If you’re familiar with the Baduy people in Banten, Kampung Naga might sound a bit familiar. Hidden deep in the hills of Tasikmalaya, West Java, there’s a traditional Sundanese village that has chosen to stay rooted in the old ways—far from the noise of the modern world.
No electricity. No brick walls. No tiled roofs. Everything here is made the traditional way, just like it’s been for generations. The people live by ancestral customs that shape every part of daily life—and that’s exactly what makes Kampung Naga so fascinating.
In this guide, I’ll take you through what makes Kampung Naga so unique, what you can experience while you’re there, and some handy tips on how to visit.
About Kampung Naga
Kampung Naga is a traditional Sundanese village in West Java, quietly nestled between Garut and Tasikmalaya, not far from the main road. It’s tucked into a lush green valley, surrounded by rice paddies, forests, and steep hills. The name “Naga” comes from the Sundanese phrase ‘na gawir’, meaning “at the cliff’s edge”.
To reach the village, you’ll need to descend around 400 stone steps down a fairly steep path. No need to rush—along the way, the scenery is beautiful. One thing you won’t see? Power lines. Electricity is intentionally left out, part of the community’s choice to live in harmony with their traditions and the natural world around them.
What makes Kampung Naga even more interesting is the balance between tradition and openness.
People here wear regular clothes, go to public schools, and are aware of the outside world. But once they return home, they live by a set of ancestral rules—especially the idea of ‘pamali’, a sacred code of taboos that guides behavior and maintains harmony between people, culture, and nature.
If you want to explore a traditional village in Indonesia, visit Sumba. To learn more, check our guide Waikabubak, Sumba: Travel Guide Full of Local Tips.
The Unique Architecture of Kampung Naga Homes
One of the coolest things about Kampung Naga is its traditional houses. They’re built on short stone stilts, about 60 cm high, using only natural materials like wood, bamboo, and palm fiber for the roofs. And all the houses face south, just like their ancestors have always done.
There are only around 113 houses in the village, home to about 300 people. And that number won’t grow. Local traditions don’t allow the village to grow bigger—homes can only be built within a 1.5-hectare area. It’s all about keeping the balance between people and nature, something they’ve looked after for generations.
Among these structures, three are communal spaces shared by all villagers:
- The mosque, as the central place of worship.
- Bumi Ageung, where sacred heirlooms and ancestral objects are stored.
- Bale Patemon, a gathering place for meetings and village discussions.
Believe it or not, the traditional houses in Kampung Naga are actually earthquake-resistant. A few years back, a pretty big quake shook the Tasikmalaya area—many houses nearby were damaged, but the ones in Kampung Naga were totally fine.
Backindo Tip: Need a reliable driver in Java? We can share contacts of trusted locals we know personally – just drop us an email at hello@backindo.com.
Daily Life in Kampung Naga
Most of the people in Kampung Naga work as farmers—that’s why the village is surrounded by rice paddies laid out in beautiful terraced fields. Farming here is still done the traditional way, with no modern machinery or chemicals. They typically harvest rice once every six months, and each family can produce up to four quintals (about 400 kg) per harvest—enough to feed the household until the next season.
Once the rice is milled, it’s stored in closed containers in the kitchen. Interestingly, only the wife is allowed to open it—a tradition meant to honor her role and rights within the family.
Besides farming, many villagers raise chickens, goats, and fish to support their daily needs. Chickens are often kept under the house, while kitchen ash is also thrown below. Over time, the mix of chicken waste and ash is collected and turned into organic fertilizer. Goats, on the other hand, are usually raised to be sold outside the village—and yes, their waste is also used as natural compost.
As tourism has slowly grown in Kampung Naga, many women have started making bamboo crafts and other handmade souvenirs to sell—both to visiting tourists and to buyers outside the village. It’s become a nice source of additional income while preserving traditional skills.
They’re not completely closed off to the outside world. New ideas are welcome, as long as they respect the village’s traditions and harmony with nature. For example, gas stoves are not allowed. Instead, they cook using wood-fired stoves or kerosene burners. A few families own TVs powered by car batteries, but for lighting, they still rely on simple oil lamps.
Things To Do and See in Kampung Naga
The area might be small, but there’s plenty to see and experience if you take the time. Here’s what you can do:
- Take a walk through the village: One of the best ways to experience Kampung Naga is simply by walking around the traditional village.
- Watch locals make beautiful handicrafts. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the villagers—mostly the women—weaving bamboo into baskets, trays, or other handmade goods.
- Drop by the mosque and meeting hall. These spots are where big things happen in the village—whether it’s praying together or gathering for important discussions.
- Walk along the rice fields and riverside. Just outside the village, you’ll find terraced rice paddies and a peaceful river.
- Catch a traditional ceremony if the timing’s right. They hold a ritual called Hajat Sasih four times a year, and if your visit lines up, you’re in for something truly special.
And here’s a tip: even though the village isn’t huge, going with a local guide is a smart move. They’ll share the deeper stories, explain the do’s and don’ts, and help you connect with the place on a more meaningful level.
How to Get There and What It Costs
Getting to Kampung Naga is surprisingly easy. The village is located just off the main Bandung–Singaraja route (near Tasikmalaya), so it’s pretty accessible—even if you’re taking public transport. If you’re coming from Bandung, just hop on a bus heading to Singaraja (Tasikmalaya) and let the conductor know you want to get off at Kampung Naga. They’ll know where to stop.
From the main road, it’s just a short walk to the parking area, then a little further to the entrance gate of the village.
There’s no official entrance fee to visit Kampung Naga, but a small donation is always appreciated to help the community maintain the area. If you want to take a guided tour around the village (which I highly recommend), the fee is about IDR 150,000—worth it for all the insights and stories you’ll hear.
Kampung Naga makes a great cultural stop between Bandung and Pangandaran. Read Pangandaran Guide: The Hidden Natural Beauty of West.
Thinking of staying overnight? Some local families offer simple homestays where you can truly experience village life. Just make sure to check in with the village authorities first, as you’ll need permission to stay.
Rules to Know Before You Go
Like any traditional village, Kampung Naga has a set of rules—and they apply not just to the locals, but to visitors too. These aren’t just random restrictions; they’re rooted in deep respect for nature, culture, and community harmony.
One important rule: no loud music. The only sounds allowed here are from traditional instruments played by the locals.
Another big no-no is entering the sacred forest, or taking anything from it. This forest plays a vital role in preserving the village’s water source and ecosystem, so it’s strictly protected. Please respect that boundary.
There’s also one sacred building in the village that’s completely off-limits—not just for entering, but even for taking photos. While you’re welcome to snap pictures of the traditional homes and village life, make sure to avoid photographing that particular structure (your local guide will let you know which one it is).
Please don’t leave any trash behind. Bring your waste back with you and dispose of it properly.
And last but not least: Please dress modestly — as visitors, it’s only right that we honor the local community. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and bottoms that go past the knees.
Before coming to Indonesia, take a moment to learn about local manners. It’s a simple way to show respect and enjoy your visit, please read Etiquette in Indonesia: A Do's and Don'ts Guide.
Final Tough
If you’re looking to experience authentic local life in Indonesia, Kampung Naga might just be the perfect place. You don’t need to travel all the way to Sumba or deep into Papua to feel that deep cultural connection—it’s right here in West Java, just a few hours from Jakarta or Bandung. Easy to reach, and it’ll leave a lasting impression on your journey.
Kampung Naga offers a rare harmony: a simple lifestyle rooted in tradition, a deep respect for the environment, and a way of living that truly embraces sustainability.
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