Nestled in the high mountains of Flores, Wae Rebo is a hidden gem often referred to as the “village above the clouds.” Recognized by UNESCO for its preservation of traditional Manggarai architecture and culture, this remote village offers a rare window into an ancient way of life that continues to thrive amid modern change.
Getting to Wae Rebo is as important as the journey itself. From Labuan Bajo, travelers begin their journey with a scenic drive through the rolling hills and emerald valleys of Flores before arriving at Denge Village, the gateway to the mountains. From there, a three to four hour hike through dense tropical rainforest, where the sound of rushing rivers and birdsong fill the air, begins. As you climb higher, mist begins to rise, and the first sight of Wae Rebo’s cone-shaped Mbaru Niang houses emerging from the clouds feels like entering another world.
Life in Wae Rebo is peaceful, following the rhythm of nature and the community. Every morning, villagers gather to enjoy fresh coffee brewed from beans grown on the surrounding hills, a tradition that connects them to the land and to each other. Visitors are invited to participate in daily activities, weaving with the women, learning how to roast coffee over a wood fire, or simply sitting on the grass while children play in the drifting mist. The evening brings dinner together at Mbaru Niang, with stories from elders about ancestry, spirits, and the wisdom of living close to the earth. Under a clear night sky, time seems to stand still, quiet, sacred, and full of togetherness.
Travelers can discover Wae Rebo through curated experiences by Lyladventure, Bali Java Holidays, and Klook Indonesia. Each trip offers a distinct rhythm, from short guided treks and community homestays to extended overland adventures that explore the wider beauty of Flores and Komodo. What unites them is a shared respect for the people and environment that make this place extraordinary. Every visit supports local livelihoods and helps preserve a living heritage that has endured for centuries.
Wae Rebo is more than a destination, it’s a reminder of harmony, between humans and nature, between past and present. In this mountain village above the clouds, you rediscover what it means to travel slowly, to listen deeply, and to feel at home in the world once more.
