Takpala, a traditional village on Alor Island, Indonesia

  

We visited Takpala, a traditional village on Alor Island in Indonesia.  We debated the $200 payment  for less than 2 hours to visit, not realizing that it was an entire village that would perform for us. Our guide Erwin teaches English at the college in Kalabahi, the biggest city and close the airport.  The leader of the community welcomed us, gathered his village who then performed the traditional welcome dance. Our guide would share some traditional information and then there was more song, music and dance to act out the stories we were told. The people have their own language, chew betel leaves with lime so have red lips & mouths and smoke in between the 3 dances they performed. Fascinating to witness.  Be prepared to join them in the final dance

 

Welcome greeting:  https://youtube.com/shorts/noTLckimBxo?feature=share

Everyone was drawn together after the call led by the leader of the village. Mostly women present since the younger men were working elsewhere. So this dance and song ensued. We were invited and joined a similar dance at the end of our visit. The young lady next to me knew enough English to be helpful for me to learn the steps. 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/u4WwFvOOTfA

This photo show us modern life mixed with tradition, smoking cigarettes! 

Welcome dance below photos: the ankles bracelets kept the rhythm, the baskets hold betel nut and lime for chewing turning lips, tongue and mouth a brilliant red. The nut is from Areca palm tree. 

For more information about this village: https://threshershark.id/en/update/trace-tradition-desa-adat-takpala-alor  We stayed at the Alami Dive & Snorkel Resort on Alor and they arranged the tour for us.