Toraja

This region of the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia) is really worth a visit. Beautiful landscapes, fascinating traditions, a warm welcome.

    At the Rantepao market

    At the Rantepao market

    I like hanging out in Asian markets. During my stay in Sulawesi (Indonesia), last summer, I went for a ride in that of Rantepao, in the heart of Toraja country. Here are some pictures of atmosphere ...
    Funeral ceremony in Bori. Toraja Country, Sulawesi, July 2010.

    Funeral Toraja: the video

    I bring you back to Toraja Country, Sulawesi (Indonesia). After the photos of the traditional funeral ceremony I attended, in the village of Bori, here is a small video that gives a good idea of the atmosphere.
    Kids scooter on the road in front of me. (Toraja Country, Sulawesi, Indonesia, July 2010)

    Scooter in the rice fields

    Batutumonga. This strange and beautiful name is synonymous for me, a fantastic scooter ride in the heart of Toraja Country, in central Sulawesi. Rice fields sublime ... but rotten roads! I almost stayed in the mountains sleeping because of a flat tire.
    Rice granaries, with the roof "tongkonan", typical of the country Toraja. Sulawesi, July 2010.

    Tana Toraja, I'm back

    Rantepao, finally! Ideal base for shining in the villages and rice paddies of the country Toraja, called here Tana Toraja. We are almost in the center of the island of Sulawesi.
    The terminal of the company Litha, in Makassar, from where the buses leave for the country Toraja.

    Night bus

    The country Toraja, it deserves! From Manado (North Sulawesi), you must first reach Makassar to the south, an hour and a half by plane. Then it's 8 to 10 hours bus ride to Rantepao.
    Rice fields in Batutumonga. Sulawesi, Indonesia, July 2007.

    The beautiful rice fields of Batutumonga

    I continue the story of my trip to Sulawesi, a trip in July 2007. I will take you back to the Toraja country for a motorcycle ride in the beautiful rice paddies around the village of Batutumonga, north of Rantepao.
    The ancient hanging wooden tombs, eaten away by humidity, show the bones they contain. (Sulawesi, Indonesia, July 2007)

    Skulls, caves and a swimming pool

    I'll take you back to Sulawesi, in the Toraja country, where I spent a few days in the summer of 2007. On the program: a scooter ride from Rantepao, to discover the sites of Ket'e Kesu, Londa and Tilanga.
    The cliff of tau-tau at Lemo. (Toraja Country, Sulawesi, July 2007)

    In Lemo, the dead are watching you

    Continuation of my trip to Sulawesi (Indonesia) in July 2007. Lemo is one of the most famous sites in Toraja country, for its tombs in the cliffs, guarded by the tau-tau, wooden statues representing the deceased.
    Rice fields near Batutumonga. Sulawesi, Indonesia.

    Blog stuck in Sulawesi

    Yes, I know ... The Sulawesi section has remained stale. At the moment, I had excuses: impossible to find an internet connection in the regions visited!
    Funeral Ceremony in Toraja Country.

    Tana Toraja, it's stronger than you

    Here I am in Toraja country (Tana Toraja) in Sulawesi. Here again, a very Christian population, and very attached to its traditions. I attended a funeral ceremony at the village of Rembon, near Rantepao. Spectacular introduction to the customs of the country ...