The Lingko Spider Web Rice Fields are unique in the world. It is a name used to describe one of Flores’ natural wonders. One could say that Lingko is a rice field division scheme with a midpoint as a starting point. And they called its midpoint Lodok.
Following that, a lengthy line called a “Cincing” is created, eventually forming the shape of a spider’s web. The distribution of the fields is carried out by the customary authorities, with the measurement executed by the head of the family in an equal manner—the larger the family, the larger the portion, as do higher-standing households.
Location
This one-of-a-kind view may be seen in Meler Village, Cancar, East Manggarai, Ruteng, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, about 17 KM from West Ruteng. It is the only paddy field area that spans roughly 398 hectares fashioned like a massive spider web. It is also worth mentioning that this unusual sight is scattered over 11 different locales.
They are in the villages of Lingko Molo, Lingko Pong Ndung, Lingko Lindang, Lingko Jenggok, Lingko Sepe, Lingko Temek, Lingko Wae Toso, Lingko Purang Pane, Lingko Ngaung Meler, Lingko Lumpung, and Lingku Lumpung II, with eight of them in Meler, Cancar.
Route
The route we will describe departs from Labuan Bajo. You can take a bus or a minivan (bemos) – the local public transportation. The distance is approximately 17 KM. Next, you should make a stop at Cancar Market.
You will have to walk up to 3 KM from the Cancar market at this rate because the vehicle is no longer usable. It would be best to ask the locals, who will escort you to the customary abode where you may record your attendance.
Just after that, you may begin trekking to Weol Peak, which has 250 steps in a zigzag pattern, to get a birds-eye perspective of this Lingko spider web rice fields tour in Flores.
Amenities
Before being allowed to explore the destination’s natural splendor, you must first visit the customary abode (Rumah Adat). You must sign the guest book and donate it to the village treasury, with prices ranging from 15,000 IDR to 40,000 IDR.
Further, you should know that this trip is often meant as a fast visit, so guests have no hotel or food and beverage outlet facilities.
When to Visit
The best time to visit this place is before harvest, which is approximately February to June, the wet season. However, you may visit this place at any time of year, particularly during the summer, so you won’t have to deal with dirty or excessive muck along with the rice fields.
How to Get to
This site is around 17 KM from West Ruteng and takes approximately one hour to reach. You can use a motorcycle, a private automobile, or mass transportation for this nature tour. You may see its beauty from the top of the hill instead of wading thru the muddy fields.
Pro-Tip
First, check the weather forecast before going to the spot, because you won’t be pleased if it suddenly rains.
Second, even if the locals are pretty kind, you should still be cautious, which is why it is strongly advised that you enlist the services of a tour guide. This is done to make you safer while also providing you with a better grasp of the history of these natural wonders.
The Attractions
Flores was previously a Portuguese territory; hence Christians predominated. The natives have a strong belief in the Divine, which serves as the foundation for agricultural land division in the area. The parting process uses the Moso Formula or finger measurement, which is known by now as the legendary Lingko spider web rice fields.
Next, this fascinating spot was constructed on hilly terrain; hence it is known as a “crop circle.” It is pretty convenient to appreciate this natural beauty from multiple points of view.
Some compare this natural excursion to the terraced farmlands of Ubud, Bali. The resemblance resides in the regularity of the distinct morphological patterns that distinguish rice fields throughout Southeast Asia.
This destination itself attracts 50 to 100 visitors every day, increasing during the holiday season. In particular, international visitors make up the majority of those that come.
So it can be concluded that these Lingko spider web rice fields, which can only be found in Indonesia, whereby in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is a good neighborhood in Labuan Bajo. It might be an option when you want to escape the weary metropolitan bustle for a bit.
