Greatest Issues To Do & See –

43

Flores is such an underrated island in Indonesia. You’ll be able to climb volcanoes, go to conventional villages, see turquoise lakes, and a lot extra.

A lot of individuals go to Flores to see the close by Komodo Nationwide Park, however the remainder of the island is principally uncharted. It’s a giant island that’s filled with hidden gems.

We’ve visited Flores many occasions through the years, and every time we uncover new issues to see and do there. When you take pleasure in journey journey, it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Indonesia.

This information will clarify the most effective itinerary to make use of for a street journey from Labuan Bajo to Maumere, and every thing in between!

The place To Begin This Itinerary

The start line for this itinerary is the fishing city of Labuan Bajo, in western Flores.

Bajo is the gateway to the close by Komodo islands, and it has a world airport (LBJ) with every day flights from Bali, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur for very cheap costs. You’ll be able to shop for flights on Skyscanner.

When you desire, you too can do that entire itinerary in reverse, by flying to Maumere or Ende, after which driving west to Labuan Bajo from there.

 

How To Get Round In Flores

Other than the Komodo islands, that are visited by boat, principally every thing else in Flores is reached by driving overland.

It’s a protracted island and issues are very unfold out, however the Trans-Flores street connects the island fairly effectively.

You will get round by renting a scooter and driving your self, hiring a non-public driver with a automobile, or taking a bus between the primary cities.

Both method, Flores has plenty of bumpy, curvy, and damaged roads, so each drive takes longer than it appears to be like on the map.

One factor I like about that is that it retains the drivers from going too loopy quick; the bumpy roads are like a hidden security function. 🙂

Renting a scooter in Flores is affordable, versatile, and enjoyable, however the primary limitation is that it’s difficult to drive on among the unhealthy roads. This island can also be method too large for it in my view.

Bus journey in Flores is obtainable by Gunung Mas, and it’s snug and reasonably priced. The one unfavourable is that it’s not versatile for seeing issues off the overwhelmed path; it simply connects the primary cities. You’ll be able to e book with them immediately, or ask your lodge to e book it for you.

My favourite technique to discover Flores is in a non-public automobile with a driver. It’s a lot safer and extra handy than driving all over the place on a scooter, so I feel the additional price is value it should you can match it in your finances.

I’ll embrace some driver suggestions and contacts later on this article.

 

Day 1: Komodo Islands Boat Tour

One of the simplest ways to start your journey in Flores is by visiting the legendary Komodo islands, the place you’ll be able to see seashores, unique landscapes, and Komodo dragons.

Individuals usually spend 1 to three days within the islands. At some point on a speedboat is sufficient time to see the primary highlights, however some individuals desire to remain in a liveaboard boat the place you sleep on the ship and discover issues at a slower tempo.

In any case, the one technique to go to the Komodo islands is on a ship tour from Labuan Bajo. You’ll be able to search for a tour supplier close to the harbor while you arrive, or you’ll be able to e book it upfront on-line.

I’ve included some tour suggestions beneath. Now, let’s speak about what to see in Komodo Nationwide Park!

Learn Extra: How To Go to The Komodo Islands

E-book Now: Komodo Liveaboard Tours / Day Tours

 

• Kelor Island

Begin your boat tour of the Komodo islands by visiting Kelor, a small island with a hill you’ll be able to climb for good views of Flores. It’s a brief however steep hike to the highest.

You can too make a cease at Manjarite seaside for some snorkeling.
 

• Kalong Island

Finish the day by anchoring your boat close to Kalong, a tiny island with a colony of fruit bats.

At sundown each night, you’ll be able to see hundreds of bats flying via the sky right here as they head out seeking meals. They’re innocent, nevertheless it’s wonderful to observe!

 

Day 2: Extra Of The Komodo Islands

• Padar Island

Get up early on the second day and sail to Padar, a small island with a should see viewpoint. It’s one of the crucial well-known views in Southeast Asia.

To get to the highest, it’s a must to hike about Half-hour and courageous the crowds. This one’s a gem, nevertheless it’s something however hidden.

Tons of individuals come right here each day as a result of it’s simple to succeed in and the surroundings is simply wonderful.

Learn Extra: Padar Island

 

• Pink Seaside

One other good place to see in Komodo is the pink sand seaside.

The colour comes from tiny organisms within the coral referred to as foraminifera. Very cool and distinctive!

There are literally a number of pink seashores within the park, however the one with the brightest colour is hidden in a bay on the northwest facet of Padar island.

Learn Extra: Pink Seaside

 

• Komodo / Rinca Island

In fact one of many major sights at Komodo Nationwide Park is attending to see the dragons! That is the one place on this planet the place you’ll be able to see them within the wild.

For this a part of the tour, you’ll go ashore at one of many two major islands the place the dragons reside, Rinca or Komodo island, and do a brief trek searching for dragons whereas accompanied by a park ranger. The trekking path is flat and appropriate for all health ranges.

You’re nearly assured to see not less than a couple of dragons (in spite of everything, Komodo is their residence), and with the information’s assist you’ll be able to even take footage with them! It’s an incredible expertise attending to see these animals up shut.

       

 

Day 3: Return From Komodo

On your final day within the Komodo islands, go to Taka Makassar, a small crescent-shaped sandbar with excellent white sand and crystal clear water.

Subsequent, go snorkeling at both Manta Level or Turtle Level. The latter has sea turtles, whereas the previous has big manta rays. They’re slightly shy however not harmful in any respect.

Lastly, cease at one or two of the islands close by like Sebayur, Kanawa, or Bidadari. When the boat tour is completed, you’ll head again to Labuan Bajo the place you began.

Yow will discover accommodations and lodging in Labuan Bajo to go well with all budgets, from backpacker to luxurious. I’ve included a few of my lodge suggestions beneath.
 

The place To Keep In Labuan Bajo

 
 

Day 4: Sights Close to Labuan Bajo

• Goa Rangko Cave

Goa Rangko is a neat little limestone cave close to Labuan Bajo that has a brilliant blue pool the place you’ll be able to swim.

The one catch with this cave is that it’s extra spectacular when the solar is true. On a cloudy day, the cave is darkish and you may’t actually see the blue colour of the pool, so it’s not as wonderful.

Reaching the cave requires a brief drive from city after which a fast boat experience up the coast. Alongside the way in which, there’s a enjoyable little sandbar within the sea the place you’ll be able to land the boat.

Learn Extra: How To Go to Goa Rangko Cave

       

 

• Cunca Wulang Waterfall

This can be a waterfall close to Labuan Bajo with a number of cascades in a pleasant little rock canyon.

It’s roughly 1 hour from city by driving, after which a 20 minute stroll to get to the falls.

The one draw back is that they make you rent a information, and it’s a bit overpriced.
 

• Cunca Rami Waterfall

That is one other good waterfall close to Labuan Bajo that you could attain by driving roughly 1.5 hours from city.

Cunca Rami is a giant waterfall and it’s surrounded by rice paddies and different fantastic surroundings. The hike all the way down to the falls is average and takes about 45 minutes in every course.

I feel it’s a good suggestion to rent an area information to indicate you the way in which, however attempt to negotiate the worth if it appears unreasonable at first.

 

Day 5: Trek To Wae Rebo

Now it’s time to depart Labuan Bajo and discover some areas of Flores which can be deeper inland, beginning with Wae Rebo.

This conventional village within the mountains requires a 4 or 5 hour drive from Labuan Bajo, after which a 2 hour hike to succeed in, nevertheless it’s value it.

The hike isn’t too laborious and most of the people ought to be capable of do it with none points. You’ll be able to depart your baggage at one of many homestays in Denge or Dintor, close to the place to begin for the hike, that method you don’t have to hold all of it with you.

Once you get to Wae Rebo, you’ll be able to keep in a single day in one of many huts, and meals are supplied. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive expertise, despite the fact that the place is getting a bit touristy.

The surroundings is wonderful! The cone-shaped huts are nice for pictures, they usually’re surrounded by lush, inexperienced mountains on all sides.

Learn Extra: How To Go to Wae Rebo

 

Day 6: Return From Wae Rebo

After waking up for the dawn and consuming breakfast at Wae Rebo, you’ll be able to cling round and discover the village a bit extra.

By late morning, many of the vacationers depart and also you’ll in all probability have the village all to your self for awhile.

Once you’re prepared, it’s time to move again down the path. Going again is faster and simpler as a result of most of it’s flat or downhill, though it may be a bit slippery.

Once you get again to Denge, go get cleaned up at your homestay of alternative, and get some relaxation. Tomorrow is one other large day!

I stayed the evening at Jose Homestay, which could be very primary, nevertheless it overlooks the seaside and it’s completely situated close to Wae Rebo and Nuca Molas. The proprietor is tremendous useful despite the fact that he barely speaks English.

Another choice is Wae Rebo Lodge, which is situated close to Dintor as effectively, however their costs are larger.

 

Day 7: Nuca Molas Island + Drive To Ruteng

Spend your subsequent day in Flores visiting Nuca Molas, slightly island close to the coast that’s been in comparison with Jurassic Park due to its wild and unique surroundings.

You’ll be able to truly see this island from the coast in Flores, and it’s reachable in simply half an hour by boat from Dintor. You’ll be able to take a ship immediately from Jose Homestay, or go to the little harbor in Dintor village.

The surroundings at Nuca Molas is spectacular, and you may climb the lighthouse or hike one of many hills for higher views of the mountain in the course of the island.

There’s additionally a bat cave and several other good white sand seashores to discover. Plan to spend half a day right here.

After Nuca Molas, head again to the homestay and get cleaned up, after which drive to Ruteng. This may take about 3 hours by automobile due to the bumpy roads.

Ruteng is a good dimension city with a number of good homestays and eating places. In comparison with Wae Rebo and Dintor, it seems like a cushty metropolis.

I like to recommend Mama’s Homestay in Ruteng as a terrific place to eat and sleep. The rooms are good they usually’re useful should you want transportation or anything.

The place To Keep: Mama’s Homestay, Ara Garden Inn, or Sun Rice Homestay

 

Day 8: Ruteng Sights + Drive To Bajawa

There are a number of good issues to see within the Ruteng space, such because the Lingko ‘spider net’ rice terraces, the Tengkulese waterfall, and the Liang Bua ‘Hobbit’ cave.

Sadly these locations are all northwest of city, in order that they require a little bit of backtracking.

I awoke early within the morning with my driver and we went to the ‘spider net’ terraces first. They’re Half-hour from Ruteng and the roads are good.

These terraces obtained their identify from the distinctive patterns that seem like a spider’s net. Early morning lighting is particularly good for pictures, and with quarter-hour of strolling you’ll be able to attain the highest of a pleasant viewpoint trying over the fields.

Here is a pin on Google Maps for the most effective viewpoint to make use of. There’s a car parking zone for vehicles or motorbikes.

Subsequent, we went to the Tengkulese waterfall. This drive was extra of a problem, and took about 1 hour as a result of the roads are so tough and bumpy.

It was value it, although, as a result of the waterfall is certainly one of my favorites in Indonesia. It’s a giant waterfall with two separate cascades.

Really, this entire space close to Ruteng is wonderful. There are brilliant inexperienced rice terraces in all instructions.

       

If you need a little bit of journey, you are able to do a brief hike to the bottom of the Tengkulese waterfall to stand up shut and really feel the mist. When you’re fortunate, you may also see a giant rainbow, like I did.

It’s an journey although, as a result of it’s a must to climb a slippery bamboo ladder and a few mossy rocks to succeed in the waterfall.

Go sluggish and watch out. I did it in sandals and I’ve to say it was a bit sketchy.

After this, I grabbed brunch in Ruteng with my driver after which we spent the remainder of the day driving to Bajawa.

It takes nearly 5 hours to drive to Bajawa from Ruteng, so this a part of the journey is a whopper! The roads are largely in good situation, though there are some winding sections that sluggish you down a bit.

Bajawa is one other respectable dimension city with loads of restaurant and lodge choices. Listed below are a few of my suggestions beneath.
 

The place To Keep In Bajawa

 
 

Day 9: Sights Round Bajawa

Spend your first day in Bajawa seeing locations close to the city.

There are a bunch of fine issues to see on this space, together with conventional villages, waterfalls, and volcanic lakes.
 

• Avatar Hill Viewpoint

Begin the day by seeing the point of view of the Inerie volcano.

That is referred to as Avatar Hill or ‘Watu Nari Wowo’ and it’s only a 15 minute drive from city that provides you unimaginable views of the volcano up shut.

You’ll be able to attain the highest of the point of view in solely 15-Half-hour of mountain climbing, and it’s top-of-the-line issues I’ve seen anyplace in Indonesia!

It’s vital to get right here early within the morning, as a result of clouds often cowl the volcano for many of the day. When you get right here too late, you received’t see something in any respect.

 

• Bena Village

Subsequent, go to the normal village of Bena, which is a 20 or 30 minute drive from Bajawa.

This can be a picturesque village on the foot of Mount Inerie, with views of the identical, and the locals nonetheless reside within the huts with assist from the federal government. It’s not simply an open air museum.

There’s an entrance price that helps pay for the maintenance of the village, they usually provide you with a welcome scarf to put on quickly when you stroll across the village. It’s an fascinating place to see.

 

• Tololela Village

Tololela is one other conventional village hidden within the hills above Bajawa. This one is a 15 minute drive from Bena on bumpy jungle roads, and it has much less vacationers.

Out of all of the villages we visited close to Bajawa, this was in all probability my favourite. The village sits on a hill surrounded by palm timber and wonderful views of the mountains.

There’s a small entrance price within the type of a donation, and then you definately’re free to wander the village as you please.

 

• Ogi Waterfall

This can be a waterfall close to Bajawa city that you could attain with quarter-hour of driving after which 10 minutes of strolling on a flat path.

I had combined emotions about this place as a result of the waterfall is good, however the space round it has been was an unpleasant energy plant. There’s a fence and concrete surrounding the waterfall and you may’t swim.

I nonetheless suppose it’s value a go to simply because it’s simple to succeed in and never removed from city.

       
 
 

Day 10: Hike Mount Inerie

When you’re a hiker searching for one thing epic to do in Flores, you’ll be able to climb the Inerie volcano close to Bajawa.

It’s the tallest volcano on the island, and it would simply be one of the crucial symmetrical volcanoes on this planet. At dawn, it casts an ideal shadow like a pure pyramid.

This can be a difficult hike that takes about 3 hours to succeed in the highest, and it’s a must to begin very early within the morning to get the most effective views of the dawn.

I do know you’re in all probability already drained at this level within the itinerary, however Inerie is actually top-of-the-line issues I’ve accomplished in Flores. It will be unhappy to overlook it!

I employed an area information from Bajawa for this hike, and I’d extremely advocate doing the identical.

Learn Extra: How To Climb Mount Inerie

 

Day 11: Drive To Ende

Right here comes one other day of driving! This time it takes as much as 5 hours to drive from Bajawa to the subsequent vacation spot, the city of Ende.

Alongside the way in which, you’ll be able to cease at Blue Stone Seaside, a pleasant seaside lined with brilliant blue rocks. There are a number of good cafes alongside the coast too if you wish to cease for lunch.

Sadly among the locals have been accumulating and promoting the blue rocks from the seaside, so nobody is aware of how lengthy it’s going to nonetheless be colourful.

Once you attain Ende, there are many lodge choices and even an airport. Get settled in and rested up for one more large day tomorrow.
 

The place To Keep In Ende

 
 

Day 12: Kelimutu Lakes + Drive To Maumere

Now it’s time for the grand finale of a street journey via Flores: the volcanic lakes of Mount Kelimutu!

From Ende, it’s a 2+ hour drive to the gates of this nationwide park, adopted by a straightforward 15-30 minute hike to succeed in the lakes.

Individuals often prefer to go to Kelimutu early within the morning to see the dawn, however I don’t suppose that’s actually obligatory. The lakes look simply pretty much as good when the solar is shining on them, in my view, and you may keep away from the worst crowds by skipping dawn.

Both method, the lakes are wonderful. There are three of them, and relying on the underlying gases and components, the colour of the lakes can change to blue, inexperienced, pink, or black.

Each lakes had been electrical blue once we went there, and nearly didn’t look actual!

Learn Extra: How To Go to Kelimutu Nationwide Park

Once you’re accomplished at Kelimutu, you’ll be able to both retrace your route again to Ende and fly residence from there (connecting in Labuan Bajo), or you’ll be able to hold going east to town of Maumere and fly from there.

There’s roughly the identical quantity of driving both method, so that you’ll in all probability need to base your resolution on which airport has the most effective flight choices for you.

When you drive to Maumere, you’ll be able to cease alongside the way in which at Koka Seaside as a pleasant bonus. It has twin seashores with white sand, blue water, and picturesque hills throughout.

Thus ends our street journey via the island of Flores!

 

8-Day Flores Itinerary

When you’re restricted on time in Flores, you are able to do plenty of the primary highlights in 7 or 8 days.

Right here’s what a shorter itinerary for Flores might seem like:

• Day 1 — Komodo Nationwide Park. Take a day tour to the Komodo islands and see the highest sights like Padar and Pink Seaside, plus do a brief stroll on Komodo or Rinca island to see the dragons. Keep in a single day in Labuan Bajo.
• Day 2 — Drive To Wae Rebo. Go away Labuan Bajo early within the morning for the lengthy journey to Wae Rebo. Hike to the village and keep the evening.
• Day 3 — Return & Go to Nuca Molas. Within the morning, hike again from Wae Rebo after which do the boat journey over to Nuca Molas. Keep in a single day in Dintor.
• Day 4 — Drive To Ruteng. Spend the day driving from Dintor to Ruteng. When you nonetheless have time within the afternoon, do some sightseeing close to Ruteng. Keep in a single day there.
• Day 5 — Drive To Bajawa. Spend the morning in Ruteng, after which the remainder of the day driving to Bajawa. Keep in a single day there.
• Day 6 — Sights Round Bajawa. Spend a full day sightseeing within the Bajawa space, visiting the Avatar Hill viewpoint and the normal villages at Bena and Tololela. Loosen up on the scorching springs after which keep in a single day once more in Bajawa.
• Day 7 — Drive To Ende. Spend the morning in Bajawa, after which the remainder of the day driving to Ende. Keep in a single day there.
• Day 8 — Kelimutu Nationwide Park. Drive from Ende to Kelimutu and spend a half day seeing the volcanic lakes, then go to Ende or Maumere on your flight residence.

This itinerary would assist you to see many of the finest issues on Flores island, nevertheless it would possibly really feel a bit rushed, particularly with all of the lengthy driving.

 

Map Of The Greatest Issues To Do In Flores

Right here’s a map of among the finest issues to do in Flores and the encompassing islands. Sights are marked in blue, harbors in yellow, and airports in pink.

 

Driver & Information Contacts For Flores

Listed below are some helpful contacts on your journey to Flores. I can advocate all of those drivers and guides from my very own private expertise:

• Emanuel Saman – Driver based mostly in Labuan Bajo, but in addition does journeys throughout the entire island. His car is large and clear, and he’s a protected driver. I had a terrific expertise with him. You’ll be able to contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 821-4543-6263.
• Pak Iron – One other driver based mostly in Labuan Bajo. I’ve used him on two events and had expertise. You’ll be able to contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 812-3608-9085.
• Pak Arnol – Driver based mostly in Bajawa. You’ll be able to contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 812-5987-7043.
• Jose – The useful proprietor of Jose Homestay. He’s situated close to Wae Rebo and Nuca Molas, and he might help with journeys to each of these locations, though he doesn’t communicate a lot English.
• Alfredo Sua – Trekking information based mostly in Bajawa. I hiked Inerie with him and he additionally climbs Mount Ebulobo. You’ll be able to contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 877-6825-1093.

 

Greatest Time To Go to Flores

The best time to go to Flores is throughout Indonesia’s dry season, from roughly Could to October. The shoulder months of March, April, and November may be good too.

Throughout these months, you’re extra more likely to have a transparent view of the mountains, and also you’re much less more likely to have moist or cloudy situations.

There’s nothing incorrect with going within the wet season, which is heaviest from December to February, however I wouldn’t advocate mountain climbing any mountains or doing boat journeys to Komodo at the moment.

The seas may be fairly chaotic in the course of the wet season, they usually’ve had some constant issues with boat security at the moment of 12 months.

 

Different Ideas For Flores Island

• Meals. In Labuan Bajo you could find all types of delicacies, however outdoors of the primary cities in Flores, western meals is rare and also you’ll be restricted to easy Indonesian meals like nasi goreng telur (fried rice with egg). Every little thing we ate was good and we by no means had any abdomen points.
• Clothes. More often than not you may get by with shorts and brief sleeve shirts in Flores, similar to the remainder of Indonesia, however you’ll be at a better altitude in locations like Wae Rebo, Ruteng, Bajawa, and naturally Mount Inerie, so that you’ll need to convey pants and a jacket for these locations.
• Fee. Money is king in Flores. You can too do financial institution transfers in some circumstances. Bank cards are hardly ever accepted until you e book and pay for one thing upfront.
• Connection. There’s dependable cell service and WiFi in the primary cities of Flores, so it’s not too laborious to remain linked.

• Faith. In contrast to different locations in Indonesia, most people in Flores are Catholic Christians. Alcohol is broadly obtainable, and the gown code isn’t strict like in some conservative Muslim areas of the nation.
• Tipping. It’s not customary to tip for something in Indonesia, nevertheless it’s all the time appreciated should you do.
• Wildlife. Other than the well-known Komodo dragons, you too can see big fruit bats, pit vipers, manta rays, and monkeys (lengthy tailed macaques).
• Security. Basically, Indonesia is a really protected nation. Talking from a male perspective, I additionally take into account Flores to be a really protected island. I’ve traveled there solo on a number of journeys and by no means had any points. When you’re a feminine solo traveler enthusiastic about Flores, it’s possible you’ll need to do some extra analysis in that regard, however there may be in all probability a technique to make it work.
• Malaria: In accordance with this Lancet study from 2018, there’s been a serious discount of Malaria throughout the island of Flores, which is nice. I didn’t take Malaria drugs for any of our journeys there.

 

Extra Indonesia Journey Guides

Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this information and itinerary for street tripping via Flores island.

Don’t neglect to take a look at my different journey guides for Indonesia earlier than you go!
 

See Additionally