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The Centre of tourism in
Tana Toraja is Rantepao, 328 kms Northeast of Ujung Pandang. Sitting
700 meters above sea level, Rantepeo has cool, pleasant evenings. A
gate built in traditional boat-shaped style marks the entry to Tana
Toraja. The road passes the spectacular mountains of Kandora and
Gandang on which, according to Toraja mythology, the first ancestors
of celestial beings descended from heaven. Two villages with easily
accessible cliff graves are Lemo and Londa. Londa is one of the oldest
hanging grave sites, in which are buried many members of local
nobility. A large balcony is filled with effigies of the dead, the Tau
Tau. Young village guides with kerosene lamps can be hired to enter
the caves. At Lemo, burial chambers are cut out of the rock and
several balconies filled with Tau Tau overlook new caves being dug to
serve as family graves.
Palawa is an excellent village to visit a "Tongkonan", or a burial
place still swarming with celebrations and festivals. Visitors are
welcome but they are expected to adhere to local dress customs, and to
bring a token present, such as cigarettes or coffee. Take a side trip
from Rantepeoto Kete, a traditional village with excellent handicraft
shops. Behind the village on a hillside is a gravesite with life-size
statues guarding over old coffins.
WHERE TO EAT
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Restaurants |
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Indo Grace
Jl. Mappanyulaki No. 72
Phone: (0423) 21291 |
Torsina
Jl. Pao Rura
Phone: (0423) 21293 |
Rahmat
Jl. Abd. Gani No. 8 |
GETTING AROUND
By Air:
The airport serving Rantepao is at Rantetayo, near Makle, 24 km south
of Rantepao and there is a bus service to town.
By Land:
Buses to Rantepao from Ujung Pandang leave daily from Ujung Pandang.
The journey takes 8 hours and includes a meal stop. Tickets should be
bought in town but coaches actually leave from Panaikan bus terminal,
20 minutes out of town by bemo. Coaches typically leave in the morning
( 7 am ), noon ( 1 pm ) and at night ( 7 pm).
Several companies in Rantepao run buses back to Ujung Pandang with the
departure time and prices. The number of buses each day depends on the
number of passengers.
Local Transportation:
Bemo is the best way to get to know the locals, besides chartered
vehicles (minibuses and Jeeps) with or without driver.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
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Arts and
Antiques |
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Adil Art Shop
Jl. Landorundun No.
27 |
Vaulia Art
Shop
Jl. Landorundun No.
11 |
Marura Art
Shop
Jl. Landorundun No.
27
Phone: (0423) 21314 |
Raoni Art Shop
Jl. Mappanyuki No. 1 |
Yoyu Art Shop
Jl. Mapanyuki No. 12
Phone: (0423) 21713
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Toko Ukiran
Jl. Mappanyulaki No.
46
Phone: (0423) 21415 |
Duta Art Shop
Jl. Mappanyulaki
Phone: (0423) 21139 |
Gemini Mulia
Jl. Mappanyulaki No.
9
Phone: (0423) 21207 |
Jet Sovenir
Jl. Landorundun No.1
Phone: (0423) 21145 |
Rantepao Art
Shop
Jl. Mappanyulaki 19
Phone: (0423) 21027 |
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