Why Sulawesi
(formerly Celebes)
is special

Sulawesi is the home of the Torajans who have one of the more interesting cultural heritages in the world.

The major tourist draws of Tana Toraja (Torajan Land) are the:

Burial rites

Torajan architectural style

These are described below.

Torajan burial rites

on Sulawesi

Unusual cliff graves

The Torajans intern their dead in chambers cut into high cliffs (see photo). They erect exposed balconies directly in front of those chambers for displaying tau-taus (wooden effigies of the deceased). These lifelike statues gaze upon passers-by.

Post burial ceremony

Weeks if not months after the burial, the Tarajans conduct a post burial ceremony in their village. Its purpose is to honor the departed and appease his spirit. The event can last for days and encompass hundreds of guests plus many animal sacrifices.

Tourists can watch the event, if their request to be invited is accepted (which often is). The tacit stipulations are that the visitor view discreetly and bring a gift worth several dollars to help defray the cost of the occasion.

Where you can watch

Three of the best Tana Torajan villages for observing the tau-taus and ceremonies are Lemo, Londo and Sengalla.

Torajan architectural style 

Traditonal houses

The region's traditional houses (see below photo) have curved roof lines and walls skillfully carved by local artisans. 

Rice storage barns

They make excellent photo opportunities for travelers. Visit the small villages of Kete Kesu, Marante, Nagalls, and Palawa for fine examples of these structures.

More Tana Toraja
tips & insights

Best time to visit

Because most burial ceremonies are held after the harvest season, the best time to visit Tana Toraja is from June to October. The prime season is July and August (hotel prices rise significantly and availability plummets).

Getting to
Tana Toraja from Bali

Organized three-day, two-night tours are readily available in Bali.

Independent travelers

They can reach Tana Toraja by duplicating the typical tour route. First, fly from Bali to the airport near Ujung Pandang, then take an 8 to 9 hour car or mini-bus ride to Rantepao. That modest-sized town is centrally located for exploring the Tana Torajan villages. It has hotels ranging from sub-economy to first class.

Click a button to

learn why the Bali

attraction is popular

Other Bali web pages

Islands near Bali

Next Bali web page