Wae Rebo — The Village Above the Clouds

Wae Rebo is a traditional Manggarai village at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the jungle of West Flores — and one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Indonesia. The village consists of seven cone-shaped Mbaru-Niang houses with high, pointed grass roofs that look like giant beehives. In 2012, Wae Rebo was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

The journey to Wae Rebo is a pilgrimage: From the road in Denge, you hike three to four hours through dense rainforest — past waterfalls, spider webs as large as wagon wheels, and orchid-covered trees. The path is steep and slippery, a local guide is mandatory and included.

At the top, a clearing opens above the clouds. The seven Mbaru Niang stand in a circle around a ceremonial site. Each house accommodates several families on up to five floors — at the top, the sacred ancestral relics are stored. The villagers welcome guests with coffee and roasted sweet potatoes, in the evening, cooking and storytelling are shared.

The overnight stay in the village (350,000 IDR / ~21 € per person including meals and guide) is not only possible but recommended: In the evening, when the clouds envelop the village and the stars appear above the roofs, Wae Rebo feels like a journey back in time. In the morning, when the sun breaks through the mist, you know why you made the ascent.