The Enigmatic Highlands of Tana Toraja

• HelloMarending
  [mah-ren-ding]
• GoodbyeTo mangalai
  [toh man-ga-lai]
• YesIya
  [ee-ya]
• NoEnde
  [en-deh]
• Please/You're welcomeMangkellem
  [mang-kel-lem]
• Thank youMaturang
  [mah-too-rang]
• Excuse me/SorryPamali
  [pah-mah-lee]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kha-bar]
• Fine. And you?Sehat. Kamana?
  [seh-hat. ka-ma-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kada' basa Inggris?
  [ka-dah bah-sah ing-grees]
• I don't understandTallu kada' paham
  [tahl-lu ka-dah pah-ham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBeta mo' mappala menu, tolompong
  [be-tah moh mah-pah-lah meh-noo, toh-lom-pong]
• I don't eat meatBeta kada' makan daging
  [be-tah ka-dah mah-kan dah-ing]
• Cheers!Cendrawasih!
  [chen-dra-wa-sih]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBeta mo' bayar, tolompong
  [be-tah moh bah-yar, toh-lom-pong]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-long]
• Go away!Maro!
  [mah-roh]
• Call the Police!Telepon polisi!
  [teh-leh-pon poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Telepon dokter!
  [teh-leh-pon dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostBeta to matung
  [be-tah toh mah-toong]
• I'm illBeta to sakit
  [be-tah toh sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Beta mo' beli...
  [be-tah moh beh-lee]
• I'm just lookingBeta cuma nontong
  [be-tah choo-mah non-tong]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah har-gan-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu mahal amat
  [ee-too mah-hal ah-maht]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bee-sah koo-rang-ee har-gan-nya]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jahm beh-rah-pah se-kah-rang]
• It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jahm sah-too]
• Half past (10)Setengah pukul sepuluh
  [seh-teng-ah poo-kool seh-poo-looh]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonSiang
  [see-ahng]
• EveningSore
  [so-reh]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [keh-mah-reen]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowBesok
  [beh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Delapan
  [deh-lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [seh-poo-looh]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana ada...
  [dee mah-nah ah-dah]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ah-pah ah-lah-mat-nya]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (pada peta)?
  [bee-sah toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (pah-dah peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [kah-pahn yang beh-roo-keet-nyah (bees)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [tee-keht (keh ....)]

Tana Toraja, located in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The Toraja people are believed to have settled in the region over 3,000 years ago, migrating from Indochina and southern China. Evidence of early settlements can still be seen in the traditional tongkonan houses, which are characterized by their distinctive boat-shaped roofs.

In the early 20th century, Tana Toraja came under Dutch colonial rule. The Dutch presence brought significant changes to the region, including the introduction of Christianity. The Dutch missionaries played a pivotal role in converting many Torajans from their indigenous animist beliefs to Christianity, a legacy that continues to influence the region's cultural and religious practices today.

During World War II, Tana Toraja, like much of Indonesia, experienced Japanese occupation. The wartime period was marked by hardship and disruption, but it also fostered a sense of unity and resilience among the Torajan people. After the war, Indonesia declared its independence, and Tana Toraja became part of the newly formed Republic of Indonesia.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Torajan culture is their elaborate funeral ceremonies. These rites, known as 'Rambu Solo', can last for several days and involve intricate rituals, including the sacrifice of water buffalo. Funerals are not just a time of mourning but also a celebration of life, with the deceased believed to embark on a journey to the afterlife known as 'Puya'.

In recognition of its unique cultural heritage, Tana Toraja was proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The region's traditional architecture, burial sites, and rituals are considered invaluable cultural assets. This recognition has helped to preserve Toraja's cultural practices and attract tourists from all over the world.

Today, Tana Toraja is a vibrant region that successfully blends its ancient traditions with modern influences. The local economy is supported by agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts. Visitors to Tana Toraja can explore historical sites, witness traditional ceremonies, and experience the unique way of life that has been carefully preserved over centuries.

Tana Toraja is located in the South Sulawesi region of Indonesia. The nearest major airport is Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar. From Makassar, you can take a bus or hire a private car to Rantepao, the main town in Tana Toraja. The journey by road typically takes around 8-10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. There are also daily flights from Makassar to Pongtiku Airport in Tana Toraja, but these flights are less frequent and may be subject to change.

Within Tana Toraja, transportation options include local minibuses, known as 'pete-pete,' and motorcycle taxis, known as 'ojek.' Renting a scooter or car can be a convenient option for exploring more remote areas at your own pace. Be aware that road conditions can vary, and driving can be challenging due to the hilly terrain. Guided tours are also available and can be a good way to see the main attractions.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Rantepao, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas to ensure you have enough funds for your trip.

Tana Toraja is generally safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft can occur, so it is best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always good to be cautious.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Rantepao. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Rantepao where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and important documents at all times.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting traditional villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using local transport. Don't expect Western standards or punctuality. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. Shaking hands is common, but use both hands to show respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tana Toraja like a local, visit the traditional markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the unique funeral ceremonies, which are an important aspect of Torajan culture. For a special experience, consider staying in a traditional Torajan house, known as a 'tongkonan.'