If you are tired of life in a metropolitan city with its sky scrapers, you should take a few days off to stay in the Dragon village within Neglasari village, Salawu sub-district, Tasikmalaya, West Java.
This 1.5 hectares village is still 'green' and not influenced by modernization. Some 311 people live in this village. You will have to take several hundred steps to cover the villages over 500 meters. You will see hundreds of high ebony trees, large green paddy fields and the long Ciwulang river. In addition, you will feel the cool air and sounds of river waterflows in the distance.
To Do
While taking these steps, you will be amazed by local green houses made of various bamboos and woods. These houses roofs are made of Nipah leafs, palm leafs or reeds and feature bamboo or wooden raised floors.
This moslem village in a fertile valley still maintains it‘s long traditions; For instance, the homes must face the north or south, and the mosques, city hall or bale patemon, and paddy granaries, must face the east or west. For years, they never added/reduced the number of buildings to remain 111 buildings total. Additionally, the traditional leaders fuse the government's electricity and prohibit their residents from using electronic appliances. All daily activities are performed manually.
This moslem village in a fertile valley still maintains it‘s long traditions; For instance, the homes must face the north or south, and the mosques, city hall or bale patemon, and paddy granaries, must face the east or west. For years, they never added/reduced the number of buildings to remain 111 buildings total. Additionally, the traditional leaders fuse the government's electricity and prohibit their residents from using electronic appliances. All daily activities are performed manually.
Local inhabitants in the Dragon Village are famous for their simple and harmonious life. They are also known for their friendliness to domestic and foreign tourists. In addition to farming and raising livestock, they also produce handicrafts for souvenirs.
The inhabitants still maintain the Hajat Sasih ceremony during Islamic holidays in asking for blessings and safety from their ancestors, Eyang Singaparna, and as gratitude to the Almighty God for what they have.
In addition to Hajat Sasih, they also have rituals performed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. During these days, you are not allowed to visit the village because all its residents perform such rituals.
The inhabitants still maintain the Hajat Sasih ceremony during Islamic holidays in asking for blessings and safety from their ancestors, Eyang Singaparna, and as gratitude to the Almighty God for what they have.
In addition to Hajat Sasih, they also have rituals performed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. During these days, you are not allowed to visit the village because all its residents perform such rituals.
To Stay
This is where you could also go in seclusion, enjoying your stay in local green homes and taking a bath in cool Ciwulan river water. You could also enjoy quiet nights in your room with only a Vayer lamp.
Get There
To reach the Dragon Village, you can take an airplane from Jakarta to Husein Sastranegara airport in Bandung. From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to Tasikmalaya or Garut.Tips
Although you are not allowed to listen to your iPod, you could hear birds sing, waters flow, winds blow, insects and frogs and see many shaddy trees. To stay overnight, you have to ask for permission from local officials a few days in advance.
