With a small population of around 1,200 inhabitants, the village comprises 7 of such houses. The people of Wae Rebo warmly welcome visitors who wish to see their village and experience their unique and traditional lifestyle.
Surrounded by panoramic mountains and lush greenery, Wae Rebo spotlights tradition with its unique Mbaru Niang abodes – tall, conical-shaped houses raised on stilts, structured by a bamboo skeleton with roofs lined with palm tree barks.
These traditional homes are not only symbols of protection for the villagers of Wae Rebo as the cone-shaped design also embodies harmony, justice and unity, serving as a constant reminder for peace within the community.
Each house has five levels; with the first one being the living quarters and kitchen, the second used to store goods and food, the third as a seed repository for future harvests, the fourth for reserved food stocks, and the fifth as a sacred zone for only ancestral offerings and rituals.
Those who wish to experience the distinctive lifestyle and culture of Wae Rebo must endure a 7-hour drive from Labuan Bajo as well as a 3-hour trek through the Todo forest. Despite the arduous journey, it is the kind of respite you’ll never find anywhere else.
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