Once you stay outside of the big cities in Indonesia, many locals may have never seen a foreigner before, so get ready for the stares. This is rarely intended in a malicious way, once you make eye contact with an Indonesian and smile they will often return the grin. Calls of “Hello sir or miss “are normal and many people are just trying to practice their English with you.

Keep in mind that people in many parts of Toraja may have limited experience with foreigners and are still learning how to share their homes with you. They do not routinely maintain guest rooms. Things like soft beds, cold drink and electricity are luxury items to some. You may even encounter with someone who barely speaks anything other than Bahasa Indonesia or the local language. They will offer you the best they have nonetheless, and you are expected to graciously return that with respectful treatment. Make sure you always use your right hand when greeting people, paying and eating.

Toraja offers many beautiful things for you to bring home: wooden sculptures called tau-tau, handwoven clothes, wooden carving picturing wonderful Torajan symbols, coffee and many more. Be extremely cautious however, when buying antiques or work of arts on display especially in tourist areas. Most are reproductions though they may look incredibly similar. Price in Toraja is a flexible thing. Bargaining is advised.

Official licensed guides and freelance guides are available. Other than those provided by an agency, guide rates are usually negotiable. Be clear beforehand about who covers the guide’s personal expenses and the cost of his return to home base. In most areas, tourist information services, hotels or accommodation staffs can recommend a guide for you.

Visiting Toraja won’t be complete if you haven’t attended and observed their unique funeral ceremony. Wearing black clothes is advisable when attending the ceremony, a shirt covering the shoulders, and a lower body garment covering until the knees. A man could put up a sarong and a woman could put up stole or shawl. Ask a permission before taking a photograph or video.