Rantepao

Rantepao is the main town in the Tana Toraja region of South Sulawesi.

Get in

 * See also Tana Toraja.

By bus
The bus terminal for local transportation is not in Rantepao itself, but in Bolu, 2 km further northeast. A bemo ride between central Rantepao to Bolu costs Rp 5,000 (as of 2016). There are daily buses to/from Makassar (10 hours, Rp 200,000) and Palu via Tentena. The bus from Tentena takes about 13 hours (Rp 250,000). Note, the road between Rantepao and Palopo is prone to landslides. Road can be blocked for hours or even days.

Get around
Rantepao is small enough to be walkable. Otherwise, riding an ojek or becak or bemo is easy.

Scooters are easily arranged for in homestays. There are also several rental places but they will usually require the motorbike be returned by 17:00 if you rent per day. Price is around Rp 100,000 per day (Sep 2018).

Do not expect to relax in the middle of nature. Rantepao is a bustling small town. The main road (crossing the city from south to north) is packed with vehicles. Some locals wear masks or scarfs to protect from the dust and pollution.

See
Rantepao is not particularly pleasant in itself, but most touristic facilities (hotels, restaurants, transportation) are located there.

Do
Use Rantepao as a base to visit the region of Tana Toraja.

Buy
The market in the center of Rantepao sells many clothes and some souvenirs.

There are plenty of ATMs in town.

Rantepao has many Indomaret and Alfamart shops, mainly located along the main road, and that act as mini supermarkets. In addition, many street shops sell food and... gasoline virtually everywhere in (and outside) Rantepao.





Connect
All the city is served by Edge network. Some parts of Rantepao also benefit from 3G or 3G+.

Go next

 * Makassar
 * Tentena (Ketty Bus and Batutumonga Bus are the main bus operator to Tentena / Palu. Avoid Rappan Marannu Bus).
 * Palu (Litha & Co. Bus is one of the reputable operator)
 * Palopo
 * Wotu
 * Poso
 * Soroako