Wae Rebo Village is a traditional village located in a remote hamlet in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Known as the village above the clouds, Wae Rebo is located at an altitude of around 1000 meters above sea level surrounded by beautiful hills. Wae Rebo was declared by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in August 2012, beating 42 other countries.
To reach Wae Rebo, visitors must travel about 6-7 km from Dintor Village to Denge Village by motorcycle. The journey from Denge to Wae Rebo, approximately takes 3-4 hours of hiking through a remote area surrounded by dense untouched forest, crossing rivers and crossing the lip of a ravine.
Although the location is far from the crowds and difficult to reach, Wae Rebo Village is very famous, especially by foreign tourists from European countries because of its architectural design that has a high appeal. One of the highlights of Wae Rebo Village is its traditional cone-shaped houses with roofs made from palm leaves.
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Wae Rebo Location and Access
Wae Rebo Village is located in Manggarai Regency, the southwestern part of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. To reach this village, tourists must take a challenging road trip. From the city of Labuan Bajo, the journey continues eastward through a winding road that crosses mountains and rainforests. After reaching Dintor Village, the journey continues with trekking for several hours through the forest and hills before arriving at Wae Rebo Village.
Unique Architecture of Wae Rebo Village
One of the things that makes Wae Rebo Village so special is its unique traditional architecture. The village consists of seven traditional houses, known as “Mbaru Niang.” These houses have a conical shape and a high roof, made of reed thatch and wood. The design of these houses has a clever function, facing the challenges of extreme weather such as heavy rain and strong winds that often occur in this mountainous area.
Environmental Sustainability in Wae Rebo
Wae Rebo is also known for their sustainable practices in protecting the environment. The villagers take good care of the surrounding forest, which serves as a source of wood for their homes. They also keep the rivers and water sources used for daily purposes clean. These practices have helped maintain the local ecosystem and made the village an example of environmental sustainability for other regions in Indonesia.
Wae Rebo Culture and Tradition
The people of Wae Rebo still strongly uphold their traditions and culture. They have a strong customary system, including important traditional ceremonies such as harvest ceremonies and healing ceremonies. In addition, they are also famous for their beautiful traditional dances and music that are often performed in various traditional events.
Sustainable Tourism
Over the past few years, Wae Rebo has become a popular tourist destination in Flores. Many tourists come to the village to experience its traditional life and stunning natural beauty. However, the village strives to preserve its culture and environment while welcoming tourists. They have developed simple but comfortable homestays for visitors who want to stay and interact with the locals.
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Wae Rebo is a gem in the mountains of Flores that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Its unique existence and commitment to environmental sustainability make it a must-visit for adventurers and culture lovers alike. On its challenging journey, you’ll be greeted by spectacular scenery, intriguing traditional architecture and the warm hospitality of the locals. Wae Rebo Village is a perfect example of how tourism and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.
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