I would be delighted to be your tour guide and provide you with an enriching experience as we delve into our traditions and explore the captivating attractions of Toraja. I highly recommend planning a tour for at least two days to fully immerse yourself in the essence of our culture. This will allow you to attend one of the renowned traditional Torajan funerals, witness the various types of graves, and savor the breathtaking landscapes without feeling rushed.
During my tours, we typically visit a traditional funeral ceremony, where you can witness the unique customs and rituals. We will also explore the different types of graves, including hanging coffins, stone graves, cave tombs, and the intriguing baby tree. A visit to the largest buffalo market in Asia, known as Pasar Bolu, is also included. Additionally, we will venture inside a Tongkonan, a traditional Torajan house, and admire one of the oldest Tongkonans featuring a remarkable stone roof. If you are interested, we can also arrange a visit to a family's house to witness the preserved body before the funeral commences. Throughout the tour, I will provide insights into the significance of each place and share the beliefs and customs of the Torajan tribe.
As my tours are tailored to the interests of my guests and are subject to the duration of your stay and local conditions, we can discuss the specific details of the tour upon your arrival. I will do my best that your experience is both informative and memorable.
Here are some answers for the most common ones!
It's difficult to answer that in general. It depends on different factors that affect the price. For example it is different if you want to do the tour with a car or by driving your own scooter. How many people attend the tour (some of the places have an entrance fee)? If we attend a funeral or visit a family with a dead body inside their house, we should bring a small present to the family of the deceased. If we have different guests taking a tour at the same time some costs also will be shared.
That's why I can not tell you here about the exact costs in advance. The costs for my guiding is 800.000 IDR per day. But my final calculation for your tour will include and cover all the different positions like entrance fees, presents (that we will bring when attending a funeral e.g.), costs for the car or scooter(s), etc..
Usually it is possible to attend a funeral ceremony within my tour. But it's not a guarantee, as there simply might not be one in the time of your stay here. But mostly there is one!
Do you require a knowledgeable fixer who can provide you with profound insights into our culture and traditions? Whether you wish to report on our unique funeral customs, explore the diverse types of tombs, witness the intriguing house ceremony for a tongkonan, or delve into the Ma'Nene ceremony where the deceased are exhumed for cleansing, I am here to help.
As a fixer in Toraja, I can assist you in solving logistical challenges, establish valuable contacts, and guide you to the most relevant locations and dates to achieve your journalistic objectives. I am fluent in English, Indonesian, and the local Torajan language, and possess an extensive network of local connections. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, and together we can determine how I can best support you as a fixer on-site with your work.