10 Reasons To Fall In Love With Toraja

Toraja. this place is teeming with gorgeous ancient architecture, delicious local foods, a rich history and a uniqueness that other cities just can’t compare to. From its traditional burial site to its iconic Tongkonan houses, natural stone, interspersed with fields and forests, the region of Toraja has a little something for everyone. We guarantee you’ll fall in love with the place, and here are 10 reasons why:

1. It’s actually super affordable

IDR200,ooo per night for a homestay? Yes please. Transportation, food, and accommodation are surprisingly affordable in Toraja.

2. The Batutumonga Scenery is just about the largest ricefield you’ll ever see.

Batutumonga is a highland on the slopes of Gunung (Mount) Sesean. This is just one of the many dazzling nature landscape that will delight your eyes with the panorama of Rantepao City from the height.

3. The Toraja Ultra Marathon Festival is actually insane.

It may not be known internationally, but Toraja’s Ultra Marathon Festival is quite fantastic. Throughout summer, the city comes alive as it host one of the biggest Marathon Festival in Indonesia. With over 100,000 attendees, attending this festival be one of the best decisions of your life.

4. They Serve Buffalo Steak And It’s Delicious!

A hearty portion of succulent buffalo steak served on hot plate with fries and black pepper sauce is the best meal in town for sure!

5. They Have Amazing Funeral Rituals

For Torajan People, a Funeral is a great celebration of life, much like a going-away party, and is an occasion in which the entire family of the deceased, and all the members the village take part. The date of the funeral is difficult to ascertain. Scheduled funerals are often canceled suddenly even if they had been planned months in advance.

The date is never fixed and is often determined at the last minute using criteria that only the Toraja know.

6. Cleaning The Dead: The Afterlife Rituals Of The Torajan People

Ma’nene Ritual is one of the most iconic tradition in Toraja. The dead get all dolled up during the ritual, where bodies of dead relatives are dug up and dressed up; The ritual has been going for more than a century and is celebrated by the Torajan people in Indonesia

7. The Locals Are Really Lovely

Take a moment out of your touristy schedule to really get to know the Torajan locals. Most Torajan living in Rantepao can speak English, particularly the younger generation. The best way to get to know a culture is always through its people, so invest some time in chatting to the shop-keepers or staff at restaurants.

8. No This Is Not Rio De Janeiro, This Is The Jesus Statue In Toraja And It Is Known As The Tallest Jesus Statue In Indonesia!

Lording over Makale City,  on the top of hills you will find the beautiful scenery of all the highlands surround the city, and some part of North Toraja if its not cloudy.

9. Get Your Adrenaline’s Up: Rafting At Sa’dan River

If you feel competent enough to wade through the raging river, it looks like you need to try the famous Sa’dan River. Stretches down the middle of Tana Toraja, the river is highly favored by professional rafters. Dare to try?

You can visit http://torajaonestopadventure.com for more info about this experience!

10. You’ll find views like this

Last but not the least, you’ll find sceneries like this in almost every corner. So what are you waiting for? See you at Toraja!