WAE REBO TRADITIONAL VILLAGE

Wae Rebo Village is one of the Traditional Village in Flores Island. Geographically the village is

situated on 1,200 meters above sea level. Wae Rebo Traditional Village is part of Satarmese District, Manggarai regency, Flores. The village has about 700 residents.

The main destination in Wae Rebo Village is Mbaru Niang or traditional house of manggaraian, but beside the presence of mbaru niang, the situation of this village that far from the bustle of the city and somewhat isolated gives a different feel for each visitor who visited this village. Wae Rebo community still cling to the traditions and local wisdom handed down from their ancestors. This tradition and local wisdom are the the special interest for the traveler who come to This Village.

One of the local wisdom in Wae Rebo village is the community still preserve of mbaru niang. In Wae Rebo itself there should only be seven Mbaru Niang nothing less and nothing more. One house can be occupied six to eight families. The rest of the community who are not accommodated in Wae Rebo (Mbaru Niang) had to move to the Kombo village that located approximately five kilometers from Wae Rebo. And this Village  also known as the twinning of Wae Rebo village because most of the villagers are from Wae Rebo Village.

The house or mbaru niang has five levels, each level designated for a specific purpose. The first level called lutur or living house for the living quarters of the extended family. The second level called lobo, or attic, is set aside to store food and goods, the third level called lentar is to store seeds for the next harvest, the fourth level called lempa rae is reserved for food stocks in case of draught, and the fifth and top level, called hekang kode, which is held most sacred, is to place offerings for the ancestors.

To get to Wae Rebo Village.

Waerebo Village trip is one of the most hunted Flores Island Tour Packages

The Closest city to Wae Rebo Village is Ruteng Town, But because there is no the airport who serve direct flight to Ruteng town, almost the visitors start trip to Wae Rebo is from Labuan Bajo. You will drive by car or motorbike around 2 hours or more, and before continue to Wae Rebo village the visitor normally will stop for overnight in Denge Village. Denge Village situated in coastal area, from here you can see the view of Mules island, also the scenery of rice field can be found here. This village is the starting point to do trekking to Wae Rebo village. In this village there are some of local guest house that manage by local people on this village.

The distance from Denge Village to Wae Rebo village is 9 kilometers, which can be taken approximately 3-4 hours by foot (depend on stamina). On the way during trekking to Wae Rebo village you will pass the rain forest and small river, also the the sing or birds will always accompany you during the trek.

On arrival in Wae Rebo village, you will do a ritual that’s call Pa’u wae Lu’u that lead by the leader of the village and pray / ask to their ancestor to always protect you during your visiting. Before this ritual you are not allowed to do some activity for example to take the picture. After the ritual you can do some activity and direct socializing with the local people. And at the night you will overnight inside the mbaru niang (traditional house).