Flores Indonesia serves as one of the most beautiful islands in this country. Located in East Nusa Tenggara, many people still don’t know yet how special this island is. It has natural wonders from colourful lakes to pink beaches, active volcanoes to rich underwater life, and many more you can see here.
Another thing is that Flores is not as busy as Bali or Lombok, its neighbourhood. As a part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, it is in Sumbawa, and on the east side are Lembata and Timor. It is still fresh, authentic, and untouched by many people. It is safe to say that it is the real Indonesian nature and culture.
How to get to Flores Indonesia?
The easiest way to get to Flores Indonesia is by flying to Labuan Bajo from Bali or Jakarta. There are multiple daily flights to take you to this island. This way will be helpful if you are from abroad. If you want another option, there is also a ferry trip from Lombok or Bali.
A ferry trip will give you a more scenic view. Your adventurous journey will remain unforgettable, allowing you to enjoy the open sea on your long way to the island. Even though it is a slower option, it is ideal for those who want to have a relaxing day and level up their travel experience.
In short, visiting Flores Indonesia is relatively easy; you can go by air or sea, based on what you prefer. Here you will find enchanting natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Whichever route you take, the island will give you its beauty and breathtaking landscapes that you will never forget.
Best time to visit Flores
The best time to visit Flores Indonesia is during the dry season. It starts in April and lasts until October when the sun is shining throughout the day. It is warm and sunny, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities. You can go snorkelling, driving, and trekking as much as you wish.
It will be different if you prefer fewer tourists. The shoulder months between April and October are excellent choices. You can still enjoy pleasant weather that gives you more sun rather than rain, but with a more relaxed atmosphere. Keep in mind that you need to avoid November to March, as it brings heavier rainfall and rougher seas.
What makes Flores special?
Flores Indonesia is special as it offers a rare blend of natural beauty. There is Komodo National Park; the Kelimutu Lakes, which have three colours; and many more. It also presents a quieter and more authentic adventure. This journey is ideal for those who want to explore without the crowds. Here you will also experience a rich cultural heritage, such as:
- Traditional villages like Wae Rebo and Bena
- Age-old weaving traditions (ikat)
- Warm hospitality from local communities
For that reason, visiting Flores is worth it, as you will experience pristine beaches and marine life. You will be satisfied with the clearest waters and healthiest coral reefs. This ambience is perfect for you who love diving and snorkelling. It is relaxing, as you will meet many underwater creatures, like manta rays and colourful fish.
Main destinations in Flores Indonesia
Flores Indonesia is the gateway to many extraordinary travel destinations. You will see rugged mountains and terraced hillsides that are enchanting. Even in one destination, you will meet an active volcano, and in another destination, you will meet waterfalls and savannah-like plains. For that reason, it is incredibly diverse, which can allow anyone to experience many things in one trip.
The most important thing is that you can explore Komodo Island, which is full of Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. If you are interested in knowing more, the details will be discussed below:
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park in Flores Indonesia is the number one reason many people visit it. As mentioned, it is full of Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizard, and they can only be found in this region. Not only that, but in this park, you can visit Komodo Island, Rinca Island, and Padar Island.
Kelimutu National Park
Another Flores star attraction is Kelimutu National Park. It is an active volcano that has three crater lakes. Each one shows off different colours, like blue, red, and green. The colours change over the years because of various gases and the pH of the water. This unique feature allows you to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the edge.
Wae Rebo Village
Wae Rebo in Flores Indonesia is a traditional village that will give you an unforgettable experience. Even though you may need to trek a 10-kilometre journey, along the way you will be enchanted by cascading waterfalls in the lush jungles. The village is home to the Manggarai people, and you can spend the night there to experience a traditional hut.
Bidadari Island
Bidadari Island offers a beautiful reef offshore, and it is perfect for a day trip. If you are the one into diving and snorkelling, this is the place for you. You can swim and expect to see hundreds of colourful fish and octopuses. Sunbathing on the pristine beaches is also something you can do here.
Kanawa Island
Still located in Flores Indonesia, Kanawa Island is also a paradise for diving enthusiasts. The underwater life is full of turtles, rays, and even sharks. This island is perfect if you are looking for a place to unwind. It is also close to Labuan Bajo if you want to come to this island from there.
Blue Stone Beach
This unique beach is also popular by its local name, Penggajawa Beach. It is not made up of sand but of blue and green pebbles. As a result, it gives natural phenomena for spectacular scenery. If you are looking for a beach that can offer you a peaceful walk, then this spot is for you.
Sano Nggoang Lake
Located in the deepest part of Flores Indonesia, Sano Nggoang Lake is surrounded by lush forests and hot springs. You can enjoy a day of hiking here and take a dip in its warm waters. Many people believe that it has medicinal properties. Even though you need 35 kilometres from Labuan Bajo, it is still a perfect excursion for nature lovers.
Pink Beach
Pink Beach is the famous one that is mainly seen in many Instagram feeds. It is popular for its pink sand and turquoise, clear water. Thus, making it more beautiful when the seawater meets the sand. Not only that, but if you are into snorkelling, then this is also a great spot for you. Here you will enjoy a huge array of tropical fish and corals.
Seraya Island
Seraya Island in Flores Indonesia is perfect for adventure seekers. It has been a popular destination for snorkelling for a long time. Thanks to its vibrant reefs and rich marine life. On this island, there is also a charming fishing village that you can visit to try local food and experience its atmosphere.
Things you need to know before you go to Flores
Before you go to Flores Indonesia, there are many things you need to know for an enjoyable trip. It will be helpful for you to understand a few tips so you will be more ready along the way. First, the island is big; it stretches over 300 km. The roads are also winding, as you need to take several hours to travel to different regions like Labuan Bajo or Maumere.
However, you need to enter Labuan Bajo first before entering Flores. It is the main hub for both flights and boat trips, especially if you want to go to Komodo National Park. In Labuan Bajo, accommodation and restaurants are well-developed. But in Flores, here is what you need to prepare!
Bring Cash
Many shops in Flores Indonesia are mostly cash-only. Even though Labuan Bajo has many ATMs and accepts cards, in Flores, you need to bring Indonesian money in rupiahs, especially if you plan to explore rural areas. It is because people there are still relying on cash to do transactions.
Internet Coverage Varies
In Labuan Bajo, Wi-Fi is widely available, but in Flores, there are some providers that can be slow and unreliable to use while you are there. For that reason, if you need stable internet, consider buying an Indonesian SIM card, choose the most popular one that works best in remote areas.
Weather variation
The weather in Flores Indonesia is hot and dry. Always bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to drink whenever you feel thirsty. Those are especially helpful if you plan to have outdoor activities. For example, trekking, snorkelling, and many more. Keep in mind that comfortable shoes are essential to make you enjoy your trip.
Respect local culture.
Lastly, the most important thing you have to do is respect the local culture. People in the Flores are culturally diverse and predominantly Catholic. With that in mind, you need to dress modestly anytime you visit villages, churches, and cultural sites. A reminder that you should always ask for permission when you are going to take photos.
Marine conservation is taken seriously.
Yes, marine conservation is taken seriously, especially in the Komodo National Park. Many dive sites in Flores Indonesia prioritise environmental protection. It makes you need to always follow all guidelines seriously and avoid touching corals or making fun of wildlife. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile ecosystem underwater while swimming or snorkelling.
Manage expectations for accommodations.
If you see that Labuan Bajo has everything from budget accommodations to luxury resorts, you cannot expect that in Flores. As smaller towns, they have simpler guesthouses with basic facilities. With that in mind, managing your expectations is good for you to enjoy the local charm on your trip.
Conclusion
After knowing all about Flores Indonesia, you can see how great this island is for its natural beauty and many exceptional destinations. Getting here is easy; you can go by air or sea. Whichever you choose will always give you the best scenic panoramic view. By this, you can enjoy your ride even before you arrive.
Another thing is about the timing when you want to visit there. To make the most of your trip, go here during the dry season from April to October. These seasons will provide you with ideal weather to explore Flores’ diverse ambience. You can go to Komodo National Park or pristine beaches without worrying about rain, as it will be rare if you visit in these seasons.
All in all, before setting off to Flores Indonesia, you should be aware of many things. But if you are going on a trip with Christoper Komodo Tour, you can go with ease without worrying about anything. We can set your schedule based on your preference, whether you want a relaxing day or an adventurous one; we can give it to you. Book now and save your seat!