Indonesian country is consist of many islands, stretched from the west to the east. Beside that, Indonesia is rich of culture and tradition. One of regency in Indonesia which is have unique culture and tradition is Manggarai regency. Administratively, this regency located in west part of Flores island East Nusa Tenggara Province. As a native of Manggaraian young generation, we would like to keep and to introduce our culture and tradition to all over the world. One of tradition that we would like to promote to all travellers to all over the globe is New Year ceremony in Rakas village, east Manggarai regency-as a part of our support. This ceremony take place on 03th-05th of January every year. This village is located far from Labuan Bajo town whre there is an airport near by. We suggest to take the flight from Denpasar – Labuan Bajo on 02th of January. Stunning Komodo Tour provide package tours for foreign tourist or domestic to see the rituals of New Year by villagers of Rakas. For those who are eager to see our culture and tradition. Below is our detail programs.
Day 1 (02 th January) : Labuan Bajo – Ruteng
Pick up at the airport in Labuan Bajo then drive to Ruteng town. On our drive to Ruteng make some stops in view point Lembor ricefield and stop over at Lingko Cara Spiderweb ricefield. Afterward continue drive to Ruteng to check in hotel.
Day 2 (03 th January): Ruteng – Benteng Jawa – Rakas
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Benteng Jawa subsdistrict. On the way to get there we will stop at some beautiful rice garden view belongs to the farmers. Continue drive to village on our arrival the villagers will welcome us by traditional ceremony called “Tuak Tiba agu Manuk Kapu”. The man will holding a cock and little typot on hand, while the womans share you the betel leaf. After that we will enter to the local house. They will serve you a cup coffee made by local people. After that get ready to join the ritual of New Year by sacrifice a chicken (Teing hang wura ceki) this ceremony is symbol of respect and being a good cares in the past year and asking for a good helath in the future and good. Harvest of a year every family must do this at this night. If all done, we will join the ceremony in the chief of the village house to attend the ritual “Ramo Ngencung” symbolize of welcome new year. After the ceremony you can enjoy the falk song with the old local people ascorted by traditional music instrument such as “gong” or “gendang” or drum. You can join them until morning if you want. Overnight at local house.
Day 3 (04th January): Rakas Village – Ruteng
Breakfast with villagers in the village then enjoy the locals way of life. Afterwards atternal to cast ceremony of this new year celebration namely “Kiru Lontang”. This ritual is symbolize of respected the trees that thumbled down by farmers and asking for good harvest in the new year. After join this ceremony continue the trip to Ruteng (check in hotel).
Day 4 (05th January) : Ruteng – Labuan Bajo
Breakfast at hotel then drive to Liang Bua Cave too see the excavation of hobit “homo floresiensis”, and then drive back to Labuan Bajo. Check in hotel.
Day 5 (06th January) : Labuan Bajo – Denpasar
Breakfast at hotel then transfer to airport to catch you flight to Bali.
