Flores Island Travel Guide: Exploration from The West to The East Part

Known widely through the ancient animal called Komodo, Flores offers actually beyond an ordinary trip on islands you would have experienced. Prepare yourself well before encountering challenges and adventures through the island’s modesty with this Flores island travel guide, if you really want to hit Flores land.

An Overview of Flores Island

Before jumping to 101 insights for your following Flores Island trip, walk through the helicopter view of this magnificent yet humble island.

Where Is Flores Island Located?

Know that Flores Island is not part of Bali. Instead, Flores, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) are part of the lesser Sunda islands, situated in the east of Java island.

Flores is administratively part of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, and also one of its largest islands.

Dit eiland bestaat uit verschillende eilandengroepen, waaronder Komodo, Rinca, Lembata, Adonara en Solor. De eerste twee zijn ongetwijfeld het populairst bij zowel binnenlandse als internationale reizigers.

Flores island is quite tremendous with a large area of around 13.540 km, and Mount Poco Mandasawu has its highest peak. Expect to meet and greet the island’s beauty and indigenous culture while walking through its modest infrastructure, just like most of the seemingly untouched yet developing eastern part of Indonesia.

Parts of Flores Island

The vast area of Flores island consists of eight regencies from the west to the east. They are the following:

Regency	Hoofdstad
Manggarai Barat (West-Manggarai)	Labuan Bajo
Manggarai (Centraal Manggarai)	Ruteng
Manggarai Timur (Oost-Manggarai)	Borong
Ngada	Bajawa
Nagekeo	Mbay
Einde	Einde
Sikka	Maumere
Flores Timur (East Flores)	Larantuka
Lembata	Lewoleba

Each of the regencies has its own masterpiece of tourist attraction for you to opt-in in addition to the already-well-known Komodo, Rinca, and Padar Island.

Flores Island Transformation

To let you learn a bit deeper, this Flores island travel guide allows you to take a glimpse of the island’s transformation.

While the development was taking place, the most developed part of Flores was Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park. Hence, there you will easily find more and more luxurious lodgings, hot places to hang out watching the sunsets at the end of the day, with a large variety of food to eat.

On the other hand, for other islands, you may expect to have fewer amenities compared to Labuan Bajo.

Despite those conditions, the nature’s richness of Flores island will capture adventurous travelers’ hearts right away. So much so, you may end up enjoying a ‘rough’ yet slow trip in Flores.

Putting aside all of the facts, due to an increasing number of tourist traction to see Komodo, the Indonesian government was considering the limitation of tourists on Komodo Island by the end of 2022.

Animal Conservation (Komodo, and other natural inhabitants of Komodo Island) is the most critical point, which motivated that consideration, especially since Komodo is one of the world’s heritage objects which is claimed to have a high Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

Otherwise, they examine the possibility to increase tourist capacity for trekking on Padar Island. Chances are that in the future, along with more proper and adequate facilities, there would be a digital transformation implemented to welcome visitors from online reservations to e-ticketing.

Generally speaking, Labuan Bajo has been targeted as a super-priority tourist destination in Indonesia for several years ahead.

The Alpha and Omega of Flores Island Travel Guide

Now, let’s pack out some essential insights about Flores island before loading your carrier for the trip ahead. Make sure that you exchange your currency for the Indonesian rupiah before taking your flight to the country!

Choices You Have to Get to Flores Island

After calculating your holiday span, budget, and your general travel preferences, you need to set which city in Indonesia would be your point of departure heading to Flores.

Let’s scan the following information about transportation availability according to your travel plan. you can reach Flores island by land and sea, or by sea only.

1. Met het vliegtuig

Flores Island welcomes you through three main airports: Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Ende (ENE), and Maumere (MOF).

a. Flights to Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo

If you plan to reach Flores through Labuan Bajo – Komodo airport, you can set three major cities in Indonesia as your point of departure:

• through Jakarta: there are daily connecting flights with domestic airlines you can choose from, i.e: Air Asia, Batik Air, Citylink, Garuda Indonesia, Super Jet Air, and Wings Air,
• via Surabaya: diverse aansluitende vluchten van Lion Air, Super Jet Air en Batik Air.
• through Bali: several options of daily direct flights provided by Batik Air or Air Asia; and connecting flights with 1 transit served by Super Jet Air.

b. Flights to Maumere, Flores

In case you are from Kupang or Makassar in Sulawesi, thankfully there are direct flights to Maumere. You may opt to land in Maumere from Jakarta or Bali If you want to experience connecting flights to Kupang/Makassar riding Wings Air or Lion Air, available only on some of the weekdays.

c. Flights to Ende, Flores

Want to look around Ende before going to the main city in Flores? Ende can be your alternative. Since there are connecting flights from Bali as well as heading to Ende, you can take this as an alternative flight. In another way, you can also choose to go to Ende from Kupang with a direct flight by Citilink or Wings Air.

Handige tip:

Note that you may encounter some flight delays or other local issues that cause the flight schedules to change without prior notice. Your adventurous adventure to Flores island starts right at the moment, be patient!

Do not only stick with only information as stated in this Flores island travel guide. As an independent traveler, you need to take initiative to check on the flight schedule and availability. Afterward, make the reservations through the airline’s official website, or traveling apps such as Traveloka or Tiket.com.

2. Met veerboten en boten

When the weather is mostly nice and you want to get a new travel experience, sailing with ferries or boats from Bali to Labuan Bajo harbor, Flores can be an option. There are national ships served by PELNI with several classes. You can expect to get large dormitories, kiosks, cafeterias or restaurants.

The schedule may vary according to the operators. Yet, in general, the sailing duration will take one to two nights to get to Labuan Bajo.

3. Met de bus, veerboten en boten

You can choose to get to Flores Island by land and sea when you have a long travel span and would like to stay in Bali first, then explore Lombok before jumping to Flores island.

Je beleeft ongetwijfeld een avontuurlijke ervaring als je met de bus of taxi naar de haven reist om daar de boot of veerboot naar een andere haven te nemen. Deze manier van reizen vraagt wel om veel geduld, aangezien de dienstregeling nogal onvoorspelbaar kan zijn.

How to Get to The Center of Labuan Bajo

Prior to touching down at Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, plant in your mind this Flores Island travel guide information about which kind of local transportation options you have to go to the center of Labuan Bajo.

Particularly, if you are staying around Labuan Bajo, you can go to the central city from the airport and the harbor by taking a taxi service. At the airport, you may also opt-in with a shuttle bus provided by DAMRI.

The shuttle bus by DAMRI allows you to stop at several points including popular hotels like Hotel Marina Labuan Bajo and Hotel Puri Sari, tourist attractions such as Bukit Sylvia, Kampung Ujung, and Puncak Waringin.

Als je in Maumere of Ende aankomt, kun je een pendelbus nemen die verschillende regio’s aandoet, zoals de Gunung Mas Bus of de Peduli Trans Bus. De pendelbus rijdt naar verschillende bestemmingen, zoals:

• Ruteng – Aimere – Bajawa
• Ruteng – Einde
• Ruteng – Maumere

De prijzen verschillen ook per bestemming; ze variëren van 120.000,00 Rp tot ongeveer 300.000,00 Rp.

Veerboten en vliegtuigen zijn ook beschikbaar tegen dit tarief, maar de kosten zullen zeker hoger zijn dan die van de bus, terwijl de reistijd korter is.

Local Transportations in Labuan Bajo

Once you settle and are ready to wander around, you can choose to ride a bemo (a traditional public transport), or ojek (a motorcycle taxi) which operational hours normally stop at 9 pm (Central Indonesia Time/WITA).

Cars and/ or motorcycles for daily rental are also available mostly in Labuan Bajo. The car rental type MPV costs around Rp750.000,00 for 12 hours. Meanwhile, motorcycles/scooters take around Rp90.000,00 to Rp150.000,00 per day.

Moreover, some speed boats are available for a visit to nearby islands, like Rinca and Taman Island from Labuan Bajo. All you have to do is to check the schedule with the operator and choose the most fitting, pay, and go.

Outside Labuan Bajo, transportation is dominated by 4×4 wheel vehicles, so prepare to rent a car with a driver to help you get around the regencies you travel to.

Flores Island Travel Guide: Where to Stay?

The lodging types in Flores are quite various. You can find guest houses, homestays, and hostels up to the resort types especially in Labuan Bajo as the center. Other regencies in Flores primarily have guest houses and bungalows.

1. Labuan Bajo

• Saesta Komodo Hostel and Hotel: located in the heart of Labuan Bajo. Choices of the bunk-bed dorm or regular rooms.
• Bintang Flores Hotel: beachfront hotel, situated a bit distance from the city center with a gorgeous pool and tasty breakfast.
• Sudamala Resort Seraya: een geweldige plek met een rustgevend uitzicht en veel privacy. Hier word je niet alleen hartelijk ontvangen door behulpzaam personeel, maar kun je ook deelnemen aan allerlei activiteiten rondom het resort.

From exploring iconic spots like Padar Island and Pink Beach to snorkeling at Manta Point, this part of Flores offers some of the most unforgettable island experiences in Indonesia. To take it to the next level, you can explore these destinations more privately and comfortably with a Labuan Bajo Yacht Rental, giving you full flexibility to design your own route while enjoying a more exclusive sailing experience.

2. Ruteng

• Sun Rice Homestay: bescheiden gastverblijf met uitzicht op de rijstvelden en de zon. Er wordt een Aziatisch ontbijt geserveerd.
• Ara Garden Inn: gunstig gelegen, op 2 km afstand van de luchthaven van Ruteng, de toeristische bezienswaardigheid ligt op ongeveer 1 km afstand en er zijn meer dan 10 eetgelegenheden binnen een straal van 1 km.

3. Bajawa

• Cinnamon Guest House: ruime kamer, dicht bij natuurlijke bezienswaardigheden zoals de Wolobobo-heuvel en het traditionele dorp Bena.
• Bajawa Roo Hotel: volledig uitgeruste kamers, geldwisselservice tot uw beschikking.

4. Riung

• Riung Guest House: momenteel de enige accommodatie in Riung, met schone en nette kamers, inclusief ontbijt.

5. Moni

• Mahakali Lodge: een ideale uitvalsbasis voor een tussenstop voordat u de Kelimutu-vulkaan bezoekt, met restaurants in de buurt en toeristische bezienswaardigheden binnen een straal van 10 km.
• The Geckos: wandelroute in de buurt, op korte afstand met de motor van het Kelimutu Nationaal Park, ontbijt verkrijgbaar in vegetarische, glutenvrije en veganistische varianten.

6. Einde

• Dasi Guest House: ruime kamers, zelf te zetten koffie en thee, uitzicht op de bergen, toeristische bezienswaardigheden in de buurt en restaurants met lokale gerechten.

7. Maumere

• Hotel Beng Goan II: zeer behulpzaam personeel, vlak bij de luchthaven van Maumere en lokale winkels, op ongeveer 5 km van het Kelimutu-meer (Tiga Warna-meer)
• Eco Dive Resort Alycastre: een resort direct aan het strand met een duurzaam reisconcept, gelegen op ongeveer 30 km van de luchthaven van Maumere, waar diverse activiteiten worden aangeboden.

Sightseeing in Flores Island

The most vital point you want to see in Flores Island travel guide reveals! Spot the tourist attractions you can explore.

1. Labuan Bajo (Komodo Island)

• Manta Point: je kunt de mantaroggen vanaf de uitkijkplek bekijken, of door snorkelen de gids duiken snorkelen ,
• Visiting Komodo dragon on Rinca island,
• Kayaking and watch the sunset on Pink Beach,
• Padar Island for a breathtaking view after trekking before catching the sunrise,
• Naar Melo Village en Liang Ndara gaan om de Caci-vechtdans te bekijken.

2. Ruteng

• De unieke vorm van de spinnenwebachtige rijstvelden vastleggen,
• Kennismaking met de inheemse cultuur in het dorp Wae-Rebo.

3. Bajawa

• Ontspannen in de warmwaterbronnen van Malanage of Mangeruda,
• Een wandeling door de traditionele dorpen van de Ngada-stammen (Wogo, Luba, Bena, Tololela en Gurusina),
• Begeleide wandeling naar de berg Inerie of de Wololobo-heuvel.

4. Riung

Verken de 24 plekken op de 17 eilanden van het Riung Marine Park om snorkelen, te barbecueën of gewoon wat foto’s te maken.

5. Moni

• Bekijk de zonsopgang bij de Kelimutu-vulkaan,
• Genietend van het uitzicht op het Kelimutu-meer,
• Ontdek de Murudhaekale-waterval,
• Rondleiding door de koffieplantages van Kebun Kopi Tani en Sao Kopi Wolopaku.

6. Einde

Geschiedenis leren door een bezoek aan het Tenun Ikat-museum, het verblijf waar wijlen president Soekarno in ballingschap leefde.

Afkoelen in de Murondao-waterval.

7. Maumere

Watersporten op de stranden van Koka, Waiawara en Kambing en op het eiland Pangabatang

De beste tijd om te bezoeken

A little yet a necessary thing to jot down throughout your Flores island travel guide and preparation is to pay attention to the timing, including the climate and tourist season. Identically to many other tourist destinations around the world July and August are commonly peak seasons.

Flores island is quite drier than Java Island. Whilst in the rainy season, the road is normally going to be somewhat impassable and might block your trip planning.

Therefore, you may set your Flores trip between April and June when the weather is cooler, less likely for rain, and the water is more serene, with greenery ready to feast your eyes.

Daarnaast is het weer tussen september en november het meest geschikt voor trektochten en wandelingen in de bergen.

Ready to Experiment with The Unexpected Flores Island?

Just because you are adventurous, does not mean you come unprepared. In addition to this Flores island travel guide, do your research. Afterward, make sure you come equipped with the necessary travel documents, including a driving license.

Bovendien zal het leren van alledaagse conversatie in het Indonesisch en/of de lokale taal je hopelijk helpen om je tijdens je verblijf goed te kunnen redden in je omgeving.

Tot slot: als je twijfelt of je naar een bepaalde bestemming wilt gaan of als je maar weinig tijd hebt voor een vakantie, aarzel dan niet om contact op te nemen met een reisorganisatie en deel te nemen aan een groeps- of privétour die bij je wensen en budget past.

However, a trip to Flores Island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Komodo Island. Explore the breathtaking beauty and unique wildlife with Komodo Island Tour by Komodo Luxury. Our exclusive tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from the famous Komodo Dragons to pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Book your Komodo Island Tour now and experience the ultimate adventure with comfort and luxury. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey!

Read more:
How to Trip from Bali to Komodo Island
Interesting Facts About Komodo National Park You Need to Know Before Visiting