Kete Kesu is a traditional village in Tana Toraja that offers the beauty of Tongkonan traditional houses, ancient burial sites, and unique traditions that attract local and foreign tourists.
Kete Kesu, a traditional village in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, has its own appeal for local and foreign tourists. Known as the Traditional Village of the Megalithic Era, Kete Kesu is not just a tourist spot, but a cultural heritage that preserves the traditions and history of Tana Toraja.
The village showcases the richness of Toraja culture with various traditional components, such as Tongkonan (traditional houses), rice barns, menhirs, and ancient burial sites. Before you plan your visit, let’s take a deeper look at what can be found in Kete Kesu.
The Charm & Attraction of Kete Kesu Village
Kete Kesu offers many interesting things that tourists can enjoy. From the well-preserved architecture of traditional houses to the rich traditions of the Torajan people, this village offers an unforgettable cultural tourism experience.
1. Tongkonan Traditional House
One of the main attractions of Kete Kesu is the presence of Tongkonan traditional houses neatly lined up. This traditional house, a highlight among the Things to do in Toraja, is believed to have stood for more than 300 years and is home to around 20 families in this village.
Tongkonan is a symbol of social status in Torajan society, with the walls of the house decorated with buffalo horns as a sign of the position of the homeowner. Tongkonan features unique architecture with a roof resembling a boat, symbolizing the ancestral vehicle.
One of the Tongkonan in Kete Kesu has even been converted into a museum that houses various historical objects, such as Chinese ceramics, statues, machetes, and the first flag raised in Toraja.
For tourists interested in history, this museum is the perfect place to learn about Torajan culture.
2. Ancient Burial Sites
In addition to traditional houses, Kete Kesu is also known as an ancient burial site that is hundreds of years old. This cemetery is unique because the Toraja people have a different way of storing the bodies of their families.
There are three types of burials, namely burials in caves, carved stone houses, and coffins (erong) hung on cliffs.
Erong are usually made in the shape of animals, such as buffalo or pigs, which are important symbols in the lives of the Torajan people. The burial site at Kete Kesu is also one of the oldest in the world, making it a historic site well worth visiting.
3. Beauty of Village and Natural Landscape
Situated at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, Kete Kesu offers beautiful views and a peaceful rural atmosphere.
Rows of Tongkonan and rice barns (alang) are surrounded by stretches of rice fields and bamboo forests, creating a calming, exotic atmosphere. Tourists can walk through this village while enjoying the beautiful natural panorama.
4. Visit the Museum Collection
One of the traditional houses in Kete Kesu, Tongkonan Rura, has been used as a museum. This museum houses a collection of ancient Torajan traditional objects, such as wood carvings, sharp weapons, and ceramics.
Visitors can learn more about the history and culture of Tana Toraja through this museum’s collections. One of the collections that attracts attention is the first red and white flag flown in Toraja.
5. Witnessing Traditional Ceremonies
Kete Kesu is the center of Toraja traditional ceremonies, especially Rambu Solo (death ceremony) and Rambu Tuka (thanksgiving ceremony). The best time to witness this traditional ceremony is between June and December, when various rituals take place.
The traditional ceremony in Kete Kesu showcases the richness of the unique and eccentric traditions of the Torajan people, making it an attractive tourist attraction.
In the rante area, where the traditional ceremony is held, there are dozens of menhirs (simbuang) standing in the middle of the ceremonial field. These menhirs vary in size and height, and are believed to be a symbol of respect for ancestors.
6. Take photos with exotic backgrounds
Kete Kesu tourist village has many beautiful corners and is suitable as a background for taking pictures. One of the favorite spots is the row of Tongkonan neatly lined up with buffalo horn decorations on the walls.
Not only that, tourists also often take pictures with striped buffalo, a typical Toraja animal that can cost hundreds of millions of rupiah. The presence of this buffalo adds to the uniqueness when taking photos at Kete Kesu.
7. Buy typical Toraja souvenirs
Inside the Kete Kesu tourist complex, there are various shops selling typical Toraja souvenirs. From bamboo crafts, wood carvings, to traditional clothing, tourists can find a variety of unique and antique souvenirs here.
Shopping for souvenirs after enjoying the beauty of Toraja culture is a pleasant experience before leaving this village.
Location and Route to Kete Kesu
Kete Kesu is located about 5 kilometers from the center of Rantepao City, the capital of Tana Toraja. Visitors can reach this village by land using public transportation, bemo, or ojek.
For tourists departing from Makassar, the travel time is around 8-9 hours by bus, but there is also a choice of local flights from Makassar to Toraja Airport although the frequency is limited.
Various Tourist Activities in Kete Kesu
Tourists who come to Kete Kesu can enjoy various interesting activities, such as:
- Explore the rows of Tongkonan and rice barns.
- Visiting ancient burial sites in the karst cliffs.
- Enjoy the beautiful rural scenery.
- Interact with local people and learn about their culture.
- Hunting for typical Toraja souvenirs.
Tourism Support Facilities in Kete Kesu
Kete Kesu tourist village is equipped with various adequate facilities, such as a large parking area, public toilets, places of worship, and souvenir shops. This facility makes tourist visits more comfortable and enjoyable.
Kete Kesu is a cultural tourism destination rich in history and tradition, making it a must-visit place when in Tana Toraja.
With a peaceful rural atmosphere, unique traditional houses, and a wealth of preserved traditions, Kete Kesu is one of the top Tourist Attractions in Malino that provides an unforgettable experience for tourists.