Unexpectedly, This Village in NTT Has 7 Natural Paradises at Once

Behind the green hills of West Manggarai, Wae Lolos Tourism Village is slowly becoming a rising star in the mainland tourism of Labuan Bajo. The 32-kilometer winding road from the city center leads tourists to a village offering a combination of natural attractions, culture, and local hospitality.

The year 2025 stands as proof, the charm of this village is increasingly undeniable.

The Cunca Plias Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) recorded a significant surge in tourist visits. In the January–September 2025 period alone, 11,081 tourists set foot in various tourist spots within this village.

"This number of tourist visits has increased and set the highest record since the Cunca Plias Pokdarwis was declared in June 2023," said Robert Perkasa, Chairman of the Cunca Plias Pokdarwis, when contacted in Labuan Bajo on Tuesday evening.

Of the total visits, foreign tourists dominated with 7,182 people or 64.81 percent. Meanwhile, domestic tourists reached 3,899 people or 35.18 percent. This figure even surpasses the same period in 2024, which had 11,015 tourists.

Robert explained the biggest surge occurred in July–September 2025, when 5,187 foreign tourists and 1,334 local tourists came to enjoy the charm of Wae Lolos. 

Previously, in January–June 2025, the village was visited by 5,765 tourists, consisting of 3,200 foreign tourists and 2,565 domestic tourists.

"Meanwhile, in January-June 2025, tourist visits reached 5,765 people, comprising 3,200 foreign tourists and 2,565 domestic tourists," he stated.

With the continuously rising trend, Robert is optimistic that the end of 2025 will mark a new achievement.

Robert expressed optimism that the number of visits to Wae Lolos Tourism Village will increase this year 2025, as the tourist village, not far from Labuan Bajo City, is increasingly favored by tourists due to its local natural and cultural attractions. From Europe to Asia, diverse tourists come in turn.

"Tourists from Europe, such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, and Switzerland, have dominated visits over the past two years. However, the number of Asian tourists like Malaysia, China, Japan, and Taiwan increased in July-September 2025," he said.

The appeal of this village isn't just about waterfalls or cool rural air. There's local wisdom, traditional cuisine, and the well-preserved Manggarai cultural life. This is also acknowledged by the Regional Government.

Previously, the Head of the West Manggarai Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Office, Stefan Jemsifori, stated that Wae Lolos Tourism Village has the potential of waterfall natural attractions, cultural attractions, and local cuisine that can become alternative tourism options in the mainland area.

"So tourism in the Labuan Bajo Super Priority Destination (DSP) isn't only in the Komodo National Park area but also in the villages around Labuan Bajo," he said.

Wae Lolos offers seven natural destinations that are the main magnets for tourists. Cunca Plias One and Two Waterfalls offer typical mountain freshness. Tiwu Galong Waterfall and Cunca Ri'i Waterfall offer exotic panoramas. Meanwhile, the Pool Above the Clouds is a favorite spot due to the sensation of swimming at height with views of the morning mist.

Wae Lolos Tourism Village not only presents the distinctive Manggarai culture and local wisdom but also boasts seven natural tourist destinations that are frequently visited. This tourist village is located 32 km from Labuan Bajo City.

There are seven natural tourist spots in Wae Lolos Tourism Village: Cunca Plias One Waterfall, Cunca Plias Two Waterfall, Tiwu Galong Waterfall, Pool Above the Clouds, and Cunca Ri'i Waterfall.

With its blend of nature, culture, and increasingly easy access, Wae Lolos is no longer just an alternative to Labuan Bajo—it's starting to become a primary destination. (Antara)