ABOUT FLORES ISLAND

Flores is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, an island arc with an estimated area of 15,530.58 km², including Komodo Island off its west coast. Located east of Bali, the population is estimated to be around 1,8 million (2021), and the largest town is Maumere.

There are many languages spoken on the Island, all of them belonging to the Austronesian family. At least six separate languages are identifiable. The Island was named ‘Flores,’ the Portuguese word for ‘flowers,’ by the Portuguese because of the many beautiful flowering royal poinciana trees found there. Portuguese traders and missionaries came to Flores in the 16th century, mainly to the Larantuka and Sikka regions.

Their influence is still discernible in Sikka’s language and culture. The native people of Flores are almost entirely Roman Catholic. If planning a visit to Flores, and Komodo Island for that matter, it’s best to visit between the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November. The dry season weather is best, and the crowds are less!

HOW TO GET TO FLORES AND KOMODO ISLANDS?

A few years back, Flores was hardly penetrable because of the chain of volcanoes that stretch across the Island. You can take buses, taxis, and ferries from Bali and from the islands around Bali to get there, but you’re in for a long journey!

The easiest, quickest, and safest way to get to Flores now is by air. Labuan Bajo (90 mins flight from Bali) in the West and Maumere (2 hrs flight from Bali) in the East are the two main gateways for tourists visiting Flores.

Both cities have airports with multiple daily domestic flights from Denpasar, Bali. Unfortunately, changes in schedule, prices, and operating airlines are the order of the day. The most precise information about the current flight connections is best obtained via the websites of the operating airlines, at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport, or at the local travel/airline agencies in Flores.

The good news is that Labuan Bajo Airport (Komodo Airport) is undergoing a massive renovation that commenced in 2022 to become an international airport. This could mean direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other countries to Flores.

Getting To Komodo Island

Once you’ve got your travel arrangements to Flores sorted, you’ll need to know how to get to Komodo Island if it’s on your itinerary. You should try to fly into Labuan Bajo Airport for the easiest access path to Komodo Island. Head on foot (30 mins downhill) or by taxi (10 mins ride) to Labuan Bajo city area, where you can board a boat to take you across to Komodo Island.

A direct boat tour to Komodo Island takes approximately 2 hours, but there are longer boat day trips available. We recommend considering a Komodo Liveaboard Boat tour package, allowing you to enjoy Komodo for a few days and to explore the beauty of Komodo National Park.

Maika Komodo Tours, Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Indonesia, +62 812 3855 3678, info@maikakomodotour.com, www.komodoislandtour.com

GETTING AROUND FLORES

The Trans-Flores Highway, which is the spine of the Island, twists and turns through the beautiful countryside, loops around volcanoes and passes untouched beaches. Just a heads-up to those who get motion sickness while traveling, this route could affect you.

Visitors usually hire motorbikes (from IDR 50,000 plus petrol) in Labuan Bajo and head east, although driving conditions can be hazardous and exhausting. The most comfortable transport option is to catch a public minibus (often a Toyota Kijang), which links major towns in aircon comfort.

Many travelers hire a car and driver, which costs from IDR 600,000 to IDR 800,000 per day. Some drivers also work as guides and can arrange island-wide itineraries. Ask your accommodation provider for more info or check out these options to arrange transportation:

• Vehicle rentals, including van, minibus, and bus rentals - Komodo Shuttle, Jl. Yohanes Sehadun, Front Entrance Labuan Bajo Airport, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, +62 811 337 168, komodoshuttle@gmail.com, www.komodoshuttle.com

• Scooter rental - Eureka Motor Rental, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, +62 822 3655 2555, www.eureka-motor-rental.com

• Vehicle or scooter rental - Maika Komodo Tours, Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Indonesia, +62 812 3855 3678, info@maikakomodotour.com, www.komodoislandtour.com

WHERE TO STAY ON FLORES ISLAND?

There are bungalows on Komodo Island itself. However, these are operated by the Komodo National Park and are mostly reserved for special guests or film crews. Tourists will usually stay on Flores Island, often in Labuan Bajo.

There are many accommodation options in Flores. The Island also has a Homestay Network set up by a nonprofit that offers travelers a chance to get off the beaten track and experience the authentic Flores. The Network consists of locals in small villages that have offered to open their homes to travelers. This aims to achieve culture exchange, stimulate community-based tourism, and provide an alternative income for locals in remote areas of Flores.

The accommodation is simple, but the hosts are warm and welcoming; plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience life as it truly is in Indonesia. Be sure to practice a bit of Indonesian, as people in these communities speak very limited English.

If you’re looking for more luxurious accommodation in Flores, offering a range of amenities and facilities, don’t stress, we’ve got you covered with these fabulous accommodation options!

Ayana Komodo Resort

Ayana Komodo Resort is located peacefully on Labuan Bajo’s shimmering Waecicu Beach. The Resort provides world-class 5-star luxury with gracious Indonesian hospitality and provides a gateway to the heart of Komodo National Park. Choose between 205 exquisite rooms and suites, some with breathtaking ocean views. At the Resort, you will find the Ayana Kids Club for the kiddos, infinity, jetty, and kids pools, direct Waecicu beach access, seven unique dining options, various exciting experiences, and you can even charter one of Ayana’s exclusive water vessels for a cruise!

Ayana Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach, Pantai Waecicu, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, +62 385 244 1000, reservation@ayanakomodo.com, www.ayana.com/labuan-bajo/komodo

Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge Flores

Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge Flores is an idyllic retreat set over 6 hectares of beautiful gardens on the edge of a rainforest in a valley of rice paddies beside a babbling river. The best part - you have breathtaking views of Mount Kelimutu Volcano. Families are welcome to experience staying at this tranquil, magical lodge comprising 21 comfortable private rooms each with stunning mountain views and modern amenities. The lodge features a full restaurant and various tours to explore the fascinating surrounding areas, such as villages, waterfalls, and the Kelimutu Crater Lakes.

Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge Flores, Uneng City, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, +62 81 23 995 212, reservation@ecolodgesindonesia.com, www.ecolodgesindonesia.com/kelimutu-ecolodge

The Seraya

The Seraya is a fabulous option for families who want to be near mainland Flores but who want a bit of privacy. This eco-minded Resort is a stunning barefoot luxury beach resort backdropped by the incredible Komodo National Park. The Seraya features spacious and private eco-designed beachfront, canopy seaview, and hillside garden bungalows tucked under the tamarind trees lining the Resort’s private beach. Enjoy the Resort’s iconic Bamboo Manta restaurant and explore the house reef by snorkel or kayak.

The Seraya, Seraya Kecil, Komodo, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, +62 812 3609 8640, info@theseraya.com, www.theseraya.com

Bayview Gardens Hotel

Bayview Gardens Hotel is a private and exclusive boutique hotel located on a picturesque hillside in Labuan Bajo. This Hotel features 19 air-conditioned rooms and suites with modern amenities and private terraces over lush tropical gardens and with sweeping views of the Flores Sea. Family rooms sleep up to 6 guests. You can also choose to stay in the large Harbourmaster Pool Villas with private plunge pools. Enjoy a free full breakfast on your private veranda, splash in the infinity pool, and enjoy the nearby diving, snorkeling, and trekking expeditions.

Bayview Gardens Hotel, Jl. Puncak Waringin, Labuan Bajo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, +62 812 3709 6271, bayviewgardens@gmail.com, www.bayview-gardens.com

Things To Do In Flores With Kids?

See The Komodo Dragons!

See the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. If visiting Flores and Komodo Islands, this is a MUST! Komodo dragons are endemic to the Indonesian islands of Flores, Gili Motang, Komodo, and Rinca. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these intriguing predators in action. Book a tour with Komodo Mega Tours to see the Komodo dragons.

Komodo Mega Tours, Jl. Mawar, Waebo, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, +62 385 2440044, info@komodomegatours.com, www.komodomegatours.com

Explore Maumere Bay

Go diving, snorkeling, and exploring at the remote beaches and villages around Maumere Bay. Ankermi Happy Dive Retreat offers various exciting dive tours, including snorkeling trips, trekking excursions, and village visits. You can also enroll in PADI Dive Courses with Ankermi.

Ankermi Happy Dive Retreat, Watumita, Flores, Indonesia, +62 821 477 810 36, ankermi.happydive@gmail.com, www.ankermi-happydive.com

Explore Komodo National Park and 17 Islands Marine Park

Discovery Komodo Adventure has you covered and offers various exciting tour packages around the area. Wander around on Komodo’s Pink Beach and see fascinating large flying fox fruit bats, majestic manta rays, and so much more!

Discovery Komodo Adventure, Jl. Gg. NKRI No. 01, Wae Nahi, Labuan Bajo, Gorontalo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, Indonesia, +62 821 4646 8914, adventuretokomodo@gmail.com, www.discoverykomodoadventure.com

Go On A Sunrise Tour

Watch the sunrise above Mount Kelimutu and visit the three coloured lakes in Kelimutu National Park. With Flores Eco Tours you will be able to get up close and personal with Mount Kelimutu and amaze yourself in the wonder of the coloured crater lakes.

Flores Eco Tours, Jl. Frans Nala, Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia, +62 81 708 55155, floresecotours@gmail.com, www.floresecotours.com

Visit The Cunca Wulang Waterfall

You are obliged to pay for an entry ticket and for a local guide to accompany you to the site of this stunning Waterfall, but it’s worth it! From Wersawa Village, a guide will take you on a 4-kilometer trek through dense forest to the Waterfall. The guide will also tell you interesting facts about the culture of the locals.

Cunca Wulang Waterfall, FX3V+XH4, Sano, Nggoang, Pota Wangka, Boleng, West Manggarai Regency, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Attend A Traditional ‘Caci Dance’

This authentic Dance involves local women beating traditional musical instruments while local warrior men dance and fight with whips and shields to the rhythm - a dance of war and folk games. Contact Hello Flores Tours to enquire about bookings to experience and watch a Caci Dance performance in Manggarai.

Hello Flores Tours, Jl. Wae Kelambu, Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia, +62 851 5549 9067, helloflorestours@gmail.com, www.helloflorestours.com

Experience traditional Manggarai Villages

Trek to Wae Rebo Village and get to see the Spider Rice Field at Cara Village. Go on a fabulous package tour with Komodo Touristic to experience authentic local Manggarai village life.

Komodo Touristic, Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Manggarai East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, +62 85 337 234 202, info@komodotouristic.com, www.komodotouristic.com

Sample local plates and delicacies

Get ready for a sensory explosion with delicious local cuisine. Dishes and foods are heavily influenced by Chinese and Javanese cuisine, with a dash of Portuguese taste. There are tons of cafes, restaurants, and street-food markets to get your fill of scrumptious local meal options around Flores. Some delicacies to try to include Nasi Bakar Kolo (smoky, tasty rice dish cooked inside a bamboo stalk over charcoal fire), Se’i Sapi (smoked meat dish), Ikan Kuah Asam (tangy, delicious yellow fish soup), and Roti Kompiang (round sesame seed-topped bun). Pay a visit to Artomoro Restaurant and Grill in Labuan Bajo to try the local cuisine.

Artomoro Restaurant and Grill, Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Flores, Indonesia, +62 811 3823 330, www.artomoro-restaurant.com