In Sumenep Regency, Madura, East Java, Indonesia, there is an unusual tradition: sleeping on sand. This practice has been passed down for generations by the residents of Legung Timur, Legung Barat, and Dapenda Villages, which later became widely known as the "Kampung Kasur Pasir" or “Sand Mattress Village.”
Although the houses in these villages are now permanent structures with tiled floors, almost every family still provides a stretch of sand that serves as their primary bed.
For the local community, sleeping on sand is more than just a habit, it is a cultural identity. They believe that sand is cooler than foam mattresses and even has health benefits.
A saying that has developed among the villagers goes, “the bed is for display, the sand is for sleeping,” emphasizing that beds are merely ornaments, while sand is the true sleeping surface.
Comfort and Health Benefits
Residents admit they feel more comfortable sleeping on sand because it is cool and soothing. A visitor named Daeng, who once came to the village, shared his experience with Detik.
“An entire village sleeps on sand mattresses, though they still own regular beds. In every house there’s still a sand mattress, and this has been passed down for generations,” he said, as quoted by Detik.
Beyond comfort, locals believe that sleeping on sand can heal illnesses. Daeng added, “Maybe it’s because they’re used to it, and they say it feels more comfortable since the sand is cooler. People even believe it can cure various diseases.”
As quoted by GNFI, another resident, Bangso, affirmed “Sleeping on sand is more restful than on a mattress. Without sand as the base, sleep doesn’t feel as good, even if you’re lying on a regular bed.”
The Origins of the Tradition
In 2018 research titled Melestarikan Tradisi Lokal: Kampung Kasur Pasir, Ulfa Anisa explained that this tradition has existed for hundreds of years. She noted that the origin of sleeping on sand is linked to a legend about two fishermen in Sumenep who were in conflict.
It is said they attacked each other with spells, but the magic never reached its target because of the sand inside the houses. On one occasion, one fisherman tried to stab his rival while he was asleep, but failed when sand was thrown onto his face, causing him to fall. This incident was believed to be a sign that sand can protect humans from danger.
Another study by Eko Mulyadi, Syaifurrahman Hidayat, and Dian Ika Puspitasari, titled Perilaku, Support System, dan Kebiasaan Sehari-hari Masyarakat Adat Kampung Pasir, also confirmed that sand has become an integral part of daily life. Villagers use it not only for sleeping, but also for relaxing, welcoming guests, and even during childbirth.
Special Sand from Lombang Beach
The sand used is not just any sand. Villagers usually collect it from the area around Lombang Beach, known for its fine, clean grains with light brown to whitish hues. Before being used, the sand is sifted to remove pebbles, shells, or other debris.
According to Kumparan, a resident named Hanafi explained, “Sleeping on sand has been a hereditary tradition here for hundreds of years. Some mothers even still give birth on sand beds with the help of traditional midwives.”
He also noted that the sand is believed to naturally adjust to room temperature, saying, “Even when it’s hot, the sand still feels cool and comfortable.”
Stories of Healing and Local Beliefs
Beyond inherited traditions, there are also stories from visitors who claim to have benefited from sleeping on sand. Fakir Ramdani, a local resident, shared the experience of a relative from Jember who suffered from diabetes.
“I suggested that he stay here and sleep with us on sand mattresses. Who knows, maybe healing could come gradually through our faith,” Fakir said, as quoted by Tagar.
After living there for about a month, the relative began to get used to sleeping on sand. Fakir continued, “The result was that he felt his fatigue from sitting too much had started to disappear. When he went to the doctor, they said his diabetes was reported to be gone.”
Tourism Potential of Sand Village
The tradition of sleeping on sand has now become a cultural icon of the Sand Mattress Village. With a population of around 500–600 people, most of the villagers work as fishermen, traders, or migrants. Their daily activities, like playing, relaxing, or even caring for children, are almost always connected to sand.
This cultural practice has also started to attract visitors. Many come to experience sleeping on sand themselves or simply to observe the villagers’ daily lives. Amalyos Chan, Deputy Assistant for Mineral, Energy, and Non-Conventional Resources, described the uniqueness of the tradition:
“This sand is unique. When the weather is hot, it feels cool against the skin, and when the air is cold, it gives a sense of warmth.”
Unfortunately, government attention to this cultural tourism potential remains minimal. Residents hope for infrastructure improvements, such as paved roads, so that the sand mattress tradition can grow further and attract more tourists.
How to Reach the Village
The Sand Village is easy to find, as there is only one alternative road leading from the city through Jl. Gepura to Batang-Bantang. Although the trip from Sumenep City takes around 45 minutes, visitors will not feel exhausted thanks to the good asphalt road conditions.
If you plan to visit, it is recommended to avoid the villagers’ working hours. The best time is in the late afternoon when residents are resting, giving you the chance to explore the village and talk with locals. You can also try their fish-based dishes, such as fish meatballs (bakso ikan) or fried fish balls (pentol ikan).
