Makam Raja-Raja Banggae in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi Province

It is true that most tourists recognize Majene Regency for its beautiful natural attractions. This explains why visitors usually explore beaches, waterfalls, and other interesting spots. Despite the fact, the region also features a historical site like Makam Raja-Raja Banggae. In terms of name, it means the tombs of Banggae’s Kings! As the name suggests, it is located in Banggae Sub-District and resides on the famous Salabose Hill. So, what makes it interesting? Tourists are interested to visit this area for numerous purposes, including photography, learning history, exploration, and sightseeing.

The Nuance
As mentioned earlier, these tombs are located on a highland. No wonder, the nuance feels refreshing and peaceful up there. Visitors can even see beautiful panoramas when exploring the site. For the information, this tomb complex resides on an elevation of 75 meters above the sea level. The site is surrounded by Lamtoro trees, bushes, and some local plantations. The total number of Menhir (standing stones) is around 11 and all of them are made of limestone. Not to mention both the size and shape vary, which look so unique and beautiful.

Exploring Makam Raja-Raja Banggae
Before arriving at Makam Raja-Raja Banggae, tourists need to conduct short trekking first. They can watch stunning panoramas while heading to the location. The atmosphere is refreshing, so it won’t feel tiring at all. Later, after arriving at the tombs, they can rest for a while under Lamtoro trees and on a comfy grassy landscape. In order to avoid the heat of the sun and tiredness, in this case, it is recommended to visit the site either in the morning or afternoon.

Both the shape and size of the tombs vary. Thus, tourists may see a square, rounded, flat, or other various Menhir there. It is said the locals carved these traditionally, without a honing process. Despite the simplicity, these tombs are good enough to be a background for photography. The biggest ones are the best, indeed. The height may reach up to 3 meters, in fact! Here is the next information. The tomb complex features at least 480 tombs. Most of these are made of limestone, but others are made of woods, ground stone, lava stone, etc. As for the decoration, the locals included various carving patterns like Arab calligraphy, swastika, geometric pattern, and much more!

Aside from sightseeing, exploration, and photography, tourists can also learn further information regarding Makam Raja-Raja Banggae during the visit. In terms of function, this tomb complex is meant as a burial site for nobles, kings, and Maraqdia community of Banggae. It is said the site has been there since the 16th century! According to the locals, the hill was chosen as the location, due to a belief that ancestral spirits are able to watch over their descendants from above easily.

Nearby Attractions

• Barane Beach
• Dato Beach
• Taman Kota Majene
• Taraujung Pamboang

How to Get There
For those coming from the capital of Indonesia (Jakarta City), they need to take an airplane at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport and head to Mamuju Regency directly (the capital of West Sulawesi Province). A flight to Tampa Padang Airport would take around 4 hours and 45 minutes. Well, it can be either longer or faster depending on the weather, though.

From Tampa Padang Airport, tourists can take Poros Majene – Mamuju Regency and head to Majene Regency right away. This trip usually takes around 2 hours and 18 minutes, as the distance is 85.1 km. After arriving at Majene, they can use the same road and head to Banggae Tomb immediately. This time, the trip may take around 2 hours and 15 minutes, as the distance is 92.2 km.

Where to Stay

• Abrar Hotel