The Best of Komodo Island in Indonesia! All you need to know to plan a trip to Komodo Island. How to get to Komodo National Park, go trekking, see the Komodo dragons and go scuba diving.

The Komodo National Park is formed by three big islands: Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island, plus a few other islets, a total of 2,321 Km2 of protected land and sea. In 1986, Komodo National Park was declared as World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, because only in this area we can find the Komodo dragon, the largest species of living lizard in the world. An estimated total of 5,700 dragons that call this stunning part of Indonesia as their home.

The Komodo dragons are the star of the show, but the natural spectacle in Komodo National Park goes beyond those dangerous lizards. All the top things to do in Komodo Islands are related to nature, so be prepared for an overdose of stunning views, crystal clear water, colored corals, curious fishes, giant bats, sun and sweat. The perfect combination for an unforgettable adventure trip. When planning your trip to Komodo Island, don’t miss these top things to do in the Komodo National Park:

1. Trekking in Rinca Islands, Searching for Komodo Dragons

Put your trekking boots on, get a hat, a bottle of water and follow the rules. Rinca Island is the second biggest island in the Komodo National Park, and has the second biggest population of Komodo dragons. From Labuan Bajo, the closest tourist town, to Rinca Island takes approximately 2 hours on a local wooden Boat and one hour on a speed boat. It’s a long and enjoyable trip, we pass by stunning islets, calm bays and cruised through a beautiful deep blue sea.

At the island you will get the first instructions: don’t look directly to the Komodo dragon, keep your head down, walk only in the trail, stay together with your group, one ranger goes in the front the group and the other in the end. Never go to the toilet alone, and girls on their period need extra attention and double security, as the dragons can smell the blood and might attack.

The trekking in Rinca Island is beautiful, the views from the top of the hills are stunning and encounter with the Komodo dragons will be more peaceful and gentler than you expect.

The trekking in Rinca Island is easy. The terrain is fine, and it is not a long trek, about 1 hour and a half walking in the park. The heat iss tough, so don’t forget to bring your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.

2. Bat Watching & Unforgettable Sunset

Probably you are will agree with me that one of the top things to do in Komodo Islands is to go bat watching. To be honest, don’t skip the bat watching, it’s one of the most amazing sunset experiences you can have. You can see those dark wings of bats contrasting with the orange sky of Sunset.

3. Hiking and Trekking in Padar Island, One of The Best Views in Indonesia

When you anchor in Padar Island, the hills seemed to be way probably higher than you expected. Prepare your good shoes Shoes on and just do it. I is there for the view and take your camera, do not leave without your dream photo.

To reach the summit we need to walk around 30 minutes to one hour. The terrain is tough, sandy and with some loose rocks, you need strength and balance to keep moving up. But for every step, every meter you go up, the view you get from the island and the beaches around gives you the power to keep moving. You gonna sweat, you gonna be tired, and you gonna be in ecstasy when you arrive at the top. So far, Trekking in Padar is one of the most rewarding trekking trails in Komodo National Park.

4. Visit the Komodo Island, Home of Over 3 Thousand Komodo Dragons

Ready for more dragons? The Komodo Island is the biggest island in the National Park and has the biggest population of dragons. You will get another instruction and follow the rangers, a quick stop to snap a photo if you see the dragon. Trekking in Komodo Island is about 1 hour 30 minutes until 2 hours and it is easy as you go under the shadow since Komodo Island is more fertile comparing to RInca.

5. Snorkeling at Pink Beach

A trip to Komodo Island is packed with adventure and natural beauty, and Pink Beach is the perfect combination of both. This little piece of paradise is famous for the pinkish sand, a mix of white sand and little pieces of red corals brought by the waves. A surreal scenery, with a transparent warm sea, and an immense amount of colored fishes and preserved coral.

The trees by the beach make it the perfect spot for relaxing and sunbathing, but if you are still seeking for more adventure, Pink Beach won’t disappoint you. It’s time to discover the underwater biodiversity of Komodo National Park. In Pink Beach or close by,  you can do snorkeling and scuba diving, pick your favorite and enjoy hours of fun.

6. Relax at Kanawa Island

Stay and relax at Kanawa Island for some serious snorkeling. Hours swimming with fishes, beautiful corals and with great visibility. witnessing  how rich and preserved the corals are and only a few meters from the shore. The Komodo dragons are the main attraction of the National Park, but snorkeling and diving in Komodo Island come in second place, attracting many travelers every year.

7. Snorkeling around Komodo National Park

Snorkeling around Komodo Island is as spectacular as you could imagine. With brightly colored coral and an incredible array of marine life, it should come as no surprise that nearly all of the dive companies offer snorkeling trips to this area. However, it is important to note that anyone going out snorkeling should be a strong swimmer, as conditions can change quite quickly.

8. Diving around Komodo National park and swimming with Manta Rays

If you are a scuba diver, why wouldn’t you dive in one of the most beautiful dive locations in the world? Diving in the Komodo marine reserve is pretty much possible all year round. However, March through to October is the best time for optimum diving conditions. The best season for diving with the majestic manta ray is during the rainy season from December to March. Be sure to do some research and contact dive companies if you’re planning a trip during that time, as some dive boats do not go out during rainy season. Underwater visibility is at its best from November through January.

9. Liveabaord Experience around Komodo Islands

If you’re an avid diver hoping to explore all that Komodo has to offer, why not hop on a liveaboard? Not only is this a great way to view the island from the water, you also get to visit some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world and have few nights experience on liveaboard with local wooden Boat in private or sharing cabins.

Wae Rebo Village Flores is a small, very out of the way village. Situated on around 1,100 meters above sea level and approximately 3 – 4-hour travel by foot from Denge Village. Wae Rebo is completely surrounded by panoramic mountains and the dense Todo forest. This tropical forest is rich in vegetation, where you will find orchids, different types of ferns and hear the chirping of many songbirds. There is also no mobile coverage in this village, and the electricity is only available from 6 to 10 pm. The air is relatively cold, especially in the dry season, so don’t forget to bring your jacket if you’re planning to visit the village.

The traditional village of Wae Rebo has received the Top Award of Excellence from UNESCO in the 2012. It was during UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards, announced in Bangkok on 27 August 2012. This small and isolated village was recognized for its rebuilding of the traditional house. It is called Mbaru Niang, based on the spirit of community cooperation towards a sustainable tradition, while at the same time improving its village welfare.

Founder of the village and their main ancestor who built the village some 100 years ago, was a man called Empu Maro. Today, the inhabitants are his 18th generation descendants.

Wae Rebo’s main characteristics are their unique houses, which they call Mbaru Niang that are tall and conical in shape and are completely covered in lontar thatch from its rooftop down to the ground.  It appears that at one time such kind of houses were quite common to the region. But today, it is only this village that continues to maintain the typical Manggarai traditional house, without which these unique houses would have been completely fazed out.

 The house has five levels, each level designated for a specific purpose. The first level, called lutur or tent, are the living quarters of the extended family. The second level, called lobo, or attic, is set aside to store food and goods, the third level called lentar is to store seeds for the next harvest, the fourth level called lempa rae is reserved for food stocks in case of draught, and the fifth and top level, called hekang kode, which is held most sacred, is to place offerings for the ancestors.

One special ceremonial house is the community building where members of the entire clan gather for ceremonies and rituals. They are predominantly Catholic but still adhere to old beliefs. In this house are stored the sacred heirloom of drums and gongs.

With a small population of around 1,200 inhabitants only, the village comprises 7 houses. The staple diet of villagers is cassava and maize, but around the village they plant coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon which they sell in the market, located some 15 km. away from the village. Lately, however, Wae Rebo has grown in popularity as a tourist destination for international ecotourism enthusiasts, and this has added to the economic welfare of the village. The people of Wae Rebo warmly welcome visitors who wish to see their village and experience their simple traditional life.

How to get to Wae Rebo Village Flores

Wae Rebo is the last authentic traditional Manggarai village located about 1,100 meters above sea level. It is about 108 kilometres from Labuan Bajo and nestled in the middle of panoramic mountains and the dense Todo forest that is rich with vegetation. The best way  to get to Wae Rebo from Bali that you have to take Flight to Labuan Bajo. Then from Labuan Bajo we drive around  4 hours to the starting point in Denge. We can not reach Wae Rebo by Car. So, get ready for approximately 3-hour trekking to get to Wae Rebo. Indeed, it depends on your Physical conditions.

Interesting Things you need to know about Wae Rebo in Flores

The village of Wae Rebo in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara is like heaven above the clouds. It takes a struggle to reach this village. However, what you will get when you arrive at the location is certainly comparable to the journey taken. It is truly a beauty that is difficult to describe in words, a traditional village with towering thatched roofs in the middle of a stretch of green hills. Well, behind this beauty, it turns out that Wae Rebo Village has many interesting facts and things that you can find in this village.

Here are few interesting things you need to know about Wae Rebo.

1. One of the Highest Villages in Indonesia

Wae Rebo Village is included in the list of the highest villages in Indonesia. Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level (masl), Wae Rebo is often decorated with a thin fog every morning. This thin fog will slowly descend from the surrounding hills and cover the entire village with fog. Because of its location at this altitude, to reach Wae Rebo Village you have to do trekking for two to three hours through quite difficult terrain. It is recommended to hire a guide service as a guide and also try to spend the night at Wae Rebo in addition to enjoying its beauty longer, also to save energy for trekking again the next day.

2. The Village with Seven Main Houses

The traditional Mbaru Niang house in Wae Rebo Village is considered very rare and is located high up in the mountains. It has a fairly unique shape, which is like a cone barn and there are only seven of them. Each house is inhabited by six to eight families. Mbaru Niang consists of five floors with palm leaf roofs and covered by palm fiber. Every visitor who comes will be treated in a Mbaru Niang which is specially provided to welcome tourists who come on a trip. You will be given a banquet in the form of Flores Coffee as a welcome drink at Mbaru Niang! For those of you who want to spend the night, you can stay at Mbaru Niang. Complementary blankets and pillows have been provided.

3. Have a special day every November

Residents in Wae Rebo Village celebrate the Penti Traditional Ceremony, which is a celebration to express gratitude for the harvest that is obtained in a year and ask for harmony and protection. When the celebration is held, the residents will wear traditional clothes complete with accessories. For those of you who are planning to visit this village, you should match your schedule with this traditional ceremony so that the visit is more meaningful because you can see more attractions and values.

4. The people of Wae Rebo are of Minang descent

Although Wae Rebo is a village in West Manggarai, NTT, it turns out that the villagers claim that they are of Minang descent from West Sumatra. Empo Maro, Wae Rebo ancestor from Minangkabau who migrated to Flores and moved from place to place until finally settled in the area which is now Wae Rebo Village. Although they are of Minang descent, the names of the inhabitants are not like the names of most Minang people.

5. Flags Are Mounted Above Traditional Houses

During the Independence Ceremony Despite being isolated, Wae Rebo is still part of Indonesia. When Independence Day, there is always a ceremony to commemorate it. Uniquely, the residents of Wae Rebo will place the Indonesian flag on top of the cone-shaped traditional house during the flag ceremony. Several people helped each other to make sure the flag was standing firmly.

6. There is no cellphone signal

In the Village of Wae Rebo and suroundings, there is no cellphone signal or internet connections. So, never expect to share your moment right away to the world from Wae Rebo village.

Those are interesting things about Wae Rebo that you need to know. Being in a remote location doesn’t necessarily make this village empty of visitors. On the other hand, many tourists are willing to travel far away to enjoy the beauty of every corner of Wae Rebo Village.

Komodo Tour is a package tour to discover Komodo Island. This 2-day package tour is ideal for those who would like to make the best of their limited time to visit the most important sites, to see the komodo dragons in Komodo Island and Rinca Island, and to snorkel in pristine water of superb snorkeling spots in Pink Beach and Kelor Island.

Highlights of Komodo Tour

• • • • Private-based boat trip to visit surrounding islands
      • 2-night stay in your chosen Hotel
      • Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • Guided trek on Komodo Island and Rinca Island
      • Meet the biggest lizards on Earth
      • Visit one of only seven pink beaches in the world
      • Snorkel in the clear waters of Kelor Island

Komodo Tour Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival Labuan Bajo – Visit Rinca & Kelor Island (-/L/-)  

Upon arrival at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, you will meet your assigned guide and then directly transfer to harbor for a private trip using a local motorized Boat. A 2-hour boat ride gets you to Rinca Island, one of the main islands to see the komodo dragons in their natural habitat. It is approximately 2-hours soft trekking on the island in search of the dragons with a local ranger. Afterwards we cruise to Kelor Island and lunch on Boat and then snorkeling nearby the island (snorkeling gear provided). Afterwards return to the main island in the late afternoon and transfer directly to hotel in Labuan Bajo. The rest of the evening is free at your own leisure with dinner provided at the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Labuan Bajo

Day 2 : Labuan Bajo : Komodo Island & Pink Beach (B/L/-)

Wake up in the early morning and drive to the harbor with your packed breakfast, then get on board in a local motorized Boat for a full day private excursion to Komodo Island, another island that is home to the famous reptiles.  We will cruise and pass narrow straits to arrive at the island. It is a mandatory to follow the local ranger and the trails of the dragons’ walking path. Observe the dragons from a safe distance and make a quick stop at the local museum. Picnic lunch is served onboard as you continue on towards Pink Beach for swimming and more snorkeling (snorkeling gear provided).  and then return back to the main island in the afternoon for overnight. The rest of the evening is free at your own leisure with dinner provided at Local Restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Labuan Bajo

Day 3 : Departure Labuan Bajo  (B)    

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out afterwards. Our Guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby at the designated time depending on your flight schedule. Proceed directly to Komodo Airport  for your onward journey with wonderful memories of your visit.

–     END OF PROGRAMME    –

Our ‘Komodo Tour’ package includes:

• • • • 2-night stay at a hotel in Labuan Bajo based on twin-sharing (2 persons per room)
      • Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • Return airport transfer based on private-basis in a chauffeured, full air-conditioned vehicle
      • Boat trips based on private basis with activities as indicated in the itinerary
      • Professional and licensed English-speaking guide
      • Complete snorkling gear
      • Applicable entrance fee and ranger fee at Komodo National Park

Our ‘Komodo Tour’  does NOT include:

• • • • Visa fee / arrangements if applicable
      • Any domestic or international flights
      • Any beverages (juuice, soft drinks and any alcoholic beverages)
      • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone call, room service, mini bar, etc
      • Personal health and travel insurance
      • Gratuities/ tipping for driver and/or guide and hotel porterage
      • High Season and Peak season surcharge for hotel in Labuan Bajo (to be advised)
      • Any additional excursion/optional tours/activites that are not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g. extension stay, diving certification and/or diving trips, rental diving gear)
      • Applicable conservation fund for Sundays or public holidays Rp 75,000 per person per day

Good to know

• • • • Suitable for FITs with minimum of 2 persons (price will be adjusted for small group or a group of 15 person)
      • Private basis only (no seat in coach available)
      • Operated daily, with 48 hours advanced reservation required (subject to hotel’s room availability)
      • Strong current and big waves during the peak of wet season (between December to February) might limit you to visit Rinca Island only. Please consult with your travel consultant closer to your date of travel (1 week prior to your visit)
      • It is harder to spot the komodo dragons during the mating season (July to August). Best time to visit is between April until June (dry season, manta season – best time for snorkling, diving on the north side of the Komodo National Park, and for overland journeys). September to October is whale season, manta season, and komodo season. Early booking is highly recommended for traveling during high season and peak season

Rinca Tour is a best way to discover Komodo Dragon in Rinca Island.  This Tour is ideal for you who has limited time to discover Komodo Dragon in Rinca Island. It is the best place to see the dragon in wild life including other wild Animals. Their habitat features beautiful panoramic views of savannahs, rainforests, white beaches, beautiful corals and clean blue seas. In this area, you can also find horses and wild buffalo, deer and wild boar, snakes, monkeys and various types of birds.

There is a chance to see some enchanting places around Labuan Bajo. It is a 2-hour boat ride to Hatamin Island, a dedicated coral conservation located near the island of Seraya Besar. Enjoy snorkeling and learn how the project empowers local communities and raises public awareness on coral reef preservation.

Highlights of Rinca Tour

• • • • • Meet the biggest lizards on Earth
        • Guided trek on Rinca Island
        • Snorkel in some of the clearest water on Earth
        • Visit Hatamin Island to see coral conservation

Itinerary of Rinca Tour

Day 1 :  Arrival Labuan Bajo – Rinca – Kelor – Kalong Island  (-/L/D)

Begin your trip with the first flight of the day to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province. Labuan Bajo is now a busy and bustling centre of tourism since it is the entry point for trips to see the world-famous Komodo Dragons, or Varanus Komodoensis. Upon arrival, you will our local guide and then directly transfer to Labuan Bajo Harbor to embark on a local wooden Boat. A short Boat journey gets you to Kelor Island for snorkeling around the island (snorkeling gear is provided). Lunch will be onboard.

Then we continue to Rinca Island, it is one of the best locations to see the dragons in their natural habitat. It is approximately 2-hour soft trekking on the island to search the dragons with a local ranger. Afterwards, we continue sailing towards Kalong Island where you can observe bats fulling the sky when they come home to roost at sunset. Then transfer back to the main island towards Labuan Bajo. Dinner will be at a local restaurant and then transfer to your chosen hotel for an overnight. Overnight at hotel of choice in Labuan Bajo

Day 2 :  Labuan Bajo – Hatamin Island – Departure Labuan Bajo    (B/L/-)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out afterwards. We will pick you up at the hotel lobby at 07:00hrs and transfer to the harbor. It is a 2-hour boat ride to Hatamin Island, a dedicated coral conservation located near the island of Seraya Besar. Enjoy snorkeling and learn how the project empowers local communities and raises public awareness on coral reef preservation. Lunch will be onboard. Then sail back to Labuan Bajo and transfer directly to Komodo Airport  for your onward journey with wonderful memories of your visit.

Our ‘Rinca Island Tour’  includes:

• • • • • 1-night stay in Labuan Bajo based on twin-sharing (2 persons per room)
        • Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
        • Return airport transfer based on private basis in a chauffeured and fully air-conditioned vehicle
        • Boat trips based on private basis with activities as indicated in the itinerary
        • Professional and licensed English-speaking guide
        • Complete snorkeling gear
        • Applicable entrance fee and ranger fee at Komodo National Park
        • Public Liability Insurance

Our ‘Rinca Island Tour’ does NOT include:

• • • • • Visa fee and arrangements if applicable
        • Any domestic or international flights
        • Any beverages (juice and soft drinks or any alcoholic beverages)
        • Personal expenses such as travel insurance, laundry, telephone call, room service and mini bar
        • Gratuities/ tipping for driver and  guide, ranger and boat crew
        • Any additional excursion or optional tours or activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g. extension stay, diving certification and/or diving trips and rental diving gear)
        • Additional Rp 75,000 per person per day for conservation fund on Sundays/public holiday

Good to know

• • • • • Suitable for FITs with minimum of 2 persons (price will be adjusted for small group or a group of 10 persons)
        • Private basis only (no seat in coach available)
        • Operated daily, with 36 hours advanced reservation required (subject to boat availability) – EXCEPT DURING BLACKOUT PERIOD
        • High potential of strong current and waves during the peak of wet season (between December to February) might affect your program. Please consult with your travel consultant closer to your date of travel (1 week prior to your visit)
        • It is harder to spot the komodo dragons during the mating season (July to August). Best time to visit is between April until June (dry season, manta season – best time for snorkling, diving on the north side of the Komodo National Park, and for overland journeys). September to October is whale season, manta season, and komodo season

Komodo Day Tour is a perfect tour to discover Komodo Dragon and surroundings in limited time. This Komodo Day Tour mostly starts from Labuan Bajo and end in Labuan Bajo or Komodo Day Tour from Bali. There an opportunity to see as much as you can but it depends on the Boat you choose. We can use Local wooden Boat which is slower in comparing with fast Boat, but all depend on the Budget you want to spend or how much things you want to see.

If you want to see Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Padar Island, snorkel in pristine beach with crystal clear water, we recommend you to use speedboat to get to all the places. but if you focus only to see Komodo dragon, Rinca island is a good choice and it is only 2 hours away from Labuan Bajo with Local wooden Boat.

Highlights of Komodo Day Tour

• • • • Meet the biggest lizards on Earth
      • Guided trek on Komodo and Rinca Islands
      • Enjoy the amazing waters of Pink Beach
      • Snorkel in some of the clearest water on Earth

Itinerary of Komodo Day Tour

A very early departure from your hotel will ensure arrival in Komodo during the time the dragons are most active! Meet your assigned guide in the hotel and transfer to Labuan Bajo Harbour to embark on a local wooden boat. Arrive at Loh Liang, your trekking starting point just before 9 AM and enjoy a pleasant walk deep into dragon territory. Continue your journey with a short boat ride to Pink Beach, where you will have time for snorkeling and enjoy the amazing sight of this unique beach.

After having lunch on board, the exploration continues to Rinca Island, one of the best locations to see the dragons in their natural habitat. Enjoy an approximate 2-hour soft trek on the island in search of the dragons, guided by a local ranger and witness again the majesty of these unique prehistoric monsters.

Our ‘Komod Day Tour’  includes:

• • • • • Return airport transfer based on private basis in a chauffeured, fully air-conditioned vehicle
        • Boat trips based on private basis with activities as indicated in the itinerary
        • Professional and licensed English-speaking guide
        • Complete snorkeling gear
        • Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
        • Applicable entrance fee and ranger fee at Komodo National Park
        • Public Liability Insurance

Our ‘Komodo Day Tour’ does NOT include:

• • • • • Visa fee / arrangements if applicable
        • Any domestic or international flights
        • Any beverages (juice, soft drinks or any alcoholic beverages)
        • Personal expenses such as travel insurance, laundry, telephone call, room service, mini bar, etc
        • Gratuities/ tipping for driver, guide, ranger, boat crew
        • Any additional excursion/optional tours/activites that are not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g. extension stay, diving certification and/or diving trips, rental diving gear)
        • Additional Rp 75,000 per person per day for conservation fund on Sundays/public holiday

Good to know

• • • • • Suitable for FITs with minimum of 2 persons (price will be adjusted for small group or a group of 10 persons)
        • Private basis only (no seat in coach available)
        • Operated daily, with 36 hours advanced reservation required (subject to boat availability) – EXCEPT DURING BLACKOUT PERIOD
        • High potential of strong current and waves during the peak of wet season (between December to February) might affect your program. Please consult with your travel consultant closer to your date of travel (1 week prior to your visit)
        • It is harder to spot the komodo dragons during the mating season (July to August). Best time to visit is between April until June (dry season, manta season – best time for snorkling, diving on the north side of the Komodo National Park, and for overland journeys). September to October is whale season, manta season, and komodo season

Caci Dance is one of Manggarai traditional arts. It is a kind of typical war dance from the Manggarai community on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Caci dance is also one of the famous traditional art in Flores Island, NTT Province. This dance is often displayed in various events such as during the harvest season (hang woja), new year ritual (pause), as well as various other traditional ceremonies.

This Dance performance is now easy to arrange since the visitor to Komodo island getting more and more. most of visitors are staying in Labuan Bajo before or after exploring Komodo national Park. Labuan Bajo is the launching point to komodo island to see the dragons. Many hotels are in Labuan bajo, therefore we need to know the attractive things to do for visitors during stay in Labuan Bajo. Caci Dance performance is a good option to discover and we can do it in cecer village around 1 hour from Labuan bajo.

Caci is a form of fighting with a whip or stick. It appears to be indigenous to Flores in East Nusa Tenggara. Caci is mainly performed by Manggarai people distributed within the greater Manggarai cultural area of western parts of Flores island, which today consists of three regencies; West, Central, and East, and also the neighboring Ngada Regency. Caci performance is most prevalent in Manggarai Regency, especially in the town of Ruteng, where this ritual whip fight has become a major element of its people’s cultural identity. Originated as a part of harvest ritual, this whip dueling spectacle has grown to become an attraction for foreign as well as domestic visitors.

The term caci is said to derive from the Manggarai words ca meaning one and ci meaning test, indicating a one-on-one test between the fighters. According to local folklore, caci during festivals began with two brothers who owned a buffalo. When the younger brother fell into a deep hole, the older brother had to slaughter the buffalo to get its skin to help his sibling escape from the hole. The community celebrated this act of love with a festival in which caci matches were held.

Caci fighter wearing horned helmet, songket sarong with bells, and holding a rattan whip and shield. Competitors are bare-chested and wear pants covered by an embroidered woven sarung songke (songket sarong). Their lower backs and ankles are adorned with small jingling bells, which makes a peculiar sound during moving and fighting. The upper body are intentionally remain uncovered in order to be exposed to the whips’ lashes. The masked helmets are made of buffalo hide wrapped in colourful cloths with horn-like headgear, along with head-cloths worn over the face.