This ancestral village maintains its authenticity and natural character to this day. Its secret lies in an unwavering respect for ancient traditions and precepts. The villagers carefully filter progress, adopting only those innovations compatible with their established customs and ways.

Introducing Kampung Naga

This hamlet forms part of Legok Dage Neglasari, in the Salawu sub-district, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java Province.

The Hamlet's Layout

The eastern and northern zones of Kampung Naga are bordered by the Ciwulan River. Rice fields stretch across the southern section of the village, while the Naga Forest dominates its western side. This pristine natural expanse conceals a sacred hill, Leweung Keramat, preserved intact by the inhabitants.

Building Distinctiveness

Constructed on sloped terraces, the village's structures are built from natural materials sourced locally. Wood, stone, bamboo, thatch, palm leaves, clay—each element comes from the land itself.

Ancestral laws govern the standards for house construction, and every resident must comply. Modern materials and tools are forbidden. No nails, no plaster. Homes are oriented east to west, feature two doors, and rest on stilts. Their designs are remarkably uniform, yet the overall effect remains visually harmonious.

The architecture is simple, yet remarkably efficient. Foundations are solid. These homes function as genuine earthquake-resistant structures, withstanding powerful tremors. Walls and roofing resist harsh weather and the ravages of time. The atmosphere within each home is comfortable and welcoming.

The Village's Inhabitants

Measuring just 4 hectares, this verdant and picturesque village is home to approximately one hundred households. Descended from the Baduy Panamping tribe, the villagers take immense pride in their ancestral customs. An unbreakable bond ties Kampung Naga's inhabitants to nature. Ecological practices adopted since time immemorial guide the harmonious management of the forest, fertile soils, and waterways.

Livelihoods

Rice is a staple crop in the village, harvested twice yearly. Other crops, including vegetables, complement this main grain. Drawing on ancient knowledge, the village's irrigation system for agricultural land is ingeniously interconnected. The wastewater management is nothing short of remarkable.

Near their homes, villagers raise poultry and livestock. When it comes to food, Kampung Naga is self-sufficient—and takes considerable pride in this fact.

Beliefs and Customs

All hamlet residents are Muslim, with a mosque standing at the village's center.

Mandatory in nature, the teachings of elders are transmitted through proverbs and philosophical sayings that govern each villager's life, even as their original sources fade into history. Humility, obedience, discipline, and respect for nature are cherished moral values. By conviction, residents forgo electricity and anything tied to modern civilization. Here, simplicity is a fundamental rule.

Good to know: Kampung Naga is closed to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. During these days, inhabitants engage in deep introspection and cannot be disturbed.

This hamlet lies near the borders of Garut and Tasikmalaya, roughly thirty kilometers from each city (a 30-minute to 1-hour drive). The journey from Bandung typically takes around 3 hours. Following the river, the path leading to Kampung Naga winds behind a 45-degree slope, converted into steps.