The Cancar Spider Web Rice Fields, locally known as Lingko Cara, are one of the most remarkable agricultural landscapes in Indonesia, located in Cancar Village, Manggarai Regency on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara. These rice fields stand out for their unusual pattern—resembling a giant spider’s web or a pie chart—making them a must-see destination for travelers exploring Flores beyond the typical beach and Komodo National Park tours.
What Makes Cancar’s Rice Fields So Special?
Unlike conventional rice paddies that are rectangular or terraced, the fields in Cancar are arranged in circular, web-like patterns. This unique design comes from a traditional communal land system called Lingko, practiced by the indigenous Manggarai people for generations.
In this system, the land is divided from a central point called the lodok. From there, segments radiate outward like spokes on a wheel. Each segment—called moso—is given to a family based on tradition, with the size sometimes reflecting the family’s contribution or status in the community. This creates the distinctive spider-web layout visible from the surrounding hills.
Cultural Significance and Traditions
The Lingko fields are not just agricultural plots—they are deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the Manggarai people. Ceremonies historically accompany planting and harvest, with rituals held at the lodok that symbolize fertility, community cooperation, and cultural identity.
Though some ritual practices have evolved over time, the traditional values of fair land sharing and collective farming remain visible in the layout and continued use of these fields.
Best Views and Visiting Tips
To fully appreciate the spider web pattern, visitors climb a nearby hilltop viewpoint where the entire rice field can be seen stretching across the valley. The fields change appearance with the seasons:
- Water-filled fields reflect the sky during planting season,
- Vivid green paddies dominate during growth,
- Golden hues emerge at harvest time.
The site is especially stunning at sunrise or late afternoon, when soft natural light enhances the texture and colors of the fields.
How to Get There
Cancar is located about 17 kilometers from Ruteng, the main highland town in Manggarai. From Ruteng, it’s a short scenic drive to the village and the viewing hill. Travelers often include Cancar in overland journeys from Labuan Bajo, the gateway town to Komodo National Park and Flores Island.
Why You Should Visit
The Cancar Spider Web Rice Fields offer more than just a scenic photo opportunity. They represent a living cultural landscape, showcasing traditional land use and community cooperation in rural Indonesia. For anyone seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations with cultural depth and natural beauty, Lingko Cara is a truly unforgettable stop on a Flores adventure.
Experience the adventure of a lifetime — book your Komodo National Park tour package now at komodopadartour.com
English 
Arabic 
Chinese 
French 
German 
Italian 
Korean 
Russian 
Spanish 
Indonesian