Todo Traditional Village in Flores is one of the most historic traditional villages on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Located on a plateau surrounded by green valleys, this village offers stunning natural charm while keeping precious cultural treasures. Known as the center of the Manggarai Kingdom in the past, Todo Village is a must-visit cultural tourism destination for those who want to understand more about the life of the Manggarai people.
Location of Todo Flores Traditional Village
Todo Traditional Village is located in Todo Village, West Satar Mese District, Manggarai Regency. Its elevated position provides spectacular views of green hills and valleys. Access to Todo Village can be reached by road from Ruteng, the capital of Manggarai Regency, with a travel time of around 1.5 to 2 hours. Although the road is winding, the journey to Todo Village is worth it because of the natural scenery that spoils the eyes.
Entrance Ticket and Visiting Rules
To enter Todo Traditional Village, visitors are charged an entrance fee of IDR 45,000 per person. This ticket price includes the rental of Todo’s traditional clothing that must be worn while in the village area. The use of traditional clothing is not just a formality, but a form of respect for the culture and traditions of the local community. By wearing traditional clothing, visitors can feel a more authentic experience when exploring the Todo Village.
Main Attractions of Todo Traditional Village Flores
1. Niang Todo: A Uniquely Shaped Traditional House
One of the main attractions of Todo Traditional Village is Niang Todo, a round traditional house with a palm fiber roof that rises high like a cone. This house is built using traditional techniques without the use of nails, but with a system of wooden ties and pegs. Apart from Niang Todo, there are four other traditional houses that are smaller in size, namely:
- Niang Rato and Niang Lodok (located on the east side).
- Niang Wa/Keka and Niang Teruk (located on the west side).
Niang Mbowang is the main building surrounded by neat stone arrangements, creating an artistic landscape. Each traditional house in Todo Village has a different function, ranging from the residence of the traditional chief to the storage space for heirlooms.
2. Historical Relics: Dutch Cannons
Before entering the main area of Todo Flores Traditional Village, visitors will be greeted by five ancient cannons that are thought to date back to the Dutch colonial period. The existence of these cannons is historical evidence that Todo Flores Traditional Village was once a center of political and military power in the past. In addition to the cannons, there is also a rectangular-shaped compang (offering place) used for traditional rituals. On top of the compang, there are eight graves of important figures, including descendants of the king, as well as menhirs (upright stones) with carvings of human faces full of philosophical meaning.
3. Human Skin Drum: A Mysterious Heirloom
One of the most unique and controversial heirlooms in Todo Village in Flores is a drum made of human skin. This drum is not an ordinary musical instrument, but a sacred object that is believed to have magical powers. It is said that this drum was made as a form of respect for the ancestors and is only used in important ceremonies. Its existence is both an attraction and a mystery that makes Todo Village even more interesting to explore.
Things to Do in Todo Flores Traditional Village
In addition to enjoying the beauty of traditional architecture, visitors to Todo Flores Traditional Village can also do various interesting activities, such as:
Take a Cultural Tour: A local guide will explain the history, beliefs and traditions of the Todo community.
Watching Traditional Dance: If lucky, visitors can see a performance of the Caci Dance, a typical Manggarai war dance.
Savoring Flores Coffee: The village is also known for producing delicious Flores arabica coffee.
Todo Flores Traditional Village is a cultural tourism destination that combines natural beauty, royal history, and preserved traditions. From unique traditional houses, Dutch relics, to mysterious heirlooms, every corner of Todo Village offers an interesting story. For history and culture lovers, a visit to Todo Village is an unforgettable experience.
So, if you’re exploring Flores, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Todo Traditional Village and dive into the Manggarai cultural heritage that is still alive today!
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