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Komodo National Park is well known as the home to giant lizards of Komodo dragons located in West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. There are several islands that made up the Komodo National Park.  Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Gili Motang, and Nusa Kode are among the main islands. Apart from those main islands, there are also a number of smaller islands.

In 1980 Indonesian government established this place as National Park. Six years later UNESCO declared it as a world heritage site and a man and biosphere reserve. It is to protect the endangered Komodo Dragons and their environment. Not only that, but also protection of biodiversity of all islands in the park.

Komodo National Park Territory

The total area of Komodo National Park reaches 1.817 square kilometers.  This size includes land and sea area. The islands cover 603 square kilometers, and the marine waters has a total size 1.214 square kilometers. Komodo Island is the largest main island in Komodo NP. The total area Komodo island covers 336 km^2.  The length is approximately 37 km and the width 22 km. The second main island is Rinca. Its size reaches 211 square kilometers. The length is approximately 24 km, and the width is 21 km. The third main island is Padar. The length is approximately 8 km, and the width 2 km, which can reach the total size about 16 km². Gili Motang is approximately 10 km². The last one is Nusa Kode Island. It is about 7 km².

Best places to see in Komodo

Once you plan to have a trip to Komodo, it is important to know the interesting places which you might interested to see during your Komodo Trip. Below are some of the best places to see in Komodo: Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Kanawa island, Sabolon, Island of the bets, Kelor Island, Manjerite, Siaba, Sebayur and more.

Waerebo Village is a traditional Manggaraian settlement located in the West Manggarai Regency of Flores Island, Indonesia. It is known for its unique conical-shaped houses called “Mbaru Niang” and is considered a cultural heritage site in 2012. The village is situated in the dense forests of Flores, surrounded by hills and mountains, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere.

Waerebo Village is famous for its traditional architecture and community-based way of life. The Mbaru Niang houses entirely consist of wood and thatched roofs, built on top of a hill. People of Waerebo design the structures to withstand earthquakes and have been preserved for generations. Besides that, the village’s location in the mountains also helps protect it from external influences.

Visiting Waerebo Village offers a glimpse into the traditional Manggaraian way of life. The community practices a unique form of ancestral worship known as “adat,”.  As part of “adat” are rituals, ceremonies, and a strong sense of community cohesion. The villagers rely on subsistence farming, cultivating crops such as rice, coffee, and vegetables, as well as raising livestock.

To reach Waerebo Village, visitors usually embark on a trekking journey through the lush forests of Flores. The trek takes around four to five hours, passing through scenic landscapes and picturesque rice terraces. Along the way, you can experience the natural beauty of the region and interact with locals in nearby villages.

Once in Waerebo Village, visitors can stay overnight in one of the traditional houses. Furthermore, the visitor experiences the simple lifestyle of the villagers too. The community warmly welcomes guests and provides them with basic amenities. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities. These activities can be in form of participating in traditional ceremonies, learning about local crafts. On some occasion, visitor can enjoy traditional music and dance performances.

Culture and Traditions of Waerebo

Waerebo Village is a popular destination for those seeking an authentic cultural experience and a break from modern-day life. However, it’s important for visitors to be respectful of the villagers’ way of life. Follow any guidelines or customs set by the community.

Traditional Architecture: The unique conical-shaped houses, known as Mbaru Niang, are a distinctive feature of Waerebo Village. These houses have a long history and have been preserved for generations. The architecture of Mbaru Niang reflects the ingenuity of the Manggaraian people in adapting to the local environment.

Cultural Practices: The people of Waerebo have maintained their cultural traditions and practices over the years. They follow a form of ancestral worship known as “adat,” which encompasses rituals, ceremonies, and customs passed down through generations. Adat serves as a cohesive force within the community and helps to maintain their social structure and values.

Isolation and Preservation: One of the reasons, Waerebo Village has retained its traditional way of life is its remote location. The village’s isolation has helped preserve its cultural practices and architecture, protecting it from external influences. The people of Waerebo have worked to maintain their traditions while adapting to some modern changes. They also strike a delicate balance between preserving their heritage and embracing certain aspects of the modern world.

Recognition as Cultural Heritage: Indonesian government has designed the Waerebo Village as a cultural heritage site. This designation helps raise awareness about the village’s unique heritage. Also, it helps attract visitors interested in experiencing the traditional Manggaraian way of life.

While specific historical events may not be well-documented, the history of Waerebo Village is deeply intertwined with the cultural practices, traditions, and livelihoods of the Manggaraian people. The village stands as a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to preserving their heritage in the face of modern challenges.

Temperature in Waerebo: Due to its higher elevation and mountainous terrain, the temperature in Waerebo is generally cooler if we compare it to lower-lying areas. The average temperature in the region can vary depending on the season and time of year.

On average, temperatures in Waerebo range from around 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. However, it’s important to note that temperatures can fluctuate, and cooler temperatures can happen, especially during the evening and nighttime. It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting Waerebo and pack appropriate clothing to accommodate the cooler climate.

More Facts About Culture and Traditions of Waerebo

The culture and traditions of Waerebo Village are deeply rooted in the Manggaraian ethnic group and reflect their unique way of life. The villagers have preserved their cultural heritage through generations, maintaining traditional practices, ceremonies, and customs. Here are some key aspects of the culture and traditions of Waerebo:

• Architecture and Community Living: One of the most distinctive features of Waerebo Village is its traditional architecture. The conical-shaped houses, called Mbaru Niang, are constructed using bamboo, wood, and thatched roofs. And so, the design of Mbaru Niang emphasizes communal living, with separate spaces for families within a larger community structure.
• Ancestral Worship (Adat): The people of Waerebo practice a form of ancestral worship known as “adat.” Adat encompasses a complex set of rituals, ceremonies, and customs that guide the social and spiritual life of the community. However, it includes practices such as offering sacrifices, performing rituals for the harvest, and honoring ancestors.
• Traditional Dress and Crafts: The villagers of Waerebo continue to wear traditional attire for special occasions. The women wear colorful hand-woven textiles known as “ikat,” which they weave themselves. Furthermore, traditional crafts, such as weaving and woodcarving, play an essential role in the culture of Waerebo. The community produces intricate textiles, baskets, and wooden items, showcasing their craftsmanship and artistic skills.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Waerebo Village celebrates various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year. These events often involve traditional music, dance performances, and communal feasts. Then, festivals like Rebo Kasada, a harvest festival, and Nyale, a festival honoring the sea worms, hold particular significance in the village.
• Oral Tradition and Folklore: The passing down of stories, legends, and folktales through oral tradition is an integral part of the culture of Waerebo. These stories often carry moral lessons, historical accounts, and explanations of natural phenomena. In fact, folklore plays a role in shaping the community’s identity and preserving their collective memory.
• Sustainable Practices and Environmental Stewardship: The people of Waerebo have a strong connection with the natural environment and practice sustainable farming methods. They have developed intricate irrigation systems and terraced rice fields to maximize agricultural productivity.

Visiting Waerebo Village offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the Manggaraian people. It provides insights into their traditional way of life, their values, and their strong sense of community. It is important for visitors to approach the village with respect, follow any guidelines set by the community, and appreciate the cultural significance of the traditions practiced in Waerebo.

People of Waerebo

1. 1. Population. Waerebo Village is a small community with a relatively small population. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the village was home to around 200 people. However, please note that population figures can change over time due to various factors such as migration, birth rates, and other demographic changes. Thus, it’s always a good idea to verify the most up-to-date information from reliable sources or contact local authorities for accurate population data.
   2. Origin. The origin of the Waerebo people can be traced back to the Manggarai ethnic group, one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Flores Island in Indonesia. So, the Manggarai people are probably inhabit the region for centuries and have a distinct cultural identity and language. The specific historical origins of the Waerebo people within the Manggarai ethnic group may not be well-documented, as the community’s history has primarily been transmitted through oral traditions and cultural practices. According to their oral history, the Waerebo people migrated from different parts of the Manggarai region to the mountainous area where Waerebo Village is located today.Over time, the Waerebo people developed their own unique cultural practices, language variations, and social organization within the broader Manggarai community. Their isolation in the mountainous region contributed to the preservation of their traditional way of life and cultural heritage. Therefore, it’s important to note that historical and anthropological research continues to shed light on the origins and migration patterns of different ethnic groups in the region. However, more specific and detailed information about the origin of the Waerebo people within the Manggarai ethnic group may require further research and engagement with the local community.

Livelihood of Waerebo

The livelihood of the people in Waerebo primarily revolves around subsistence farming, traditional handicrafts, and, to a lesser extent, tourism. Here are the main livelihood activities in Waerebo:

1. Subsistence Farming: Agriculture forms the backbone of the village’s economy. So, the villagers cultivate crops such as rice, coffee, vegetables, and fruits for their own consumption. They employ traditional farming techniques and rely on the land’s fertility to sustain their food needs.
2. Livestock Rearing: The people of Waerebo also engage in livestock rearing as part of their livelihood. Furthermore, they raise animals such as chickens, pigs, and occasionally cattle. Livestock serves as a source of food, income, and agricultural support.
3. Traditional Handicrafts: Waerebo is famous through its traditional handicrafts, including weaving and woodcarving. The villagers create intricate textiles, baskets, and wooden items, which they use within the community and sold as souvenirs to visitors. The production of handicrafts provides additional income for the villagers.
4. Tourism: In recent years, Waerebo Village has gained popularity as a tourist destination due to its unique cultural heritage and picturesque surroundings. So, tourism has become a supplementary source of income for the villagers. At least, visitors pay for accommodation, guided tours, and purchase locally made crafts, which contribute to the village’s economy.

Actually, it is important to note that the livelihood activities in Waerebo are primarily subsistence-based, with limited monetization. Thus, the community’s focus is on meeting their basic needs and preserving their traditional way of life, rather than extensive commercialization. In addition, the villagers strive to strike a balance between embracing certain aspects of the modern world, such as tourism, while preserving their cultural practices and values.