TANA TORAJA, THE BEAUTY OF AN ANCIENT TRADITION

By Indra J Mae - January 14, 2013

Highland Batu Tumonga

Tana Toraja , South Sulawesi , may have succeeded in inviting the traveler from all around the world through its uniqueness . Almost every holiday season , Tator , a popular designation for Tana Toraja , always crowded with tourists from abroad and domestic to see the natural beauty and unique culture .Overland journey to Toraja is as far as 320 km , with a travel time of about 7 to 8 hours , from the city of Makassar . in general , tourist destinations in Tator concentrated in two areas namely , in the south of the capital Makale and Toraja Toraja Rantepao north of the capital . The southern region has a route that is flat and even declined , while in the north the opposite .

Rural atmosphere in Toraja , still thick with the tradition of the original . Visitors will be greeted by a number of custom homes that face each other and lined up neatly on each trip . Very impressive . Several traditional houses called Tongkonan decorated with statues of white - black buffalo head , following the original buffalo horn on the main mast looming behind lush trees .In addition to providing a unique traditional rustic feel , there are rock cliffs were used as a burial area called rock tomb . Ancient tombs usually hundreds of years old .Until now, the people of Tana Toraja still retain the original Austronesian tradition passed down by his ancestors and tribal traditions similar to Nias , North Sumatra . Interestingly , the old tradition called Aluk Todolo it still continues today even though most of the Toraja people have now embraced Christianity . It appears in a variety of rituals , ceremonies or parties , especially in death .

One of the attractions in Toraja is the region 's most famous peak , Stone Tumonga . Being in Batutumongga , you can breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying the natural scenery that stretches underneath. The stones are scattered tombs and traditional houses and rice fields that extend into the spectacular scenery of Batutumongga stare . In the distance , it is also spans City Rantepao , North Toraja district capital which is also the entrance to the land is fertile and prosperous . Rantepao is approximately 20 km or approximately 1-1.5 hours drive away. Even without meaning to exaggerate , in the morning at Batutumongga , fog and a set of white clouds that wrapped Tana Toraja sky will bring you the impression that the country was in the clouds .All the charm of the sights you can enjoy while sipping a warm Toraja coffee or snack snack in the coffee shop who seemed to know exactly from the point where the most beautiful scenery to stare . Some home stay is also available in Batutumongga , ready to welcome you who want to spend the night in the beautiful landscape of silence and calming .