Waterfalls and motorbikes

Before leaving Tana Toraja for Tentena, we rented motorbikes to visit the market and go for a scenic drive through the countryside. Scott ended up making his motorbike look like a toy because he was way too tall for it. I rode with Matthew and Danna had her own. At the market, I was able to introduce the guys to rambutans, my favorite fruit discovered here in SE Asia.

The drive through this area was indescribably beautiful with the mountains and rice paddies surrounding everything. The four of us did provide some laughs for the locals as well as inspire vigorous waving from those working in the rice paddies. It truly was a perfect way to end the Toraja experience.

That afternoon, we left for Tentena, a beautiful little lake town. The drive itself was not much fun and definitely worse than the night bus journey from Makassar. 11 hours after setting off, we arrived dazed and confused in Tentena. After catching a couple of hours of much needed sleep, we set off in search of motorbikes in order to visit the waterfalls and beach at the lake. We were successful in finding two and for the first time ever, had to sign a rental agreement sheet.

The waterfalls were absolutely stunning and put the ones outside Makassar to shame. Aside from a few other backpackers, there was no one else there. We all went for a swim, climb and got some good group shots in. What I enjoyed most about these falls was the lack of trash! It doesn't seem to matter how far from civilization I get, there is always a bunch of trash lying around somewhere. However, here it was refreshing to see next to no trash anywhere. The water was quite cold and a shocking difference compared to the warm ocean temperatures I've grown accustomed too. (I know, first world problems.) The waterfall was a ton of fun to play in and I would highly recommend visiting it!

Before leaving for the beach, we decided it was time to try getting all four of us on the motorbike and driving it around. Matthew had the privilege of being the driver, Scott went in front of him (I'm still not sure where his legs went), followed by me and then Danna on the back. We provided ourselves with a ton of amusement on the ride, but it was successful! I believe Matthew has decided on a career change and will be moving to Indonesia soon to be become an Ojek driver.

After a few minor motorbike mishaps, we made it to the lake where we had lunch and a short swim before being chased away by the oncoming rainstorm. The lake was beautiful, cool and did not smell of sulfer the way Lake Toba did in Sumatra.

This was the end of our adventures while Matt and Scott were here. I can only hope they had as much fun as I did. I just wish they could have stayed longer.