Welcome to Toraja Highland. Toraja - unquestionably one of the most beautiful region of Indonesia. The long highway heading north from Makassar (formerly known as Ujung Pandang), after some 330 km (107 mil) of hughing the coastline of South Sulawesi begins its fantastic, winding ascent to the mountains. You'll past some regions like Pangkep, Barru, etc. After that you'll entering Pare-Pare.

Out of Pare-Pare, the road to Toraja turns inland and begins wind steeply upwards into rolling hills above the town. House are replaced by grassland and the road pushes upward over a low range of hills, past picturesque villages and scattered rice and corn fields and tapioca. Then, almost without warning, a magnificent view to the east signals the brief descent to the plain below.

Shortly after it reaches the plain at the village of Lawada, the road forks : the road to the left leads accross an open expanse of rice fields - the major source of South Sulawesi's rice surplus - and into the market town of Rappang. Rappang is attractive little town with winding, tree line streets. Wooden shops with overhanging jettys sell rattan furniture. As you leave Rappang, you might even spot a Bugis wedding, identifiable by the awnings set up in front of household and crowds of people in their best silk sarongs, with loudspeaker systems amplifying music and speeches.

The next town is Enrekang, where the Sa'dan and Mata Allo rivers meet. Enrekang is also famous for danke, a cheese-like delicacy made from fried buffalo milk, which is often available in the town's largest losmen, over looking the bridge and river. Leaving Enrekang, the journey offer breathtaking, panoramic views of rugged mountains and valleys. Perhaps you'll stop at Kotu, where you can buy Baje' Kotu, a favourite local sweet made from glutinous rice and palm sugar wrapped in rice husks.

The next region is Bamba Puang ("god region"). This region covered by spectacular mountain which dominates it. The area is rich with mythic and historical significance.Toraja and Duri legends hold that the first human beings descended here from the heaven by means of a celestial ladder. In 20 century, the mountains where the backdrop for battles against Dutch forces attemping to annex the region. After that you'll be in Buntu Kabobong ("erotic mountain").The terrain on the slopes ot the mountain is said to resemble male and female genetalia. Local legends recall how an incestuous couple was punished by being turned into stone and made lie side by side, eternally separated by the river that runs between them.

Passing the "gateway" arch of Tana Toraja, the road leads through the small market village in Mebali. From the top of arch you can look down over the river and town. The traveler is now drawn into a majestic landscape of rugged grey granite outcorps and distance blue mountains. These form are sharp contrast with the vivid green of fertile river - and rain fed rice terraces and the rusty reds of lateric soil. Late afternoon arrive in Rantepao (if you went from Makassar at 8 a.m.). As the roads near Rantepao, ornately carved tongkonan complete the magical picture of Toraja.

Torajan people are very welcome to the guest (Ia tu Toraya natarima melo ke den tau rampo lako banuanna --- Toraja's language).