Highlights
Flores Highlight Attractions
Snake Valley (Istana Ular)
The snake valley – "Istana Ular" is located in a river valley 7 km north-east of Lembor or around 70 km from Labuan Bajo. It is the shared home to reticulated pythons and bats. Pythons and thousand of bats are residing in the cave. Visitors have a good chance to observe snakes in the river valley and around the cave entrance area.
Excursion to Istana Ular is recommended for adventurous visitors who are interested in meeting with snakes.
The snake valley provides a unique opportunity to see snakes in their natural habitat. Because of its location this excursion is only recommended to reasonably fit and adventurous visitors. Moderately challenging, this destination offers good trekking in a remote and rarely visited area of West Flores. The relationship of pythons residing in the snake cave with the local population is shrouded in historical fact intermixed with mythical tales.
Under no circumstances should visitors undertake snake valley excursion without the services of an experienced tour guide. This excursion can not be undertaken in periods of heavy rainfall since the crossing of the river will be impossible/too dangerous.
Sano Nggoang Volcanic Lake
Sano Nggoang Volcanic Lake is located approximately 35 km east of Labuan Bajo. It is thought to be one of the deepest volcanic crater lakes in the world with recorded depths of 500 meter. Its waters are sulfuric and fed by numerous hot springs.Sano Nggoang is surrounded by beautiful rural and agriculture traditional villages which rich in local culture.
At the moment, there are no local guides in Sano Nggoang. Guide services should be organized before your departure from Labuan Bajo. Remarkably simple and untouched by modern life, the lake area offers much experiences for eco tourism minded tourists such as: hiking and trekking, swimming, therapeutic soaks in local hot springs, bike tours (we could arrange it to you), local horse excursions along the shoreline.Not only that, in Sano Nggoang the bird watching activities and flora and fauna explorations also very suitable to be done.
Local people made handicrafts which based on their traditions. They have their traditional dances and local traditional ceremonies as well.
To reach Sano Nggoang Volcanic Lake, you can follow the main road from Labuan Bajo to Ruteng. At the crossroads after approximately 35 km turn right in the direction of Werang. The distance from the intersection to Werang is approximately 10.5 km and it is a further 16.5 km from Werang to the actual lake shore. Please note that the road condition is poor beginning from the main road's intersection and can be difficult to pass during the rainy season.
Ruteng
Ruteng is a small town on the western end of Flores Island, Indonesia. It is the capital of West Manggarai regency. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic, but still preserve the ancient Manggarai custom of caci (whip fighting), which is usually practiced at weddings, and serves as a tourist attraction.
Ruteng is a Hinterland east of the port area of Labuhan Bajo and close to the other ports of West Manggarai regency and it really another 'passing through' area in Flores's western area. Whether you area heading to Komodo and the eastern islands of extensive protected wildlife and or towards the east in search of incredible peaks and mountains it is likely that you will find Ruteng a convenient stopping point. Ruteng is a beautiful place to explore when passing trough or residing in any of the coastal area in the west, southwest and northwest of the Flores Island.
Ruteng is a town that deals will the export of the tropical fruits and vegetables from which the farmers of its surrounding areas produce as the largest industry and traditional of the area. Beautiful traditional villages surround the large town, these villages extend high into the mountains offering cooler and more humid mountain fresh climates with amazing sunrise views and the ability to grow and sustain a larger selection of crops. crops here include Pineapple, cinnamon, cloves, sweet potato and many other spices and fruits.
Riung 17 Islands Marine Park
Riung village, on the coast north of Bajawa, offers beautiful coral gardens in the Seventeen Island National Reserve, as well as thousands of flying foxes.
The National Park, Pulau Tujuhbelas (Seventeen Islands), in fact has more than 20 islands, but, in a gesture of patriotism, the number was declared to 17, to conform to Indonesia's Independence Day, August 17.
The biggest island is Pulau Ontoloe which is hilly, covered with short grass and a few trees, and fringed with mangroves. On the north coast of Ontoloe Island, the large fruit-eating bats called flying foxes mass in which the mangrove tress. Riung is a small fishing village on the north coast of Ngada district, which gives access to the 17 Islands Marine Park. Some of the islands have beautifully white, sandy beaches, and offer great snorkelling with good reefs and interesting sea life. Boats can be arranged from every hotel in town, and there are several dive masters in Riung to take you on interesting dives. If snorkelling or diving is not your thing, fishing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters is another option. A visit to Flying Fox Island gives you the opportunity to see these animals as they fly when the sun sets.
Rinca Island
Rincah, also known as Rinca and Rindja, is a small island near Komodo island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The island is famous for komodo dragons, giant lizards that can measure up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) long. Rincah is also populated with many other species such as wild pigs, buffalos and many birds.
Being less known and less visited than Komodo it is an excellent place to see the Komodo Dragon in its natural environment with fewer people to disturb them. Day trips can be arranged from Labuanbajo on Flores by small boat at the park headquarters.
The island's area is 198 square kilometres (76 sq mi).
Rinca and Komodo bracket a north-south passage between the Indian Ocean and the Flores Sea. Due to the large bodies of water and narrow gap, the waters between Rinca and Komodo are subject to whirlpools and currents in excess of 10 knots.
Mt Inerie
Mount Inerie is one of the most popular peaks in Flores and its beautiful pyramid shape is clearly visible for many, many miles around. It has not erupted for many centuries but has an incredibly impressive crater. It looks incredibly steep and there is indeed a reasonable amount of volcanic scree to negotiate but if hiking up the conventional route it is reasonably straightforward, although gloves are a very good idea because a slip could lead to cuts and grazes on your hands.
The 2.5 to 4 hour trek to the summit is usually started in Watumeze village (1,100m) which is just 15 to 20 minutes by car from the nearby town of Bajawa. It is a good idea to start this hike early in the morning (leave Bajawa at 5 am, start hiking at around 5:30 to 6 am) because there is no shade on the hike, and sunny weather can make it very hot as you climb the eastern slope. This is one of the few mountains in Flores where you might actually meet other hikers (apart from Kelimutu of course!) The trail leads past several bamboo houses before ascending up what looks to be grassy hillside but is covered in small rocks making walking a little less easy than you might expect. The grass continues way up the mountainside, getting rougher as you get higher up. You enter a patch of trees at around 1,810 m, but above them the more serious climbing up the side of the rocky cone properly begins. There are some deep ravines either side of the trail but route-finding is straightforward and the climb is not dangerous – at least on the way up.
Mt Egon
Mount Egon (Gunung Egon, sometimes also called Gunung Namang) is a stratovolcano located in the southeastern part of the island of Flores, Indonesia in the area of Maumere bay. A landslide during the eruption on 29 January 2004 forced 6,000 people to evacuate the area. Activity of Gunung Egon on 15 April 2008 forced thousands of people to evacuate. Quakes and fumes from the volcano have been occurring in November 2010, one of 11 volcanoes in Indonesia on the highest level alert.
Mount Egon is a very active volcano and is one of the most popular hikes on Flores. The last major eruption was in 2008 and it covered sections of the trail with ash and debris making it difficult to find. Thankfully the trail is now reasonably clear once more but finding the start of the trail (beyond Blidit village at 788m) is difficult without a GPS or local guide because there is no signpost whatsoever! It takes about 1 hour to reach by car from Maumere – head east on the main road towards Larantuka and take the road leading up the hillside at Waigete (WGT on road markers) which does actually have a signpost for Gunung Egon, alebit only visible from the eastern side. This road leads up to the starting point 8km up the hillside which is home to some of the friendliest locals in Flores. Expect lots of greetings!
Mt Ebulobo
If you're travelling across Flores, the relatively easy hike to the summit of Ebulobo is an excellent reason to stop for a night in Boawe on the road between Bajawa (to the west) and Ende ( to the east). The village of Molakoli (925 m) is the starting point for the hike. It takes around 2 hours to hike through pleasant forest, before you emerge from the trees for a final 30 to 40 minutes climb to the rocky and interesting summit. On clear days you get great views of the valley around Boawe and west to the conical summit of Inerie. Start the hike early, but there's no need to climb for sunrise, and it's probably not possible to find a guide before 5:30 am. The information in the 2010 Lonely Planet is almost entirely inaccurate.
At the end of the paved road in the village, turn right at the T-junction and proceed along the road for about 100 m. You'll then cut past a few houses, including a traditional style house, just before entering the forest and starting the climb. The trail is very steep for about 15 or 20 minutes, but then the trail has a more moderate gradient for all the way to the edge of the forest. After about 30 minutes, there is a clearing in the trees and you can see west towards Bajawa and Inerie towering above the other hills with it's distinctive summit. After 2 hours of steady hiking you should reach the abrupt edge of the forest at 1,785 m elevation. It's deceptive, and you still have another 400 m elevation gain to the summit area. The rocky climb is a little steep than in the forest, but the rocks are not lose and hiking is easy.
Moni village
Moni is a small settlement at the foot of the volcanic Mount Kelimutu on the island of Flores in Indonesia. It is a good base for a trip to the coloured lakes of the volcano.
Moni can be reached by minibus from Labuanbajo. It is a cramped trip but the scenery is breathtaking. It is also possible to hire a car and guide to take you across the island. Do let us know if you're interested in it.
To get up to the volcano it is possible to hire a minibus, or you can simply hike. Try taking the bus up and then walking down through the gorgeous villages.
Ikats weaving is one of the most attractive to see in the area of Moni, Take a walk to Jopu villages where you can see how the process of Ikat weaving. Along the routes between Moni and Jopu is the most beautiful view on the area, take walk all the way to Jopu and on the way back take a bus ride from Jopu to Moni.
Maumere
Maumere is the largest town in Flores and is a port in the north of the region. Its equidistant location between Ende and Larantuka make it an excellent stop over location with an interesting and different attraction from most of the areas. Firstly Maumere has been for a long time the center for divers in the area and offers some excellent diving and snorkeling particular within the Maumere bay. here there area corals and fish that attract all manner of divers, snorkelers and other people interested in marine life and conservation. true to be said the the close by region of Flores offers much more diverse and incredible diving in terms of exclusive and large creatures but Maumere offers much safer conditions and beautiful seabed scrapes of colors and texture that make for some very pleasing and enjoyable diving.
Lembata
Lembata is an island in the Lesser Sunda Islands, formerly known as Lomblen island, is the largest island of the Solor Archipelago, in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. It forms part of the province of Nusa Tenggara Timur. The length of the island is about 80 km from the Southwest to the Northeast and the width is about 30 km from the West to the East. It rises to a height of 1533 m.
To the west lie the other islands in the archipelago, most notably Solor and Adonara, and then the larger island of Flores. To the east is the Alor Strait, which separates this archipelago from the Alor Archipelago. To the south across the Savu Sea lies the island of Timor, while to the north the western branch of the Banda Sea separates it from Buton and the other islands of Southeast Sulawesi.
The capital city Lewoleba (also known as Labala) is found on the Western part of the island alongside a huge bay facing the Ilê Ape volcano in the North. Ships frequently connect the coastal towns and surrounding islands, but the only bigger harbour exists at Lewoleba in the North of the island. From Lewoleba there are daily connections to Larantuka, Flores, and Waiwerang on the neighbouring island of Adonara.
Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is a small and pretty harbor on the western-most tip of the island of Flores and is your entry point to the Komodo National Park (KNP) and the wonders of the island of Flores. At sunset. Labuan Bajo offers spectacular scenery as the many small islands that face this harbor silhouette dramatically against the darkening sea, creating a most magical effect.
With growing numbers of tourists travelling to Komodo and Flores, more star-rated hotels are now available. Prices of strategic lands have increased as the strong tourism potential around Labuan Bajo attracts major investors.
With the established of the regional administration in Labuan Bajo, transportation access to Labuan Bajo, by land, sea and air continue to be enhanced. Numerous economic and tourism developments are now in an advanced planning stage or under construction in West Manggarai. Labuanbajo, also spelled Labuhanbajo, is a city at the tip of Flores Island in Indonesia. It is the launching point for trips to Komodo Island and Rinca Island to see Komodo dragons and the surrounding sea is idyllic for diving and snorkeling. Nearby Seraya Island is a great opportunity to do some diving and snorkeling and every evening at Kalong Island thousands of flying fox bats put on an amazing display.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.
About Komodo Dragon
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb). Their unusual size has been attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live.
Kelimutu
Kelimutu is a volcano, close to the town of Moni in central Flores Island of Indonesia containing three summit crater lakes of varying colors. Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People) is usually blue and is the westernmost of the three lakes. The other two lakes, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) and Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched or Enchanted Lake) are separated by a shared crater wall and are typically green or red in color, respectively. The lake colors do vary on a periodic basis. Subaqueous fumaroles are the probable cause of active upwelling that occurs at the two eastern lakes.
The lake have been a source of minor phreatic eruptions in historical time. The summit of the compound 1639-m-high Kelimutu volcano is elongated two km in a WNW-ESE direction; the older cones of Kelido and Kelibara are located respectively three km to the north and two km to the south. The scenic lakes are a popular tourist destination. Keli Mutu is also of interest to geologists because the three lakes are different colors yet reside at the crest of the same volcano.
Ende
Ende is the capital of the Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. Ende is located on the southern coast of Flores Island. The city has a population of 60,000 residents.
Ende was the site of a kingdom that existed around the end of 18th century. The people of the area therefore known as Lio-Ende people. For many decades Ende has been a center of government, trade, education, and political activities.
Rebellion against the Dutch was led by a certain Nipa Do known as the wars of Watu Api and Mari Longa (1916-1917). In 1934, the nationalist leader, Soekarno, who later became Indonesia's first president was exiled to Ende by the Dutch colonial government.
The Bung Karno Museum is the old house occupied by Soekarno during his years of exile in Ende. Most of the old furniture are still there. While was exiled in Ende, Soekarno wrote and held several plays, together with Tomel Kelimutu Theatre Group. Among the plays were Rendorua Ola Nggera Nusa (Rendo that stirred the archipelago) and Doctor Satan, a revision on the story of Dr. Frankenstein.
Cunca Rami Waterfall
Cunca Rami is one of new west Flores tourist destination that was concept special for eco tourism activities is supported by natural resource on this region. The area has many interesting to do activities with trek or hiking to reach.
A nice day trip is the scenic drive from Labuan Bajo to Werang, which takes you north through West Flores's countryside.
Some 35km from Labuan Bajo you will come to the crossroad to Werang, where you turn right. Only the first half of the road is paved, the second half of the extremely scenic road might be rough. Nevertheless once you arrive at Werang and you start your hike through local villages and agricultural communities you will feel that it was well worth the journey.The trail leads you through various villages and later it stretches out to open farmlands, water buffalos, pigs and goats herding freely in the fields.
You can also observe the various stages of rice cultivation throughout the trail and the traditional drying methods. Also keep out an eye for banana, cacao, vanilla and avocado plantations, as in this area everything grows and prospers.
Compang Ruteng
A compang is a stone altar usually found in the yards of traditional homes of the Manggarai community. The Compang is the center of traditional ceremonies, among which is the penti, a ceremony to thank God for a bountiful harvest. Water buffalos and cows are tied to this Compang to be subsequently sacrificed.
The Compang Ruteng is located in the center of the Ruteng Pu'u village in Golo Dukal sub-district, Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The stone Compang and the yards surrounding it are on higher ground than the local homes. A Beringin tree (Ficus Benjamina), locally known as a Ruteng, once grew in the center of the Compang. The tree is no longer there and is now replaced by a Dadap tree. To its east, the Compang has two local traditional tall houses with sharp roofs.
Bena village
An unpaved road of about 10 kilometers runs from Langa around the foot of Gunung Inerie. It descends towards Bena and offers a panoramic view over the cult-structures ngadhu, bhaga and peo. Bena is the center of the traditional religion of the area. There are no metal roofs here. Visitors still have to report in the visitor log.
The yearly reba-cycle starts in Bena on 26 December and then continues to other villages. Other rituals in connection to the agricultural cycle are held as well: the zoa-planting ritual in September or October, and the keti kua ritual in April or May. Another event, the uma moni or ana koka, is an honor to the ancestors which planted here first. At this event, a water buffalo is sacrificed.
The traditional houses of the Bena have steep, high roofs of grass. Some are crowned with the image of a warrior with a javelin and a parang, which looks like the one on the ngadhu; others with miniature houses which look like the bhaga. There are also several megalithic stones, sacrificing-or meeting places where the village elderly make their decisions which have anything to do with the relations with the supernatural.
At the end of the village you can find a shrine to Maria on a small hill, under a huge tree. There you can overview the Savu Sea. Near the entrance to the village a pension was built not too long ago.
Batu Cermin
Batu Cermin (lit. Mirror Rock) is the limestone Mirror Rock that gives this outcrop its name. Depending on the time of year the sun shines into the canyon between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and is reflected on the walls. This creates a spectacular visual effect.
Batu Cermin is located 4 km east of Labuan Bajo, an impressive prominent rock formation near a series of caves. Batu Cermin is also home to interesting local flora and animals, including monkeys that frequent sighted in this area. The excellent panoramic view of the mainland area and the islands near Labuan Bajo can be seen while you're here, but please do not forget to bring a flashlight to view the inverted perches of the bats. The Batu Cermin caves are home to many bats. The main cave of Batu Cermin is located at the centre. A ladder walkway connects the central area where the main cave is located. The walkway leads through a series of chambers before opening into the main narrow canyon of the "Mirror Rock".Observe bats and spiders in the caves. While bats are found in abundance, you have to be very lucky to see the local spiders who, when approached, quickly scamper out of sight.
Suggestion: Bring your own water, food and flash light. Batu Cermin offers a pleasant morning or afternoon trip.
Bajawa
Bajawa is a hinterland town for nearby harbors and is part of the coffee making system of this area. Located in the middle of Flores although close to the coasts, Bajawa is a highland village in the centre of a ring of mountains. Bajawa is a lovely little pace and well worth a visit if you are staying in any of the surrounding villages or passing through. This is due to the nearby volcanoes, the gorgeous hot springs and the surrounding villages that area of particular interest.
These surrounding village have retained there unique traditions and social practices that are refreshing to view and consider, particularly the village of Ngada. Ngada is of particular interest in physical village set up and the culture within. Firstly the village consists of Indonesian style thatched huts that although are common in Indonesia, here area arranged and presented in a different way.
The distinctive layout is formed around rows of huts comprised of Bamboo and thatched roofs located around a inner courtyard. There are many stone alters that are the meeting place of spiritual and sacrifice ceremonies. Usually it is a large animal such as a buffalo or a cow that is scarified at one of the two poles, the first for the female part of their traditions and the other for that of the male. Each house has an elaborate thatched roof that begins at a normal angle before turning into an extremely steep angle up to the point in the middle. At the top of the roof there is invariably either a figure of a man with a spear or a small birdhouse sized house.
Special Tour A
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Description :Special Tour B
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