Flores Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Flores with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Flores

Flores is a hidden gem in Indonesia that has yet to be fully discovered by mass tourism. This volcanic island is located in the Nusa Tenggara region of Southeast Asia, surrounded by beautiful blue waters and home to a unique combination of cultural and natural wonders. From the vibrant traditional villages and their mysterious megalithic structures to the stunning marine life and rugged landscapes, Flores has something for everyone to enjoy and explore.

List of Places to Visit in Flores

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Flores is filled with cultural attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into its rich history:

  • Bena Traditional Village: One of the most well-preserved traditional villages on the island, Bena is located near Mount Inerie and is home to unique architectural structures and traditional ceremonies.

  • Kelimutu National Park: This park is best known for its tri-colored lakes, which change color due to chemical reactions in the volcanic crater.

  • Wae Rebo Traditional Village: Hidden away in the mountains, Wae Rebo is a unique village that features traditional cone-shaped houses built using ancient techniques.

Natural Attractions of Flores: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For travelers who love the outdoors, Flores is a paradise with plenty of unique natural attractions:

  • Komodo National Park: This park is home to the famous Komodo Dragons, the largest lizards in the world.

  • Cunca Rami Waterfall: A stunning waterfall set in the middle of lush jungle, Cunca Rami is perfect for swimming and hiking.

  • Riung 17 Islands Marine Park: This park has beautiful coral reefs and white sandy beaches, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Flores

Flores has a range of hiking and biking routes to explore its unique landscapes, from coastal villages to volcanic peaks:

  • Mount Kelimutu: A popular trek in the national park to see the tri-colored lakes and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

  • Poco Ranaka: A lesser-known hike in the mangrove forest that offers beautiful views of the coastline and nearby islands.

Best Things to Do in Flores: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities to do in Flores, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best:

  • Snorkeling and diving in Komodo National Park

  • Visiting traditional villages and learning about their unique culture

  • Trekking to the tri-colored lakes of Mount Kelimutu

Week-Long Itinerary for Flores

If you’re planning the perfect week-long trip to Flores, here’s an example itinerary to follow:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Maumere, explore the city and visit the local market
2 Trek to Wae Rebo traditional village and spend the night
3 Visit Bajawa and soak in the hot springs
4 Hike to the tri-colored lakes of Mount Kelimutu
5 Relax on the beaches of Riung 17 Islands Marine Park
6 Visit Komodo National Park and see the famous Komodo Dragons
7 Explore Labuan Bajo and fly back to Bali

Food and Drink Scene of Flores

Must-Try Dishes

Flores is known for its unique traditional cuisine, including:

  • Nasi Babi Guling: Roasted suckling pig with rice and various vegetable dishes.

  • Ikan Kuah Asam: Spicy and sour fish soup with tamarind flavoring.

Local Beverages

Flores is also home to some unique local drinks:

  • Arak: A traditional palm-based alcoholic drink found throughout Indonesia.

  • Kepala Ikan: Fish head soup made with fresh local ingredients.

Where to Stay in Flores: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Flores has a range of accommodation options for travelers, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts:

  • Ayana Komodo Resort: A luxurious beachfront resort in Labuan Bajo with stunning views and amenities.

  • Bintang Flores Hotel: A mid-range hotel in Flores with a rooftop pool overlooking the ocean.

  • Atlantis Dive Resort: A budget-friendly option in Maumere that caters to divers and backpackers.

What to Buy in Flores: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Flores is known for its high-quality, handcrafted items, including:

  • Ikat textiles: Traditional woven cloths that feature unique designs and patterns.

  • Kelimutu coffee: A unique blend of locally grown coffee beans.

Local Culture and Customs of Flores

Flores has a unique traditional culture that is well-preserved by the locals. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions and ask before taking photos.

Best Time to Visit Flores

The best time to visit Flores is during the dry season, which usually occurs between April and September. This is when the weather is the most pleasant, and outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling are possible. It’s also the high season, so expect more crowds and higher prices during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Flores

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Take photos without asking permission.

  • Wear revealing clothing in traditional villages or sacred places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Flores

Flores is a safe destination for travelers, but it’s always advisable to take the usual precautions, including avoiding dark alleys, carrying valuables discreetly, and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Flores

Travelers to Flores should ensure they are up to date with routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and tetanus, as well as hepatitis A and B. Malaria is also prevalent in some areas of Flores, so travelers should take appropriate precautions and speak to a healthcare professional before traveling.

Getting to Flores: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Flores

There are two airports in Flores:

  • Maumere Airport
  • Komodo Airport

Flights to Flores from Bali or Jakarta are available daily.

Bus Stations Near Flores

There are no direct bus connections to Flores, but travelers can take a bus to nearby cities like Ende or Maumere, then take a local transport to their destination.

Other Options

Ferry services are available between Flores and nearby islands like Lombok and Sulawesi.

How to Get Around in Flores

Public transport options in Flores include buses, ojeks (motorcycle taxis), and bemos (minivans). Private cars and scooters are available for rent in major cities.

Where to Go Next from Flores: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

From Flores, travelers can visit neighboring islands and destinations, including:

  • Bali: A popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.

  • Lombok: An island paradise known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Flores is truly a hidden gem in Indonesia, offering travelers a unique mix of cultural and natural wonders. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan a trip to Flores that will give them memories to last a lifetime.

The extraordinary coloured crater lakes at Mount Kelimutu The extraordinary coloured crater lakes at Mount Kelimutu Cave in Lin Bua where remains of Homo floresiensis, a species related to Homo sapiens, were found in 2003 Cave in Lin Bua where remains of Homo floresiensis, a species related to Homo sapiens, were found in 2003 Aqua and Chocolate (2 of 3 Kelimutu Lakes). The other third lake color is usually reddish, but the colors continuously change Aqua and Chocolate (2 of 3 Kelimutu Lakes). The other third lake color is usually reddish, but the colors continuously change Komodo Dragon in the Komodo NP Komodo Dragon in the Komodo NP


    Bajawa
    Ende
    Kanawa
    Kelimutu
    Labuan Bajo
    Larantuka