WaeRebo merupakan desa yang masih sangat konsisten menjaga warisan dari kearifan lokal, budaya didalamnya dan semua masyarakatnya masih berbaur dengan alam. Bahkan, kalau tidak ada bulan purnama, kamu mungkin bisa melihat milky way. Suasana yang diberikan sungguh magis dengan cahaya remang-remang dari rumah-rumah niang di sekeliling kamu WaeRebo is a small and very out of the way village. It is on around 1,100 meters above sea level and approximately 3 -hour trekking from Denge Village. Wae Rebo village is completely in the middle of panoramic mountains and the dense Todo forest. Certainly, this tropical forest is rich in vegetation, where you will find orchids, different Dimalam hari, pengunjung dapat menyaksikan indahnya langit Wae Rebo. Berupa milky way yang sangat sulit dilihat di dataran rendah. Dari sini begitu jelas dan begitu indah, membuat mata terpana akan keindahannya. Untuk tempat menginap, telah disediakan ruangan di rumah adat dengan alas dan bantal seadanya. Kegiatan Warga desa Wae Rebo DesaWae Rebo buka setiap hari dan Aladiners bisa menumpang di rumah penduduk setempat untuk menginap. Satu hal unik lagi yang terdapat di Desa Wae Rebo adalah bisa melihat milky way . Dipadukan dengan cahaya remang-remang dari rumah-rumah niang di sekeliling, Aladiners akan merasa seperti berada di dalam mimpi. Sangbapak tak meminta uang parkir tapi, aku memberikan saja seikhlasnya. 5. Pos 1 - Wae Rebo. Dari pos 1 kamu harus berjalan kaki menuju Wae Rebo karena hanya terdapat jalan setapak. Perjalanan dari pos 1 - pos 2 melalui jalan berupa hutan yang menanjak dengan jarak tempuh sekitar 2 - 3 jam. FindMilky Way Seen Wae Rebo Village stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. Anotherway in which people prepare for walking is to change out of the sarongs they wear in daily life into smarter T-shirts and trousers, shorts, or a skirt. Indeed, in many respects, they dress up for travelling. Wae Rebo-Kombo people are themselves interested in roots and worried by the consequences of failing to acknowledge, for dWagY0. Flores is undeniably a fascinating island to visit in the East Nusa Tenggara. The island offers an array of wonders, with Wae Rebo Village being one of the major ones. There is something so mystical about this traditional settlement that encourages many to marvel at its beauty, and you can get a glimpse of it in the following Wae Rebo Village travel guide. Wae Rebo A Mystical Village Above the CloudsHow to Get to Wae Rebo VillageWhere to StayWhen to Visit Wae ReboThe Main AttractionsFinal Thoughts Wae Rebo A Mystical Village Above the Clouds Wae Rebo is home to the Manggarai tribe situated in the West Maggarai Regency on the highland of Flores Island, Indonesia. According to the oral lore, the village was settled somewhere around 18 generations ago. An elder of the community-led his tribe to the Flores highlands after a vision came to him. That was when the tribe established a settlement with the protection of a holy spirit. The local government began the initial moves toward developing Wae Rebo Village as a tourist attraction in 1997. The authorities invested in two traditional circular cone-shaped houses called Mbaru Niang. As for the remaining early Mbaru Niang houses, they underwent a renovation conducted by a group of Jakarta-based professional architects. Aside from its unique house shape, what distinguishes this small community is its location, approximately 3,608 feet above sea level and enclosed by deep woodland and panoramic undulating mountains. The only way to get to this heritage destination is by trekking uphill for around 3-4 hours. Also, that’s only after making the four-hour drive from Labuan Bajo or Ruteng. Even so, many have completed the journey to this UNESCO awarded village. Having a trustworthy Wae Rebo Village travel guide is key to a smooth journey. The majority of visitors generally begin the trip from Labuan Bajo, for it’s used as a base to marvel at the surrounding attractions. If you are traveling in a group, it would be best to take a package tour because it’s the easiest and probably most affordable option. In addition, everything will be taken care of for you, allowing you to sit back and relax without having to worry about everything and anything. The trip to the hinterland of Flores is typically made in three days using the following route Labuan Bajo – Lembor – Narang – Dintor – Denge – Wae Rebo. On the first day, you go for the car ride to Denge in which it’s the last village to Wae Rebo. Despite the distance being just approximately 70 kilometers, the ride can take more than six hours due to the poor condition of the roads. While it’s a relatively steep, long journey, the majestic view of the Cancar spider web rice field along the way will keep you entertained. Yet still, don’t underestimate the travel time, and make sure to get started in Labuan Bajo before midday. That’s because it’s highly impossible to drive on such difficult roads in the dark, and any surrounding natural beauties will almost certainly be invisible. Upon arrival, you can spend the night in a lodge which you can only find in the village of Denge or Dintor. The next day is reserved for trekking to Wae Rebo Village, which takes around hours should there be no concerning obstacles. Breathtaking views of the bluish sea below and the triangular Mount Inerie, as well as diverse wilderness, will be your reward during the trekking. Not to mention the regular sightings of birds, monkeys, and butterflies that make the journey will ingrain forever in mind. In the hazy cloud forest surrounding Wae Rebo Village, you may witness any kind of forest crops, such as cacao beans, coffee, taro, and cassava. A glimpse of the mountain valley accompanies you as you reach a point after what seems like ages of climbing. Here, the roofs of the Wae Rebo houses can already be seen peeking out of the trees. This is where you will experience a truly magnificent moment. Also, after all the sweating, you will get the sensation that your effort is well worth it. Where to Stay Finding a place to stay for a night along the route from Labuan Bajo to Denge is never an easy task. Therefore, your departure schedule to the hinterland of Flores will significantly affect your choice of accommodation. Some of the available homestays can be found in the villages of Denge and Dintor. Thus, if possible, try to get to Denge before the sun goes down. Denge is the last village prior to heading to Wae Rebo. Fortunately, the road to this village is still passable by car. In any Wae Rebo Village travel guide, you will find that the Denge Home Stay is an excellent option to stay. Blasius Monta, a schoolteacher and an expert of Wae Rebo, runs this welcoming guesthouse which offers modest but well-taken care rooms in his lovely home for those who want to marvel at the beauty of Wae Rebo. You can contact Blasius by telephone at 0813 3935 0775. Also, it would be best if you call or text him before going there. Some tourists who have been there usually have difficulty contacting him due to the poor signal in Denge Village. If you are incapable of making a call, texting him will suffice. This homestay is the ideal place to stay for it is only several feet away from the trail start to the land above the clouds, Wae Rebo. In addition, it will be much easier to get an early start after enjoying a simple yet delectable breakfast. If you rent a room here, you can keep your belongings you might not need on the uphill. That way, you can reduce the burden of trekking from Denge to Wae Rebo and makes everything much more manageable. As a teacher, the lodge owner enjoys reading and would highly appreciate it if visitors could leave one or two books behind. The cost each night in Denge Home Stay is 250,000 rupiah, already including dinner, breakfast, and lunch. Not only will the visitors be able to take a good rest before a long journey, but they will also get a ton of brand new experience. This includes getting to taste the nutty red rice cultivated locally by the villagers and strong sambal made of green chili peppers. Visitors may also ask the owner to open the Wae Rebo center, which is located next door. In this visitor center, you will find a collection of photos of the new Manggarai house built in 2009. Going to the Denge’s market on Monday would be great if you want to get closer to the local culture. When to Visit Wae Rebo The ideal time to visit Wae Rebo Village is between February and November when the weather is mild and there is little to no rainfall. Coming to the destination during the wet season won’t make an excellent choice. Instead, it will make the journey from Labuan Bajo to the trekking time much more difficult. As for the trekking, starting it early between 5-6 am is advised. This way, you can reach the top in the midday and still get a lot of chance to rest while also enjoying the views and mingling with the native of Wae Rebo. The Main Attractions Being one of Indonesia’s most prevalent tourist attractions makes Wae Rebo well taken care of. One of the many appealing aspects of the community—apart from its cone-shaped houses—is how secluded it is. It’s a 28-kilometer journey through the dense jungle from the village of Denge. Visiting this destination is currently only visible if you spend a night at the provided accommodation. The seclusion of Wae Rebo restricts the number of visitors, which makes the journey more about the actual experience. The first thing visitors must do is go to the ceremonial house to meet the elders, who will later perform a prayer. Every visitor must also take part in the Waelu Ceremony. It’s a ceremony where the tribe leader will deliver a welcoming speech and pray for visitors to be safe during the visit. After the ceremony, you can go to the visitors’ house where you will be served lunch. You may spend the day exploring the nearby valley, interacting with the locals, taking photographs, or simply immersing yourself in the peace and quiet of the Wae Rebo ambiance. Some are coming here just to take pictures, and there’s nothing wrong with it. However, it’s advisable to take the available opportunity to get in-depth knowledge about the lives of the native in Wae Rebo Village. Mingle with them to know their thoughts or perhaps their philosophy of life as a part of a tribe. Come to those you think are capable of explaining everything in a fun and straightforward way about this traditional village. The information you get will undoubtedly be a valuable lesson you may only obtain in some remote communities that require a lot of effort to visit. If you come during the dry season, you will be fortunate as you get to enjoy the night sky packed with stars, making it a perfect moment for night photography. There is no need to worry about the place to stay during the night because you will get the opportunity to sleep in one of the huts. The price is around 250,000 per night for each person, including a clean toilet. Final Thoughts Is Wae Rebo Village worth visiting? If you’re simply interested in the unique shaped houses, you can see them in other villages which don’t require trekking. However, if you are a fan of a great challenge, Wae Rebo is your answer; and this Wae Rebo Village travel guide can help you to start off. Wae Rebo Village Wae Rebo is a small and very out of the way village. It is on around 1,100 meters above sea level and approximately 3 -hour trekking from Denge Village. Wae Rebo village is completely in the middle of panoramic mountains and the dense Todo forest. Certainly, this tropical forest is rich in vegetation, where you will find orchids, different types of ferns and hear the chirping of many songbirds. There is also no mobile coverage in this village, and the electricity is only available from 6 to 10 pm. The air is relatively cold, especially in the dry season, so don’t forget to bring your jacket if you’re planning to visit the village. The History of Wae Rebo Village Flores Indonesia The traditional village of Wae Rebo is in the district of Manggarai on the island of Flores. The Village got the Top Award of Excellence from UNESCO in the 2012 and UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards, in Bangkok on 27 August 2012. This small and isolated village was recognized for its rebuilding of the traditional Mbaru Niang. It is traditional house based on the spirit of community cooperation towards a sustainable tradition. while at the same time improving its village welfare. The founder of the village was Empu Maro. Today, the inhabitants are his 18th generation descendants. The Characteristics of the Unique House in Wae Rebo village Wae Rebo’s main characteristics are their unique houses, which they call Mbaru Niang. Those are tall and conical in shape and are completely covered in lontar thatch from its rooftop down to the ground. It appears that at one time such kind of houses were quite common to the region. But today, it is only this village that continues to maintain the typical Manggarai traditional house. The house has five levels. each level designed for a specific purpose. The first level, called lutur or tent, are 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. One special ceremonial house is the community building where members of the entire clan gather for ceremonies and rituals. They are predominantly Catholic but still adhere to old beliefs. In this house are stored the sacred heirloom of drums and gongs. How the People live there The Wae Rebo village comprises 7 houses with a small population of around 1,200 inhabitants. The staple diet of villagers is cassava and maize. But around the village they plant coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon which they sell in the market around 15 km. away from the village. However, Wae Rebo is popular as a tourist destination for international ecotourism enthusiasts. And it is good for the economic welfare of the village. The people of Wae Rebo warmly welcome visitors who wish to see their village and experience their simple traditional life. Interesting Things you need to know about Wae Rebo Village The village of Wae Rebo in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara is like heaven above the clouds. It takes a struggle to reach this village. However, what you will get when you arrive at the location is certainly comparable to the journey taken. It is truly a beauty that is difficult to describe in words, a traditional village with towering thatched roofs in the middle of a stretch of green hills. Well, behind this beauty, it turns out that Wae Rebo Village has many interesting facts and things that you can find in this village. Here are few interesting things you need to know about Wae Rebo. One of the Highest Villages in Indonesia. Wae Rebo Village is in the list of the highest villages in Indonesia. It is at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level masl. Wae Rebo is often decorated with a thin fog every morning that slowly descend from the surrounding hills and cover the entire village. Because of its location at this altitude, it is another challenge to reach Wae Rebo Village. You have to do trekking for two or three hours through quite difficult terrain. We recommend to hire a guide to assist you along the trek path. And it is good to spend a night at Wae Rebo to enjoy its uniqueness longer and also to save energy for return trekking. The Village with Seven Main Houses The traditional Mbaru Niang house in Wae Rebo Village is considered very rare and is located high up in the mountains. It has a fairly unique shape, which is like a cone barn and there are only seven of them. Each house is inhabited by six to eight families. Mbaru Niang consists of five floors with palm leaf roofs and covered by palm fiber. Every visitor who comes will enter a Mbaru Niang which is specially to welcome tourists who come on a trip. You will get a banquet in the form of Flores Coffee as a welcome drink at Mbaru Niang. For those of you who want to spend the night, you can stay at Mbaru Niang. Complementary blankets and pillows are available. Have a special day every November Residents in Wae Rebo Village celebrate the Penti Traditional Ceremony. The celebration to express gratitude for the harvest that is obtained in a year and ask for harmony and protection. During the celebration, the residents will wear traditional clothes complete with accessories. For those of you who are planning to visit this village, you should match your schedule with this traditional ceremony so that the visit is more meaningful because you can see more attractions and values. The people of Wae Rebo are of Minang descent Although Wae Rebo is a village in West Manggarai, NTT, it turns out that the villagers claim that they are of Minang descent from West Sumatra. Empo Maro, Wae Rebo ancestor from Minangkabau who migrated to Flores and moved from place to place until finally settled in the area which is now Wae Rebo Village. Although they are of Minang descent, the names of the inhabitants are not like the names of most Minang people. Flags on Traditional Houses When Independence Day, there is always a ceremony to commemorate it. Uniquely, the residents of Wae Rebo will place the Indonesian flag on top of the cone-shaped traditional house during the flag ceremony. Several people helped each other to make sure the flag was standing firmly. There is no cellphone signal In the Village of Wae Rebo and suroundings, there is no cellphone signal or internet connections. So, never expect to share your moment right away to the world from Wae Rebo village. Those are interesting things about Wae Rebo that you need to know. Being in a remote location doesn’t necessarily make this village empty of visitors. On the other hand, many tourists are willing to travel far away to enjoy the beauty of every corner of Wae Rebo Village. About Author You Might Also Like This Have you ever wondered somewhere deep in the jungle and on the mountain summit, lies a community living their lives isolated from the spoils of modernization and exploitation. Tucked away in the dense tropical jungles of East Nusa Tenggara Island or more commonly known as Flores Island, there is such a place. Well, almost. Wae Rebo, is a village tucked away on top of a mountain near the town of Denge. It is easily recognizable by its distinct circular, cone shaped structure and thatched roofs, according to the Colony Roofers website. The traditional village is home to about 50 Manggaraian people, still living their normal lives since its first founding a century ago. Wae Rebo is one of the many villages of the Manggaraian people but it is the only one left that is built in the traditional cone shaped Mbraru Niang style. Wae Rebo Traditional Village This small village situated 1,100 meters above sea level where the air is fresh and cool. The picturesque village is completely surrounded by tropical vegetation and dense jungles. One of the more unique sounds you can hear here are the chirping of many types of songbirds. If you are into this kind of unique adventure, then read on. Getting There Getting to Wae Rebo village is no easy task. The first thing you need to know is that the only way to get there, is to hike. The hike starts from the base town of Denge. Since this is a village that is above the clouds, the hike takes about 3 hours and you do require a good deal of stamina to pull this off. Wae Rebo Lodge, Denge Denge is a 5-hour drive away from Labuan Bajo or a 3-hour drive if you are coming from Ruteng. It is a small town also occupied by the humble Maggaraian people. If you want to reach Wae Rebo without missing daylight, I would suggest staying for a night in Denge and start hiking in the early mornings. We stayed at a homestay called Wae Rebo Lodge. They offered us a room and some food. The lodge is strategically placed with views of ricefields and mountains. Just a few minutes walk, you can reach the beach with the sound of the ocean. Staying a night here, allows you to get some fresh air and clean up from the long journey you took to get here. The hiking trail The hiking route to Wae Rebo is easy to recognise. Just follow the route slowly and you will get to Wae Rebo eventually. As you begin your trek, you will be approached by some people on motorcycles offering you a ride for a fee. They said they could get us up to the village on their bikes. A few of the other people got on the bikes with the right gears from this store and off they went. Unfortunately, I turned them down because my Asian instincts raised a few flags but Fann got annoyed at me for refusing these gentlemen’s generous offer. We continued our hike with an angry Fann. We took our sweet time slowly hiking up the mountain. Panting and panting. After a 15 minute hike, we reached a bridge and here we saw the same group of bikers again. The few who paid them now had to get off the bike. The bikers signalled that this is the furthest they could go and then rode off after getting their money. I was relieved I didn’t accept their “too good to be true” offer. Fann then realised the scam and I saw her happy face again. We continued our hike up the village slowly and steadily. We were lucky to have a local guide to lead the way. He helped me to carry my drone and that eased the hike for me. After about 3 hours, we finally saw the hut that welcomes you with a banner that says “Welcome to Wae Rebo”. At the hut, you will see the coned shaped houses and this is when we got extremely excited. Reaching The Village View from the hut Once you reach the “Welcome to Wae Rebo” hut, you have to ring the bamboo bell. After signalling the bell, you have to wait for a response. The villagers will ring back and only if they ring back are you allowed to head down to the village. After that, you need to head to the largest coned shape house and pay a visit to the village chief. Here, the chief will do some prayers to ask the spirits to keep us safe during our stay here and our journey out. After that, you can head out and admire the amazing village. The village chief Food We stayed in one of the cone shaped houses that was catered for tourists. Staying here which I highly recommend costs 325,000IDR. This includes a sleeping mat, a pillow and a blanket. They also offer dinner, breakfast and of course their famous coffee. The common area was in the center and where we had our meals. We all sat around and shared the simple but delicious food that was offered by the villagers. We were allowed to roam around the village. We visited some of the houses and had a good look at how these people lived their lives here. Every house has 8 rooms that houses a different household. They share the common area in the center. Each of the houses has 5 levels and each level is used as a storage for different things as you can see in this image above. The people of Wae Rebo are farmers and they are famous for harvesting coffee beans like Arabica and Robusta. One of the other popular things they grow are cinnamon. That’s where we met an old man who was proudly showing us his cinnamon harvest. As the day gets later by the hour, clouds will slowly move in. That’s where Wae Rebo gets its most amazing picturesque look. We enjoyed our stay in Wae Rebo and we definitely hope that everyone would too. It would be great to visit this place as soon as you can. With the fast development of tourism in Indonesia, in a short few years, once a road is paved and hiking time is cut short to half. Who knows what would happen to the authentic and beautiful Wae Rebo village. Tips Bring tons of water when you are hiking up to Wae Rebo village. The 3 hour hike may be worth every effort but getting there safe and hydrated is most crucial. Respect the village rules and the village good hiking shoes and bring a spare. I broke my shoe halfway hiking up the mountain hereTry their amazing coffeeDon’t forget to take as many pictures as you can. Indonesia is famous for many beautiful destinations such as Bali, Nusa Penida and Raja Ampat – but perhaps one of the most magical little spots is Wae Rebo Village, a mystical oasis nestled in the mountains and forest. The village is known for its tall conical shaped houses called “Mbaru Niang” and its community of friendly villagers who call this place this blog post, I will cover everything you need to know about visiting Wae Rebo Village and also share with you my experiences there – including my overnight stay in one of the traditional Mbaru Niang houses. But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Polina and I’m from grew up in Minsk, Belarus and never traveled when I was a kid, but I always dreamt of exploring the world. I only first started traveling approximately five years ago. These trips inspired me to learn new languages because I wasn’t able to communicate with local people – so I started with English and then a few years later I picked up a bit of Italian!Traveling in Indonesia for a Year and a HalfWhile I enjoyed traveling in Europe, there were other regions of the world that captured my interest too. My boyfriend and I had this dream of spending a winter in Asia. So we conjured up a plan to visit a few different countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore. In 2020 we started our trip in Indonesia but then the COVID-19 pandemic ended up getting stuck in Indonesia for a year and a half! Once we realized that we couldn’t travel internationally, we decided to spend our time exploring Indonesia as much as possible. During this time we traveled to Lombok, Surabaya, Jakarta, Mount Bromo, Ijen, Banyuwangi, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida, Sumba, Flores and we were living in Indonesia for such a long time, we made friends with some locals. One guy ended up inviting us to share a trip to Wae Rebo Village. It wasn’t exactly an organized tour but we did get to share the experience with a local which was pretty cool! I remember feeling this incredible calmness once we arrived at the village. It was a special place!Broken Beach, Nusa Penida © Polina panamarovapalinaExploring Indonesia © Polina panamarovapalinaPadar Island © Polina panamarovapalinaIjen Volcano Complex © Polina panamarovapalinaMount Bromo © Polina panamarovapalinaMy Experience at Wae Rebo VillageWe arrived at Wae Rebo Village in the evening. First of all, we had to go through this amazing ceremony where we were blessed to be “Waerebo People”. This event took place inside one of the traditional houses. The man who ran and performed the ceremony was the head of the a few hours in Wae Rebo, we were invited to have dinner with other travelers. We had this delicious omelet, rice and vegetable dish for dinner, and enjoyed sitting on the floor and conversing with other travelers. Once dinner was complete, we set off to explore more of the was a really peaceful space – a little bit foggy and cool. There were some animals roaming around the village like dogs and cats. We brought some treats for the kids there but based on the rules we couldn’t give them our sweets without letting their parents know or asking for the adults approved, we gave the sweets to the kids and they were all so happy! So this is my first recommendation take some gifts for the kids. They will love you for it! We stayed overnight at the village and slept in one of the traditional houses. It wasn’t possible to stay in the houses with locals, so we stayed in a house that was still traditional but only for day at 10pm all of the lights in the village are turned off and the magic begins. I don’t think I have ever seen such a beautiful night sky as I did in Wae Rebo. There were so many stars and I couldn’t stop watching and taking photos! It was a precious moment, one that I will never village gets quite cold at night, so my second recommendation is to take some warm clothes. I slept wearing sporting pants, a t-shirt, a hoodie and some warm socks. You can also take earplugs and a sleeping mask because it can be a little noisy with the other tourists sleeping next morning was awesome! I thought this would be the best time to take photos, and so we spent around an hour choosing different angles and scoping out different spots to shoot some photography. The breakfast was the same as our dinner but we also got to enjoy a cup of the way, the coffee at Wae Rebo Village is grown nearby and we got the opportunity to see how people process and roast it. You can also buy some traditionally roasted coffee here. The souvenir shop is located inside one of the tourist houses and they sell a few souvenir gifts for those Rebo Village © Polina panamarovapalinaWae Rebo Village © Polina panamarovapalinaWae Rebo Village © Polina panamarovapalinaWae Rebo Village © Polina panamarovapalinaWae Rebo Village © Polina panamarovapalinaWae Rebo Village © Polina panamarovapalinaTips for Visiting Wae Rebo VillageBring a decent pair of hiking/walking shoes it’s quite a long and difficult hike to get to the village. It tooks us two hours to arrive and I remember that the terrain was fairly difficult, so just be prepared!There are no proper showers or toilets the shower is just a bucket with some really cold water, again just be mentally prepared for mosquito spray I recommend putting it on before you every moment visiting the Wae Rebo Village is a super unique experience. You will fall in love with the charming village Rebo Village © Polina panamarovapalinaAuthor Polina PonomarevaPolina Ponomareva is a traveler, lover of languages, and coffee enthusiast from Minsk, Belarus. She recently spent a year and a half traveling through Indonesia. A public two day tour to Wae Rebo. It is the last remaining traditional Manggaraian ethnic village where still traditional houses exists and where people still live like their ancestors thousands of years ago. Wae Rebo is the last remaining traditional Manggaraian ethnic village where still traditional houses exists and where people still live like their ancestors thousands of years ago. It is located at an altitude of 1,125 meters above sea level in the Nature Conservation Forest. There are seven traditional houses, the so called 'Mbaru Tembong' and each of these houses hosts more than one family. The people live on agricultural products as coffee, taro and vegetables. Day 1 LABUAN BAJO - DENGE - WAE REBOEarly in the morning we leave Labuan Bajo and travel up to the mountains with beautiful panoramic views, villages and rice fields. On a beautiful resting place we take a break and unpack our lunch package. Time to enjoy the beauty of the nature and the tranquility. In the early afternoon we arrive at Denge, a small village on the food of the mountain- our starting point for the four to five hours hike to Wae Rebo. We hike up hill through the rain forest and reach Wae Lomba, a creek. The first stop after about one hour hiking from Denge. Sometimes we can hear the voices of Asian Paradise Flycatchers and other endemic birds. We proceed to Post 2 at Pocoroko with picturesque views towards the Sawu Sea in the south. It is the last place for cellular phone connection services. The last stop is at Nampe Bakok, a place where we have a complete view over the traditional village of Wae Rebo. Breathtaking! Just before sunset we arrive at Wae Rebo. The head of the village - usually the eldest man in the village - welcomes us in his house with open arms. However, we need to ask for a permit first to enter the village and whether we will be welcomed. After our guide getting the permit the villages elderly men hold a welcome ceremony for us in manggaraian language. Don't worry. Our guide will translate it for you. Afterwards we get accompanied by villagers to the traditional manggaraian guest house where we set up our camp for the night possibly with other guests who arrived today. The round house can accommodate up to 25 people. Meanwhile the local women have started to cook with fire wood in the adjacent kitchen. Who like to assist doesn't need a special invitation. Everybody is welcomed! After enjoying our dinner of traditional simple food we sleep on woven gras mattresses arranged in form of a circle. Good night! The ghosts of the ancestors of the village will protect you!Day 2 WAE REBO - LABUAN BAJO or RUTENGAfter an early breakfast which the traditional women prepare for us, we say good bye to the villagers which we have grown fond of in only one day. We leave the village and trek the same way back downhill to Denge. We jump in to the car and depart either to Ruteng or back to Labuan Bajo. Lunch we take on the route. We arrive in Labuan Bajo in the evening or in Ruteng in the afternoon. Transportation We travel by an air conditioned car or van to the starting point of our hiking tour in Denge. Difficulty of the HikeIt is always hard to judge the difficulty of a hike. The hiking trail is in the first part very wide. Stones and fallen trees sometimes block the trail and we have to jump over it. The second part of the trail is a small path, in parts very steep and winding up to the montain. The third trail is much smaller as the second one, but it descends slightly to the village of Waerebo. In rainy season or after a big rain shower in dry season the trails could be very moody. Please wear good trekking shoes. Hike distance apprx. 6 kmHike duration uphill apprx. 4 hours depending on your conditionHike duration downhill apprx. 3 hours Hike classification minimum beginners in a medium and good condition. AccommodationWae Rebo We stay in one of the traditional manggaraian roundhouses together with other guests. Each house consists only of one room and can accommodate around 30 guests. We sleep on natural, thin matrasses. Pillows and blankets are provided. Toiletry is not provided. There is no electricity in Wae Rebo except in the evening when a generator will run. Food The food in Wae Rebo as well as the lunch package are traditional and basic. Water, tea or coffee is provided. Vegeterian food on request Luggage, equipment and clothingWe reccommend to bring a small backpack. If it is possible leave your suitcases in Labuan Bajo. During the hike one porter accompanies us and he can carry some of your sticks are good but not necessary. You can wear trekking shoes or in dry season sandals which are closed behind the foot chop. After a rain shower the trek is always very slippery. Therefore trekking shoes are more reccommended. During the night, especially from June to September, it could be chilly in the mountains 13°C/ F. We reccommend to bring a light pullover or jacket and a light rain forget your toiletry. There is a possibility to wash one self. But there is no shower and only cold water.

wae rebo milky way