Bena Traditional Village (Thatched Roof Village) — Attraction in East Nusa Tenggara

Bena Traditional Village is a megalithic village located in the Aimere District of Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It is about 19 km south of Bajawa, the regency capital. The village is nestled on the eastern slope of Mount Inerie, one of the three active volcanoes on Flores Island.

Bena Village is home to about 45 traditional houses, each with a high thatched roof. The houses are built in a circular formation around a central sacred area called the Ngadhu. The Ngadhu is a stone platform that is used for traditional ceremonies and rituals.

The people of Bena Village are members of the Ngadha ethnic group. They have a unique culture and way of life that has been passed down for generations. The villagers are known for their traditional clothing, their distinctive dances, and their mastery of the Ngadha language.

Bena Village is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can learn about the Ngadha culture and way of life by visiting the village and participating in traditional ceremonies. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Here are some of the things that visitors can see and do in Bena Traditional Village:

• Visit the Ngadhu: The Ngadhu is the central sacred area of the village, and it is used for traditional ceremonies and rituals. Visitors can learn about the Ngadhu and its significance to the Ngadha people from a local guide.

• See the traditional houses: The traditional houses in Bena Village are built with high thatched roofs and have a distinctive style. Visitors can learn about the history and construction of the traditional houses from a local guide.

• Watch the traditional dances: The people of Bena Village are known for their traditional dances, which are performed at special occasions. Visitors can watch the traditional dances and learn about their significance from a local guide.

• Enjoy the scenery: Bena Village is located in a stunning setting, surrounded by mountains and forests. Visitors can enjoy the scenery by taking a walk or hike through the village.

Bena Traditional Village is a unique and fascinating place to visit. It is a great place to learn about the Ngadha culture and way of life, and to experience the beauty of...

Bena Traditional Village, located in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is a remarkable cultural destination rich in history. The village has existed for over 1,200 years and continues to preserve the traditions and beliefs of its ancestors. Situated at the foot of Mount Inerie, Bena offers stunning scenery and unique traditional house architecture.

The village comprises about 45 traditional houses inhabited by nine different tribes, each occupying specific terraces within the village. The houses are adorned with buffalo horns and wild boar tusks, symbols of social status and power. In the village center, you'll find Nga’du and Bha’ga, symbols of ancestral connections, alongside megalithic sites reflecting ancient civilizations.

For the best experience, it's recommended to hire a local guide who can provide in-depth explanations about the village's history and customs. Visitors can also purchase handwoven fabrics and handicrafts directly from local artisans.

Some suggestions for improvement include adding clean and well-maintained public facilities, such as toilets, which are crucial for visitor comfort. Additionally, increased promotion by the government and village management can attract more tourists and boost the local economy.

Bena Village offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and valuable insights into traditional life. Visitors should bring a hat and drinking water due to the hot and windy weather and respect local rules, especially concerning sacred sites. This village is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indonesia's...

Bena Traditional Village is one of the most famous and most frequently visited traditional Ngada villages on Flores Island.

This village is one of many Ngadanese villages in Ngada Regency that still maintains the authenticity of the village structure as well as its houses formation that inherited from their ancestors for hundreds year. Like other traditional Ngadanese villages, this village consists of several Ngadhu - Bhaga or symbols of men and women located at the village's center surrounded by many of traditional houses belong to major family tribes inside the village together they form a rectangular layout. In front of each traditional house there built grave as well as altar from megalithic stone used to worship and give offerings to their ancestor's spirit.

The uniqueness of Bena Traditional Village that distinguishes it from other traditional villages is its location which lies at the foot of Mount Inerie where the magnificent panorama of its peak can be clearly seen from this village.

Accessibility: To access Bena Traditional Village, we need to drive to Tiworiwu Village, Jerebu'u District, Ngada Regency, which is about 20km/30 minutes from Bajawa City, the capital of Ngada Regency, using motorcycle or car. The roads lead here are all well-constructed and maintained.

Amenities: There are many amenities available around Tiworiwu such as markets, food and beverage vendors, and lodging. Around Bena, all traditional houses are welcome for tourists to stay all in one with breakfast, food and drinks, also toilets. Both electricity and water are...