thin palm trees on a small hill in the middle of rice fields, Toraja houses with arch-shaped roofs stood sweetly demonstrating the amazing skills of the Toraja people in their mastery of carving and with natural painting colours.Prior to the Dutch taking over these highs plains in the early 20th century not one word was given to given a name to their religion except the word 'aluk' which refers to a ritual habit and daily life problems that have to be controlled; how a house has to built, rice to be cooked, children and head of the village to be addressed, regulation and total amount of buffaloes that have to be sacrificed in the ceremony, thus also the position of the stars when the ploughing is to be started. One of the basic teachings there are always exchanging and giving and receiving among them, grace and curses always happened between the living and the spirit of their ancestors. The death ceremony is the most prestigious ceremony in the Toraja tradition.Toraja has many attractions for the tourist. In the cool mountainous area, particular sceneries, the craftsmen are in harmony with the silence of the natural beauty. Eventhough more than half of the inhabitants have become Christians, they are still proud with their cultural legacy and welcomes the tourists with their ritual ceremony
INTERESTING PLACES TANA TORAJA
MakaleMakale is the capital city of the Tana Toraja goverment. The steep hills of the city are crowned with the tops of the churches towers, while the feet of the valleys are dominated by the government buildings. Many among them take building type architecture of the Toraja traditional houses which are full of carvings and an arch-shaped roof. The city is the right area for connecting west Toraja areas such as Tondon, Suaya and Sangalla. On market days is this city the center of the activities because the people from afar came with their products such as cattle, woven mat handicraft, baskets and local made handicraft
RantepaoRantepao is the second city after Makale in Toraja the advantage of Rantepao is that most of the interesting places are in radius of about 15 kilometers from the city.
Batu Lemo CemetaryAt the Leo cemetery we can see the 'tau-tau' verenda one with the steep limestone museum in the open nature, a combination of death, art and ritual. 'tau-tau' or wood sattue which means small people or man-like statue that is considered containing the spirit of the deceased person made out of wood or bamboo. Periodically can their dresses be changed through a ceremony called 'Ma'nene' (to honour the parent)
Steep Limestone Side Cemetary of LondaLonda cemetary of steep limestone side is one of the many old cemetaries in Toraja. One of the sides of cemetary is in the height of the hill having a deep cave where the coffins are arranged and grouped according to the line of the family. One the other side of the hill, dozens of 'tau-tau' are standing respectdully at the balcony. Their faces are as though they are alive, their eyes are open and looking with full authority to the direction of a fertile land.
Suaya the Cemetary of Sangalla KingsThe graveyard lies on one of the hills sides. It is carved as the resting place of the king and kings family, in conform with the Toraja king dresses, placed in front of stone grave. There are some stone steps to reach the hill, where the kings had their contemplation during their live. A museum will be built in this place to keep the property of kings of Sangalla.
Kete Kesu[The well-known tourist village] Ke' te Kesu is a village which is still characterized by the traditional live in Toraja people. If we take a look from the front side, we will find it lies over in the middle of the wide paddy fields with a beautiful sequence of curved roofs and carved walls barns. The village consist of four traditional tongkonan houses of Toraja. Inside one of the tongkonans, there something like a small museum which is located in the middle of the ground floor. Most of the people of this village have a good mastery in carving and painting. This can be seen among them who are doing carves and paints. The carved bamboos and woods are marketed in various village around this village.
To'Barana Sa'dangThere are people having the opinion that To'Barana Sa'dang is the center of the Toraja area. At certain parts of these villages there are four rice-barns that are very well kept with a neat grass yard. Very interesting Toraja weavings are displayed and sold in this village. Around the village, terraces of rice fields are also beautiful to look at.
PalawaWalking along the river Sa'dang towards the north will take us to Palawa is one of the tongkonans that is interesting with traditional houses. It lies on top of a hill in the middle of a shady bamboo trees. The pictures of this 'tongkonan' are placed in tourism magazines abroad.
Nanggala[14 rice barns and one tongkonan house] In the traditional kampong of Nanggala, we can see 14 big rice barns in a row with a curvy roof and curved walls those rice barn face with the two traditional ex houses king of Nanggala. Some of the carving show a combination of modern and traditional themes.
SangallaSangalla is a village whitch is located on a hilly valley. It lies among the leafy bamboo trees. Here you can find an interesting object of tourism, that is a special cemetery for young babies. More than that, the cemetery of king Sangalla can be found at one of the slopes of the hills in this village which is name Suaya. These graves are carved on the hills sides. They are the resting places of the seven kings and their families of Sangalla kingdoms. Tau-tau of the kings and their families are placed in front of the stone graves. They are dressed traditionally in accordance with the dress of the king of Toraja. Not far away from this places, you can find the tongkonan house that was built by the king of Sangalla which now days is known as "Museum of Buntu Kalando". Even though, the model of this museum is quite new, in it you can find several pats kingdoms properties and some house equipments which formerly were belongings of King of Sangalla (Puang Sangalla).
BuntaoBuntao is a very interesting place to visit, especially in Market day. There is a pantane, a grave in the form of Toraja house in this area, beside many other old graveyard on top of the hill.
MaranteMarante is a village that has many 'tongkonan' and rice-barns that are big, and coral-reef hills that are big which contain stone graves that are hanging and is called 'Erong' by the local inhabitants.
TondonIt is located on the side of the pathway near Makale market. In the side of the hill there is a row of Tau Tau in front of cave grave, which is of the aristocratic family.
BatutumongaPerched high up on the side of Mountain Sesean. It's located in the Sesean area, which has a cool climate, around 1300m above the sea level. There's 56 menhirs stones in a circle with five bamboo trees in the middle. Most of the menhirs are of two up to three meters height. A very beautiful scenery above Rantepao and the surrounding valleys can be seen from this place that make it very interesting place to visit.
Lokomata[tombs chiseled out of the rock] Lokomata is about 35 km from Rantepao, and has a very beautiful scenery of four levels of big stones on the side of the road having 60 stone mountain side graves with beautiful terraced nice field, mountains and valley underneath.
Makula[Hotel, restaurant, and two hot springs swimming pool] There is a source of warm water in this place, beside a resting house with natural warm water in the bath room. In front of the house there is a small concrete pond filled with water which flows from the back of the house. It's nice to have a bath in this warm water after a long journey.
Bori[102 Megalith, Baby graves in tree] It's 6 kilometers from Rantepao a road to Sa'dan and Pallawa. The most interesting object in Bori are a tall rante, menhirs stones, soared up several meters above the land.
Buntu KalandoIn this region there is a 'tongkonan' house that was built by the king Sangalla. There is a museum in it, eventhough the model is rather new, this museum in a form of a house having a number of household articles that belonged to the'puang' of Sangalla.
PenanianTraditional 'tongkonan' houses that have carved walls and columns can be seen in this place. The rice-barns in this village are new and depicts new designs in its carvings.
KarassikKarassik consists of bamboo houses that are painted in many colours in a row at the ritual ceremony area, 'rante' and a number of 'menhir' stones.
BULUKUMBA
Tana Beru (a place for making boats)Outside of Bulukumba town there is a white sand beach that is very pleasant. At kilometer 17 from the city there is place for making traditional boats. From this dry dock, many sall boats from the people of Sulawesi are made either small or big. Including the "Pinisi Nusantara" that had sailed the Pacific Ocean and "Ammana Gappa" that had sailed till Madagascar.
Bira BeachCape Bira is famous for its beautiful and pleasant white sand beach. The water is clear and is good for swimming. In front of it there is a small island spreaded with white sand, adding to the beauty of the surrouding natural panorama. While at the back there soars up the "Puang Janggo" mountain with a height of more than 400 meters, it can be reached by car for about 15 minutes, or hiking for approximately 40 minutes. Night lodging and some facilities are available.Bira beach is located approximately 41 kilometers to wards the east of Bulukumba town with a ferry-boat harbour that connects South Sulawesi mainland with the island of Selayar
KajangThe Kajang people is a sub-ethnic of the Macassar ethnic that inhabitated a particular area. An area and people who are rather isolated from the rest of the world. The head of the tribe is called 'Ammatoa" who is consideredholy. Whoever would like to see him is to wear a black shirt and a black 'sarung' and it's better without any shoes or sandals. They live harmoniously with the nature, without modern equipment touching their life such as car transportation that are not permitted to enter their area. The ceremony of meeting face to face with 'Ammatoa' is a very unique event.
BONE
Bone was the strongest Bugis kingdom in its time, the capital city is Watampone. The remnants of the kingdom and teh splendour of the kingdom of Bone can still be seen in Lapawawoi Museum that is located at the corner of the main road. It is very important to visit the museum to winess the 'regalia' that are still maintained in good condition. Cemetary complex for the kings of Gowa, located at the Bukaka street, a road leading to Sengkan. Traditional houses such as "Bola Soba" is still preserved, even the previous palace of the kingdom is now utilized as the regional goverment center.Approximately 4 km towards the east of the city lies the Bajoe harbour. This name is taken from the name Bajo, boat people who live in boats, seen all over the Archipelago. From this point you can take a ferry-boat to Kolaka, South-east of Sulawesi.
SOPPENGIts one of the most beautiful towns is this province. Sometimes a flower stalk of orchids hangs over the veranda of the buildings in Soppeng. One of the characteristics of this town is the many bats there are in this town. The local myth said that many bats leave the city of Soppeng, it will be destroyed. The cametery oh the kings is located around 800 meters from the ceenter of the city. Near the city ay Ompo there is a spring water sources and a swimming pool that is always refilled every Friday with cool frsh water from the spring source. Silk is bred in Soppeng who is famous for its beautiful and colourful silk sarong
WAJO
SengkangThe capital city of the Wajo Regency is Sengkang with its flower city Tempe which lies at the lake where they still maintain their traditional characteristics. From a small offical hotel We Cudai that is located on a hil, the view of those two towns is very beautiful. Each town has a big mosque that is built with Middle East architecture style, adding to the background vaquely visible lights from the Tempe lake. Sengkang is famous for its silk weavings. Local workshop with a Thailand model production has all ready been built. Colourful silk sarongs can be bought by the meters in this factory. There is a dancer group organized by a traditional aristocratic lady including a traditional harp and flute. This dancer group from Wajo is sometimes invited to represent the Bugis aristocratic tradition.
Floating fishermen Village of Salo TengngaeA village that is really unique, around 30 houses in habited by traditional fisherman in the middle of the vast Tempe Lake. There the fieshermen live their daily lives by looking for fish, fishing, drying fish and other activities.The place can be reached with a traditional boat for about 1 hour from the harbour of Tempe. Along the trip you will be welcomed warmly by various types of birds of the lake, flying in a row or setting on the grass or flowers that live floating in the middle of the lake
Wild IquanasA unique and interesting view can be witnessed on the left and right side of the Wallace River around 5 km from Tempe harbour Sengkang where the wild iguanas live in the tress or the river banks just like a proper village complex. It can be reached with a traditional boat that is locally available.
SELAYAR
The position of selayar is in the trading route to the Moluccan, driving it foreward in history. The existance of an old state "Dongsong" 2000 years in this island is still a puzzle that has not been answered. Selayar has still to increase their important role in the 14th century when it was mentioned in the Jawa Nagarakertagama souce of history. Ceramics, Chinese and Swangkalok That are in abundance in the same period has also been dug from the graves in that island. Besides the state of Dongsong, another interesting aspect of this island is the wite sand beach, beach sceneries, sea garden that has not been touched and still natural with colours of fish and fascinating bright tropical sea bioecological colours.
POLEWALI MAMASA (WEST SULAWESI)The capital city of Polewali is located at kilometer 247 north of Ujung Pandang. This regency is inhabited by three ethnic groups which are the people of Mandar Bugis, West Toraja and the Javanese who had since 1936 inhabited the sub-region of Wonomulyo as transmigrants in the colonial period. The Mandar people has been famous with their silk sarongs, lipa sa'be, such is also with the Toraja people who are famous for their blanket weavings of cotton. Mamasa a high place of the regency of Polmas, seen from the cultural elements is included in the category of West Toraja. The scenery from Bittuang to Mamasa gave birth to a tracking trip through the spectacular hill areas sceneries. Attractive areas are among others Buntu Balla, Buntu Kasisi, Ballapeu and Melambo. The entire area presents a very nice view. Cultural ceremonies and traditional dances are often presented.

Visit To Toraja Land

Toraja Incl. Ujung Pandang (Makassar)offered by supplier M07555 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:Tour Duration: 5 day(s)Group Size: 2 - 14 peopleDestination(s): Indonesia Specialty Categories: Ecotourism Season: January - December Airfare Included: NoTour Customizable: NoMinimum Per Person Price: 332 US Dollar (USD)Maximum Per Person Price: 402 US Dollar (USD)
The best known Toraja are those in the southern region, the Sa'dan Toraja. Their animist culture is one of many ceremonies, including the best known, those centered on the buffalo. This animal plays an important role in Toraja life; it is a status symbol and also a sacrificial symbol slaughtered during religious ceremonies such as funerals. For the consecration of a new 'Tongkonan' or traditional house, large numbers of buffaloes might be slaughtered. Expensive Tongkonan houses are still built and used in the traditional ways. Your Itinerary: Day 1: Meeting services at Hasanuddin Airport of Makassar afterwards transfer to Toraja. Lunch is served at seafood restaurant in Pare-Pare. In the afternoon we will have a coffee stop at the Puncak Lakawang. Late in the afternoon arrival in Rantepao, dinner and overnight in hotel. Day 2: After an early breakfast we will take you on a full day excursion in Toraja, in the morning we will visit Lemo, where we will find rows of tau-tau and the hanging graves. Londa has an ancient natural grave where the deceased are entombed with big ceremonies. Kete-Kesu is a traditional Torajan village, where we can see the Tongkonan and the old rice-barns and it is famous for its woodcarving. Lunch is served in Rantepao. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Day 3: After breakfast, we make another full day excursion in Toraja. This day we will visit Pallawa, Sa'dan (the weaving center), Marante and Nanggala, which is a traditional Torajan village, known for its large Tongkonan and 14 rice barns. Lunch is served in Rantepao. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Day 4: After breakfast, we go back to Makassar; lunch will be served in seafood restaurant in Pare-Pare. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Makassar. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Day 5: After breakfast, we will take you on city tour in Makassar. Afterwards you will be transferred to the airport for your next destination.
Member discount:10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Overnight accommodation in good medium class hotels in 2 person rooms;- Transport in comfortable air-conditioned minibus or bus incl. fuel.

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