Tengkulese

As a result of potential tourist objects assessment conducted on the 2-6 August 2010 with coordination from Swisscontact WISATA Labuan Bajo office at the Manggarai District areas, Tengkulese is one of the sites worth seeing if you do a one-day trip to the spider web-rice field of Cancar or to Liang Bua archaeological site. The trip to Liang Bua, if you wish, may also be combined with a visit to Liang Nggalang, the limestone cave next to Liang Bua Cave, as well as to Beokina Village, well-known for its Niang Wangko traditional houses. Countless beautiful scenic views of rice terraces, villages and Catholic churches are spreading along the road to Tengkulese, entertaining your senses.

Tengkulese waterfall, which by the locals is also referred to as Cunca Lega (cunca means waterfall) is named after the village where it lies. The village is part of sub-district Rahong Utara, and is reachable within 2 hour-drive to the north coming from Ruteng, the capital city of Manggarai. If you are using GPS the position point is of S08° 33.854' E119° 56.583,' and there are a number of routes to take to Tengkulese, but the shortest recommended one is from Liang Bua which is only 15kms from Tengkulese; while from Ruteng to Liang Bua is an addition of 13kms. Options for transportation are either by private vehicle, or if you prefer Indiana Jones-ing, by oto kayu, a wooden truck modified into a public bus with wooden benches for passengers and a canvas cover in case of rain. This is a common transport used in Flores. There's no fixed rate, so keep in mind to always bargain. And it's quite fun too!

From the last stop in Kampung Nanu of Buar Village, you will have to walk for an hour or approximately 2,5km to get to the waterfall. You will hardly feel tired due to the endless beautiful panoramas of terraced-rice fields, farmer plowing the land with their water buffalos, grinny smiles on the people's face, and green shrubs are pleasant sights you simply just can't help admiring from the first steps entering the village. Kokak bird (philemon buceroides) and fern, daun tapak kuda (ipomoea pes-caprae L. Sweet) are also found in the area.

Arriving right at the feet of Tengkulese waterfall, do get ready for the breathtaking two-tiered gigantic waterfall flushing down from approximately 100 meters height. The huge amounts of running water impressively create a roaring sound from billions of water drops splashing. The upper level of the waterfall's pond is also a spectacular view to enjoy, as in the sunlight, a line of multi-colored rays of light turn into a rainbow like a tiara arching on top of the waterfall. Big brown rocks spreading around the waterfall's feet are the hardscape of the whole scenery. Hopping from one rock to another is also a nice thing to do here but watch your step, as it may get very slippery.

Though the waterfall is indeed very inviting to jump in, it is strongly not recommended to do so, unless you are an experienced adventurer. The water can be very rough and unpredictable, especially during rainy season.

Next stop is Wae Lega (wae means river), which gets the water from Cunca Lega/ Tengkulese Waterfall. From Wae Lega, Tengkulese waterfall can still be seen from a distance. The river is quite unique with its hundreds of meters long cascading river banks with some areas so flat that during dry season you can simply sit on the rocks and listen to the mind calming rhythm of the flowing water. Besides using the rivers water for irrigating the rice fields, it is a common sight to see the surroundins local communities spending their time relaxing or swimming in the cool water on a humid day. You're more than welcome to soothe your tired feet in the cool refreshing water or even do a five-meter canyon jump at Campat Poti.