Tana Toraja is a highland region in the Indonesian province of South Sulawesi, best known today for its exquisite Arabica coffee and as an exotic destination for cultural tourism.

Toraja is situated in the northern side of South Sulawesi. In the distance, a jagged ridge or mountains stretches north to distant, isolated valleys. Piercing the tickets of bamboo and coconuts palm, on hillocks in the middle of paddies field.

With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi. Since the opening of several star rated hotels, the Toraja highlands and unique way of life have become easily accessible to visitors.

This unique culture, the scenic beauty, cool climate and gentle people are the main reason that Toraja is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Travel to Indonesia will not complete if you didn't visit Toraja highlands!

What to see in Toraja Land?

Tana Toraja Funerals!
Torajans have a unique culture based on animistic beliefs. The best known of Toraja site is the death rituals of Toraja people whish are ensure the safe passage of the deceased into next world. These are dramatic rituals when participants compete to bring the most splendid buffalo or to host the greater number of guests. The ceremony itself consists mostly of the sacrifice of pigs and buffaloes. The Torajan still believe that the deceased needs the animals in the afterworld. In the final death ceremony, the deceased's remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs.

Where is Toraja land?
With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi. Since the opening of several star rated hotels, the Toraja highlands and unique way of life have become easily accessible to visitors. Toraja is situated in highlands of Sulawasi (Celebes), 310 km north of Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi Province. It can be reached by road, requiring 7 hours drive from Makassar or by flight requiring 45 minutes from Makassar.
Toraja is mountainous area. The slopes of the lime-stone mountains are covered with varies kinds of bamboo and pine trees, coffee and many kinds of tropical plants. The wet rice terraces and clove bushes also beautify the area.

How to get Toraja land?
The following describe the ways to get into Toraja land. If you are not sure to arrange independent transportation and tours by yourself we recommended you to sign on for a Toraja package tour.

By Land:
Just one hour flight from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali) or Sam Ratulangi International Airport (Manado) to Hasanuddin Airport (Makassar) then continue by land using bus or car transport.
Buses to Rantepao from Makassar leave daily from Makassar. Tana Toraja is a solid 300-km; the journey takes 8 hours and includes a meal stop. Tickets should be bought in town but coaches actually leave from Panaikan bus terminal, 20 minutes out of town by bemo. Coaches typically leave in the morning (7 am), noon (1 pm) and at night (7 pm). Several companies in Rantepao run buses back to Makassar with the departure time and prices. The number of buses each day depends on the number of passengers.

By Air:
Directly from Hasanuddin airport, Makassar or Ujung Pandang, proceed to TANA TORAJA through the airport of Rantetayo, near Makle, 24 km south of Rantepao and there is a bus service to town. The only airport in Tana Toraja is in Rantetayo, which was closed for several years for upgrading. The airport reopened in late 2005 and Dirgantara Air Service (DAS) now operates flights tri times a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays, departing from Makassar at 10 AM.(source:http://www.toraja-treasures.com)