The highlight of Travelling to Toraja South Sulawesi
The Toraja people well know with their specific and strong culture, it can be seen in the death Ceremonial, Traditional house with arch-shaped Roog and beautiful carvings with natural color. An ethnic group who believes their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain some twenty generations ago, the Torajas have a unique culture based on animistic beliefs. Known for grand burial ceremonies on cliffs or hanging graves, they practice an ancestral cult even today where death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts when buffaloes are sacrificed in the final death ceremony, after which the deceased remains have placed a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, looking out from a “balcony”. As death has such important meaning when the souls are released, burials are elaborate and follow days of feasting. Rock graves are also a form of burial. A strict hierarchy is followed in villages. They are known for their unusual customs; today most are Christians. Toraja also resisted the Dutch until the first decade of the 20th Century.
Province of South Sulawesi comprised of 23 Regencies, with three main ethnic groups, Makassarese, Buginese, and Torajanese (1 ethnic group is “Mandar” nowadays has become part of the new province, West Sulawesi, but history still remains a part of another ethnic in South Sulawesi). The region unique culture, ancient traditions, mystical way of life, and ethnic natural beauty make it a notable addition to one’s travel experiences. is a place where travelers interact with both nature and local people, where nature and the people are one, and where both shared with the visitor