Indonesia is a country of a thousand islands where past and present are woven together in a marvelous pattern of traditions. When it comes to this nation, most tourists envision the beaches of Bali, surfing in Canggu or the ancient temples of Yogyakarta. But beyond the popular destinations lies another, more authentic world - lost villages where ancient customs are still lived.
These villages offer travelers more than just beautiful views, as here you will see cultures in its original form, learn about customs that are passed down from generation to generation, and even witness rituals that go back to ancient times. Just as a 1970 quarter value can be an unexpected discovery for numismatists, traveling through the villages of Indonesia can provide an invaluable experience filled with new cultural discoveries and amazing stories. So today we are going to discuss some unique places, each of which may surprise and interest you.
Unusual Places to Visit
Toraja Village (Sulawesi Island)
Deep in the mountains of Sulawesi Island lies the village of Toraja. The place is famous for its ancient traditions, as well as its unique architecture.
Here, tourists can see traditional tongkonan houses with roofs shaped like buffalo horns (a symbol of strength and power); rock tombs cut directly into the steep cliffs (the final resting place for nobles); and carved wooden tau-tau figures (exact replicas of the deceased, as if guarding their rest). Tourists can also visit annual festivals, where traditional dances, ritual games and weaving exhibitions take place.
But the main thing that Toraja is known for is its funeral rites, which are unparalleled in the world.
Funerals that last for years
When a person dies, his body is not immediately buried. Relatives may keep it in the house for months or even years until a grand farewell ceremony is organized. All this time, the deceased is considered “sick” or “sleeping,” cared for, left food, and spoken to as if they were alive.
A real funeral includes buffalo sacrifices (the more buffalo, the higher the status of the family), ceremonies with music and dance, and ritual funeral processions.
Mysterious traditions with coins
Coins play an important role in these rituals. They are used in several rituals:
During a farewell ceremony, relatives throw coins into the crowd to symbolize the generosity of the deceased.
Coins may be placed in the coffin so that the deceased can pay for the passage to the afterlife.
Sometimes they are decorated with tau-tau dolls, carved figures representing the deceased.
These coins are often antique, or at least very interesting. If you manage to find one, try to determine its origin with Coin ID Scanner - you may be looking at a real historical artifact.
Travel Tip: When visiting Toraja, be respectful of local traditions. Photographing funeral ceremonies can only be done with the permission of the relatives, otherwise it may be perceived as disrespectful.
Badui (Java Island)
Deep in the jungles of Java Island live the Badui people, one of the most isolated communities in Indonesia. Their way of life seems to be frozen in the past: they consciously abandoned the achievements of civilization in order to preserve the traditions of their ancestors.
The Baduy are divided into the Outer (Baduy Luar), who have minimal contact with the outside world, and the Inner (Baduy Dalam), who live in total denial. Only the outer part of the village is accessible to tourists.
There is no electricity, transportation, stores or banks. However, the strict prohibitions do not prevent the locals from maintaining harmony with nature.
Life without Electricity and Gadgets
Baduy village lives without electricity - there are no lanterns, radios or telephones. Houses are made of bamboo; roofs are covered with palm leaves and food is cooked over an open fire. Clothes are handwoven: Inner Badui wear only white clothes, Outer Badui may wear black or blue. There is no footwear - they walk barefoot even on stones, considering it a symbol of connection with the earth.
Interesting fact: Badui does not accept anything related to modern civilization. Tourists are not allowed to bring plastic bottles, watches, phones, or even modern backpacks into their villages. All of this is considered a desecration of their holy land.
Economy without Banks and Shops
Instead of money, the Baduy use barter. They prefer to exchange their goods (rice, fruits, cloth, baskets) for other products. Of particular value are ancient silver coins, which are passed down through inheritance. The trading system is based on trust, and there is no concept of debt in the traditional sense: if one person helps another, it does not require immediate payment.
Travel tip: The best way to buy a souvenir from the Baduy is to offer natural goods, such as rice or spices. They accept them more willingly than money.
The Village of Wamena (Papua)
Among the forests and valleys of the Indonesian province of Papua lies the village of Wamena, the cultural heart of the Dani tribe. This is one of the most ancient peoples of the region, who managed to preserve their traditional way of life paying no attention to the influence of civilization.
There are no modern houses, roads or amenities. Men and women live in khoni (traditional round huts) covered with grass, cook their food over a fire and grow sweet potatoes, which form the basis of their diet.
Unusual Dani Traditions
The Dani tribe is known for its unique customs that may seem shocking to foreigners:
Koteki is a traditional male garment. The only clothing worn by local men is the koteka, a special case of dried gourd worn over the genitals. The size and shape of the koteka can vary and even emphasize the status of the wearer. Some men wear several kotekas at once to look more imposing.
The ritual of cutting off the phalanges of the fingers. Dani women express grief for deceased relatives in a special way - by cutting off the phalanges of their fingers. It is believed that physical pain helps to share the suffering of the soul. Nowadays this custom is less and less common, but among elderly women you can see hands with severed fingers - evidence of their mourning.
War rituals and the Dhani festival. Although real tribal wars are a thing of the past, the Dani still organize war games to demonstrate strength and agility. One of the most famous celebrations is the Baliem Valley Festival, where tribes play out traditional battles in battle coloring, as well as dancing and singing folk songs.
Coins as Jewelry
The Dani do not use money in their daily trade, but coins play an important role in their culture. Women decorate themselves with old coins, weaving them into necklaces and headdresses, as they believe they bring good luck and protect against evil spirits. Older warriors wear belts inlaid with silver coins, which are passed down in the family from generation to generation as a sign of strength and respect. Most often coins from the Dutch colonization period are used as ornaments - they lost their monetary value long ago but still remain an important part of the traditional look of the tribe.
Travel tip: Before giving gifts to the locals, make it clear whether it is allowed. Some tribes consider things from strangers a bad sign and may refuse them.
Beyond the Horizon of the Familiar
Real discoveries await where the tourist trails end. A journey through the lost villages of Indonesia is a chance to see a world where civilization did not erase the boundaries between past and present. Here every step is a discovery, every tradition is a mystery, and every coin is a story told without words. Is it worth going there? It is up to you.