|
|
|
|
Sulawesi is a holiday destination that is becoming popular with those in 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, for some travellers this is its very
attraction. South Sulawesi is a region of dramatic contrasts
- of rugged volcanic peaks and glistening whitesandy
beaches. So it's hardly surprising the region is home so
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 SouthSulawesi
highlands.New roads have made the eight-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 in 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.
In Torajan culture a funeral is festive event and elaborate rites are
performed to ensure that souls pass to the afterworld in an
appropiate manner. Families spend much on 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 some
pack of cigarettes to respect the family. Be warned, though, some
parts of the ceremony are not for the faint-hearted --- the slaughter by single sword stroke of a sacred buffalo is common.
Funeral Ceremonies 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 themountainside
to the family gravesite amidst great shouting and
excitement. 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 Toraja house, the " Tongkonan"
. The roof rises at both ends like the bow and stern of a ship and legend has it that this was shape of
the vessels that carried their ancestors here.
For a different experience visitors Cross South to 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 wildllife and easy jungle walks nearby. If you're a scuba diver, you'll evern find grear and boat available to Bunaken island.There are also a number of interesting towns around the delightful Lake Tondano and Linow Lake that you will want to visit. And while in the area, be sure to see the ancient Megalithic Monument known as Watung Pinabetengan. It's a myssterious, huge, anvil-shaped stone covered in as yet underciphered hieroglyphics.
|
|
