Over a hundred menhirs
Standing stones.
A broad field where more than a hundred standing stones, or menhirs, of varying sizes rise, some several metres tall, each erected to honour a Torajan noble at their great funeral, in a megalithic tradition that has continued for centuries, making it one of Indonesia's most important living megalith sites. Around the field, where funeral rites are held, are huge boulders carved with family graves, and in the nearby forest is a large tree where, by old Torajan tradition, infants who died before their teeth came through were once buried. The fee is modest. The site is calm and shaded by trees, and in the summer season you may come across funeral rites. An hour is enough, and it pairs with Batutumonga on a trip north. Most Torajans are Christian and local food often includes pork, so look for halal restaurants in Rantepao, and be respectful of any funeral rites you come across.
Standing stones.
For centuries.
Around the field.
Sesean, about 7 km north of Rantepao
Each stone commemorates a noble, its size linked to the family's standing and the number of buffalo offered at the funeral.