Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable travel destination? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of nature, culture, and adventure? If yes, then you should visit Flores Island, one of the most fascinating islands in Indonesia.
Flores Island is part of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, located in the eastern part of Indonesia. It is the home of the famous Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards in the world. But that's not all. Flores Island also offers stunning scenery, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, rich history, and vibrant traditions. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, you will find something to suit your taste and interest in Flores Island.
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to Flores Island, covering everything you need to know before you go, such as how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and more.
What to Do in Flores Island
Flores Island has a lot of things to do for every type of traveler, such as nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, or adventure seekers. Here are some of the top things to do in Flores Island:
1. See the Komodo dragons
The most popular and iconic thing to do in Flores Island is to see the Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards in the world. You can find them in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers three islands: Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. You can take a boat tour from Labuan Bajo to visit the park and see the dragons in their natural habitat. You can also see other animals, such as deer, monkeys, buffaloes, or birds, as well as stunning landscapes, such as hills, volcanoes, or beaches. You can book your boat tour online on Komodo Island Tours or Flores XP.
2. Dive and kayak
Another amazing thing to do in Flores Island is to dive and kayak in the crystal-clear waters of the Flores Sea. You can explore the underwater world of coral reefs, fish, turtles, sharks, mantas, and more. You can also paddle along the coast and discover the hidden coves, caves, and lagoons. You can take a diving or kayaking tour from Labuan Bajo or Maumere, or rent your own equipment and go on your own. You can book your diving or kayaking tour online on Komodo Dive Center or Flores Diving Centre.
3. Visit the pristine lakes and waterfalls
\Another wonderful thing to do in Flores Island is to visit the pristine lakes and waterfalls that dot the island. You can admire the beauty and tranquility of nature, swim in the refreshing water, or hike around the scenic trails. You can find lakes and waterfalls in various locations, such as Kelimutu National Park, Riung Marine Park, or Cunca Wulang. You can take a car or a motorcycle from Labuan Bajo, Maumere, Ende, or Bajawa to reach these places, or join a guided tour. You can book your car or motorcycle rental online on Flores Car Rental or Flores Motorcycle Rental.
4. Explore the caves and rituals
Another interesting thing to do in Flores Island is to explore the caves and rituals that reflect the history and culture of the island. You can see the ancient rock paintings, fossils, and stalactites that date back to thousands of years ago. You can also witness the traditional ceremonies, dances, and offerings that honor the ancestors and the spirits. You can find caves and rituals in various locations, such as Liang Bua, Batu Cermin, or Wae Rebo. You can take a car or a motorcycle from Labuan Bajo, Maumere, Ende, or Bajawa to reach these places, or join a guided tour. You can book your car or motorcycle rental online on Flores Car Rental or Flores Motorcycle Rental.
How to Get to Flores Island
There are several ways to reach Flores Island, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main options:
By air: The fastest and easiest way to get to Flores Island is by flying. There are two airports in Flores Island: Labuan Bajo in the west and Maumere in the east. You can fly to either of these airports from major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, or Makassar. You can also fly to Flores Island from other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand, but you may need to transit in Bali or Jakarta first.
By sea: Another way to get to Flores Island is by taking a ferry or a boat. This option is cheaper but slower and less comfortable than flying. You can take a ferry from Bali, Lombok, or Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo or Maumere, which takes about 24 to 36 hours. You can also take a boat from Komodo Island or Rinca Island to Labuan Bajo, which takes about two to four hours.
By land: The third way to get to Flores Island is by taking a bus or a car. This option is the most adventurous and flexible, but also the most challenging and time-consuming. You can take a bus from Bali, Lombok, or Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo or Maumere, which takes about 48 to 72 hours. You can also rent a car or a motorcycle and drive yourself, which gives you more freedom and control over your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Flores Island
Flores Island has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, preferences, and needs. Here are the main types of accommodation available in Flores Island:
Hotels: Some of the best hotels in Flores Island are Plataran Komodo Beach Resort, Sylvia Resort Komodo, Sea World Club Beach Resort, and Bintang Flores Hotel.
Hostels: Some of the best hostels in Flores Island are Ciao Hostel, Dragon Dive Komodo Hostel, Le Pirate Beach Club, and Bajo Nature Backpackers.
Homestays: Some of the best homestays in Flores Island are Wae Rebo Lodge, Manulalu Bena Homestay, and Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge.
Camping: Some of the best camping sites in Flores Island are Komodo Camping, Kelimutu Camping, and Riung Camping.
Flores Island is a hidden gem in Indonesia that offers a lot of attractions and activities for every type of traveler. You can see the Komodo dragons, dive and kayak, visit the pristine lakes and waterfalls, explore the caves and rituals, and more. You can also enjoy the scenery, the cuisine, and the hospitality of the people of Flores Island.