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Sade Village Lombok, A Living Home of Sasak Tradition

Some journeys are not about distance, but about stepping into a way of life shaped by centuries of belief. In Sade Village, on the island of Lombok, tradition is not displayed for visitors, it is lived daily by the Sasak people who have guarded their heritage with devotion.

Location and the Iconic Architecture of Bale Tani

Sade Village sits in Rembitan, Central Lombok, about 30 kilometers from Mataram, and is easy to reach by road. The village layout follows a meaningful pattern. Every traditional house faces east, symbolizing respect for nature and the Creator. This orientation reflects the deep philosophy embedded within Sasak culture.

Bale Tani, the traditional house of Sade, carries a distinctive design shaped by practicality, spiritual meaning, and ecological wisdom.

Materials: Walls are woven bamboo, roofs use thatched alang-alang or palm fiber, and floors are made of clay mixed with rice husk and buffalo dung.
The Floor Philosophy: The use of buffalo dung, known locally as ngeru, is intentional. It keeps away insects, hardens the floor, and symbolizes the close relationship between the Sasak community and their livestock. Only women may perform the cleansing and coating process.
Interior Layout: Bale Tani has two main sections. The front area, called sesang, welcomes guests and supports daily activities. The back room, dalem, sits slightly elevated and functions as a sleeping area and storage for rice, similar to a small inner granary.

Cultural Heritage, Songket Weaving, and Marriage Traditions

Life in Sade is guided by customary law known as Awig-Awig, which shapes social behavior, ritual obligations, and craftsmanship.

Songket weaving is one of the most celebrated cultural expressions in the village. Women are expected to master the art before marriage, as weaving symbolizes discipline, patience, and readiness for family life. Sasak songket is known for motifs such as Subahnale and Rijang, created using threads of gold or silver. Producing a single piece can take months and remains a primary source of livelihood.
Marriage customs in Sade also follow ancestral rules. One of the most well-known traditions is merarik, in which the groom symbolically elopes with the bride as a formal step toward marriage. Although symbolic today, the ritual must be conducted according to strict cultural guidelines, preserving the meaning behind Sasak courtship.

Visitor Experiences and Local Interaction

Exploring Sade Village is an invitation to learn through direct encounters rather than observation.

Visitors are typically guided by local youth who explain the philosophy of house construction, traditional rituals, and stories passed down through generations. This personal storytelling is an essential part of cultural tourism in Indonesia, allowing travelers to understand not only what they see, but why it matters.
On certain days, traditional performances such as Gendang Beleq or Presean enliven the village. These dances and mock battles express bravery, rhythm, and communal pride. Hand-woven textiles, handicrafts, and local culinary treats are also available, offering a thoughtful glimpse into daily life.

Interesting Facts

A Community Preserving Its Lineage: Many residents of Sade marry within the village to maintain the purity of their Sasak heritage.
Iconic Granaries: The village's bale lumbung (rice granaries) resemble small elevated houses with curved roofs. They symbolize prosperity and long-term food security.
A Living Heritage Site: Sade continues to function as a genuine village, not a reconstructed attraction, making its cultural landscape valuable within the Indonesian ecotourism network.

Sade is more than a destination. It is a living classroom of Sasak philosophy, a village that breathes with ritual, craftsmanship, and resilience. Travelers who come with curiosity leave with a deeper sense of what it means to honor one's roots. It is a reminder that tourism in Indonesia is at its best when it uplifts the people who protect the country's heritage.

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Sade Village Lombok, A Living Home of Sasak Tradition

Location and the Iconic Architecture of Bale Tani

Cultural Heritage, Songket Weaving, and Marriage Traditions

Visitor Experiences and Local Interaction

Interesting Facts

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