Labuan Bajo, a tropical paradise located in the western part of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. From panoramic hills and pink sandy beaches to the dwelling place of dragons, the harbor of Labuan Bajo is filled with countless wonders. However, what many may not know is that Labuan Bajo is also surrounded by captivating cultures.
In addition to its stunning natural wonders, the region is home to the Manggarai Tribe. In the vicinity of Labuan Bajo, you can discover several villages that offer a chance to delve deeper into the traditions of the Manggarai people. Visiting these villages also provides a sustainable way to spend your holiday in East Nusa Tenggara. Let’s explore five of these remarkable traditional villages!
Wae Rebo Village
Recognized with the Top Award of Excellence from UNESCO in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards 2012, Wae Rebo Village is an iconic destination in Flores. Situated atop a lush green hill amidst mountains and dense forests in West Satar Mese, Manggarai, this traditional village is known for its tall black cone-shaped houses called Mbaru Niang. These unique houses, adorned with lontar thatching from top to bottom, are a rare sight nowadays. Apart from witnessing the beauty of Mbaru Niang, visitors can observe the daily activities of the locals and engage with them. The people of Wae Rebo warmly welcome anyone interested in learning more about their culture.
Bena Village
Have you ever visited a megalithic site? Bena Village, located on a hill facing the magnificent Mount Inerie in Ngada Regency, has stood for over 1,200 years. Inside the village, you’ll find approximately 45 traditional houses, each inhabited by nine different tribes: Dizi, Dizi Azi, Wahto, Deru Lalulewa, Deru Solamae, Ngada, Khopa, and Ago. Arranged in a U shape, these tribes distinguish their houses by levels. The residents of Bena Village continue to uphold their ancestors’ traditions, and visitors have the opportunity to witness traditional ceremonies. Don’t forget to purchase handcrafted fabrics made by the locals as souvenirs!
Tololela Village
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Inerie, Tololela Village is a must-visit destination for those who enjoy experiencing fantastic cultural performances. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by the friendly locals. The village often hosts traditional music performances featuring Bombardom, a unique wind instrument made from bamboo. After enjoying the Bombardom music, you can observe the locals weaving traditional fabrics and explore a wide selection of bamboo souvenirs to take home with you.
Cancar Village
For a mesmerizing scenery unlike what you typically see in Labuan Bajo, plan a visit to Cancar Village in Ruteng District, Manggarai. The residents of this village primarily work as rice farmers, and as a result, you’ll find vast rice fields here. Unlike the terraced rice fields of Bali and other regions in Indonesia, the rice fields of Cancar Village are laid out in a spider web pattern, locally known as “lodok.” This distinctive spider web rice field has become an integral part of Cancar Village’s identity.
Wologai Village
Another traditional village worth exploring during your holiday in Labuan Bajo is located in Ende Regency. Standing atop a hill surrounded by sprawling green hills, Wologai Village is estimated to have existed for approximately 800 years. The distinctive characteristic of the Wologai traditional village is the cone-shaped design of its buildings. These houses are arranged in a circular formation surrounding the “Tubu Kanga,” a sacred space where offerings are made and the traditional “tandak” dance is performed during rituals. This arrangement symbolizes the close-knit nature and unity among the tribal members of the village. The houses in the Wologai traditional village are categorized into three sections: the traditional house, the tribal house, and the large house.