Experience the Living Culture of the Manggarai People in West Flores

Caci Traditional Dance Tour is a special cultural journey from Labuan Bajo to experience one of the most iconic traditions of the Manggarai people of Flores.

More than simply watching a traditional performance, this experience gives you the opportunity to enter a Manggarai village, take part in a traditional welcoming ceremony, visit the traditional house, and witness Caci together with other traditional dances and cultural rituals.

Caci is a traditional Manggarai performance involving two men who take turns using a whip and shield. Accompanied by traditional music, songs, and the energy of the local community, the performance represents values such as courage, respect, solidarity, and togetherness.

This cultural experience is ideal for travelers who want to discover a different side of Flores beyond Komodo dragons, islands, beaches, and snorkeling.

TOUR OVERVIEW

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the famous Traditioneller Tanz der Caci of the Manggarai people
• Receive a traditional Manggarai village welcome
• Enter the traditional Mbaru Gendang
• Learn about Manggarai traditions and local community life
• Watch the dramatic Caci whip-and-shield performance
• Enjoy other traditional performances such as Rangkuk Alu, Ako Mawo, Sanda and Mbata, depending on the village program
• Meet local performers and community members
• Enjoy the beautiful countryside and mountain scenery of West Flores
• Travel comfortably by private car from Labuan Bajo

ITINERARY

Your Caci cultural experience begins with a private pickup from your hotel in Labuan Bajo.

After meeting your guide and driver, we drive towards the Manggarai highlands. The journey takes approximately 40–60 minutes depending on the selected village and road conditions.

Along the way, you will pass rural landscapes, plantations, traditional settlements, and countryside scenery. Your guide will explain more about daily life in Flores and the Manggarai people as we travel towards the village.

Traditional Village Welcome

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by members of the local community.

The welcome is an important part of the experience because it introduces visitors to the village before entering the main cultural area.

Depending on the village program, the welcoming process may include traditional greetings, music, dancing, and a short cultural ritual.

After the welcome ceremony, you will enter the traditional house or Mbaru Gendang, where your guide or local representative will explain the role of the traditional house and its importance to Manggarai community life.

Traditioneller Tanz der Caci

After the welcoming ceremony, we continue to the village performance area to watch the main cultural attraction — Traditioneller Tanz der Caci.

Caci is a traditional Manggarai performance in which two men take turns as attacker and defender. One uses a traditional whip while the other carries a shield and protective headgear.

The performance is accompanied by traditional music, songs, movement, and enthusiastic support from the surrounding community.

Your guide will explain the meaning behind the performance, the traditional equipment used by the dancers, and the cultural values represented by Caci.

Other Traditional Performances

Depending on the local community program, you may also have the opportunity to watch several other traditional performances.

These may include:

Rangkuk Alu – a traditional bamboo dance involving rhythm, movement, and coordination.

Ako Mawo – a traditional Manggarai cultural dance performed as part of the local celebration.

Sanda – traditional Manggarai singing and dancing performed together by members of the community.

Mbata – traditional Manggarai singing that forms part of the cultural expression of the community.

The exact program may vary depending on the village and the local performance schedule.

Meet the Local Community

After the performances, you will have time to interact with local people, take photographs, and learn more about Manggarai culture.

This is also a good opportunity to ask your guide about traditional houses, local clothing, music, dances, agriculture, and everyday life in the village.

Rückkehr nach Labuan Bajo

After completing the cultural experience, we leave the village and drive back to Labuan Bajo.

You will be dropped off at your hotel, airport, or another agreed location in Labuan Bajo.

End of the Caci Traditional Dance Tour.

WHAT MAKES THIS EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?

The Caci Dance is not simply a performance created for visitors. It is part of the cultural identity of the Manggarai people and has traditionally been associated with important community occasions and ceremonies.

For travelers, the experience offers a chance to see this tradition in a community setting while also learning about the people, customs, music, clothing, and traditional houses of Manggarai.

Rather than spending another day only on the islands, this tour allows you to discover the cultural side of Flores and meet the local community behind the destinationTourMa