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Why Visit Tana Toraja?

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The inaccessible highlands of Southern Sulawesi have been home to the Torajan people for centuries, if not millennia. These distinctive people have now been spread far and wide throughout Indonesia and beyond, but they still regard Tana Toraja (the land of the Torajan’s) as their cultural heartland.

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The Torajan culture is a unique and interesting one, characterised by their distinctive horn-shaped houses, various adaptations to what must have been a hospitable and inaccessible land to live and farm traditionally and of course, their famous funeral culture. 

But needless to say, the spectacles are incredible and represent an interesting and unique take on life and death as well as community and family. During the months of June through to August, it is generally possible to locate a funeral taking place, which your guide will take you to visit. In December, during the Christmas season when many ex-pats return home, being able to visit a local funeral is a near certainty. Your guide will show you how to behave in order to pay respects and so long as you stay out of the way and be respectful, you will be very welcome; visitors are welcome and can only add to the prestige of the recently deceased.  

Aside from the funerals, the distinctive set-up of the villages, the way they store their dead and the fascinating, and often beautiful, cemeteries are also a reason for the curious traveller to visit. They all give a different perspective to that of our own cultures.

There is much more to Tana Toraja however. It is a beautiful region, with any possible area given to productive use among the sharp crags and hills. The villages too, with their stilts, horned roofs and buffalo skulls, are gorgeous and give the whole area a kind of fairytale quality.

The Torajans are fiercely proud of their culture and delight in showing visitors further and more. There are plenty of opportunities for eating in a traditional setting with a family or even staying in a traditional compound with the rest of the village. As well, there are many spectacular walks, kayaking and overnight treks and camping options, too.

Sulawesi Holiday Ideas:

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Bali & South Sulawesi Explorer

Fly direct from the UK to Indonesia, uncovering the fascinating cultures and breathtaking scenery of both Bali and Sulawesi in two weeks.

Sulawesi & The Spice Islands

Sulawesi & The Spice Islands

An extraordinary chance to explore several fascinating cultures, some incredible scenery and diverse native wildlife.

Java and Sulawesi Adventure

Java and Sulawesi Adventure

Discover Java's incredible scenery and culture, then head to Sulawesi to discover some of the best marine life in the world.

Sulawesi Explorer

Sulawesi Explorer

Discover the astounding wildlife, nature and culture of the amazing island of Sulawesi on this 18 day holiday.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Indonesia
    • By Island
      • Bali & Lombok Holidays
      • Holidays in Java & Beyond
      • Flores & Komodo
      • Holidays In Sulawesi
      • Borneo & Beyond
    • By Theme
      • Classic Indonesia Holidays
      • Ultimate Indonesia Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Multi-Country Holidays
  • Guide to Indonesia
    • Why choose Indonesia
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Regions of Indonesia
    • Bali
      • South Bali
      • East Bali
      • Central Bali & Volcanoes
      • North Bali
      • West Bali
      • Ubud
      • Kuta & Southwest Beaches
      • Bali's Islands
    • Java
      • West Java
      • Central Java
      • East Java
      • Jakarta
      • Yogyakarta
      • Borobudur
      • Java Volcanoes
      • Java National Parks
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      • Central Kalimantan
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    • Komodo & Flores
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      • Ende
      • Kelimutu & Around
      • Maumere
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      • Rinjani & Around
      • Sekotong & The Islands
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      • Ambon
      • Seram & Buru
    • Raja Ampat
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      • South Sulawesi
      • Southeast Sulawesi
      • West Sulawesi & Togean Islands
      • Central Sulawesi
      • North Sulawesi & Offshore
      • Tana Toraja
      • Minahasa Highlands
      • Tangkoko National Park
      • Gorontalo & Bogani Nani Wartabone
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      • North Sumatra
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      • Sumatra National Parks
      • Banda Aceh
    • Sumba
      • East Sumba
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      • Sumba Beaches
    • Sumbawa
      • West Sumbawa & Moyo Island
      • East Sumbawa
    • Timor
    • Timor-Leste
    • West Papua
  • About us
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  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
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    • Working with in-country partners
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