The Makula hot springs are about 30 kilometres south of Rantepao, near the town of Makale. The springs feed several pools of different temperatures, surrounded by jungle vegetation. They are used primarily by local Torajan people as bathing pools, and visiting feels like entering a community facility rather than a tourist attraction — which is precisely their appeal.
The drive from Rantepao south through Makale passes through the southern highlands, a quieter and less-visited part of Tana Toraja. Makale is the administrative capital of the Tana Toraja regency and has a large central square used for ceremonies. The combination of Makale town and the hot springs makes for a reasonable half-day excursion from Rantepao.