01Tourism
One of the ancient megalithic structures in the village of Bena. Ngada Regency is one of the poorest regions in Indonesia but its popularity is increasing among international tourists, which somewhat brings a boost to the local economy.
The two most visited areas in the Ngada region are Bena and Wogo, both traditional villages with megalithic complexes. In Ngadha culture, the traditional houses have an important role as organizational units, as villagers must each belong to a house, thereby a clan. Clan totems can be ornately crafted symbols of this social organization.
Two hot springs are relatively easily accessible: Malanage and Mangeruda. Malanage hot spring (Tiworiwu, Jerebuu district), to the east of the Inerie volcano, is 20 km south of Bajawa and near the traditional villages of Nio or Ngio (2 km east), Niki Sie (4 km south-east), Nua Olo (7 km south-east), Bowaru (2 km south), Pali Ana Loka (12 km south) Tololela (6 km south-west) and Bena (6 km north-west). Malanage hot spring reaches a temperature between 42 °C and 45 °C. The collecting basin receives a hot current from the Inerie volcano and a cold current from the Wae Roa waterfall; by changing one's position in the basin, one experiences the whole range of temperatures from almost too hot to very cold. The local community from the nearby village of Dariwali takes care of that spring. Mangeruda hot spring (Indonesian Air Panas Soa, also known as Soa hot spring) is in Soa district, 22 km north-east of Bajawa. It is a bit hotter than the Malanage hot spring, and less isolated.
In the north, Riung is the portal to the beaches and underwater world of the 17-island marine park. The activities include snorkeling, diving, sun bathing, and observing flying foxes.