Ratenggaro Traditional Village: Culture and History in Southwest Sumba

Located on the coast in Southwest Sumba Regency, Ratenggaro Traditional Village is one of the cultural tourism destinations rich in history and tradition. Known for its Sumbanese traditional house known as Uma Kelada, as well as the presence of ancient stone graves, this village offers an in-depth cultural tourism experience.

With stunning coastal views and preserved historical relics, Ratenggaro is a must-visit destination for tourists who want to experience firsthand the richness of Sumbanese culture and ancestral heritage.

Ratenggaro Traditional Village is located in Kodi Bangedo District, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, and is only about 40 kilometers from Tambolaka, the capital of Southwest Sumba Regency. To reach this village, tourists can use private vehicles or rent a car from Tambolaka airport with a journey of about 1.5 hours. The journey to Ratenggaro offers beautiful natural scenery, including hills and green expanses of grassland.

One of the main attractions of Ratenggaro Village is Uma Kelada, a traditional Sumbanese house with a roof towering up to 15-20 meters. These houses are still inhabited by residents and built using natural materials such as wood and thatch. The uniqueness of this traditional house is not only in its artistic form, but also in the philosophical meaning that represents the relationship between the community and nature, ancestors, and their life values.

In this village, tourists can also find ancient stone graves which are one of the important historical relics in Sumba. These graves are believed to be hundreds of years old and are related to the tradition of tribal wars that once occurred in this region.

Each large stone used as a grave carries a story about the ancestors buried there. These graves are historical witnesses of the life of the Sumbanese people in the past.

Ratenggaro Village is also located near Ratenggaro Beach, which offers beautiful views of the blue sea with quite large waves. This view is in stark contrast to the cultural atmosphere in the traditional village, giving tourists a calming natural experience after enjoying historical and cultural tours. This beach is also a great location for taking pictures, with a combination of unique beach landscapes and traditional houses.

Horse riding activities with the famous Sandalwood horses from Sumba are also interesting experiences in Ratenggaro. Tourists can explore the area around the village and beach on horseback, feeling the thrill of adventure while enjoying the stunning natural scenery.