Ngada – Bajawa, Bena Village and Inerie Volcano
Ngada Regency lies in the central-western part of Flores Island, in East Nusa Tenggara province. Its capital is Bajawa. The region is known for the Ngada people’s traditional villages, Inerie Volcano and hot springs.
Attractions and Activities
Bena traditional village (UNESCO tentative list) is the ancestral home of the Ngada people: megalithic stone monuments, traditional houses, ceremonial sites at the foot of Inerie Volcano. Gurusina traditional village is another impressive cultural site. Inerie Volcano (2,245 m) is a cone-shaped volcano suitable for hiking. Soa hot springs are natural thermal baths. Malanage blue-green hot spring is a scenic natural beauty.
Culture and Cuisine
Ngada people’s traditional culture is defining: animist and Catholic syncretism, ngadhu-bhaga pairs (totem poles and miniature houses). Cuisine is Flores: se’i (smoked meat), jagung bose, tuak.
Public Safety
Ngada is a safe region. Medical care: hospital in Bajawa; Ende (approx. 3 hours) has more advanced facilities.
Practical Information
From Ende H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport, approximately 3 hours west by car. From Labuan Bajo (Komodo gateway), approximately 5 hours. The best time to visit is April to November. Accommodation: guesthouses and simple hotels in Bajawa.