Discovering the Unique Traditional Village of Wae Rebo
Wae Rebo is a small, traditional Manggarain village located in the dense Todo forest, surrounded by towering mountains. Founded over a century ago, it is home to the 18th generation of descendants. The village’s signature feature is its Mbaru Niang houses, which are tall, cone-shaped structures covered entirely in lontar thatch – once common in the region, now exclusive to this village.
To visit Wae Rebo from Labuan Bajo, it takes around 3-4 hours to reach Denge village, the starting point for the trek. The hike takes around 3 hours, depending on your physical ability, through a beautiful tropical forest rich in vegetation. It is important to start early as it is considered impolite to arrive in Wae Rebo after sunset, due to the villagers’ beliefs.
Upon arrival, the village head will welcome you with a traditional ceremony. You will have the opportunity to explore the village, interact with the locals, and dine on traditional meals. Most of the villagers work in the coffee gardens, harvesting and processing beans from dawn until dusk.
Visitors can stay in one of the traditional houses, sleeping on a tikar and experiencing firsthand the simple, traditional lifestyle of the families. Souvenirs such as coffee, colorful woven scarves, and sonket are available for purchase at the visitor’s house.
