Hidden behind the mountains of Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, lies a traditional village called Wae Rebo that has captivated the world for its uniqueness. Situated 1,200 meters above sea level, the village has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since August 2012. Here, traditions remain alive through seven cone-shaped traditional houses known as Mbaru Niang, standing strong and unchanged in number since the 18th century.
1) Wae Rebo Photo Documentation by satyawinnie via Instagram
2) Wae Rebo Photo Documentation by Master Diskon
Although seemingly simple and only one story from the outside, each Mbaru Niang actually consists of five floors used for various purposes, from living quarters to storing crops. Uniquely, the number of houses remains seven because this number symbolizes respect for the seven mountains believed to protect the village. One of them, Mbaru Gendang, is used to store heirlooms, while the other six are used as residences, each with its own name, such as Niang Gena Jintam and Niang Gena Mandok. All houses face south and form a semicircle, reflecting the harmony between humans and nature.
Wae Rebo Village Documentation by Mahmur Marganti - CC BY-SA 4.0 via commons.wikimedia.org
The night sky in Wae Rebo is also a special attraction, especially for stargazers and photographers. Far from the city lights, the Milky Way galaxy is clearly visible stretching out from 8:30 PM WITA (Central Indonesian Time). This phenomenon makes Wae Rebo one of the best locations in Indonesia to admire the beauty of the Milky Way.
The journey to Wae Rebo is no easy feat. Starting from Ruteng, you then follow Cancar to witness the beauty of the spiderweb-like rice paddies, and finally reach Denge Village, the starting point for the hike. The 3-4 hour trek through the forest and up steep inclines will test your stamina, but it's all worth it once you arrive at the village often nicknamed "the village above the clouds." Wae Rebo is not just a tourist destination, but also a spiritual experience that reconnects people with nature and their ancestral cultural heritage.
Documentation of Wae Rebo Village by indonesia.go.id via commons.wikimedia.org
For those of you who want to experience the unforgettable Wae Rebo experience firsthand, a trip to this village above the clouds can now be enjoyed on an exclusive tour at a pocket -friendly price with Master Diskon . From trekking, staying in a traditional house, to witnessing the Milky Way, everything is packaged in a comfortable and authentic journey. You can find complete information about this tour package on the official Master Diskon website or through the Instagram account @master.diskon.
Written by Noverdy R
