Wae Rebo Village in Manggarai, Flores, offers the iconic Mbaru Niang traditional house, stunning natural scenery, and traditional culture rich in historical value and local uniqueness.
Wae Rebo Village, located in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is a hidden gem in Flores that offers an authentic cultural tourism experience.
Known for its unique cone-shaped Mbaru Niang traditional house, this village is not only enchanting with its extraordinary natural scenery, but also with its rich traditions that are still well-preserved by the local community.
Its location in the middle of the mountains, with views of green hills and valleys, makes Wae Rebo a very special destination.
For anyone looking for a vacation that is more than just an ordinary tour, this village provides an experience of learning about local culture, interacting with the residents, and enjoying the amazing peace of nature.
History and Culture of Wae Rebo Village
Wae Rebo Village has quite an interesting history and is rich in stories. This village was founded by Empu Maro, a migrant from Sumatra who traveled far and finally settled in Flores.
Empu Maro, who came from the Minangkabau tribe, began his long journey from Sumatra and chose Wae Rebo as a place to start a new life.
This explains why the people of Wae Rebo have bloodlines that come from the Minangkabau tribe, which forms a cultural relationship between Flores and Sumatra.
Life in Wae Rebo is heavily influenced by customs and culture that are still maintained by the community to this day. One of the most well-preserved traditions is the Penti ceremony, which is held to express gratitude for the harvest and life given by nature.
In addition, you can also interact directly with the local community, learn about how they farm coffee, weave traditional cloth, and learn about the various traditional rituals they practice. This is a rare opportunity to dive into the lives of people who highly respect and maintain their traditions.
Attractions and Activities in Wae Rebo Village
1. Hiking Adventure to Wae Rebo Village
For those of you who like adventure, the journey to Wae Rebo Village is sure to be an unforgettable experience. To reach this village, you have to climb about 3 kilometers or it takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Although the journey to this village is quite challenging, the extraordinary natural scenery along the way makes it very worthwhile.
You will pass through hillsides decorated with endemic flora and fauna typical of Flores which are very enchanting. This journey also provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that is still very natural, with green trees and cool mountain air.
2. The Uniqueness of the Mbaru Niang Traditional House
Upon arrival at Wae Rebo Village, you will immediately be greeted by a stunning view, namely the cone-shaped Mbaru Niang traditional house.
These traditional houses have a very unique design and are a symbol of the strength of the community and the close relationship between humans and nature.
There are seven Mbaru Niang traditional houses located in the middle of the village, surrounded by stunning green hill views. Each house has a philosophical meaning and a certain function, reflecting the lives of people who are very close to the nature around them.
The uniqueness of the architecture of this traditional house makes Wae Rebo one of the most interesting cultural tourist attractions to visit.
3. Stay in a Traditional House and Experience Local Life
One of the best ways to experience life in Wae Rebo is to stay in one of the Mbaru Niang traditional houses. By staying in this traditional house, you can experience the daily life of the local people which is very simple and in harmony with nature.
You can learn how the Wae Rebo people process coffee, weave cloth, and take part in traditional activities that are still very well preserved.
Staying in a Mbaru Niang traditional house also gives you the opportunity to interact with the local people, who will be happy to share their stories and experiences about life in the village.
4. Witnessing the Sacred Penti Ceremony
One of the most anticipated moments for tourists who come to Wae Rebo is the Penti ceremony. This ceremony is held to celebrate the harvest and express gratitude for the blessings given by nature.
In this ceremony, you will see traditional dances, traditional music, and animal slaughtering rituals as part of offerings to ancestors. The Penti ceremony is held at certain times of the year, usually between July and September, and is one of the most sacred events in Wae Rebo.
Attending this ceremony provides a very deep experience of how the Wae Rebo people maintain their traditions and relationship with nature.
5. Exploring Photos in Every Corner of Wae Rebo
For photography lovers, Wae Rebo is an ideal place to hunt for photos. Every corner of this village holds extraordinary photo potential, be it photos of traditional houses with a backdrop of green hills, or photos of local people doing their activities.
Morning is the best time to take pictures in Wae Rebo, because the sunlight that enters through the gaps in the roofs of traditional houses creates a very dramatic lighting effect.
You can also take pictures with the friendly locals, or take pictures of cheerful children with stunning natural scenery.
6. Wae Rebo as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
The natural and cultural beauty of Wae Rebo Village is not only recognized by the Indonesian people, but also by the international world.
In 2012, Wae Rebo was named a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, thanks to the unique architecture of traditional houses and the rich culture in this village.
This award further strengthens Wae Rebo’s position as an important tourist destination that must be preserved. This village is also a real example of how people can maintain their traditions while adapting to the modern world.
7. Learn to Make Local Crafts
Wae Rebo Village is also famous for its very distinctive handicrafts, such as weaving, woven cloth, and Flores coffee. You can witness firsthand how the Wae Rebo people make these crafts in a traditional way.
The process of making woven cloth with songke, congkar, and rebong motifs is very interesting to learn, as is the way they process coffee grown in their own gardens. You can buy these handicrafts as souvenirs, and take home a little bit of Wae Rebo’s local culture as a keepsake.
Location and Access to Wae Rebo Village
Wae Rebo Village is located in Manggarai Regency, Flores, and is in a fairly remote area, but is very easy to reach by vehicle from Labuan Bajo.
The journey to this village takes about 4 to 5 hours using a two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle, which is then continued with a trekking trip of about 2 to 3 hours.
This village is located at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level, providing very beautiful views and cool air all year round.
Facilities in Wae Rebo Village
Despite being in a remote location, Wae Rebo has been equipped with basic facilities such as electricity, toilets, and clean water.
However, communication signals and internet networks are not yet available in this village, which is actually an advantage for tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. You can really enjoy quality time with your family or partner without the distraction of technology.
Wae Rebo Village is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty and a very rich culture. With the iconic Mbaru Niang traditional house, peaceful mountain atmosphere, and the opportunity to interact directly with the local community, Wae Rebo offers an unforgettable tourist experience.
For those who want to experience a simpler life, learn about local traditions, and enjoy the extraordinary scenery, Penglipuran Village is a must-visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this village, which not only presents natural beauty, but also a very valuable cultural wealth.