Lombok is famous for its stunning natural beauty, from its enchanting beaches to the majestic Mount Rinjani. However, Lombok’s charm doesn’t stop there. Sade Village, a traditional village of the indigenous Sasak tribe, offers a cultural experience that is no less charming. Visiting Sade Village feels like entering a place that has not been touched by modernity. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Sade Village, including its history, charm, life and uniqueness.
History of Sade Village
The Sasak tribe is the native group inhabiting Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara. It is believed that they have lived on the island since 4000 BC. Some theories suggest that the Sasak people are a mix of the island’s original inhabitants and migrants from Java. Other experts argue that the ancestors of the Sasak people were Javanese.
The name “Sasak” has various interpretations. Etymologically, it comes from the word “sak-sak,” meaning boat, referring to the ancestors who arrived by boat from the west, namely Java. Another theory states that “Sasak” derives from “sah,” meaning to go, and “shaka,” meaning ancestors, implying “going to the land of ancestors.”
Sade Village: Cultural Charm in Central Lombok
Sade Village is located in Rembitan, Central Lombok, about 11 km from the airport. The journey to the village takes around 20 minutes by car. Its strategic location along the Praya-Kuta highway makes Sade Village easily accessible.
Sade Village is one of the traditional Sasak villages that still upholds the customs in daily life. The unique customs and culture of the Sasak tribe attract both local and international tourists. Upon arrival, visitors will see houses with bamboo thatch roofs standing sturdily among the brick buildings. The traditional rural atmosphere is very much alive in Sade Village, offering an experience that transports visitors back in time.
This Village covers an area of about 5.5 hectares with around 150 houses. Each house is inhabited by a single family, all of whom are Sasak people. The villagers primarily farm, growing rice in rain-fed fields without an irrigation system, resulting in only one harvest per year. Besides farming, they also weave as a side job to meet daily needs.
Unique Features of Sade Village
- Traditional Bale Houses: Village has several types of traditional houses, each with different functions:
- Bale Tani: Used as a residence for Sasak people who work as farmers.
- Bale Jajar: Used as a residence for Sasak people of middle to upper economic class.
- Sekenam: Used as a place for teaching etiquette, instilling cultural values, and holding internal family meetings.
- Bale Bonter: Used as a place for customary meetings and judicial proceedings, and for storing historical artifacts or family heirlooms.
- Bale Beleq Bencingah: Used for major royal events such as the inauguration of officials, the crowning of the Crown Prince, and the confirmation of royal priests.
- Cleaning the Floor with Buffalo Dung: Residents of Sade Village clean their homes with buffalo or cow dung as a traditional ritual. They believe this dung is sacred, capable of warding off evil spirits and bringing good fortune. The process involves spreading the dung evenly across the floor, letting it dry, and then sweeping it clean. Although it may seem strange to some, this tradition has long been practiced in Sade Village. They believe this ritual brings blessings and protection, and they view it as a cultural heritage that must be preserved.
- Earthquake-Resistant Traditional Houses: The houses in Sade Village are designed with simplicity, featuring woven bamboo walls, thatched roofs, and floors made of a mixture of clay and rice husks. This design makes the houses earthquake-resistant. Despite experiencing earthquakes, the houses in Village remain sturdy.
- Weaving Tradition: Girls in Sade Village are required to learn how to weave before getting married. Weaving is the main livelihood for women in this village. Along the streets of Sade Village, many vendors sell the woven fabrics they create.
Conclusion
Sade Village, with its authentic cultural charm and unique traditions, is the perfect place to start your adventure in Lombok. After enjoying the beauty and cultural richness of Sade Village, continue with an incredible dirt bike experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Kuta Lombok and Mount Tunak offer something special for every adventure enthusiast. So, gear up and enjoy the thrill of exploring Lombok with Lombok Dirt Bike!
KUTA LOMBOK
Navigate Lombok’s stunning coasts, majestic mountains, and thrilling off-road tracks, suitable for all levels of adventure seekers.
GUNUNG TUNAK'S
Gunung Tunak’s, with its wealth of experience, invites you to traverse the captivating mix of beach, forest, mountain, cliff, and coastal terrains.
