"In spite of its proximity to modern society, Naga has retained its traditional custom over the centuries. The odd residents of Kampung Naga maintain one of the few remaining villages built according to the very old Sundanese custom. All 102 houses are laid out in neat rows, each has same size and the same style. The walls are made of bamboo as using brick is considered taboo. Furnishing house is not allowed as it is against their ancestor’s custom…", quoted from Visit Indonesia 2008 website. It doesn’t take a beautiful narration like this to entice me to pay Kampung Naga a visit, its unique name itself suffices. ‘Kampung’ is Village and ‘Naga’ is Dragon, you can work out the full name in English yourself.

I learned about Kampung Naga ten months ago from an Indonesian friend, and I had been dreaming of visiting this mysterious kampung ever since. 4 hours of car ride ended up in 7 hours due to a long weekend holiday. Despite this, I continued to let my dream lead that day, leaving no room for frustration over the traffic congestion. I behaved like a happy kid when my car finally pulled over at the entry point of Kampung Naga. It’s another 360 walking steps before we get access to this remote village, crossing some paddy fields and a river. After hours of roaming around the village, I was impressed by how tidy and uniform the traditional houses are; perhaps this is what makes them so unique and beautiful. The houses are all facing one direction – towards the Ciwulan river. With no television, radio and vehicles, the villagers of Kampung Naga continue to live happily and peacefully in primitive ways. Its traditional village layout, architecture and way of life have suggested that the villagers do not welcome modern influences.

Before I pen off, my article perhaps still leave a big question mark in your head. Just like you, I still have no idea why this village is called Kampung Naga. Living in the name of dragon, perhaps the dwellers get to sight a hidden dragon at least once in their lifetime at this village? Whatever it is, I was happy to be here. Since I am overly addicted to Sundanese food, no reason for me not to visit a real Sundanese village!

P/S: If you noticed in my photos, villagers here especially the adults are camera-shy. Even though they do not mind being photographed, they never look at the camera.