Wae Rebo Village is a traditional village located in the mountains, precisely in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This village is known for its stunning natural beauty and the presence of the very distinctive Mbaru Niang traditional house. Wae Rebo Village has a calm and natural atmosphere. It is located at an altitude of around 1,100 meters above sea level.
To reach Wae Rebo Village, tourists must take a fairly challenging journey. Access to this village requires a land journey of around 3-4 hours from the city of Labuan Bajo. Futermore, continued with a 2-3 hours hike through a challenging path. Although the journey to Wae Rebo is quite difficult, but the natural beauty that can be witnessed along the way makes it very worthwhile.
The characteristic of Wae Rebo Village is its traditional house called Mbaru Niang. This house is cone-shaped with a high roof and made of thatch. Each Mbaru Niang house has four levels, each of which has a different function. Such as a place to live, a place to gather, and a place to store goods. This traditional house is built using natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and reeds, and is built in a way that pays great attention to harmony with the surrounding nature.
The majority of the residents of Wae Rebo Village are indigenous people who still maintain their traditions and culture. They live an agricultural life, with the majority of the population working as coffee farmers, as well as producing other agricultural products such as corn, vegetables, and fruits. The community in Wae Rebo is known to be very friendly and open to visitors. They also practice mutual cooperation system in their daily lives and maintain the customs and habits inherited from their ancestors.
Wae Rebo is a place that is very thick with traditions and spiritual values. One of the beliefs that is still upheld by the local community is the customs that regulate social life and relationships between residents. Every year, the residents of Wae Rebo Village hold a traditional ceremony to celebrate the coffee harvest and honor their ancestors. In addition, the community also maintains harmony with nature and believes in the existence of ancestral spirits that protect them.
In addition to its rich culture, Wae Rebo also offers extraordinary natural scenery. The village is surrounded by lush green hills and tropical forests that are still well-preserved. From Wae Rebo, visitors can enjoy spectacular natural panoramas, including views of mountains, valleys, and charming rice terraces. The air in this village is very cool and fresh, making it an ideal place to rest and enjoy the peace.
As one of the tourist villages, Wae Rebo has attracted the attention of many tourists, both local and international. They want to experience a different experience by visiting a village that is still natural and authentic. In addition to trekking to reach the village, tourists can also learn about the lives of the local people, taste the famous Wae Rebo coffee, and buy village handicrafts.
Overall, Wae Rebo Village is an example of a village that is very rich in cultural values, history, and natural beauty. Although the access is quite difficult, this village presents an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
