Toraja, known as “Land
of Heavenly Kings” is undoubtedly the
most popular destination in South Sulawesi. A quite simply unique town surrounded by mountains on all sides, the
Toraja proves there is life after death with their elaborate ceremonies. It is a vast pretty
and mostly unspoilt area of traditional villages, unique architecture and
fascinating cultures. Cave graves, hanging graves, tau tau (life-sized wooden
effigies) of the dead and buffalo carnage every summer. Its macabre but mesmerizing
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.
