A Village in the Jungle

Nestled in the southern jungles of the island of Flores, Indonesia, lies a village that feels like it has escaped time. Home to the Ngada people, who were once hunters, Bena, one of the more popular traditional Ngada villages with tourists, stands serenely against the backdrop of a lush forest and nearby volcanoes.

The homes of the Ngada people stretch into the sky with their tall thatched roofs, which are adorned with a number of buffalo horns at the entrance. Although the Ngada people are now Roman Catholics, a number of their traditional symbolism can still be seen within the village, with roofs often graced with spears for protection.

Walking around the megalithic village, you’ll find the locals weaving traditional ikat or drying candlenut or coffee in the sun, as they welcome you into their homes to show you around. There is only one entrance and exit into Bena where motorbikes and cars are left outside at the entrance. The lookout tucked away at the back, allows you to take in the breathtaking views over the green, dense tropical jungle and over Bena herself, which is unlike any village you will see.