14 – 21 August 2025
Tana Toraja in Sulawesi is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in Indonesia.
It offers a fascinating mix of cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes and unique rituals.
Sebastian Belaustugi ( Suki ) and i have decided to team up once again and offer something unique and special as we head into the backroads, villages and traditions of Tana Toraja.
For anyone interested in learning about an ancient culture that still practices elaborate death ceremonies, attend one, and learn about Aluk ( the ways of the ancestors ) explore traditional villages and connect with the local communities, travel by car through mountains, green lush terraced rice fields, and spectacular landscapes then this cultural adventure will interest you.
Highlights:
Attending a death ritual and learning about how important the life-death cycle is to the Torajans.
Travel by car and foot through the spectacular landscapes of Tana Toraja, we have some short walks through the rice fields and villages.
Visit many historical sights and caves where the dead are buried and see the Tau Tau effigies
Attend the annual Ma Nene rituals where the dead bodies are brought back to life.
Witness a traditional music and dance performance in one of the communities
Traditional Markets – Explore Rantepao’s bustling local market, rich with daily life scenes and learn photography techniques.
Photograph the Tongkonan traditional houses with their iconic peaked roofs with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.
Visit the traditional weavers and learn about this ancient craft and purchase directly from the families if you wish
Visit a coffee plantation, learn and sample some of the best coffee in Indonesia
Visit the buffalo market in Bolu and learn how important these animals are in Torajin life.
See the massive stones and megaliths in Bori
Meet the Tau Tau makers and woodcarvers.
Experience a meal in the home of the Torajans and learn about the local food delicacies.
One day in Makassar visiting the morning fish market and historical places in this bustling, fascinating city
Visit the worlds oldest cave paintings in Maros, just north of Makassar
Visit beautiful Rammung Rammung village surrounded by towering karst pinnacles, and visit the ancient monoliths
I have timed this tour in August to experience something extremely unique. The ancient, annual Ma Nene rituals.
Ma’Nene is one of the most unique and sacred traditions in all of Indonesia. It is a death ritual where the Torajan people exhume and clean the bodies of their deceased loved ones, redress them, and honor their memory through a communal celebration. The body is then wrapped and put back in the family grave. This ritual reflects the Torajan people’s deep reverence for their ancestors and their belief that death is not the end, but a continuation of the relationship with the departed.
After many visits i have built a special relationship with some of the local Torajan people which allows us the opportunity to get deeper into the culture and villages.
This ritual is only performed in certain villages, which we will visit as part of the workshop.
The tour leaves Bali on the morning of August 14 and returns on August 21. Seven nights and eight days absorbing ourselves into the history, and fascinating cultural practices of this beautiful place.
But thats not all , as in addition we will spend a day in Makassar, and then head up to Ramming Ramming village before flying up to Toraja. We will travel each day in an air-conditioned comfortable vehicle and hear many stories from our guide who is the most experienced in Toraja.
Includes:
Excludes:
We require a 50% deposit to secure your place.
Please contact me directly if you wish to join , via email davidmetcalf312@gmail.com / davidmetcalfphotography22@gmail.com or WhatsApp +62 8111331255
US $3,400 / Person based on sharing a room ( if available ) or US $3,900 for your own room.
Please note special price for Indonesian residents ( Kitas holders )
© Copyright 2024 | David Metcalf Photography – PT Damee International | All rights reserved