Imagine arriving in a village where people still live without communication and the internet, in traditional conical straw houses. Here, ancient customs are honored, and the way of life that their ancestors lived for centuries is preserved. Are you ready for a completely new experience? We invite you to a three-day tour on the island of Flores, where you will visit the village of Wae Rebo — home of the indigenous Manggarai people.
This exclusive journey will give you a unique opportunity not just to observe but to become part of an ancient culture. The village head will conduct a welcoming ceremony for you, and in the evening, in an authentic setting, you will taste traditional homemade dishes of the Manggarai people. You will spend the night in a traditional conical house and also witness the Milky Way and billions of stars in the sky. All of this will transport you to a completely different reality, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Without communication and the internet, you’ll have a chance to listen to your inner voice and merge with nature.
But this is just part of the magic of Flores. You will also see the legendary Lingko rice fields shaped like a spider’s web — a symbol of unity and equality among the local residents. One of the stops will be the Koka Wulang waterfall, surrounded by tropical forest and rocks. It is a cascade of water falling from a height into natural pools with emerald water. Here, you can swim and even jump from a rock straight into the water.
Next, you’ll stroll through the vibrant traditional Ruteng market. Here, you can buy exclusive handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans, including sarongs and “songket” textiles. Whatever you choose, it will be a pleasant memory of your “journey into the past.” The tour will conclude with a pink sunset at the best viewpoint “Paradise” in Labuan Bajo.
Throughout the entire route, you will be accompanied by experienced English-speaking guides and drivers. You will spend your first night in the village of Wae Rebo, and your second in a comfortable hotel.
Ready for true discoveries? Book the tour and set off to an island of unforgettable experiences! Flores is waiting for you!
What To Expect
Day 1. Wae Rebo Village
Morning – Transfer to the camp and outdoor picnic
7:30 AM – Your driver from the “This is Flores” company, along with an English-speaking guide, will meet you in the lobby of your hotel, and you will head towards Wae Rebo village. Be prepared for a long but scenic journey by car. The trip will take about 7 hours. Along the way, you will stop for a picnic and enjoy traditional local dishes with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Afternoon – Hike to Wae Rebo Village
2:30 PM – After lunch, your driver will drop you off at the first base camp (Dintor or Denge), from where you will embark on a 3-4 hour hike to Wae Rebo village. If you wish to shorten the hike to 2.5 hours, you can rent a motorcycle. The path to Wae Rebo is incredibly picturesque. Enjoy mountain views, fertile valleys, winding rivers, dense forests, and expansive rice terraces. Wae Rebo is a small and isolated village located at an altitude of around 1,100 meters. It is famous for its traditional “Mbaru Niang” houses, built in a conical shape and passed down through generations, reflecting the unique architecture of the Manggarai people. These tall cone-shaped houses, entirely covered with thatched roofs reaching the ground, were once common in the region. Today, they can only be found in this village.
Evening – Ceremony and dinner
Upon arrival, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the lifestyle and ancient traditions of the village. The village chief will welcome you and guide you through a traditional greeting ceremony. Please respect local customs and refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony.
Afterward, the hospitable locals will invite you into one of the traditional houses for dinner. In an authentic setting, you will savor homemade Manggarai dishes.
Following a hearty and warm dinner, you will spend the night in Wae Rebo, surrounded by nature and tranquility. This magical night will offer you the chance to see billions of stars in the sky and the Milky Way.
Day 2. Lingko Rice Fields and Ruteng Village
Morning – Breakfast and hike back to the camp
You will wake up to the gentle sounds of nature and enjoy a traditional Manggarai breakfast in the village. Then, you will hike back to the base camp. The descent will take about 3 hours. Along the way, you will stop for a buffet lunch.
Afternoon – Lingko Rice Fields
Enjoy a cup of traditional coffee grown on local plantations while taking in a panoramic view of the spiderweb-shaped Lingko rice fields. This is one of the iconic landmarks of Flores Island. The fields were created using a traditional method of land distribution among the Manggarai community. The center of the “web” is the point from which the land was divided into radial sectors, symbolizing unity and equality among the residents. This ancient system reflects the people’s connection to the land and nature.
Evening – Ruteng Traditional Market and check-in at the hotel
In the evening, you will visit a traditional market in the town of Ruteng. Here, you can see locals selling fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and handicrafts such as traditional sarongs and “songket” textiles. This market offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily life of the community, feel the atmosphere filled with the aroma of spices and the sounds of conversations, and buy souvenirs reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.
Later, you will check into a comfortable deluxe room at the “Springhill” hotel. You will have time to relax, followed by a dinner featuring authentic Indonesian dishes served buffet-style.
Go to bed early to get enough rest for the next day.
Day 3. Cunca Wulang Waterfall and Return to Labuan Bajo
Morning – Sunrise and breakfast
If you are not too tired and can wake up at 5:00 AM, you can witness the sunrise and take a walk through the rice fields. Alternatively, you can sleep in and enjoy breakfast at the hotel at your convenience. Your driver will take you to the walk and back to the hotel afterward. If you prefer not to wake up early, you can simply rest until breakfast.
Afternoon – Cunca Wulang Waterfall
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel, and your driver will take you to the scenic Cunca Wulang Waterfall. On the way, you will stop for lunch. A short walk along a scenic jungle trail will bring you to the waterfall, surrounded by dense tropical forest. Its waters cascade into natural emerald pools, making it a perfect spot for swimming. You can also jump into the water from cliffs up to 5 meters high, enjoying breathtaking canyon views and the tranquil atmosphere of this natural oasis.
Evening – Sunset in Labuan Bajo and transfer to your hotel
After visiting the waterfall, you will head to the “Paradise” bar with the main observation deck and live music in Labuan Bajo. You can optionally order a refreshing drink, enjoy the magical pink sunset, and soak in the lively nighttime atmosphere.
At the end of the day, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Labuan Bajo.
Important Information:
- Please note that the itinerary may be adjusted due to unpredictable weather conditions or unforeseen road circumstances.
- The organizers discuss the routes with guests over dinner to allow them to opt out of any part of the program if they feel tired.
- Due to new regulations, entry into Wae Rebo village is not permitted after 5:00 PM.
- To preserve the village’s cultural heritage and natural surroundings, electricity usage in Wae Rebo is limited to basic needs. Additionally, there is no cellular service in the village.
- Guests must arrive in Labuan Bajo (nearest airport: Labuan Bajo Komodo Airport (LBJ)) at least one day before the tour begins. You will also need to book a hotel for one night after the tour ends.
- Overnight accommodation in Wae Rebo is provided in a house where up to 20 people can stay in one room.
- Please dress conservatively when visiting traditional villages or remote areas.
About payment:
- booking by prepayment: 11 200 000 idr/pax
- you can pay online with VISA, MasterCard, PayPal
- you can pay by cash in shops Alfamart
The tour includes:
- transfer from/to your hotel in Labuan Bajo
- accommodation in a Deluxe Premier room at the Springhill Hotel
- car and driver
- english-speaking guide
- entrance fees and donations
- food
- water, tea and coffee
Extra charge:
- flights to Labuan Bajo
- hotel accommodation before and after the tour
- insurance
- any other drinks
- personal expenses
You bring:
- comfortable clothes and shoes
- warm clothes for mountain areas
- flashlight on the head
- swimsuit
- towel
- sunscreen (> SPF 30)
- hat
- mosquito repellent
- hygiene supplies
- cash for personal expenses
Please note:
- the minimum age of the participants is 5 years average
- physical training is required
- overnight accommodation is available for 20 people in one room
Click for possible tour schedule (can be customized to fit your interests and preferences)
Itinerary
Expedition to Flores Island
Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Embark on a journey to Flores Island, immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 1: Journey to Wae Rebo Village
7:30 AM: Depart from your hotel with your English-speaking guide and driver.
12:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional local picnic en route, surrounded by scenic vistas.
2:30 PM: Begin a 3-4 hour hike from the base camp to Wae Rebo Village, passing through mountains, valleys, rivers, forests, and rice terraces.
Evening: Participate in a traditional welcoming ceremony led by the village chief, followed by a homemade Manggarai dinner. Overnight in a traditional conical house.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Exploration
Morning: Experience daily village life, including traditional weaving and coffee processing.
10:00 AM: Hike back to the base camp.
1:00 PM: Visit the Lingko spider web rice fields, symbolizing unity among locals.
3:00 PM: Explore the Ruteng traditional market to purchase handcrafted souvenirs.
Evening: Check into a comfortable hotel in Labuan Bajo.
Day 3: Natural Wonders and Departure
8:00 AM: Depart for Koka Wulang Waterfall, a cascade surrounded by tropical forest and rocks. Enjoy swimming in the emerald pools.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local eatery.
3:00 PM: Return to Labuan Bajo.
5:30 PM: Witness a pink sunset from the "Paradise" viewpoint.
Evening: Conclude the tour with a transfer to your next destination or hotel.
Inclusions:
English-speaking guide and driver.
Transportation throughout the tour.
Meals as specified.
Accommodation: one night in Wae Rebo Village and one night in a Labuan Bajo hotel.
All entrance fees and activities mentioned.
What to Bring:
Comfortable hiking attire and footwear.
Swimwear and towel.
Personal toiletries.
Camera to capture the unforgettable moments.
This expedition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the traditions of the Manggarai people and explore the natural beauty of Flores Island.
AdeevaTours is excited to guide you through this enriching experience.
