6 Reasons Why You Must Visit Flores Now
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Now that our family been to Flores, I can tell you first hand why you must visit Flores now. Most of you probably never heard about this island, which is situated in East Nusa Tenggara, a province on the eastern part of Indonesia.
There are hundreds of smaller islands surrounding Flores, and most of them are uninhabited. Since a decade ago, more tourists from all over the world started coming in to enjoy the beauty of the islands. The sea, the land, the culture, the mountains, you name it. My family and I were so excited that we finally made it there after 9 months long of waiting.
So, here are my 6 reasons why you must visit Flores now.
6 Reasons Why You Must Visit Flores Now
- Flores is the island of the Komodo dragon
You are most likely seen Komodo dragon countlessly through social media, television network, or magazines. But do you know that the only places on earth where you can see them in their natural habitat is in Flores? There are 4 smaller islands around Flores inhabited by the Komodo dragons: Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Gili Montang, and Gili Dasami. Komodo National Parks are in those islands and you must go with the ranger – all the time – when you visit them in their habitat. My husband said visiting the Komodo dragons in their habitat is the highlight of our six weeks holiday in Indonesia. It’s once in a life time experience.
- Flores’ beautiful islands
Flores is surrounding by hundreds of beautiful islands, and most of them are uninhabited with unspoiled beaches and stunning view from the hill. You must do island hopping to enjoy them. You can rent a boat for a day or live on board for one, two, or more nights. Sunset is also spectacular either seen from the top of the hill, the beach, or the boat. My family spent 3 days and 2 nights on the boat and really wished we could stay longer. While island hopping, don’t forget to hike to the top of Padar Island, Kelor Island, and Gili Laba Island. The views are just spectacular.
- Flores has an amazing underwater life
Either snorkel or dive, you will pamper with the amazing underwater life of Flores. Colorful, different sizes of corals and fish are abundant. Diving or snorkeling to see Manta Ray is the most favorite thing to do, besides looking for sea turtles. Not to mention sea stars covering the bottom of the sea-shore. Heaven for both divers and non-divers.
- Flores’ Traditional Villages
In central Flores, you will see traditional villages where you can even spend a night in their traditional house. Keep in mind, you will spend hours on beat-up road to reach the villages, but beautiful rice fields and lush green jungle will be your view along the way. Part of central Flores reminded me of my childhood. (I was born and grew up in Sumatra, an island on the western part of Indonesia).
- Flores is home of the three colorful crater lakes
Located in the east part of Flores, Mt. Kelimutu is a volcano famous for its three colorful crater lakes: green, blue, and black. It is best seen at sunrise or sunset. But sometimes the craters covered by fogs, so you won’t be able to see the lakes after you wake up at 3.30 a.m. and hike to the top. Moni, the small town below the volcano, is also a good place for buying Flores’ ikat weaving.
- Flores is still far from the crowds
Finally! Though number of tourists came to this island is getting higher every year, I would say the island is still far from crowds. We didn’t see too many people whenever we went to places of interests, except at the volcano and the village. And it was during summer vacation! If you’re tired with the crowds and are looking for new adventures in Indonesia, Flores is a great alternative to Bali and Lombok.
Of course, my childhood friend will add another reason why you must visit Flores now: because that’s where I came from.
How to get to Flores
- If you fly from Jakarta, there’s a choice of nonstop or connecting flight daily to Labuan Bajo, the hub to Komodo Islands. That’s where we started. We flew with Garuda, nonstop from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo for about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- When you’re already in Bali or Lombok, there are more choices of airlines and times to go to Labuan Bajo.
- For a budget traveler, you can take a combination of ferry and bus from Bali. It takes two days though.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your itinerary and book the ticket now. Flores is awaiting you.
And if you plan to go to Bali with your family – and why not, because it’s just next ‘door’ – here’s a list of what you need to pack with you. It’s always good to check whether you have everything needed.
Flores and the Komodo Dragons have been on my wish-list for almost 30 years, since I traveled in Indonesia. Even back then it was quite expensive to see the Komodo dragons. I am happy to know that there are also some beautiful crater lakes to explore and that the snorkeling is great.
You must plan a visit soon because Indonesian government plans to put a special price for tourists who want to visit the Komodo Islands. And it’s very expensive.
We have not spent any time in Indonesia other than Bali. But we are building a list of places to visit. So it was good to read about the reasons why Flores should be on that list. Seeing the Komodo Dragon would certainly be a draw for us. But the awesome blue waters and sand beaches would probably be our top reason. A great tip to hike to the top of Padar Island for the views. The lack of tourists may be the best reason to visit Flores.
Next time you go to Indonesia you must visit Flores. But the island was already packed with tourists before Covid arrived.
Yes I have never heard of Flores before but I tell you know, I want to go! I always wanted to see the Komodo dragons up close and this looks like a great spot to check them out but the islands are truly stunning. With the village huts, I would love to see this as I like to see the locals way of life and check out there culture, which is one of the main reason I travels. Mt. Kelimutu looks so photogentic, would love to check out this place. Hopefully I can do this when I eventually touch down in Indonesia for the first time.
You must visit this incredible island! I highly recommended it. Don’t just stop in Bali.
You’re right — I hadn’t heard of Flores, although I had heard of the komodo dragon. But actually, you had me at underwater life. I love scuba diving and this looks like a great place to do it!
You won’t be disappointed. And while there (in Indonesia), go heck the diving spots in Raja Ampat, Derawan, and lots more.
It really has everything all in one place like wildlife, beautiful sceneries and rich culture. The blue Crater Lake looks stunning.
Isn’t it awesome?
I’ll admit I’m one of the people who had never heard of this place. After reading your post though I’m a fan! Those craters look class and the chance to stay in the traditional huts would be awesome!
I am so glad I could reach you. Hopefully you will make it there in the future.
This was a great read and I really enjoyed it. Were you scared to stand that close to Komodo dragons? The islands do look unspoiled and beautiful. I would really enjoy the night in the native house and the landscape. Even with the long drive it would be worth it for the views the entire way.
I didn’t scare at all because there were lots of ranger around. Besides, we did exactly what the ranger told us: walked quietly, talked with our inner voice, and stood in the safe distance. I hope one day you can go there and thank you for enjoying my post.
am i the only one who finds reptiles so scary? love your post
With all the hip and the excitement you have during traveling, it will be less scarier. And thank you for loving my post.
I am 100% sold on visiting Flores. One of my bucket list things to do is to see a Komodo dragon in its natural habitat, and I’d love to check out those crater lakes as well. Good to hear that it’s relatively easy to get to by plane!
Let me know when you make a visit to Flores!
I can’t find anything I don’t like about this island! Though the crater lakes are a big draw for me. And who wouldn’t want to see dragons in real life?!
I hope one day you will find your way there.
You have convinced us to visit this beautiful place, it looks so natural and completely different from the big city life! The point 3 is my favourite!!
I really like the photos too 🙂
Wow! I hope you will make it to Flores before it turns to another Bali. My family wants to go back again. And thank you for enjoying my pictures.
Indonesia is so close to home and we still haven’t visited. I really want to visit especially Flores for the landscape and wildlife.
Oohh… I hope you can make it soon. I myself from Indonesia but my family and I finally got to visit Flores last summer. First, because I live I the U.S. now and secondly, we didn’t get a chance to go to Indonesia every year.
Fantastic! Amazing photographs, I’d absolutely love to those crater lakes! Wildlife is also a draw for me…thanks for sharing! 🙂
Amazing place. it is adventurous too. After reading your experience I also want to visit it. And I decide to visit it in my next holidays.Nice experience and thanks for sharing it
You are welcome! I still want to visit Flores again, but it won’t be in our next holiday. My son wants to explore part of the U.S. that we haven’t visit yet.