Wae Lolos, Village of 1,000 Waterfalls, Sees Tourism Boom

TheIndonesia.co - Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara – The peaceful charm of Wae Lolos Tourism Village is drawing more and more international visitors, with the number of foreign tourists increasing steadily since the village officially opened to travelers in June 2023.

According to Antara News Agency, located just 32 kilometers from Labuan Bajo, Wae Lolos is known affectionately as the “Village of 1,000 Waterfalls.” With its lush nature, unique Manggarai culture, and warm local community, it has quickly become a hidden gem for travelers looking for a deeper experience of Flores Island.

Robert Perkasa, head of the local tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis) at Cunca Plias, shared that the village has seen strong interest, especially from overseas visitors. From January to April 2025 alone, Wae Lolos welcomed 3,402 tourists—1,775 of them were foreign travelers, and 1,627 were domestic tourists. That momentum builds on the village’s 2024 numbers, when it hosted a total of 11,015 visitors, including over 4,000 foreigners.

Most international visitors have come from European countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Others have arrived from neighbouring Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, and Japan.

According to Robert, many tourists are drawn by the village’s unspoiled nature and strong cultural identity, both of which are well preserved and managed by the local community. He noted that Wae Lolos isn’t just offering scenery—it offers a living, breathing experience of Manggarai life, where traditions and nature are honored side by side.

One of the highlights of the village is its collection of natural attractions, including seven stunning spots that are regularly visited by tourists. These include Cunca Plias Waterfalls I and II, Tiwu Galong Waterfall, the Sky Pool—known locally as Kolam di Atas Awan—and Cunca Ri’i Waterfall.

These sites offer everything from peaceful treks and scenic views to refreshing swims and photo-worthy landscapes, making the village a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Robert also shared that most international tourists learn about Wae Lolos online, while others are introduced through recommendations by friends or hotel staff in Labuan Bajo. This mix of digital visibility and genuine word-of-mouth has been key to the village’s growing reputation.

With its community-based tourism model, local involvement plays a central role in Wae Lolos’s success. Villagers help manage the sites, offer cultural experiences, and ensure sustainability is at the heart of tourism. Robert believes that as long as the community continues to protect its environment and culture, the village will remain a special place that more people will want to visit.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported the development of Wae Lolos—from the media and local government to all individuals and groups who’ve helped in their own way.