Getting into the step of things on a trek through Tana Toraja<\/p>\n
John Badalu, Contributor, Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi<\/p>\n
Sure, tons of articles have been written about Tana Toraja's
\nattractions, but it's also interesting to take a walking tour
\nthrough the area.<\/p>\n
There are fascinating landscapes to explore, in addition to
\nthe famous culture and its grand funeral ceremonies.<\/p>\n
The best starting point is Rantepao town as all public
\ntransportation to around Toraja starts there.<\/p>\n
Lemo to Londa: The walk from Lemo to Tilanga and then Londa
\nwill take about four hours. Take public transportation from
\nRantepao to Lemo, a journey of about 11 km.<\/p>\n
Lemo is home to probably the most interesting graves in Tana
\nToraja. There is the legend of a Toraja chief hundreds of years
\nago who reigned over the surrounding district and it his house on
\ntop of the cliff.<\/p>\n
Only his descendants can use the mountains as it is considered
\nhis property. The best time to get here is early morning around 9
\na.m. when you can see the sun reflect on the rows of Tau Tau (the
\nwooden carving of the dead figures). From there, you continue
\nalong a small pathway to Tilanga; keep asking directions from
\nlocals along the way.<\/p>\n
Passing the beautiful rice fields, you will eventually find
\nTilanga, one of the best springs around. Its cool tourqoise
\ncolored lake is very refreshing, and when the sun shines on its
\nsurface, it creates a heaven-like scene. You are allowed to swim
\nhere.<\/p>\n
Arriving in Londa, you will be greeted by the stretched
\nbalcony of Tau Tau at the entrance of the cave. You need a strong
\ntorch light to go inside the cave, otherwise there are oil lamps
\nto be hired at the entrance. Inside the cave is a collection of
\ncoffins and bones scattered around.<\/p>\n
Batutumonga to Rantepao: Take the bus to the north and make
\nthe first stop at Palawa. This village is full of Tongkonan
\nhouses, the massive high-rise rooftop traditional houses, and
\nrice barns.<\/p>\n
From there, go through the villages of Deri and Lempo before
\narriving at Batutumonga. The scenery from Batutumonga is quite
\nspectacular. Its viewpoint covers a large part of Toraja and the
\nsurrounding valleys. Returnin to Rantepao is a pleasant 5-hour
\nwalk through Lokomata (big cave graves in a rocky crop) and small
\nvillages.<\/p>\n
Makale to Sangalla: Makale is the second largest town in
\nTorajaland. It is also a good base to go around the area. Pass
\nthrough Tondon, then Suaya (the best place to see a row of
\ncoffins at the foot of a cliff, with great Tau Tau statues above,
\nand there are 37 of them on three balconies).<\/p>\n
Then bathe at Makula, the concrete hot springs and bath house
\nbefore continuing to Sangalla to see a local palace, which is a
\ngrand bamboo house). The whole trip is about five hours.<\/p>\n
Tips:<\/p>\n
* Wear a pair of strong hiking boots.<\/p>\n
* Prepare small coins, candies and packs of cigarettes for the
\nvillagers, and entrance fees for some places.<\/p>\n
* Bring a towel or an extra T-shirt as it can be hot and humid.<\/p>\n
* Bring a raincoat or an umbrella as the weather changes very
\nquickly<\/p>\n
* Drink loads of water to avoid dehydration.<\/p>\n
* Ask for directions from the locals all the time.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/getting-into-the-step-of-things-on-a-trek-through-tana-toraja-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }