Wae Rebo is a traditional village located at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level, nestled in the mountains of Manggarai, in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Often called the “village above the clouds,” Wae Rebo is renowned for its preserved Manggarai heritage, traditional architecture, and stunning natural setting.

Unique Features of Wae Rebo:

1. Mbaru Niang – These are traditional cone-shaped communal houses made entirely from natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and palm fiber. Each house has five levels, each with its own purpose, from living quarters to storage space.

2. Traditional Architecture – The construction of the houses follows ancestral rules and is carried out through a strong spirit of gotong royong (community cooperation).

3. Cultural Preservation – The people of Wae Rebo maintain strong ties to their ancestral traditions, from rituals such as Waelu’u (a welcoming ceremony for guests) to a communal lifestyle based on harmony and mutual respect.

How to Get There:

Visitors typically start the journey from Labuan Bajo or Ruteng, continue by car to the village of Denge or Dintor, and then hike approximately 7 to 8 kilometers (around 2–4 hours walk) through lush mountain forest to reach Wae Rebo.

Highlights:

Stay with the local community and experience their daily life and culture firsthand.

Scenic trekking through mountains, forests, and panoramic views – ideal for adventurers and photographers.

A blend of cultural tourism and eco-tourism, as the village preserves both its natural environment and cultural heritage.

Recognition:

Wae Rebo was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2012 for cultural heritage conservation, recognizing the villagers’ efforts to preserve and revive their traditional Mbaru Niang houses.

Visiting Wae Rebo is not just a sightseeing trip – it is a journey into the heart of ancestral wisdom and natural beauty, offering a rare glimpse of life untouched by modern distractions.