2D1N Wae Rebo Village: A Night in a Traditional Mbaru Niang House

Highlights

• A night inside a Mbaru Niang, the cone-shaped house of Wae Rebo
• Waelu'u welcome ceremony at the house of the village head
• Breakfast with Wae Rebo families and time to explore the village
• The Lembor spider-web rice fields (lingko) on the way back
• Camera and drone documentation included

Why choose this tour

Wae Rebo is a Manggarai village high in the mountains of western Flores, known for its tall cone-shaped Mbaru Niang houses. It can only be reached on foot, which is a large part of what has kept its daily life and traditions intact.

We leave Labuan Bajo between 07:30 and 08:30 and drive about four to five hours to Denge village, with lunch on the way. From Denge the trail climbs through forest for two to three hours. On arrival guests are received with the Waelu'u welcome ceremony at the house of the village head, then spend the afternoon with the community before dinner and a night in a Mbaru Niang.

The next morning starts with breakfast alongside local families and a walk around the village, before the trek back down to Denge for lunch. On the drive back to Labuan Bajo we stop at the Lembor spider-web rice fields.

Itinerary

1. Day 1Labuan Bajo to Wae Rebo

   • Hotel pick-up in Labuan Bajo, 07:30 to 08:30
   • Drive to Denge village, about 4 to 5 hours, with lunch on the way
   • Trek from Denge up to Wae Rebo, about 2 to 3 hours
   • Waelu'u welcome ceremony at the village head's house
   • Afternoon with the community; dinner and night in a Mbaru Niang

2. Day 2Wae Rebo to Labuan Bajo

   • Breakfast with local families
   • Explore Wae Rebo village
   • Trek down to Denge; lunch
   • Lembor spider-web rice fields
   • Drive back to Labuan Bajo and hotel drop-off

Cabins and options

• Open trip, join a small group
• Private trip, your group only

Choose the option you prefer. We confirm it in writing before you pay, and we never downgrade a confirmed cabin.

Why book with us

• Open trip every day, departing from 1 guest
• Village donation and all entrance fees included
• Camera and drone documentation included
• Locally owned, with a physical office in Labuan Bajo where guests can meet the team

Good to know

• The trek up takes 2 to 3 hours on a steep forest trail; a reasonable level of fitness is needed.
• Guests sleep on mats in a shared traditional house; village facilities are simple.
• Nights in the highlands are cold; bring a warm jacket.
• Please dress modestly in the village.
• Book at least 2 weeks before departure.

Upgrades and add-ons

• Private charterTake the whole boat for your family or group, with the route paced around you.
• Cabin upgradeMove up to an ocean-view, Deluxe or Master cabin where the boat has one.
• Personal documentationA dedicated drone, GoPro and camera operator for your group.
• A day on the Flores mainlandAdd Rangko Cave, Melo village and sunset at Sylvia Hill before or after your sailing.
• Honeymoon and anniversary touchesCabin decoration, a private dinner on deck or a cake on board.