Visit Flores Island: Top 18 Things to Do and See
We have created a comprehensive guide featuring the must-visit places on Flores Island. Here is a list of the top 18 things you absolutely must do in Flores.
What to Do and See in Flores, Indonesia? 🌍
Is visiting Flores part of your travel itinerary in Indonesia? Lucky you, you made a great choice! Flores is a stunning island located in the east, just an hour's flight from Bali. With paradise beaches, surf spots, spectacular coral reefs, and some of the most beautiful marine life in the world, you won’t be bored for a second.
1. Visit Komodo National Park 🦎
Komodo Island is home to a renowned national park famous for its legendary Komodo dragons, which are actually the largest lizards in the world. You can tour the island to discover these incredible creatures, but you will need a guide to ensure you don’t get too close, as the dragons have toxic saliva that drips from their jaws. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this unique site.
2. Admire Kelimutu 🌋
One of Flores’ star attractions is Kelimutu, a volcano famous for its three crater lakes, each shimmering in a different color: blue, red, and green. These colors change over the years due to various gases and the pH of the water. A hike to the lakes, with the option to camp on site, will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the crater’s edge.
3. Diving in Komodo: A World-Class Destination 🌊
The main underwater attraction of Komodo National Park is just as incredible as its land-based counterpart. The waters here are renowned for manta rays, huge schools of pelagic fish, and some of the richest and most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Strong currents make Komodo a prime spot for experienced divers. But even beginners can venture underwater with a PADI Open Water course to explore these underwater marvels.
4. Cancar and Its Marvelous Spider Web Rice Fields 🌾
Flores is known for its unique agricultural fields, called lingko, which are rice paddies arranged in a spider web formation. Each section of the web is allocated to a different family in the region, with the size of the section reflecting the family's wealth. To see these marvels of design, head to Cancar near Ruteng and hire a guide to explore these natural wonders.
5. Swim at Kanawa 🐠
Kanawa Island, located off the coast of Labuan Bajo, is an underwater paradise for diving enthusiasts. The waters here are teeming with marine life, and you have a good chance of spotting turtles, rays, and even sharks. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to unwind, this is the spot.
6. The Blue Stone Beach 🌊
Penggajawa Beach, sometimes called Blue Stone Beach, is a unique beach made up not of sand but of blue and green pebbles. Come admire this natural phenomenon and enjoy the spectacular scenery. While it may not be a beach for sunbathing, the setting is perfect for a peaceful walk.
7. Play Robinson Crusoe on the Eastern Part of Bidadari 🏝️
Bidadari Island is perfect for a day trip. With a beautiful reef offshore, it’s a great spot for diving and snorkeling. While swimming here, you can expect to see hundreds of colorful fish, sea snakes, and octopuses. For an extended stay, there is even a hotel on the other side of the island.
8. Discover the Caci Dance 🎭
The indigenous people of western Flores, known as the Manggarai, have a rich array of unique traditions and celebrations. One of these is the Caci dance, where two men dance and symbolically fight by striking each other with whips. Accompanied by drumbeats, this dance is more of a ceremonial performance than an actual fight.
9. Trekking to Wae Rebo 🥾
The trek to the traditional village of Wae Rebo is an unforgettable experience. The 10-kilometer journey takes you through lush jungles and past cascading waterfalls, leading you to the village of the Manggarai people. Once there, you can discover their way of life, savor local food, and even spend the night in a traditional hut.
10. Swim in a Lake at Sano Nggoang 🌿
Sano Nggoang Lake, the deepest in Flores, is surrounded by lush forests and hot springs. Enjoy a day of hiking around the lake and take a dip in its warm waters, said to have medicinal properties. Located about 35 kilometers from Labuan Bajo, this is a perfect excursion for nature lovers.
11. The 17 Islands: A New Marine Park 🐢
The 17 Islands Marine Park is a dream destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Explore the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and surrounding jungle. Most of the islands in the park are uninhabited, making it the perfect spot for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
12. The Hobbit Cave 🏞️
The Liang Bua cave, known as the Hobbit Cave, is a fascinating archaeological site. In 2003, small human skeletons dating back around 18,000 years were discovered here, challenging existing theories of human evolution. A small museum next to the cave provides further insights into this incredible discovery.
13. Stop at Seraya 🐟
Seraya Island is a popular destination for snorkeling, with vibrant reefs and rich marine life. Explore the island itself and visit the charming fishing village at one end to sample local food and soak in the atmosphere.
14. Sunset on Love Hill 🌅
Love Hill, near Labuan Bajo, is the perfect place to watch a breathtaking sunset over the hills and the Flores Sea. Climb to the top for an unforgettable panoramic view.
15. Discover Bajawa 🌋
Bajawa is a cultural center where you can discover the traditional Ngada villages scattered throughout the district. Enjoy your visit by exploring the nearby hot springs and waterfalls. The most popular villages to visit are Bena, Luba, and Toto Lela.
16. Trekking Near Mount Inerie 🏔️
The climb up Mount Inerie is a challenge for seasoned hikers, offering breathtaking views from the summit. The trek can be done in a day, but you’ll need to start at dawn and hire a guide. An adventure not to be missed for trekking enthusiasts.
17. Relax on Koka Beach 🏖️
Koka Beach is a white sand beach perfect for swimming and relaxing. Enjoy its peaceful setting and explore the picturesque surroundings. Be sure to also visit nearby Naga Beach for an even more tranquil experience.
18. The Villages of Nuabari 🗿
The village of Nuabari, with its impressive megalithic tombstones, is an off-the-beaten-path destination. Explore this fascinating site with the help of a local guide for an authentic experience. The village chief will welcome you with a cup of tea after the visit.
