Go beyond the usual tourist trail with a walk to Belaraghi Village, where authentic Ngadha life and tradition unfold in a forest clearing.
Step into the heart of Flores and explore Belaraghi Village, nestled in the highlands and far from the usual tourist routes. This remote village offers a rare opportunity to experience the authentic traditions and daily life of the Ngadha people, an indigenous community known for its deep spiritual connection to nature and ancestors. Wander through rows of traditional thatched-roof houses, each uniquely adorned with symbols of heritage and lineage. Learn about ancient rituals, listen to local legends, and engage with warm-hearted villagers who take great pride in preserving their cultural identity.
Life in Belaraghi is deeply rooted in tradition. The Ngadha people follow a matrilineal system, where family inheritance passes through the mother’s side—a custom distinct from most other Indonesian cultures, which typically follow a patrilineal structure. Their homes feature Ngadhu and Bhaga shrines, representing male and female ancestors, standing as enduring symbols of lineage and respect for forebears. The village is scattered with sacred megalithic stones, serving as important sites for traditional ceremonies and community gatherings. Men focus on farming and craftsmanship, while women practice the intricate art of ikat weaving, creating exquisite handwoven textiles that tell stories of their ancestors. Every aspect of daily life reflects a harmonious relationship between people, their environment, and the spiritual realm.
Learn more about the beautiful culture of the Ngadha people of Flores with this 3-hour walk to the extraordinary village of Belaraghi, which consists of two parallel rows of 16 houses with tall thatched roofs, laid out in a forest clearing. To the Ngadha people, visitors from abroad are guests, not tourists, and are traditionally welcomed with a ceremony called ti’Ikaebunusi, which translates loosely as ‘give food to the ancestors”. A bamboo flute, or suling, concert makes the visit complete.
The walk to Belaraghi villages starts from the main road in Aimere and takes around three hours. After 30 minutes of walking, you will pass some palm plantations where you can learn about the process of making arrack, a distilled alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers. The walk then continues through savana and beautiful forests, before reaching Belaraghi village.
Contact us at sales.indonesia@khiri.com to arrange this off-the-beaten-path journey into Ngadha tradition.