Taman Arkeologi Leang-Leang, formerly known as Taman Prasejarah Leang-Leang or Taman Purbakala Leang-Leang, is one of the leading tourist attractions in Maros Regency and South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This archaeological park offers educational tourism focused on prehistoric heritage and ancient human civilization. The term “Leang-Leang” comes from the local Bugis-Makassar language and means “cave.” As the name suggests, the park is home to numerous prehistoric caves containing unique and fascinating archaeological remains of early human life.
Archaeologists believe that several caves within this area were inhabited by humans between approximately 3,000 and 8,000 BC. Evidence of this early habitation is marked by prehistoric rock paintings, including depictions of a leaping babirusa (a native wild pig-deer species) and dozens of hand stencils on the cave walls. In Leang Pettae Cave alone, five distinct prehistoric human handprints were identified, while a total of thirty-two hand stencils were also recorded in the same cave complex. These red-colored handprints are among the most iconic features of the site, offering valuable insights into the symbolic and artistic expressions of early communities.
In addition to rock paintings, researchers have discovered marine shells inside several caves, indicating that the area was once submerged or surrounded by the sea in ancient times. This geological evidence strengthens the understanding that environmental changes significantly influenced prehistoric life in the region. Another remarkable feature of the park is the presence of a river flowing directly in front of the Leang-Leang caves, limestone outcrops scattered across nearby rice fields, and the breathtaking view of Mount Bulusaraung from the top of the caves. The park is also located relatively close to the famous Bantimurung Nature Tourism Park, making it part of a broader network of natural and cultural attractions in the region.
Today, Taman Arkeologi Leang-Leang is managed by the Museum and Cultural Heritage authority under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. Administratively, the park is located within the karst hills of the Maros-Pangkep Karst Area, which forms part of Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. More specifically, it lies in Leang-Leang Village, Bantimurung District. The Maros-Pangkep karst region is recognized as one of the largest karst landscapes in the world and is renowned for its dramatic limestone formations and rich biodiversity.
Accessibility to the park is relatively convenient. Visitors can reach the site in approximately 15 to 30 minutes via Jalan Poros Leang-Leang from the main Bantimurung road, which connects Maros and Bone Regencies. The road has been concreted, making travel easier for tourists. The distance from Turikale town center is about 10 kilometers, from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport approximately 19.9 kilometers, and about 34.9 kilometers north of Makassar City. From Makassar, visitors travel along the Bantimurung (Maros-Bone) road and turn left at kilometer 7 toward the karst foothills. The journey typically takes around one and a half hours by motorcycle or car.
The historical significance of Leang-Leang dates back to important discoveries made in the mid-20th century. In 1950, H.R. van Heekeren discovered a painting of a leaping babirusa pierced in the chest by a spear. Around the same time, Miss Heeren Palm identified a red hand stencil believed to belong to a woman. These discoveries were made in Leang Pettae and Leang Pettakere caves. Archaeological studies estimate that these caves were inhabited between 8,000 and 3,000 BC, while the rock paintings themselves are believed to be around 5,000 years old.
However, further research suggests that human occupation in the area may date back even earlier, possibly to 50,000 BC, continuing until about 6,000 years ago. This long sequence of habitation has contributed significantly to scientific knowledge, particularly regarding a prehistoric cultural phase known as the Toalean Culture (Budaya Toala). The Toalean people are associated with distinctive stone tools, cave habitation, and remarkable rock art. Their cultural remains provide crucial information about prehistoric migration, adaptation, and social development in Southeast Asia.
Over the decades, numerous scholars have conducted research in the caves of South Sulawesi. Early studies were carried out by Van Stein Callenfels, H.D. Noone, A.A. Cense, W.J.A. Willems, F.D. McCarthy, H.R. van Heekeren, D.J. Mulvaney, R.P. Soejono, and I.C. Glover. Since the 1980s, Indonesian researchers, particularly from the National Archaeological Research Center (Puslit Arkenas) and Hasanuddin University, have continued systematic investigations. In 2007, Australian archaeologist Mike Morwood collaborated with the Makassar Archaeology Office to explore Pleistocene occupation in the region.
A major breakthrough occurred in 2014 when Maxime Aubert from the University of Wollongong and his team conducted uranium-series dating on speleothems associated with the cave paintings in Leang Timpuseng. Their findings suggested that some of the rock art is approximately 40,000 years old, placing it among the oldest known cave paintings in the world and comparable in age to the earliest European cave art. This discovery attracted global attention and significantly elevated the international importance of the Maros-Pangkep karst caves.
Within the park, two caves—Leang Pettae and Leang Pettakere—are the main tourist sites. Leang Pettae, located about 50 meters south of the main road, contains stone artifacts, food remains such as animal bones and marine shells, and numerous hand stencils. Leang Pettakere, situated about 400 meters north at a higher limestone cliff elevation, features large red handprints and a prominent babirusa painting. Iron staircases have been installed to allow visitors safe access to the paintings under the supervision of preservation officers.
The park is equipped with various facilities, including Bola Leppangeng, a prehistoric image information center, meeting rooms, prayer facilities, toilets, stone gardens, Bola Toana, a prehistoric river, karst hills, parking areas, and pedestrian pathways. These amenities support both tourism and educational activities while maintaining conservation standards.
Beyond its archaeological value, Taman Arkeologi Leang-Leang holds immense scientific significance in archaeology, geology, ecology, biology, and speleogenesis. The cave complex includes around 57 caves with diverse archaeological findings. The ecological richness of the Bantimurung-Bulusaraung karst area supports its designation as a national park. Active cave systems and unique flora and fauna offer promising opportunities for future biological and geological research.
Culturally, the site reflects both Pre-Austronesian and Austronesian influences. Archaeological evidence of early Austronesian communities contributes to the cultural identity of present-day Bugis, Makassar, and Toraja ethnic groups in South Sulawesi. The aesthetic value of the cave paintings demonstrates a high level of cultural achievement, indicating that prehistoric communities had developed symbolic communication and artistic expression.
Economically, the existence of Taman Arkeologi Leang-Leang has positively impacted local communities. Residents have established small businesses such as souvenir shops, food stalls, beverage vendors, and accommodations. While many locals traditionally worked as farmers or civil servants, tourism has opened new economic opportunities and diversified income sources.
Overall, Taman Arkeologi Leang-Leang represents a rare combination of natural beauty, archaeological wealth, and cultural heritage. As one of the most important historical tourism sites in South Sulawesi, it serves not only as a recreational destination but also as a center for research, education, and cultural preservation. With proper management and sustainable development strategies, the park will continue to contribute to scientific knowledge, community welfare, and the preservation of Indonesia’s invaluable prehistoric legacy.
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