Flores Island in Indonesia: all about vacation

The Indonesian island of Flores , whose name translates to "flowers", is a place where natural beauty, amazing archaeological finds and a rich cultural heritage come together. The island is a source of research and inspiration for travelers, scientists and nature lovers. The diversity of its natural and cultural riches makes it a truly unique place on our planet. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Flores Island and learn more about its history, nature and culture.

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General information

• Location : East Nusa Tenggara Province , Indonesia.
• Size : about 14,000 square kilometers.
• Population : about 2,000,000 inhabitants.
• Language : Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but there are 10 other languages spoken by 6 ethnic groups, as well as many dialects.
• Religion : more than ¾ of the island's inhabitants are Catholics, the rest are predominantly followers of Islam.

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How to get to Flores Island

The island has its own airport, known as Komodo Airport , located near the city of Labuan Bajo . The airport currently hosts scheduled flights from 7 airlines, with the most popular routes being Denpasar and Jakarta.

Where to Stay on Flores Island

There are hotels and guest houses on the island, most of which are concentrated in Labuan towns Bajo and Bajawa . Accommodation costs start from approximately 10-15 dollars per night for a double room.

Here are some examples of good hotels in different price categories:

• Sten Lodge eco Homestay - Offers eco-friendly accommodations in traditional bamboo huts painted in vibrant colors. Clean, cozy and very authentic. There are mosquito nets, there is a private garden on the territory, which provides the hotel restaurant with healthy ingredients for preparing national dishes - from $20 with breakfast;
• Golo Hilltop Hotel is a small boutique hotel 10 minutes drive from Komodo Airport . Situated on top of a hill, providing picturesque views of the surrounding area. There is a restaurant and a small swimming pool - from $50 with breakfast;
• Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel is a new boutique hotel within walking distance from the beach. There is a restaurant serving international cuisine, a swimming pool, a gym, billiards and table tennis. A discount is provided at a partner dive center - from $80;
• Sudamala Resort , Seraya is a resort hotel with comfortable beach bungalows, a restaurant and a private beach area. There are water activities, a gym, and excursion tours are available - from $235.

• AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach - 5-star beachfront resort with a wide range of services and activities: from fun activities in the children's club to boat trips to the islands of Rinca , Menjerite and Kelor - from 360 euros.

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach

Food on Flores Island

Although Flores Island may not be as famous for its culinary scene as some other Indonesian destinations, it offers quite a diverse range of dishes that can be a delicious part of your trip.

Local kitchen

Flores Island offers a variety of Indonesian cuisine. Among the most popular: nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles) and ayam goreng (fried chicken).

Seafood is plentiful on the island and you can enjoy the fresh catch of grilled fish, shrimp and squid.

Many Indonesian dishes are accompanied by sambal , a hot chili sauce. Each region of Indonesia has its own unique sambal recipe , and Flores Island is no exception. Here you can find aromatic and spicy varieties of sambal that will decorate your dishes.

Get to know the flavors of Flores Island without spending a lot of money by visiting warungs ( w arung ), small family-run restaurants or kiosks serving inexpensive and tasty local cuisine.

Western and international cuisine

On the island you can find restaurants and cafes offering a combination of Western and international cuisine. As a rule, such establishments are presented in large cities such as Labuan Bajo . For example, in the Italian restaurant La Cucina you will find a wide selection of popular Italian dishes at reasonable prices.

Seafood restaurants

Given the island's coastal location, seafood restaurants are plentiful. For example, restaurants such as Hong Signature or Taman Laut Handayani in Labuan Bajo . These establishments serve fresh seafood, either grilled, deep-fried or in traditional Indonesian style.

Local markets

Exploring the local markets on Flores Island can be an adventure. It offers a wide range of fresh produce, spices and traditional snacks. For example, at the famous fish market in Labuan Bajo you can buy the freshest catch of local fishermen, and even taste it.

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Transport on the island

Local buses are one of the most common and accessible ways to get around the island of Flores . They connect many towns and villages on the island and provide the opportunity to travel on a budget . However, it is worth considering that comfort and safety may not always meet the standards familiar to most tourists. Some areas are served by dedicated trucks, but passengers who prefer comfort should choose alternative transport options.

Minibuses , usually provided by travel companies, run along fixed routes and usually travel from point to point without intermediate stops. Travel agencies offer a variety of group and private tours, which are a good option for travelers who prefer organized trips.

Taxi and car rental services are also possible on Flores Island . Taxis are available mainly in major centers such as Labuang Bajo , Bajawa , etc. Not all taxi drivers use meters, so be sure to agree on the cost of your trip before you start. You can find out the approximate cost of taxi services and car rental from your hotelier. When renting a car, you should remember that traffic can be chaotic and the roads are not always in good condition. However, this is a great way to explore the island to your own taste and use your time as you please.

Scooters and motorcycles are suitable for travelers looking for a means of transportation that will provide them with maximum freedom and mobility. They will allow you to easily navigate the narrow and winding roads of Flores and enjoy the scenery. However, make sure you have the necessary driving skills and always use a helmet for safety.

Despite the variety of transportation options available on Flores Island , it is important to be prepared for the unexpected and adapt to local conditions.

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Attractions and entertainment

Flores is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. The island offers many activities for travelers, including diving , snorkeling , climbing volcanoes and exploring the unique nature.

One of the top places to visit on Flores Island is Komodo National Park, where you can see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

Also one of the most popular attractions in Flores is the Kelimutu volcano , which contains three crater lakes that can change their color. Other notable attractions include the unique village of Wae Rebo , consisting of 7 houses with original architecture, traditional Ngada villages in the Bajawa region , Mount Inerie , and 17 Islands National Park .

For those who prefer an active holiday and close contact with nature, Flores offers opportunities for cycling and hiking. The island's mountains and hills are perfect for such activities, and you can enjoy incredible views and adventures away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Of particular interest is the rich underwater world of Komodo National Park . There are about 100 stunning dive sites throughout the park. An earthquake in 1992 severely damaged coral reefs off the northern coast of Flores Island , especially in Maumere Bay . However, over the past decades, the corals have almost completely recovered, and the colorful underwater world of Maumere Bay is attracting more and more diving enthusiasts.

Some of the most famous dive sites in Komodo Park include :

• Batu bolong ;
• Manta Point ;
• Cannibal Rock ;
• Cannibal Rock and others.

In addition, it is worth including a visit to the Rangko and Batu caves in your itinerary Cermin .

Local travel agencies offer a variety of tours to island guests, many of which can be tailored to suit the interests and wishes of travelers.

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Beaches

The island of Flores and its surroundings offer a variety of beaches for lovers of adventure, relaxation and underwater exploration. In particular:

• Waiara Beach - located approximately 10 kilometers from the town of Maumere and offers calm waters, clean sand, and snorkeling and diving opportunities . There are hotels and guest houses near the beach, for example: Waiara Village Guest House and Amrita Maumere Beach Resort​
• Koka Beach - a beautiful beach surrounded by green hills, located about an hour and a half drive from the city of Maumere . There are several local eateries near the beach.
• Pink beach is one of the most unique beaches in the region, located in Komodo National Park . It attracts tourists with the unusual color of the sand, which is created thanks to the smallest red coral fragments, as well as tiny microorganisms - foraminifera, mixed with the sand. You can get to the beach by boat or with an organized excursion from the city of Labuang Bajo .

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Archaeological finds

The island of Flores attracted the attention of world science thanks to a fantastic find: archaeologists discovered the remains of ancient people who became known as Homo floresiensis . These miniature people lived on the island of Flores more than 60,000 years ago. This discovery has sparked much debate among scientists about the diversity and evolution of human species and their migrations.

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Weather

The island of Flores has a typical monsoon climate. The northwest monsoon brings intense rainfall between December and March. During the southeast monsoon, dry weather occurs between June and September.

On the coast, the temperature ranges from 24-34℃ all year round. In mountainous areas it is much cooler, which is conducive to hiking and trekking. At night it can be very cool in the mountains.

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The best time to travel to Flores is considered to be from mid-April to mid-November. However, the months after the rainy season from May to August are the most preferable due to low humidity.