The eastern island of Indonesia, Flores, boasts rugged terrain, lush green forests, and stunning natural beauty. But the island’s authentic charm lies in its unique culture and customs, which have remained unchanged for centuries. One of the best ways to explore Flores and immerse yourself in its rich culture is by taking a Komodo liveaboard trip. On this trip, you’ll get to discover the traditional villages, unique architecture, and authentic cuisine of Flores. Here’s a guide to discovering the rich culture of Flores on a Komodo liveaboard trip.
Exploring Traditional Villages on Komodo Liveaboard
Flores is home to many small villages with unique customs and ways of life. One of the most famous villages is Bena, located on a hilltop overlooking a valley of rice fields. The village is home to the Ngada people, who have preserved their animistic beliefs and traditional customs for centuries. A visit to Bena offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations. The village is famous for its traditional houses, built from wood and thatch, with a unique design that reflects the Ngada’s animistic beliefs. Walking through the village, you’ll see women weaving intricate textiles and men carving traditional wooden sculptures.
Another village worth visiting is Wae Rebo, located in a remote area of western Flores. Surrounded by a lush forest, the village is known for making unique conical houses from wood and thatch. The village is only accessible by a three-hour trek through the forest, making the journey an adventure. A visit to Wae Rebo offers a chance to experience a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. You’ll learn about the villagers’ traditional beliefs and customs, witness the making of traditional textiles, and enjoy the authentic local cuisine.
Discovering Unique Architecture
One of the most striking features of Flores is its unique architecture. The island is home to traditional houses with unique designs and materials. The builders construct the houses from bamboo, wood, and thatch, giving them a distinct look that reflects the island’s rich culture. One of the most famous examples of this unique architecture is the traditional village of Bena. The unique design of the houses, built from wood and thatch in the village, reflects the Ngada’s animistic beliefs.
Another example of Flores’ unique architecture is the traditional houses of Wae Rebo. The houses are conical, with a thatched roof that slopes down to the ground. Craftsmen construct the houses from wood and bamboo, creating a distinctive look that sets them apart from anything else in Indonesia. A visit to Wae Rebo offers a chance to see these unique houses up close and learn about their construction and history.
Tasting Authentic Local Cuisine
No visit to Flores is complete without trying the island’s authentic local cuisine. The island’s cuisine is a fusion of different flavors and ingredients, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. One of the most popular dishes in Flores is the traditional pork dish called babi guling. The dish is made from roasted pig stuffed with spices and served with rice and vegetables. Another popular dish is ikan pipes, a fish dish cooked with spices wrapped in banana leaves.
On a Komodo liveaboard trip, you’ll taste the authentic local cuisine at traditional villages and restaurants. You’ll get to try different dishes and flavors, learn about the ingredients and spices used in the cuisine, and even participate in cooking classes to learn how to make traditional dishes yourself.