Gareng Lemeng Dance of Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Numerous types of local traditions become a distinct attraction for tourists or those visiting Sumba during holidays. In this case, this Indonesian local dances should be on the list of the best attraction that tourists may enjoy later. There is one called Gareng Lemeng Dance and it has become a signature dance of the region, especially performed during a circumcision ceremony. With this dance, the locals pray to the god for a success and bless given to the boy. In some occasions, though, the dance functions as gratitude toward the god.

The Nuance
In terms of nuance, the dance looks calm and peaceful as there are no powerful or swift movements in it. In fact, only female dancers are allowed to perform it. Plus, their age should not more than 20 years old. That means Gareng Lemeng Dance is performed by female teenagers only! As for the attire, the dancers wear yellow clothes and Ikat Fabric as the underpants. In their hip, there is winded green fabric as well. As the ornament, the dancers carry a unique yellow tassel! Not to mention they wear a beautiful necklace!

Exploring Gareng Lemeng Dance
It is quite recommended to watch Gareng Lemeng Dance with a local guide, as he may tell further information about the dance and explain all the moves of the performance. In a nutshell, the dance is about the praying to the god. The purpose is to look for a blessing for the boy who has undergone a circumcision. The family of the boy may hire those dancers and invite relatives or neighbors to watch the performance. Even though tourists are allowed to join, they must find the exact date of the performance diligently. Well, it may take some time indeed.

As for tourists, they should consider several things before watching Gareng Lemeng Dance. For instance, it is related to the schedule. It would be careless if they head to East Nusa Tenggara Province directly without any plan, no? Thus, it is better to talk to the tour agent or local guide beforehand in order to find the right date of the performance. Usually, those people may coordinate with villagers to find out the nearest schedule.

Another important consideration is related to how they must behave when watching the dance. Have no worries. It is not a sacred performance, so tourists can wear any type of attire based on their preference. What they need to avoid is only taking pictures with the flash feature on.

Nearby Attractions

• Komodo National Park
• Kelimutu National Park
• Pink Beach
• Loh Liang
• Lasiana Beach
• Kelimutu Lake
• Wae Rebo Village
• Batu Cermin Cave
• Tarung Village
• Sirung Mountain

How to Get There
In order to watch Gareng Lemeng Dance directly, tourists should get East Nusa Tenggara Province. For those coming from Jakarta City, they can take an airplane from Soekarno International Airport and head to El Tari Airport located in Kupang City. For the information, this flight takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes. Once arriving at the destination, it is better to get a hotel room before visiting nearby villages out there.

Where to Stay

• Cendana Hotel
• Pelita Hati Hotel
• Carvita Hotel
• Greenia Hotel
• Jolly Hotel
• Cahaya Bapa Hotel