ETHEREAL JOURNEY
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Weather Condition
Since Toraja is located in high ground, pleasant climate envelops it al-year around. Daily temperature varies from around 16°C in the evening and early morning to around 28°C during the day. This climate allows most hotels in Toraja to thrive without the use of air conditioners. As the other areas in Indonesia, Toraja too has only two seasons: wet and dry, with June to August as the driest months. The highest rainfall normally happens from September to March.
Time of the Essence
Toraja is in the UTC+8 time zone (known in Indonesia as WITA or Waktu Indonesia Tengah), the same as Western Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali and one hour ahead of Jakarta.
The Perfect Timing
The peak of the tourist season in Toraja is June to August. Prepare your reservations well in advance if you plan to visit during this time. To avoid the crowd, visiting off-season is always an option worth considering. The best time in terms of tourist traffic and weather happens between April – June and September – October
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There are important things you should know before applying for, or being granted, an Indonesian visa. These include applying for the right type of visa, application requirements, and your obligations while in Indonesia and the importance of complying with visa conditions. You can apply for a range of visas at your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.
For more detailed information, please visit Indonesia.Travel website: http://www.indonesia.travel/en/travel-guidance/visa-and-immigrationVisa Requirement -
In Toraja, only Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is accepted for cash payments. In general, transactions in Toraja are cash-based. Credit cards are not commonly used for payment, unless if you see Master or Visa logo on the cashier of hotels or restaurants. There are banks and ATMs in Makale and Rantepao where you can change your foreign currency into Rupiah or get your cash.Means Of Trade
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Bring wash-and wear light cotton clothes, a light rain jacket with a hood, and a good sweater. Tennis shoes are fine for basic footwear, but if you plan to do outdoor activities (trekking or hiking) you will need sturdy shoes or boots. Bring one of your favorite hats to keep the sun off during long walks. Bring along some pre-packaged towelettes. These are handy for disinfecting your hands before eating or after a trip to the kamar kecil (lavatory).Pack Light
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Indonesians love adding spice to their food. The word “ Pedas “ (spice) must be one of the first things you learn to say in Indonesian as part of your culinary adventures. Depending on the region you are in, the spice might already be added to the food and in places like Sulawesi it is placed onto the side of the plate. If you can’t handle spice make sure to learn to say “ Tidak pedas “before ordering your food.Get Ready For Spice
Highland Compass
In Toraja, you can always tell where north is by looking at the roof of Tongkonan. More visitors prefer to travel on foot and it is really recommended. This way, you’ll get much more insights about life in Toraja that seem to elude the eyes of those on wheels. Don’t hesitate to ask any locals about the direction to a site or location of ceremonies. Most of them are able to speak basic English and they’re more than willing to help you.
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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.Staying with Locals in Village
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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.Shopping
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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.Tour Guides
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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.At The Funeral Ceremony
