Located in the southern region of Sulawesi island is Tana Toraja which literally means ‘Toraja Land’. It is naturally a highlands region in the island which is very fondly knows as the ‘Land of the Heavenly Kings’. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

Situated about 328 km towards the north of Makassar which is the capital city of South Sulawesi, it is located up to 2880 meters above sea level, making it a cool highland to visit which is known for its rich tropical forests and the alpine natural sites. Here is where you can visit a peaceful destination with temperature ranging from 16 to 28 degrees.

Due to its elevated location, this region is known for its special highlands rice and you can find some very unique slope rice terraces amidst the many types of other natural attractions. There are the traditional Tongkonan houses here built and dwelled by the locals here who practiced the Aluktodolo religion before the missionaries came who are mostly Christians today. However, you could still observe a lot of their traditions here which are encircled around magic and mysticism.

Among its produce here are rice, coffee, clove and cacao where its coffee are known to be one of the best in the world, particularly for its aromatic elements. A ‘Rambu Solo’ is practices around the months of June to September which is about the harvesting period. This is typically an ancestor tributary ceremony and Rantepao becomes a major event town.

You can get here by flying in through to the Pongtiku Airport from Makassar’s Hasanuddin Airport serviced by the Sabang Merauke Air Charter. There are weekly flights coming in an and out on Tuesdays and Fridays where you can book your flights at the Hasanudin Airport or at the PT. Toraja Permai in Rantepao in Tana Toraja.

However, you could also come by land through a 8 to 10 hour drive along the 300km journey. Bus tickets are available from Makassar at 80,000 rupiah. in Tana Teroja, you could get around using the Bemos or Mikrolets which is cheap while guides too are available and can be very useful. There are many things to see here including the Pallawa, the Bori Parinding, the Kande Api and the Buntu Pune which are generally traditional and cultural attractions.