Traditional Village of Compang Ruteng PDF Print E-mail

traditional_house.jpgA compang is a stone altar usually found in the yards of traditional homes in the Manggarai community.  The Compang is the center of traditional ceremonies such as penti, a ceremony to thank God for the harvests.  Buffalo and cows are tied to this Compang to be subsequently sacrificed.

Compang Ruteng is located in the center of Ruteng Pu’u village in Golo Dukal sub-district, Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).  This Compang is made of stones, and the yards surrounding it are higher than the local homes.  Long ago, a Beringin tree (Ficus Benjamina), locally known as a Ruteng, grew in the middle of this Compang.  That tree no longer exists but there is now a Dadap tree.  To the east, the Compang has two local traditional tall houses with sharp roofs.
Based on local legend, Compang Ruteng and its yards were built by fairies which allows the stone alter to never be broken or eroded.

Getting There

Compang Ruteng is located three kilometers from Ruteng city.  From Kupang, there is a flight twice a week to Ruteng. You can also go by land access to Ruteng through Labuan Bajo, Ende and Maumere.  Everyday, there is a flight from Kupang to Maumere and Ende.  To Labuan Bajo, there is a flight everyday from Denpasar, and an inter-island motorboat from Sape, West Nusa Tenggara.

Getting Around

From Ruteng city center, you can take a bemo or a motor taxi to go to Compang Ruteng.  After that, you can walk.  The total Compang land area is about half a soccer field

To Do

You can go inside the traditional house, Rumah Gendang, to see its construction, wooden interior, and other main equipment such as a gong, dendang and shields for traditional dances.  When you first enter the house you will be received as an official guest and there will be a series of ritual ceremonies that you have to follow.  Local inhabitants can only speak in Manggarai and Indonesian languages.  It is necessary for you to take your interpreter if you can’t speak Indonesian and wish to enter the Rumah Gendang.

To Stay


Ruteng has wooden hotels like the Rima Hotel which has a restaurant, or other styles including the Losmen Agung, Hotel Sindha, and Hotel Dahlia.  These hotels are located in the city center, enabling you to see and explore other areas nearby.

To Eat


Hotels and inns in Ruteng generally have restaurants.  If you wish to find other restaurants, you can try Restoran Merlin on Bhayangkara Street (0385-22475) which serves various types of Chinese and Indonesian foods.  On the same street, you can also try the newly established Agape Cafe, which provides espresso, beer, and Western, Chinese and Indonesian cuisine.

To Buy


You cannot find any souvenir shops in Compang Ruteng.  If you want to buy local souvenirs, you can find many interesting objects in the shopping malls in Ruteng including many types of songket woven fabrics from Manggarai and other areas of Flores.  If you like to collect long daggers, you can find many at shop terraces near Motang Rua field.

Tips

If you want to see the interior parts of traditional house, Rumah Gendang, in Compang Ruteng you can pay Rp. 10.000 or 1 USD to its tennants or guards.

 
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