Best Things To Do & See

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

Lots of individuals go to Flores to see the close by Komodo National Park, however the remainder of the island is mainly uncharted. It’s an enormous 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. If you take pleasure in journey journey, it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Indonesia.

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

Where To Start This Itinerary

The place to begin 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 day by day flights from Bali, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur for very cheap costs. You can store for flights on Skyscanner.

If you favor, it’s also possible to do that complete itinerary in reverse, by flying to Maumere or Ende, after which driving west to Labuan Bajo from there.

 

How To Get Around In Flores

Aside from the Komodo islands, that are visited by boat, mainly every part else in Flores is reached by driving overland.

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

You can get round by renting a scooter and driving your self, hiring a personal driver with a automobile, or taking a bus between the principle cities.

Either approach, Flores has loads 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 characteristic. 🙂

Renting a scooter in Flores is affordable, versatile, and enjoyable, however the principle limitation is that it’s difficult to drive on among the dangerous roads. This island can also be approach too huge for it for my part.

Bus journey in Flores is obtainable by Gunung Mas, and it’s snug and inexpensive. The solely detrimental is that it’s not versatile for seeing issues off the crushed path; it simply connects the principle cities. You can guide with them instantly, or ask your lodge to guide it for you.

My favourite technique to discover Flores is in a personal automobile with a driver. It’s a lot safer and extra handy than driving in every single place on a scooter, so I believe the additional value is value it when you can match it in your finances.

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

 

Day 1: Komodo Islands Boat Tour

The greatest technique to start your journey in Flores is by visiting the legendary Komodo islands, the place you may see seashores, unique landscapes, and Komodo dragons.

People usually spend 1 to three days within the islands. One day on a speedboat is sufficient time to see the principle highlights, however some folks 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 can search for a tour supplier close to the harbor if you arrive, or you may guide it prematurely on-line.

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

Read More: How To Visit The Komodo Islands

Book Now: Komodo Liveaboard Tours / Day Tours

 

• Kelor Island

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

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

• Kalong Island

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

At sundown each night, you may see 1000’s of bats flying by means of the sky right here as they head out seeking meals. They’re innocent, nevertheless it’s wonderful to observe!

 

Day 2: More Of The Komodo Islands

• Padar Island

Wake up early on the second day and sail to Padar, a small island with a should see viewpoint. It’s probably the most 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 day-after-day as a result of it’s simple to succeed in and the surroundings is simply wonderful.

Read More: Padar Island

 

• Pink Beach

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

The colour comes from tiny organisms within the coral known 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 aspect of Padar island.

Read More: Pink Beach

 

• Komodo / Rinca Island

Of course one of many important points of interest at Komodo National Park is attending to see the dragons! This is the one place on this planet the place you may see them within the wild.

For this a part of the tour, you’ll go ashore at one of many two important islands the place the dragons stay, 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 no less than a number of dragons (in spite of everything, Komodo is their dwelling), and with the information’s assist you may even take footage with them! It’s a tremendous expertise attending to see these animals up shut.

       

 

Day 3: Return From Komodo

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

Next, go snorkeling at both Manta Point or Turtle Point. The latter has sea turtles, whereas the previous has large manta rays. They’re somewhat 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.

You can discover inns and lodging in Labuan Bajo to swimsuit all budgets, from backpacker to luxurious. I’ve included a few of my lodge suggestions beneath.
 

Where To Stay In Labuan Bajo

 
 

Day 4: Sights Near Labuan Bajo

• Goa Rangko Cave

Goa Rangko is a neat little limestone cave close to Labuan Bajo that has a vivid blue pool the place you may swim.

The solely catch with this cave is that it’s extra spectacular when the solar is correct. 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. Along the best way, there’s a enjoyable little sandbar within the sea the place you may land the boat.

Read More: How To Visit Goa Rangko Cave

       

 

• Cunca Wulang Waterfall

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

• Cunca Rami Waterfall

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

Cunca Rami is an enormous waterfall and it’s surrounded by rice paddies and different great surroundings. The hike all the way down to the falls is average and takes about 45 minutes in every path.

I believe it’s a good suggestion to rent a neighborhood information to point out you the best way, 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 might 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 exhausting and most of the people ought to be capable of do it with none points. You can depart your baggage at one of many homestays in Denge or Dintor, close to the place to begin for the hike, that approach you don’t have to hold all of it with you.

When you get to Wae Rebo, you may keep in a single day in one of many huts, and meals are offered. It’s a enjoyable and distinctive expertise, although 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.

Read More: How To Visit Wae Rebo

 

Day 6: Return From Wae Rebo

After waking up for the dawn and consuming breakfast at Wae Rebo, you may dangle round and discover the village a bit extra.

By late morning, a lot of the vacationers depart and also you’ll most likely have the village all to your self for awhile.

When 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.

When you get again to Denge, go get cleaned up at your homestay of selection, and get some relaxation. Tomorrow is one other huge day!

I stayed the night time at Jose Homestay, which could be very fundamental, nevertheless it overlooks the seaside and it’s completely positioned close to Wae Rebo and Nuca Molas. The proprietor is tremendous useful although he barely speaks English.

Another possibility is Wae Rebo Lodge, which is positioned close to Dintor as effectively, however their costs are greater.

 

Day 7: Nuca Molas Island + Drive To Ruteng

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

You can truly see this island from the coast in Flores, and it’s reachable in simply half an hour by boat from Dintor. You can take a ship instantly 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 midst 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 will 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. Compared to Wae Rebo and Dintor, it appears like a cushty metropolis.

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

Where To Stay: 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 web’ rice terraces, the Tengkulese waterfall, and the Liang Bua ‘Hobbit’ cave.

Unfortunately these locations are all northwest of city, so that they require a little bit of backtracking.

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

These terraces obtained their identify from the distinctive patterns that appear like a spider’s net. Early morning lighting is very good for pictures, and with quarter-hour of strolling you may 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 parking zone for vehicles or motorbikes.

Next, we went to the Tengkulese waterfall. This drive was extra of a trouble, 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 one among my favorites in Indonesia. It’s an enormous waterfall with two separate cascades.

Actually, this complete space close to Ruteng is wonderful. There are vivid 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 rise up shut and really feel the mist. If you’re fortunate, you may additionally see an enormous 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 gradual 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 principally in good situation, though there are some winding sections that gradual you down a bit.

Bajawa is one other first rate dimension city with loads of restaurant and lodge choices. Here are a few of my suggestions beneath.
 

Where To Stay In Bajawa

 
 

Day 9: Sights Around Bajawa

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

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

• Avatar Hill Viewpoint

Start the day by seeing the perspective of the Inerie volcano.

This known 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 can attain the highest of the perspective in solely 15-Half-hour of climbing, and it’s probably the greatest issues I’ve seen wherever in Indonesia!

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

 

• Bena Village

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

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

There’s an entrance payment 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 most likely my favourite. The village sits on a hill surrounded by palm bushes and wonderful views of the mountains.

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

 

• Ogi Waterfall

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

I had blended emotions about this place as a result of the waterfall is good, however the space round it has been changed into 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

If you’re a hiker searching for one thing epic to do in Flores, you may climb the Inerie volcano close to Bajawa.

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

This is 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 most likely already drained at this level within the itinerary, however Inerie is truthfully probably the greatest issues I’ve executed in Flores. It could be unhappy to overlook it!

I employed a neighborhood information from Bajawa for this hike, and I might extremely advocate doing the identical.

Read More: How To Climb Mount Inerie

 

Day 11: Drive To Ende

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.

Along the best way, you may cease at Blue Stone Beach, a pleasant seaside coated with vivid 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 gathering and promoting the blue rocks from the seaside, so nobody is aware of how lengthy it can nonetheless be colourful.

When you attain Ende, there are many lodge choices and even an airport. Get settled in and rested up for an additional huge day tomorrow.
 

Where To Stay In Ende

 
 

Day 12: Kelimutu Lakes + Drive To Maumere

Now it’s time for the grand finale of a highway journey by means of 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.

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

Either approach, 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.

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

Read More: How To Visit Kelimutu National Park

When you’re executed at Kelimutu, you may both retrace your route again to Ende and fly dwelling from there (connecting in Labuan Bajo), or you may hold going east to town of Maumere and fly from there.

There’s roughly the identical quantity of driving both approach, so that you’ll most likely need to base your choice on which airport has the most effective flight choices for you.

If you drive to Maumere, you may cease alongside the best way at Koka Beach as a pleasant bonus. It has twin seashores with white sand, blue water, and picturesque hills throughout.

Thus ends our highway journey by means of the island of Flores!

 

8-Day Flores Itinerary

If you’re restricted on time in Flores, you are able to do loads of the principle highlights in 7 or 8 days.

Here’s what a shorter itinerary for Flores might appear like:

• Day 1 — Komodo National Park. Take a day tour to the Komodo islands and see the highest sights like Padar and Pink Beach, plus do a brief stroll on Komodo or Rinca island to see the dragons. Stay in a single day in Labuan Bajo.
• Day 2 — Drive To Wae Rebo. Leave Labuan Bajo early within the morning for the lengthy journey to Wae Rebo. Hike to the village and keep the night time.
• Day 3 — Return & Visit Nuca Molas. In the morning, hike again from Wae Rebo after which do the boat journey over to Nuca Molas. Stay in a single day in Dintor.
• Day 4 — Drive To Ruteng. Spend the day driving from Dintor to Ruteng. If you continue to have time within the afternoon, do some sightseeing close to Ruteng. Stay 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. Stay in a single day there.
• Day 6 — Sights Around Bajawa. Spend a full day sightseeing within the Bajawa space, visiting the Avatar Hill viewpoint and the normal villages at Bena and Tololela. Relax 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. Stay in a single day there.
• Day 8 — Kelimutu National Park. Drive from Ende to Kelimutu and spend a half day seeing the volcanic lakes, then go to Ende or Maumere to your flight dwelling.

This itinerary would let you see a lot of the greatest issues on Flores island, nevertheless it may really feel a bit rushed, particularly with all of the lengthy driving.

 

Map Of The Best Things To Do In Flores

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

 

Driver & Guide Contacts For Flores

Here are some helpful contacts to 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 huge and clear, and he’s a secure driver. I had an awesome expertise with him. You can contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 821-4543-6263.
• Pak Iron – Another driver based mostly in Labuan Bajo. I’ve used him on two events and had a superb expertise. You can contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 812-3608-9085.
• Pak Arnol – Driver based mostly in Bajawa. You can contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 812-5987-7043.
• Jose – The useful proprietor of Jose Homestay. He’s positioned close to Wae Rebo and Nuca Molas, and he may 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 can contact him by WhatsApp at ☎ +62 877-6825-1093.

 

Best Time To Visit Flores

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

During these months, you’re extra prone to have a transparent view of the mountains, and also you’re much less prone to have moist or cloudy circumstances.

There’s nothing incorrect with going within the wet season, which is heaviest from December to February, however I wouldn’t advocate 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.

 

Other Tips For Flores Island

• Food. In Labuan Bajo you’ll find all types of delicacies, however outdoors of the principle 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). Everything we ate was good and we by no means had any abdomen points.
• Clothing. Most of the time you may get by with shorts and brief sleeve shirts in Flores, identical to the remainder of Indonesia, however you’ll be at the next 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.
• Payment. Cash is king in Flores. You can even do financial institution transfers in some instances. Credit playing cards are hardly ever accepted except you guide and pay for one thing prematurely.
• Connection. There is dependable cell service and WiFi in the principle cities of Flores, so it’s not too exhausting to remain related.

• Religion. Unlike different locations in Indonesia, most people in Flores are Catholic Christians. Alcohol is broadly accessible, and the costume 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 at all times appreciated when you do.
• Wildlife. Aside from the well-known Komodo dragons, it’s also possible to see large fruit bats, pit vipers, manta rays, and monkeys (lengthy tailed macaques).
• Safety. In common, Indonesia is a really secure nation. Speaking from a male perspective, I additionally think about Flores to be a really secure island. I’ve traveled there solo on a number of journeys and by no means had any points. If you’re a feminine solo traveler desirous about Flores, you could need to do some extra analysis in that regard, however there may be most likely a technique to make it work.
• Malaria: According to this Lancet examine from 2018, there’s been a significant discount of Malaria throughout the island of Flores, which is nice. I didn’t take Malaria capsules for any of our journeys there.

 

More Indonesia Travel Guides

Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this information and itinerary for highway tripping by means of Flores island.

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

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