A Toraja village where a row of tongkonan houses faces a row of rice barns, with cliff graves behind.
Kete Kesu, near Rantepao, is among the oldest and most complete Toraja villages open to visitors. Its tongkonan stand in a line facing their rice barns, their roofs curving up at both ends.
A path behind the village leads to hanging graves and carved coffins on a limestone cliff. The village is also known for wood carving.
Why it matters
It brings together the three things Toraja culture is known for: houses, rice barns and burial sites.
What makes it unique
Houses for the living and graves for the dead are a few minutes' walk apart.
Good to know
- Tongkonan and rice barns
- Hanging graves on the cliff
- Wood carving workshops
Planning a visit
- Time needed
- About 2 h
- Best time of day
- morning
- Relative cost
- Low cost
Editorial estimates. NUSANTARA does not hold prices, tickets, schedules or opening hours — confirm them with an official source.
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