Wae Rebo Traditional Village, Manggarai

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Wae Rebo Traditional Village is the Manggarai ethnic traditional village in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. This village is located on the West Flores, Manggarai Recency. It uniques traditional houses which consists of 7 houses.

Situated surrounded by beautiful hills, foggy morning, it shows you the amazing sights, especially in the morning. The houses are handmade architecture from the classic wood with the palm fiber roof.

These 7 cone-shaped houses will give an impression and a meaningful story of the Manggarai tribe. In general, these houses are also found in the other villages around the Manggarai district. Every village in Manggaran has at least have one each as Mbaru Gendang.

Getting to Wae Rebo Traditional Village

When you want to visit the village, all you need to do is prepare yourself physically. The distance of this village is about 6 hours from Labuan Bajo, including the 3-hour trek from Denge village. Denge Village is a village located close to Wae Rebo. This is the village where you will start the 3-hour trek to Wae Rebo.

The best way to visit the village is by joining the Flores tour package from Labuan Bajo. The tour package will include a visit to some of the places such as the spider rice field. You will also enjoy the view of the biggest rice field in Lembor on the way back to Labuan Bajo.

Accommodation and Restaurant

There is no accommodation such as hotels or homestay in Wae Rebo. The only one you can see is a homestay in Denge village. The homestay is providing for transit before getting to Wae Rebo.

When you are in Wae Rebo, you will stay in one of these traditional houses. Meals are provided in a traditional way and much Indonesian taste. No restaurant at all here, you will taste Manggarai traditional coffee.

Traditional Welcome Ceremonial

As part of the Manggarai tribe, the villagers also welcome you in a traditional way. The first thing when you get to Wae Rebo, you have to Pa'u Lu'u. This tradition is intended to respect the Empo (ancestors) or people who died from the village. You will have to give some money to the much you want.

The village chief will welcome you to Mbaru Gendang (the meeting house). He will do Torok (tell the Empo or ancestors) that you are coming to visit the village. Neka langep agu neka babang means do not surprise and do not disturb, you are coming for good.

The Biggest Traditional Ceremonial

The biggest ceremony is Penti Ceremony which is held every 5 years. Penti is a really important event in Manggarai. The meaning of this event is the "Thanksgiving Party" for their harvest of the year. 

In this Penti time, all Manggarain are together in their small tribe or family. This Penti also held in Wae Rebo, where they celebrate together. Kill animals like buffalo, chicken, pig, and other animals.

They also show traditional dancing called "Caci" this dance show the attractiveness of the whip fighting dance to each man in Manggarai. This dance can be played by two gentlemen from a different village.