Exploring The Snake Palace Labuan Bajo Near Komodo Island

Tajukflores.com – For most travelers, the name Galang Village is not familiar, but this village is famous for a unique thing that can only be found here, namely the Snake Palace. The village is located in West Manggarai Regency, an area famous for its charming Labuan Bajo and its main icon, Komodo Island.

The Snake Palace resembles a cave with a long, dark passage, serving as a habitat for various types of cold-blooded reptiles, predominantly snakes. This unique site has drawn attention due to its mystical allure and intriguing legend.

Presently, the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) has designated Galang Village as one of the 30 tourist villages in Flores, Lembata, Alor, and Bima (Floratama).

According to local belief, the existence of the snake palace in West Manggarai originated from an incident involving the Ronggot Tribe. The legend narrates a story of two siblings engaged in an incestuous relationship, later exiled and seeking refuge in a cave.

The offspring of this forbidden relationship were believed to be serpents, and the curse persisted as both siblings transformed into snakes, supposedly inhabiting the cave to this day. To date, no one has ventured to the end of the Snake Palace’s passage.

“We estimate that from the entrance to the exit, it spans about 5 kilometers. However, so far, nobody has reached the end. Those of us who entered the cave only managed about 150 meters due to limited oxygen,” stated BPOLBF CEO Shana Fatina some time ago.

There was a vlogger who attempted to uncover the cave’s uniqueness but only managed to reach about 300 meters.

Despite Komodo Island’s global fame, the Snake Palace Cave has only gained substantial promotional attention starting from 2017. Since then, it has witnessed a steady stream of visitors every month, albeit largely dominated by local tourists, with relatively low awareness among international travelers.

This unique snake palace is now considered the sole distinctive tourist destination in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and arguably the only one in Indonesia due to its diverse python species, each with different colors, residing within the cave.

Cultural Rituals

Getting to the Snake Palace in Galang Village can be reached by land transportation from Labuan Bajo in about 2-3 hours. Beautiful scenery from the shade of trees, rice fields, to the typical nuances of the Flores plain countryside are presented along the way.

Upon arrival at Galang Village, visitors are welcomed with traditional rituals before heading to the Snake Palace. The journey to the cave involves a 20-minute trek up a flight of stairs, leading to the cave’s mouth.

Facilities such as toilets and rest areas for tourists have been established by the government to cater to those seeking a brief respite.

Before entering the Snake Palace, a customary ritual is performed at the cave’s entrance. Offerings, such as a single village-bred egg, are presented as a greeting and a call to their “kin” inside the cave to reveal themselves to the visitors.

Locals firmly believe that the palace’s inhabitants are their relatives. Thus, all traditions and the site’s development as a tourist destination prioritize sustaining and safeguarding the Snake Palace’s existence.

“We do not perform chicken sacrifices in our ritual because, according to the snakes inside, sacrificing a chicken is equivalent to slaughtering a human because the snakes are believed to be the embodiment of jinn,” shared one local.

“However, visitors are required to partake in the ritual as a sign of respect before observing the snakes inside the cave,” they added.

As visitors take their first steps into the cave, the cacophony of thousands of bats living within the cave greets them. These bats are also part of the snakes’ diet. Local guides equipped with flashlights lead the way through the cave’s various sections, including crevices, stalactites, and the cave’s ceiling.

For geology enthusiasts and cave aficionados seeking an adrenaline rush while observing reptiles in their natural habitat up close, the Snake Palace is a must-visit destination.

Embarking on an adventure to explore the Snake Palace Cave near Labuan Bajo, nestled close to the renowned Komodo Island, promises an extraordinary and captivating experience for any avid traveler.

This unique destination offers an opportunity to delve into the mystique of a cave system housing various species of snakes and reptiles in their natural habitat. It’s an adventure that unveils the intriguing folklore of the region, immersing visitors in a blend of cultural history and natural wonders.

As you prepare for this exploration, remember to equip yourself with essentials such as comfortable walking shoes, a flashlight, and suitable attire. The journey to the Snake Palace involves an awe-inspiring trek through picturesque landscapes and a welcoming ritual by the local community—a cultural tradition that adds depth to your experience.

Upon arrival in Galang Village, you’ll be welcomed with local customs before embarking on a 20-minute trek, ascending a stairway to the mouth of the cave. The sensory experience begins as the echoes of bats living within the cave fill the air, signaling the start of an intriguing adventure.

Guided by locals equipped with torches, the journey within the cave reveals stalactites, crevices, and the enigmatic presence of snakes amidst the cave’s interior.

Witnessing these reptiles in their natural environment, intertwined with the local legend and traditions, makes the Snake Palace Cave exploration an unforgettable experience.

So, why hesitate any longer? Let’s seize the moment and embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the mystical Snake Palace nestled near Labuan Bajo, a gem waiting to be uncovered just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Komodo Island.