Tongkonan Lempe, North Toraja, indonesia's Land Above the Clouds

Lolai then began to boom and was widely covered by the media in 2015. The tourist spot only rented tents at the beginning, then other facilities began to be built in its wake.

These include resorts, restaurants, toilets, photo spots, camping areas and prayer room to accomodate the increasing numbers of visitors.

When entering, visitors will see two Tongkonans facing three barns.

"The shape looks similar, but has a different function. The Tongkonan is for people to live, the barn, as is usual, is for storing grain," said Abun.

One can sit and savor some Toraja coffee while relaxing and enjoying the expanse of white clouds and the cool breeze at Tongkonan's terrace. The views of the clouds, or waiting for the sunrise or sunset while camping is also a worthwhile experience.

Getting to Tongkonan Lempe

Tongkonan Lempe is about 20 minutes by motorbike and 40 minutes by car from Rantepao if there is no traffic jam. The entry fee is only IDR15,000.

"If the parking lot in Tongkonan Lempe is full, visitors will use the residents' yard. Here, we charge IDR5,000 for motorbikes and IDR10,000 for cars. The tips are handed over to house owner," said Abun.

Also read: Tubing Down the River at Sindangkasih Garut Tourism Village

"If one want to stay in small hotels, the prices range from IDR. 250,000 to IDR1 million [$17.34 - $69.37]. If visitors want to camp, they can bring their own tent or rent from a local resident by paying IDR80,000 to IDR100,000 depending on the size of the tent.

Abun suggested coming to Tongkonan Lempe at 4 am local time to avoid traffic jams, so that visitors can see the view of the beautiful sunrise.

Dok. Abun Pasanggang Tongkonan Lempe, Lolai, Toraja Utara.

"If you come and there is no sun, you can drink Toraja coffee. Here, the price of Torajan coffee is IDR5,000 per cup. The locals also sell the coffee," Abun continued.

Despite the idyll, the requirements to wear masks, wash their hands and keep their distance. Nonetheless, this does not take away the joy of seeing the pristine scenery. Toraja is one of the areas designated as New Balis by President Jokowi

(Writer: Citra Fany Samparaya | Editors: Anggara Wikan Prasetya, I Made Asdhiana)

Sources:
https://travel.kompas.com/read/2021/03/22/060600027/tongkonan-lempe-wisata-negeri-atas-awan-di-toraja-utara 

https://travel.kompas.com/read/2018/08/21/112700827/rasakan-sensasi-berkemah-di-atas-awan-hanya-di-lolai-toraja-utara