2025 Rantepao Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)
Rantepao - At the heart of Toraja rituals
Rantepao is the main gateway to the Toraja region. it is only 310km from Makassar but takes 8-9 hours by bus due to terrain and lack of highway. I arrived there by night bus (IDR170-230k depending on bus type) from Terminal Daya in Makassar.
I rented a bike (typical price IDR100k/day) to explore the villages and sites around Rantepao. Some people also go on a (informal) tour to local funeral, which has rich culture and rituals.
Toraja is famous for quality coffee bean. There are many decent cafes and roasteries for you to try it and buy some bean to bring back home.
Scenery is paddy field mixed with hills and tongkonans (Toraja ancestral house with uniquely curved roof).
There are a limited choice of accommodation bookable in trip.com. I booked one hotel in the middle of paddy field.
#rantepao
#toraja
Tana Toraja
Tana Toraja Regency is a landlocked regency of South Sulawesi Province of Indonesia, and home to the Toraja ethnic group.
To get to Tana Toraja one must fly to Sultan Hasanuddin airport in Makassar, capital of the province of South Sulawesi. As a hub for East Indonesia there are many airlines flying to and from Makassar. The only way to Toraja from Makassar airport is overland. There are no flights between Makassar and Toraja.
Torajans are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive peaked-roof traditional houses known as tongkonan, and colourful wood carvings. Toraja funeral rites are important social events, usually attended by hundreds of people and lasting for several days.
#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#culturalattractions#camping
PRINCE HOTEL TORAJA
This experience is based on my experience in the room I had during my stay in June 2021. I didn't choose this hotel myself as it was part of a tour that took me to Makassar so I'm not sure from the cost of the room but if lonelyplanet rates are ok it seems it's a bit expensive for as I see it. First impression is not okay (don't forget by the booking picture you get when shown when this hotel goes through a decidedly late tour) seeing the area itself there is a lot of/moss on the outside of the buildings and cracks are starting to get in your place (you might say rustic charm ). Website pictures also season prices but I thought I'd take it in the heat, if you're there during the rainy season the mold and mildew are in very fertile condition. I can't seem to really find the room (unless it's not up to what I paid for) ) Rooms are big and clean, big bed and clean sheets. There is no additional fan or air conditioner in my room, the temperature is cold so that need is not needed, there is a TV, refrigerator. The rooms are starting to have signs of scribbling but once the mildew mentioned by others, the furniture in these rooms will probably be sealed. This place, as reviewed in lonely planet, is empty - the keys are often not there, no one there just the keys on the desk for you. No one else was staying there on my first night, there was a group of runners coming for 2 nights. I found myself the staff spoke some English and the lady in the restaurant was very chatty and helpful, always trying to please. i got very good breakfast food, in good quantity, as many places explain how you want your food cooked and you won't be disappointed. They automatically gave me an American style breakfast which I myself was westerner (which was always what I wanted). If you want to eat there in the evening it's better plan. The hotel is out of town and exploring. Shopping at the supermall is best done when returning from a walk, there are only a few basic shops within walking distance.
#culturalattraction#themeparks#nationalpark
Hotel Sahid Toraja
Everyone needs rest. For travelers visiting Makale, Hotel Sahid Toraja is the best choice for rest and rejuvenation.
Free internet is offered to guests, and rooms at Hotel Sahid Toraja offer a minibar, a refrigerator, and a seating area.
During your stay, take advantage of the facilities offered, such as a 24-hour front desk, room service, and a coffee shop. Guests of Hotel Sahid Toraja can also enjoy the swimming pool and on-site restaurant. For guests driving, parking is available.
Should time allow, Suaya is a popular historical site that is relatively easy to get to.
Whether you're visiting on business, on vacation or both, Hotel Sahid Toraja will make your visit to Makale one to remember.
#themeparks#nationalpark#lakes
PANTAN TORAJA HOTEL
Pantan Toraja Hotel is the right choice when visiting Rantepao. A perfect blend of thrift and convenience, this property offers a welcoming atmosphere with amenities designed for travelers like you.
Close to some of Rantepao's most popular landmarks, such as Tanah Toraja (2.6 km) and Kete Kesu (2.6 km), Pantan Toraja Hotel is a great destination for tourists.
Guests have access to room service and concierge services while staying at Pantan Toraja Hotel. In addition, Pantan Toraja Hotel offers a swimming pool and a restaurant, which will make your visit to Rantepao even more enjoyable.
If you are looking for an Asian restaurant, try to visit Saruran Restaurant, Cafe Aras, or Raja Babi Waroenk, all located close to Pantan Toraja Hotel.
Should time allow, Marante is a popular historical site that is relatively easy to get to.
At Pantan Toraja Hotel, your comfort and satisfaction comes first, and they can't wait to welcome you to Rantepao.
It is truly extraordinary that this hotel has provided a sensation of comfort from staff2.y who is full of manners when serving us and one more thing about the beautiful and enchanting panorama of nature.y.
A quite comfortable and recommended hotel in Toraja. There is a swimming pool. The rooms are quite spacious and comfortable. The air in Toraja is quite cold
the location is good because it's close to everywhere, but it's recommended to pay before arriving at the hotel because it turns out that prices vary quite a bit even with the same room. Breakfast is just what it is, the swimming pool is also more crowded with school children, and quite noisy if you stay together with a government / private group and there doesn't seem to be a warning from the hotel considering that the hotel is identical to a resting place. The rooms are adequate but the shower had time to issue black water so avoid brushing your teeth with shower/sink water. But in the city of Makale, this hotel has a strategic location, especially if
#themeparks#nationalpark#infinitypool
TORSINA TORAJA HOTEL
I came and was warmly welcomed by Torsina Hotel. The advantage is that there is an internet network that reaches visitors' rooms. In the morning we can see views of rice fields and Singki cliffs from rooms on the second or third floor. The breeze that blows gently in the swimming pool makes the atmosphere feel peaceful. Recommended for mid-range travelers
We stayed here 5 nights. The location in the rice fields is magical because of the appearance of the hotel and the beautiful swimming pool.
The bedrooms are fine with good bathrooms, only downside is that they have hot or cold water but you can't get a mix.
Unfortunately this service was disrupted because they were doing a demo even though there were staff still serving us. Instead, there was a receptionist who was very helpful and even placed flowers in my room.
Breakfast service was fine, but after dinner very frustrated with waiting, food didn't arrive or arrived after third time asking us to give up and go to a small local restaurant where the service is very good and its close by but take a flashlight as the road is very bad lit
It is one of the few hotels in Toraja. The hotel is managed by a family with an atmosphere and prices that are quite family-friendly. During our stay at this hotel, we encountered several foreign tourists staying there. The location itself is in the middle of rice fields, with mountain views in the distance, but still quite close to the city center. The location is also quite close to various interesting places, such as a traditional village with typical Toraja houses
#themeparks#nationalpark#infinitypool
MARANTE TORAJA HOTEL
If you are looking for a hotel atmosphere in Rantepao, take a look at Hotel Marante Toraja.
Close to some of Rantepao's most popular landmarks, such as Bori' Parinding (4.2 km) and Kete Kesu (4.5 km), Hotel Marante Toraja is a great destination for tourists.
The room has a flat screen tv, fridge and desk, and you can use the internet, as wi-fi is available, so you can rest and freshen up easily.
Hotel Marante Toraja features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and luggage storage. As a guest of Hotel Marante Toraja, you can enjoy the swimming pool and lounge available at the property. Guests driving have access to a parking lot.
If you like seafood, Hotel Marante Toraja is conveniently located near Cafe See Food.
Want to browse? Pay a visit to Marante (0.1 km), a popular attraction in Rantepao – which is within walking distance of the hotel.
The staff at Hotel Marante Toraja can't wait to serve you when you visit there.
Everything is rather big in this place: the halls, the giant restaurant, the huge swimming pool, the enormous corridors, and the rooms. The hotel pretended to be more luxurious than it really was. Only good place in Rantepao. The place is 3km out of town and away from the noise, which is a good thing for us. The money you spend on a betok (motorized rickshaw) or bemo when you eat out at night, you don't lose because the restaurants in the city are much cheaper and better than the restaurants in the hotel
#themeparks#nationalpark#infinitypool
MISLIANA TORAJA HOTEL
Welcome to Toraja Misiliana Hotel! As your "home" in Rantepao, a hotel with facilities that will complete your stay.
If you want to check out popular attractions while visiting Rantepao, Toraja Misiliana Hotel is a short distance from Londa Cave Tomb (2.8 km) and Kete Kesu (2.8 km).
You will enjoy the comfort of rooms that offer minibars and refrigerators, and you can continue to use the internet during your stay because Toraja Misiliana Hotel offers free internet.
The hotel offers concierge services and room service. And, Toraja Misiliana Hotel also provides a swimming pool and breakfast, to recuperate from a busy day. For guests driving, free parking is available.
If you are looking for an Asian restaurant, try to visit Saruran Restaurant, Cafe Aras, or The House Bistro Galleria, all located close to Toraja Misiliana Hotel.
Plus, during your trip, don't forget to check out a historical site, such as Marante.
Toraja Misiliana Hotel puts the best of Rantepao at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
This hotel is very nice. Thick with culture. Many house buildings are typical of South Sulawesi which can be used as spots to take pictures. The breakfast menu is ordinary but still satisfying. For anyone who visits Tana Toraja, I recommend staying at this hotel.
The location of the hotel is amazing, we were placed in Toraja Tongkonan with a traditional building surrounded by rice fields and beautiful mountain views, the breakfast was varied and delicious but unfortunately the service at night was very bad. It took me 10 minutes to find a receptionist on duty, ring the bell and knock on the door. When I arrived I intended to order 1 portion of fried rice and was immediately directed to talk to the chef who was cool to play games in the hotel lobby, unfortunately my order was rejected. I have to walk at night looking for a mini market to buy box noodles. I conveyed to the easy manager who was so professional and caring. This sincere apology
#themeparks#nationalpark#infinitypool
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Rantepao