Belaraghi Traditional Village, Flores
Remote Ngada Clan Settlement in the Highlands
Belaraghi is a remote Ngada village located in the hills north of the Trans-Flores road between Bajawa and Aimere. Unlike the more accessible villages of the Ngada highlands, Belaraghi requires either a hike or a motorbike ride to reach.
Its secluded setting and limited visitor numbers give the village a distinctly intimate atmosphere.
Village Structure and Clan Houses
Belaraghi consists of sixteen traditional houses arranged in two parallel rows within a forest clearing.
Five clans live in the village. Each clan maintains:
- A sao pu’u (origin house)
- A sao lobo (youngest house)
- Associated sao kaka (“shared” descendant houses)
Behind the village lies a ceremonial site with five loka structures, one for each clan. These face the watu lanu, a raised stone platform used for ritual gatherings.
Ceremonial Life
Belaraghi plays an important role in the Ngada ceremonial calendar. The ritual site is used during preparations for Reba, the Ngada New Year celebration.
Visitors who stay overnight may be welcomed with a small ceremony introducing them to the ancestors. Such rituals are part of living Ngada adat and should be approached respectfully.
Overnight Experience
Belaraghi has no electricity and only basic facilities. Oil lamps illuminate the wooden interiors at night, and silence dominates after sunset.
For those interested in immersive cultural experiences rather than short visits, Belaraghi offers one of the most intimate village settings in the Ngada region.
Hiking Access
Belaraghi can be reached:
- Via a shorter hike from Paukate village
- Or by a longer trek from the Bajawa area
Local guidance is recommended, especially during the rainy season when paths may be unclear.
Practical Information
There are no formal tourist facilities. Visitors should bring water and basic supplies or arrange food in advance through local contacts in the Bajawa area.
