Go back in time at
Wae Rebo Village
Uncover this remote, traditional village in the mountains, known for its unique cone-shaped houses and stunning views.
All Wae Rebo Village Experiences
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Love letters from our guests
4.9
|
185 reviews
We did the 2D1N Waerebo Village trip and can confidently say that everything was exactly as described on the SeekSophie website — so you really know what you are signing up for, with no unpleasant surprises along the way.
Communication via the SeekSophie platform and subsequently over WhatsApp with our guide was smooth throughout, with prompt and clear replies each time (unlike some other tour operators who take ages to respond and still give non-answers). Pickup time and location were arranged seamlessly on the day itself.
One important note: the team strongly discourages travelling with your luggage or even leaving it in the vehicle on the way to Waerebo. Parts of the road are in quite rough condition and any additional weight would make the journey more difficult for the driver and vehicle — best to leave your bags at your hotel in Labuan Bajo.
The drive is a long one — we started around 7am and reached our lunch stop at Waerebo Lodge slightly before noon, with rest stops along the way for photos or bathroom breaks. From there, we took a short motorcycle ride to the trailhead as the roads were too narrow for cars. The hike across the 7 posts took us about 2 hours 15 minutes (we’re not the fittest and took frequent breaks!). We were also fortunate that the trail had reopened in time for our trip after being closed due to bad weather — conditions were hot and humid but dry, which meant fewer leeches and a less slippery, safer climb.
We reached the village at around 3pm — earlier than most groups who typically only begin their hike at 2pm and arrive closer to 5pm. This gave us time to explore the open-air shower facilities (separate for men and women) after the welcoming ceremony at the Rumah Gendang, where we were introduced to the village chief and symbolically welcomed into the Waerebo family and their ancestral home. We had time to chat with locals, play with the children, and take photos before the later groups arrived.
A heads-up: the shower water is very cold! Dinner is a communal affair in the same hut you’ll be sleeping in, and electricity via generator runs only from 6pm to 10pm — so it’s a bit of a mad rush to charge your devices at the limited sockets available. Lights out at 10pm also means you get an incredible view of the stars (a real treat compared to light-polluted Singapore). Although Waerebo sits at only about 1200m above sea level, it can get quite chilly at night, so bringing a light jacket or windbreaker is advisable.
You can opt to wake early the next day for sunrise before breakfast at 7am, after which we began our descent at 8am and reached the trailhead in about 90 minutes. Going downhill is definitely easier than climbing up — though those with weaker knees should take care as it can feel like gravity is working against you!
Meals provided were simple but hearty local fare. We found them satisfying, though you may wish to bring along some trail snacks or cup noodles if you’d like extra sustenance.
The journey back to Labuan Bajo included a lunch stop and a visit to the spiderweb rice fields. Naturally, there was quite a bit of snoozing along the way after the hike!
Special shoutout to Pak Selus, our driver, who handled both traffic and rough road conditions skilfully — we felt safe throughout the journey. Our guide, Dedy, was also fantastic, keeping a close eye on my son (who’s less used to outdoor adventures 😅) and making sure he was safe every step of the way. He also took professional photos for us using his DSLR and drone — we’re still waiting on the Google Drive link, but the previews already look amazing!
All in all, a highly recommended experience — and do hope for good weather so the valley views aren’t obscured by clouds when you’re there!
Faizad
We had a fantastic trip up to Wae Robo with Gimbal. Gimbal was a great guide who made sure everything ran smoothly and we felt well looked after the entire time. An unforgettable experience made even more special by the amazing photographs Gimbal took for us, very kindly, free of charge.
The drive was very challenging and our driver did a brilliant job navigating the difficult roads.
Would 100% recommend
Stephanie & Alex
I’ve just completed a 8 days 7 nights, Komodo Community Trip and it was so amazing. Kudos to Seek Sophie for the detailed planning of the itinerary which was so well executed. The local guides especially Puteri and Bayou and staff (Jun), were fabulous and super caring in ensuring our comfort and safety. Sincere thanks to them and to their colleagues/staff who assisted us on respective adventures. Not forgetting the wonderful photographers, Shawne and Alvin, and all other participants of the trip. We had so much fun together, it was as if we knew each other before the trip. This is one experience that I will not forget. :pray:
Cindy
Had an awesome time thanks to the wonderful crew. The boat was always well-kept thanks to the hardworking staff, who were attentive to our needs. Food by the onboard chef was delicious, special thanks to putting effort into modifying the menu for guests who had dietary restrictions. Overall, highly recommended!
Muhammad Farhan
The entire experience was amazing. A carefully curated itinerary, cool strangers turned friends, and the care from SeekSophie for everyone. I mean what more can I ask for?
If you've been wanting to treat yourself to a trip. And you want to experience something out of your comfort zone with other cool travelers. This is absolutely worth it.
San Hong
I had no expectations when I joined the community trip and just kept an open mind as this was my first time in Indonesia. The whole experience with East Indonesia Trip was beyond wonderful (as what Indonesia’s tourism tagline says). On the logistics, it was seamless. The itinerary was all thoughtfully mapped out, from the sequence of the trips and activities, allowing us to enjoy Labuan Bajo at the start and sustaining our excitement with the Komodo 3D, 2N live aboard trip and wrapping it up with local tribal feast with Kak Liz, an advocate of preserving local culture through food. In a span of 8 days, we were able to take in the culture of the Flores island, enjoy some personal time and bond with the group in a way that we’re not rushed. From the Seek Sophie group to the Navila team, I couldn’t be any more grateful for their warm hospitality, the kind acts of service and the local knowledge that they have extended to me and to the whole group. What I appreciate about the trip is that nothing was lip service, it was all genuine sharing of their culture, all that they have experienced for themselves and that they truly aspire for other people to appreciate and acknowledge. And Indonesia is a stunning country, a total gem and and absolute revelation. I am so looking forward to my next trip to Indonesia with East Indonesia Trip, if ever there should be another one!
Kate Villaseñor
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