Labuan Bajo, more than just a tourist paradise, is a place where local culture exudes its distinctive charm. Amidst stunning scenery and breathtaking underwater beauty, the local community maintains traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
One of the highlights is the traditional ceremonies that are solemnly held, illustrating the strong attachment between the people and nature and their ancestors. These rituals not only add color to people’s lives, but also become a special attraction for tourists who want to experience an authentic cultural experience.
Labuan Bajo culture, with all its uniqueness and beauty, truly creates an unforgettable experience waiting to be explored. Let’s dive deeper into the cultural traditions hidden behind its natural beauty!
1. The Formulamoso Tradition, the Division of Customary Land
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The Formulamoso tradition is an indigenous Labuan Bajo tradition related to the division of communal land. This tradition is carried out using the moso or finger formula which is adjusted to the amount of land and its descendants. This land distribution tradition prioritizes the elders and village elders and their families.
Other parts of the land are also distributed to ordinary citizens and individuals from other tribes, with the condition that they must bring one rooster and Kapu Manuk Lele Tuak, Labuan Bajo’s special wine. Before the land is divided, a Tente ritual ceremony is held, where wood is planted in a central location (lodok).
After that, a village council meeting will be held to approve the land distribution. The chairperson of the council is Tu’a Golo, and the one who authorizes it is Tu’a Teno (customary leader).
The higher-ups and elders generally get a larger share of the land, while ordinary citizens get different shares depending on the division.
The moso or finger formula is used to divide communal land, according to the amount of land and its descendants. While on vacation in Labuan Bajo and the surrounding islands, don’t miss the opportunity to witness this unique tradition!
2. Kepok Tradition, Welcoming Guests
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When people from the West Manggarai region of Flores and East Nusa Tenggara welcome guests and groups of tourists in their traditional clothing, they are practicing the Kepok Tradition.
Kepok Tradition means welcoming guests by using red rooster and white moke (Flores alcoholic drink) which is favored by the locals. Travelers or tourists from abroad who come to Labuan Bajo from afar will be welcomed by this welcoming ceremony.
At the Loh Liang Pier, you will be awaited by traditional elders who are fully dressed in traditional songke and destar clothes. Together with women from West Manggarai. The hospitality of the citizens will clearly make tourists reluctant to leave Labuan Bajo.
This tradition is also considered an indication that the people of West Manggarai show respect and love for their ancestral culture. The cultural uniqueness of West Manggarai is certainly a special attraction for Labuan Bajo tourism.
3. Sea Tribes, Life on a Boat
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Labuan Bajo holds a variety of interesting trips that will surely captivate the hearts of tourists, both local and foreign. Behind its stunning natural beauty lies a rich and unique culture. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Bajo tribe, the friendly natives. The name Labuan Bajo itself is taken from this tribe, reflecting their closeness to the place they inhabit.
The Bajo tribe, formerly known as the Sea Tribe, has an interesting history. They are known as accomplished sailors who live on boats and depend on marine products to survive. However, in the 1950s, they began to abandon this way of life. However, their cultural heritage lives on and is an important part of Labuan Bajo’s identity. Diversity and mutual respect among them are values that are highly upheld.
Visiting Labuan Bajo will not only spoil your eyes with natural beauty, but also provide an opportunity to understand and experience this incredible cultural richness.
4. Komodo Dragons, a Protected Rare Animal in Labuan Bajo
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When vacationing in Labuan Bajo, nothing is more of a must-see than the presence of an iconic animal: Komodo dragons! Renowned as part of the seven wonders of the world, Komodo Island holds a fascination that is not only mesmerizing, but also an adrenaline rush.
The world’s largest lizard, with its poisonous saliva, will give you a thrilling experience when you see it in its natural habitat. Komodo Island is home to this amazing creature, and its presence is one of the main attractions that make tourists flock to Labuan Bajo.
However, the beauty of Labuan Bajo does not only lie in its stunning charm. The rich and unique local culture is also waiting to be explored. Often, people only know Labuan Bajo from its stunning natural scenery, but behind that, there is an equally fascinating cultural richness. Let’s discover and enjoy all the wonders that Labuan Bajo has to offer!
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