Sulawesi
is a holiday destination that is becoming popular with those is seach of
the exotic. Most interesting to visitors are the more populated north and
south regions, as the central region is a little known
area rarely visited ( though of course
of some travellers this is its very attraction
).
South Sulawesi is a region of dramatic
contrasts - of rugged volcanic peaks and glistening while beaches.So it's
hardly surprising the region is home to two vastly different peoples -
the seafaring Bugis and the mysterious highland Torajans.
If you are a first-time visitor make sure
you take a trip to the Torajan communities of
the South Sulawesi highlands.
New roads have made the seven-hour journey
to Toraja Land much easier so these once
remote people are now used to seeing
visitors.
You'll
drive through spectacular mountain scenery, steep
terraced slopes and tall bamboo forests to arrive all a true paradise
of unspoilt natural beauty. ( You'll have no trouble understanding
why the Torajans believe their forefathers were
descended from heaven, for this is heaven on earth ).
Most
visitors can't wait to see the Toraja tombs-man-made caves cut into sheer
cliff faces with eerie effigies on suspended balconies staring out across
the jungle. InTorajan Culture a funeral is festive event and elaborate
rites are performed to ensurethat souls pass to the afterworld in an appropriate
manner. Families spend with muchon these feasts and if you're fortunate
to be here for a burial ceremony you should be sure to contribute something
such as food, soap or perhaps even money to assist the family. Be warned,
though, some parts of the ceremony are not for the faint-heated --- the
slaughter by single sword stroke of a sacred buffalo is common.
Funeral
ceremony usually last about a week with the feasting, chanting and dancing
continuing throughout the night. It is on the last day that the coffin
is hauled carefully up the mountainside to the family gravesite amidst
great shouting and excitiment. The best known gravesites are at Londa and
Lemo. Here the effigies are those of noblemen and other high-ranking community
leaders. You'll also be struck by the unusual architecture of the traditional
Torajan houses, the "Tongkonan". The roof rises at both ends
like the bow and stern of a ship and legend has it that this was the shapes
of the vessels that carried their ancestors here.
For
a different experience visitors take an
Overland Package Tour from UjungPandang, Toraja Land, Poso,
Tentena, Gorontalo, Dumoga Bone to Manado ( North Sulawesi ), home of the
friendly Minahasa people. As a result of Portuguese,Spanish and Dutch missionaries
this is one of the most Christianised places in
Indonesia. Another heaven on earth, complete with beautiful coral reefs,
white sandy beaches and clear, clear water. In the highlands
there are lakes and invigorating hotwater springs. For
nature lovers there is plenty of wildlife and easy jungle walks nearby.
If you're a scuba diver, you'll even find gear and boat available.
There
are also a number of interesting towns around the delightful Lake Tondano
that you will want to visit. And while in the area, be sure to see the
ancient megalithic monument knows as Watung Pinabetengan. It's a mysterious,
huge, anvil-shaped stone covered in as yet underciphered hieroglyphics.
