"Rantepao: The Toraja" Rantepao by jantichm

Rantepao Travel Guide: 125 reviews and 297 photos

Rantepao is the largest town of Tana Toraja. Although Makale is the administrative capital, Rantepao is where you'll be able to find hotels, guides or transport. In fact Rantepao is the main centre for travellers.

The access to Tana Toraja is not easy, first you must flight to Makassar. From here the best way to get to Rantepao is by bus (or car). The journey takes about 8 hours (less if you travel by night bus). There are a lot of companies but you must check the buses because some of them are very old and uncomfortable.

Toraja is the name given to the peoples of the mountainous regions of the south Sulawesi, which remained isolated until the beginning of the past millenium. Their native religion is animistic, and it is characterized by animal sacrifices, ostentatious funeral rites and huge communal feasts. The Toraja only began to lose faith in their religion after 1909, when Protestant missionaries arrived with the Dutch colonizers. Nowadays 70% of the Toraja are Christian, and 10% are Muslim; the rest hold in some measure to their original religion.

Last visit to Rantepao: Oct 2005
Intro Updated Nov 13, 2005
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Reviews (6)

Pa'piong Local Customs (1)

Probably, Pa'piong is the most typical Torajan meal. Cooking takes place inside a bamboo tube. It can include chicken,... more travel advice

Tongkonan: The traditional Torajan houses - Rantepao

Tongkonan: The traditional Torajan... Things to Do (1)

If you travel around Tana Toraja you will see lots of traditional houses. This is one of the most important identity... more travel advice

Wisma Monton: Good views Hotels (2)

It is a good friendly mid-range hotel with a very relaxing atmosphere. A very clean and modern double room with fan, hot... more travel advice

Buses Makasar - Rantepao Transportation (1)

The access to Tana Toraja is not easy, first you must flight to Makassar. From here the best way to get to Rantepao is... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
For meat lovers

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Written Nov 13, 2005

8 photos

Tomate: Torajan Funeral

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ukirsari Nov 11, 2005 at 10:07 AM

lucky you to be invited in torajan funeral ceremony :) my fave place to stay is missiliana hotel!