The majority of the
people still follow an ancestral cult called “Aluk Todolo” which govern all
traditional ceremonies. You can start your trip from Rantepao (the central
tourism area) to Kete, a traditional village where there are handicraft and
unique shops. Behind the village there is a grave site on a hillside. You can
see “tau tau” statue guard over old coffins. As roads are not always paved, it
is necessary to use a jeep or walk if the weather is good usually between May
till October.
There are several grave sites and traditional villages of which Palawa is a classic example of a village on a small hill with “Tongkonan” or a burial place with celebrations and festivals. Visitors are welcome but they are expected to adhere to local customs of dress, seating and bringing a token present.
How to get there
It’s a long hour drive
from Makassar the capital city of South Sulawesi, approximately 7-8 hours of scenery
drive trip to get into Toraja. If you have limited holiday time, you can
always choose to fly to Toraja. DAS (Dirgantara
Air Service) serves to flight per week from and to Makassar which is on
every Monday and Thursday. The flight leaves Makassar at 10.30am and arrive in
Toraja at 11.30am and return 12.30am with arrival time in Makassar at 13.30pm.
