Flores Island, the name Flores is derived from the name “Flowers” or flora name derived from Portuguese. The island is inhabited of almost 95% catholics which represents one of the most “Catholic Borders”.

In 16th Century, the missionaries and Portuguese traders came to the island of Flores, especially to sikka and Larantuka.

There Sikka language and culture were adopted by the people of Flores Island . The island is composed of many languages but only six languages are identifiable and separated such as Keo, Ende, Palu’e, Nage, and Ngadha.

The island is also divided into 8 districts which are the Manggarai, Ngada, West Manggarai, Ende, East Manggarai, East Flores, Sikka, and Nagekeo.

This fascinating island is surrounded by strings of volcanoes including Mount Kelimutu and Egon volcano, sparkling white beaches including the pink sand beach.

Aside from that, there are some interesting activities that you can do during your vacation in the Island.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling is the most recommended activity in the place especially Riung and Komodo.

The Underwater life is also one of the unique adventures on the Island. Diving in Komodo Pristine seas where divers find themselves swimming along with dugongs, dolphins, whales passing at the Flores East and the manta rays, trekking in Rinca island and explore the pink beach.

Witness the Caci traditional dance in Melo Village that is performed by Manggarai.  Where and what to eat? In the simple village of Ahuwair, there is a eatery that serves delicious food such as vegetable curry and sunset spice, their specialty.

There is also a Kopi Ende where you can relax and chill, they serve Indonesian coffee and brewed coffee.

The accommodation facilities that Flores can provide to the visitors are the following, Komodo Resort, Rima Hotel, Angel Island Resort, Hotel Sabana and Hotel Isla de Flores. To reach the Flores Island you can go by air, by bus and by boat. By bus, from Mataram Lombok, it takes over 24 hours that costs you Rp. 225,000 to Bima.

It takes 2 hours to travel from Bima to Sabe to reach the island. By Boat, In Maumere, Ende, Larantuka and Labuan Bajo there are a Pelni ships which takes 4 days sailing trip going to Flores. By air, there are daily flights between IATA: LBJ and Bali, Labuanbajo, Kupang Timor El Tari airport, Lombok International airport and the main one is the Maumere for 650,000 to over 1,000,000 Rupiah which is the fastest and the simplest option.

The best on the Flores  Island 

Kelimutu Volcano: “Kelimutu Volcano is considered to be one of the 7 wonders of nature despite the fact that the lakes and volcano are not well-known outside Asia.”

A volcano shows different colors that are found in the three striking summit crater lakes. The Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched or Enchanted Lake) is the westernmost in the three lakes with a blue color water.

The Tiwu Ata Bupu (Lake of Old People) and the Two Ko’o Fai Nuwa Muri (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) is commonly a red or green color that separated in a shared crater lake.

The first things the visitors do is to trek and hike around the mountain. You can walk all the way back down to Moni if you want and you can explore the stunning three lakes. The incredible boiling lake that is most visited by tourist, they can see at the surface of the lake the wreaths of steam that rise from the volcano.

Enjoy feeding the monkeys you’ll encounter on your way down from the mountain peak. Entertain yourself by finding local villages surrounded by wondrous scenery and landscapes. Do a Snorkelling and Scuba diving in Flores diving center.

Explore the beautiful paradise of Kanawa island and enjoy watching the shark diving “Red Whale” in the dive club of Flores. Visit the hidden beautiful Waterfalls and Hot springs.

In addition to this, there are some local stalls and there are few restaurants available in this place, there is a drink seller in the crater too.

The best place that you can stay that close to the Volcano are the Kelimutu Crater Lakes Eco Lodge, is one of the recommended places near at Kelimutu.

They have a very nice, organized and clean rooms, good service and friendly staff. The food and accommodation are not too expensive.

Upon arrival to any of those places you may start your journey by riding a bus for almost 4 hours to Moni and 45 minutes to reach the lip of Kelimutu. Reminder to those who want to visit the place:

Always pack enough food and water in your backpack to avoid starvation. Bring an extra clothes and comfortable shoes for climbing.