Flores Island Indonesia

The island Flores is subdivided into six areas that are called - from the West to the East - Manggarai, Ngada, Ende-Lio, Sikka, Flores Timor and Lembata with their capitals Ruteng, Bajawa, Ende, Maumere, Larantuka and Lewoleba. Characteristic of the island is the remarkable difference in altitude between the mountainous regions (with summits that are between 2100 and 2445 metres high) and the depth of the sea that is partially 5000 metres. Flores has 14 active volcanos and there were some volcanic eruptions in the recent past : Mount Lewotobi (Eastern Flores) in 1938, Mt. Lerek (Lembata) in 1948, Mt. Rokatenda (Palue) in 1964 and Mt. Ia (Ende) in 1969. The strongest earthquake for hundred years has been on December 12th 1992. Volcano Kelimuto and its beautiful three coloured lakes are very famous and well known all over the world.

Climate on Flores Island

Flores island can be subdivided into three areas  regarding to amount of rainfalls: 1. the dry north coast with less than 1.000 mm rain per annum, 2. the central mountains with more than 2.000 mm rain p.a. and 3. the south coast that profits by the rainfall more often. The dry season in the months from mid of April until mid-November. This is the best time for visiting Flores and Komodo island. There is the most sunshine around and little or no rainfall. The average annual temperature is on average 25.3 degrees Celsius. Myflorestour offer you unique and tailormade tours and tour-packages around Flores and Komodo island. Especially the months of August and September are particularly dry with only 2 rainy days a month. The transitional months of April and November still have 6 hours of sunshine but also more rainy days. But that's not a big problem, as the showers are short and heavy. Starting from December until March the monsoon winds coming over the islands with rain in luggage. These months are not so good for an comfortable trip to Flores Island. 

Myflorestour recommend the dry season for your unparallel Flores and Komodo island experience.

Overview for Labuan Bajo on Flores:

April: 32°C, 6h sun, 8 days with rain

May: 31°C, 6h sun, 7 days with rain

June: 30°C, 6h sun, 4 days with rain

July: 31°C, 7h sun, 3 days with rain

August: 30°C, 7h sun, 2 days with rain

September: 31°C, 6h sun, 2 days with rain

October: 31°C, 6h sun, 6 days with rain

November: 31°C, 6h sun, 11 days with rain

Most important cities on Flores island

• Labuan Bajo — launching point for Komodo Island and diving and snorkeling
• Ende — lazy capital of the Island and departure point for ferries to West Timor 
• Maumere — snorkeling / diving hotspot and easiest place to fly in and out of Flores
• Riung — quiet fishing village on the north, gateway to the 17 Islands park.
• Moni — launching point for trek up Mount Kelimutu
• Bajawa — is one of the best areas in Nusa Tenggara to see indigenous architecture in local ethnic minority villages
• Ruteng — ethnic minority center interesting local villages
• Larantuka — port town on the eastern end of the island with a large Catholic community and Portuguese influences

Religion

Flores is almost all Catholic and represents one of the "religious borders" created by the Catholic expansion in the Pacific and the spread of Islam from the west across Indonesia. In other places in Indonesia, such as in Maluku and Sulawesi, the divide is more rigid and has been the source of bloody sectarian clashes. There are many languages spoken on the island of Flores, all of them belonging to the Austronesian family. In the centre of the island in the districts of Ngada and Ende there is what is variously called the Central Flores Dialect Chain or the Central Flores Linkage. Within this area there are slight linguistic differences in almost every village. At least six separate languages are identifiable. These are from west to east: Ngadha, Nage, Keo, Ende, Lio and Palu'e, which is spoken on the island with the same name of the north coast of Flores. Locals would probably also add So'a and Bajawa to this list, which anthropologists have labeled dialects of Ngadha.

Portuguese traders and missionaries came to Flores in the 16th century, mainly to Larantuka and Sikka. Their influence is still discernible in Sikka's language and culture.

Flora on Flores Island

Even the flowery name "Capo of the Flowers" suggests it, not more flowers grow here than in other parts of Indonesia. However, the landscape of Flores is very green. 

Most of the original monsoon forests are today agricultural land. But still if you travel during or close after the rainy season you may think driving through a jungle. This are "gardens" which are jointly managed by the village communities. Many tropical crops, such as coffee, cocoa, bananas, durian, jackfruit, papaya, vanilla, and more grow across messed up and only the community know to differentiate who owns whichever tree or branch. 

In the East of the island long time predominated Alang-Alang grass the landscape but now also these areas are successfully converted into agricultural land. The hillsides are terraced to ensure adequate nutrition of the population. 

In the West near the town of Ruteng, rice fields dominate the landscape and in the East there are still extensive coconut palm groves, whose planting dates back to the era of colonization. Impressive are also the bamboo forests in the vicinity of Bajawa a valuable raw material for the construction of houses 

Fauna on Flores Island

The west coast of Flores is one of the few places, aside from the island of Komodo itself, where the Komodo dragon can be found in the wild. The Flores giant rat is also endemic to the Island. Local reports of elf people, the Ebu Gogo, or the Orang Pendek of Sumatra, have caused speculation that Flores man may have survived into the historical period, or even to the present. The discovery has been published in the October 28, 2004, issue of Nature magazine. Flores was also a habitat of the extinct Stegodon dwarf elephant until approximately 18,000 years ago.

How to get on Flores island?

By air

There are several airports in Flores. The most important and main one is in the city of Maumere named Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport. IATA code: MOF. There are also daily flights between Labuan Bajo, IATA code: LBJ and Denpasar on Bali island. IATA code: DPS.  Plus there are flights between Lombok island International Airport named Bandara Internasional Lombok, IATA: LOP and Kupangs / Timor El Tari Airport. IATA code: KOE).

By boat

Pelni ships operates from Labuan Bajo, Maumere, Larantuka and Ende. They connect the island with other parts of Indonesia. Numerous companies with a lot of boats in all classes serve Flores, including the ASDP ferry from Labuan Bajo to Sape on Sumbawa island. Check the Indonesian Pelni boats website for further details. 

There is a slow daily boat or a fast three times a week boat to the city of Labuan Bajo from Sape on Sumbawa island. The fast boat also goes to Sumba twice a week.

Please note that these trips can cross open waters. My florestour strongly recommend all offers from the companies. There are boats with no navigation or safety equipment other than some lifejackets. That means no radio, flares or life rafts. So require proof of existence of radio equipment, lifejackets and life rafts. Myflorestour works exclusively with reputable providers who reliably fulfill all these points since years.

By bus

Travelling by bus is an alternative and cheap way to get to Flores island. But it is also the longest way. From Mataram on Lombok island is offer a combined ticket which including all buses and ferries costs. The journey takes over 24 hours and has a buffet meal included in the price on Sumbawa island. To the city of Bima on Sumbawa island the bus is 'executive class', while the 2 hours from Bima to Sape are done in a crammed minibus. When bought separately and traveling by local transport, the journey will probably be cheaper, but it requires several interchanges and you should consider whether it's worth the extra time and hassle.

Get around

The cheapest way to get around on Flores island are Bemos. Small vans with seats facing each other. They operate in all main towns. It is an incredible way to see the island and the driving ensures it is an exhilarating ride if you don't mind the heat, dust, and being squashed next to an old dear with a chicken. A distance that looks short on the map can still take hours in reality, so be patient and enjoy the ride.

The trans-Flores island highway is around 700 km long and the average speed on it is 30 km/h. The main towns from west to east are Labuan Bajo -Ruteng -Bajawa-Ende-Maumere and Larantuka will distributed along the road. Travelling between any adjacent pair of those takes 4 to 6 hours and costs around 50000 rp in a normal bus. These buses are usually cramped, old and quite noisy. But most people find them OK for a 5-hour trip. They are also a good way to meet friendly locals. Between some towns there are also more modern vans. Very well known as "travels".  Big Toyota or similiar cars that take 5 passengers. This kind of premium economy class is more expensive but not faster. It is possible to find direct buses Labuanbajo-Bajawa, Bajawa-Maumere and also Ende-Larantuka. It takes at least 10 hours. Travelling at night is not recommended due to road conditions.

Some travelers choose to buy their own motorbike or rent one in Bali and travel through Nusa Tenggara. It is possible to find boats that take motorbikes between the islands In most of the towns in Flores, it is possible to rent a motorbike or scooters for only one day or a longer period of times. Prices and availability vary. 

If you are in Flores and want to travel between Maumere - Ende - Ruteng - Labuan Bajo myflorestour recommends Gunung Mas. We know them as avery reliable transport company for this way. Their buses are pretty new, comfortable, not overbooked and with A/C. Actually, they travel on schedule and have English speaking drivers. Most locals do not speak english. For all your other ways around Flores and Komodo island you better book a local guide like my florestour for example.

Gunung Mas office Labuan Bajo – phone number: 0852 393 22000

Flores is a beautiful island with great landscapes and stunning views. So it is worth to get a bit more life quality. So read more about our reliable and very experienced, english speaking driver and tour-guides.

Eat 

Myflorestour recommend you as a break:

Sunset food, Ahuwair village 28 km east of maumere larantuka road

 ☎ +6282147687254. Delicious and fresh food, nice vegetable curry, homemade spice special food from 

Drink 

If you come to the city Ende, be sure to try their kind of Indonesian coffee 'Kopi Ende'. It is coffee beans and ginger toasted together and brewed like normal coffee.

Stay safe

On Flores island you can find different hospitals called "Rumah Sakit". Additionally some health stations called "Puskesmas".  Myflorestour recommend the hospital are in the city Cancar near Ruteng. Locatedin the western part of Flores Island. Furthermore the hospital a in the city of Lela near Maumere. Located in the eastern part of Flores island. Do NOT drink the water…. you might get TYPHOID! 

Highlight to see

Bena village, Ngada district. Famous traditional village formed from and with megalitic stones. The village consists of two parallel rows of traditional, high thatch-roofed houses. Highly visible in the center of the village are ngadhu and bhaga, pairs of shrines – one for each clan of the village – representing the clan’s ancestors. The ngadhu is an anthropomorphic umbrella-like pole embodying the male ancestor of a clan. The trunk is decorated with carvings and is topped with a warrior-like figure. The ngadhu symbolizes fierceness and virility. After a new ngadhu has been carved out of a special tree, the men of the village carry the pole in a ceremonial way into the village. Experience ancient culture and tradition of an almost forgotten people of this region with many small villages like Bena village. You can buy traditional handmade artifacts such as ikat or machete style knife -parang. 

Myflorestour offer you tailormade tours to Bena village with an english speaking local guide and driver who can show you around there. We also offer you very comfortable pick up in AC quality cars from Labuan Bajo or Maumere airport straight to your hotel. The widest Indonesian smile of all our drivers is free😊

Waerebo Village

Waerebo Village is an old, traditional village at 1200 meters above sea level, where the life of the Manggarai people is in the foreground. After a 9 km hike through dense green, you and your guide will stand 3-4 hours later in the middle of the village in the mountains and experience just a tiny little bit of Manggarais life.

The village consists mainly of 7 so-called Mbaru Niangs, the round conical houses built of bamboo, wood and grass. Four of these houses were recently restored when architects from Jakarta under the direction of the Indonesian government renovated the Manggarai's habitat. A house accommodates about 6-8 families.

The spiritual round house is the heart of each house. It is the center in which the ceremonies are held and what the storage of the sacred drums serving. The spiritual house is made of palm fibres.

During your visit, you will not only get to know the daily routine of the Manggarai, but you will become part of your everyday life. Day by day, the they are busy with the coffee harvest and processing of the beans, some women are dedicated to weaving. In order to be fully involved, you can spend the night on a thin mat in the round houses, giving you a perfect impression of life on the spot.

Myflorestour offer you tailormade tours to Waerebo village with an english speaking local guide and driver who can show you around there. We also offer you very comfortable pick up in AC quality cars from Labuan Bajo or Maumere airport straight to your hotel. The widest Indonesian smile of all our drivers is free😊

Myflorestour Insider-tips for traveling to Waerebo Village

Tip # 1: It makes sense to start your tour including hike early in the morning. We recommend  spend one night after arrival 

Tip # 2: Take enough water and sun protection for the three- to four-hour hike. During the hike, you can take a relaxing break at three spots. In addition to these essentials, rainwear is also an advantage as it can be very cold.

Tip # 3: Comfortable hiking boots are definitely a must! The path leads steeper, sometimes less steep along small paths.

Tip # 4: Once in the village, wait for your welcome ceremony in the main building. Only when this is over, you have the permission to take pictures. You are officially welcome to the village according to this traditional custom.

Flores Kelimutu National Park - Facts

Approximately 50 km east of the city Ende is the famous Kelimutu National Park. The area of the park is home to the Kelimutu volcano, including three different colored crater lakes. The volcano Kelimutu has made it to the list of Ribu's in Indonesia, a list of mountains that rise higher than 1000 meters. The word Keli means "mountain" and Mutu means "boiling". However, the volcano is not famous for its eruptive activity, the last recorded eruption occurred in 1968.

One of the crater lakes is a little isolated about 1 km west from the other two, only separated by a small rock face, lakes. The single lake Tibu Ata Mbupu was initially dark blue to almost black, briefly whitish-green and is currently colored black again. He is called the lake of the ancients.

The two adjacent lakes are once the Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai - the children's lake - and the Tiwu Ata Polo, the enchanted lake. The former used to appear in turquoise color, then turned dark blue and is now dark green. The polo lake, however, turned from red to dinky green and now deep brown.

It is not a mystery that the colors of the individual lakes change color, but rather because of the activity of the volcano and the detachment of certain minerals due to the penetration of the water into the deeper layers of rock. The locals, however, follow their belief that the souls moving around are responsible for the color changes.

Flores Kelimutu National Park - Accommodation

During your trip to Kelimutu National Park, it is advisable to move to the small village of Moni. The name village is almost exaggerated, since Moni really has only a small thoroughfare with a few simple accommodations, two three restaurants, a church and some locals, including their small buildings. And that's exactly what made Moni really charming for us. Idyllic in the middle of the green, time has stopped in Moni.

In Moni, you can expect more expensive prices when it comes to overnight accommodation. More expensive than Labuan Bajo for example. Also, you should really book early. Since the selection here is very limited, the hostels are booked quickly, especially in the high season.

Myflorestour recommend the following accommodations for Moni:

Mahoni Guesthouse, Moni

The small Mahoni Guesthouse * is located on the main street, it is home to up to four people. The owner is super friendly and is currently rebuilding another room. The rooms are simple but clean. A small breakfast including delicious banana pancakes is available.

Bintang Lodge, Moni

Bintang Lodge is located on the main road and has a few more rooms than Mahoni Guesthouse. The rooms are spacious, bright, clean and have hot water showers, depending on the price range. Bintang Lodge is a bit  more expensive than the Mahoni Hostel, but it is worth it.

Eating in Moni

The selection of restaurants in Moni is quite poor. And the highlight here is the Mopi's. Almost every afternoon we came here for coffee and porridge, which is brought either with milk or soy milk. There is pleasant music and in the evening the whole village feels here. The dishes are delicious and freshmade. And there are also constantly changing daily specials. Definitely worth a visit.

Myflorestour tips for Kelimutu National park

# 1: Ceremonies at Kelimutu

Each year, locals gather around Kelimutu National Park in mid-August to hold their annual ceremonies. They all play on the platform between the lakes and perform traditional dances, sing and celebrate in a traditional way. If you want to be part of it, plan your trip at this time.

# 3: Warm clothes!

Warm clothes are a must, especially on sunrise tours. It can be cold here at night and in the first morning hours.

Kopi Bajawa Flores

You should visit Kopi Bajawa in Flores, Indonesia for several compelling reasons:

Exceptional Coffee Quality: Bajawa is renowned for producing some of the finest coffee in Indonesia. The Arabica beans grown here have a unique flavor profile, described as sweet and chocolatey with floral notes and a subtle tobacco aroma

The high-altitude cultivation (1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level) and careful processing contribute to its exceptional quality

Sustainable and Organic Production: Bajawa coffee is grown without fertilizers or pesticides, and the beans are hand-picked and wet-processed. This sustainable approach not only produces excellent coffee but also supports environmentally friendly farming practices

Cultural Experience: Visiting Bajawa offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local coffee culture. You can explore traditional villages, interact with farmers, and witness the coffee production process firsthand

Scenic Beauty: The coffee plantations are set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes, including the majestic Mount Inerie volcano. This provides not only great coffee but also breathtaking views

Limited Availability: Due to limited production, authentic Kopi Bajawa can be challenging to find outside Indonesia. Visiting Bajawa gives you the opportunity to taste this rare and sought-after coffee at its source

Supporting Local Communities: By visiting and purchasing coffee directly from Bajawa, you're supporting local farmers and contributing to the region's economy

Unique Travel Experience: Bajawa offers a blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and world-class coffee, making it a distinctive destination for both coffee enthusiasts and travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences

In summary, a visit to Kopi Bajawa in Flores promises not just exceptional coffee, but also a rich cultural experience, stunning natural beauty, and the opportunity to support sustainable, local coffee production.

Tenun Ikat Sikka handvoven textiles

MyFlorestour is proud to introduce you to protected cultural tradition and local authenticity. Tenun Ikat Sikka products have a "GI", a geographical indication status. This guarantees you, as a buyer, the regional origin and regularly strictly controlled quality of all products. More information can be found under this link: 

https://www.ige.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/recht/entwicklungszusammenarbeit/Brochure_Sikka_Ikat.pdf

Take a closer look at the supporters' video: https://youtu.be/HZQ7MKyC5n0?si=mxn0dFRZpYfn86o1

Why you should visit Tenun Ikat Sikka?

Visiting Tenun Ikat Sikka on the island of Flores, Indonesia, offers a unique cultural experience and insight into the rich heritage of traditional weaving. Here are several compelling reasons to consider this destination:

Cultural Significance

The Tenun Ikat Sikka fabric is not just a textile; it embodies the cultural identity of the Sikka community. This traditional weaving technique is a vital part of local customs and rituals, often used in ceremonies and celebrations. Engaging with the artisans and learning about their craft provides a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions.

Unique Craftsmanship

The process of creating Tenun Ikat involves intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations. Each piece is handwoven and dyed, resulting in unique patterns and colors that reflect the natural environment and cultural stories of the region. Visitors can appreciate the skill and artistry involved in this traditional craft, which is increasingly gaining recognition in the fashion industry.

Scenic Location

Flores itself is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and traditional villages. The area around Sikka offers beautiful scenery that enhances the experience of visiting the weaving centers. The combination of cultural immersion and natural beauty makes for an enriching travel experience.

Economic Impact

Supporting the Tenun Ikat Sikka industry contributes to the local economy and helps sustain traditional practices. By purchasing these textiles, visitors can play a role in preserving this cultural heritage while also providing livelihoods for local artisans.

Community Engagement

Visiting Tenun Ikat Sikka allows for personal interactions with the local community. Many weaving centers welcome visitors to observe the weaving process, participate in workshops, and learn directly from the artisans. This engagement fosters a deeper connection to the culture and provides a more meaningful travel experience.

In summary, a visit to Tenun Ikat Sikka not only offers a chance to explore exquisite textiles but also allows for cultural exchange, community support, and appreciation of the stunning landscapes of Flores.

What makes Tenun Ikat Sikka unique compared to other Indonesian fabrics?

Geographical Indication (GI) Status

Tenun Ikat Sikka has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status since 2017, which recognizes its origin from the Sikka region on Flores Island and ensures the authenticity and quality of the fabric. This status highlights the cultural and historical significance of the textile, distinguishing it from other Indonesian fabrics.

Traditional Techniques

The fabric is created using a traditional ikat weaving technique, which involves hand-weaving colorful threads to form intricate patterns. This method is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Eastern Indonesia and Timor Leste, making Tenun Ikat Sikka a representation of the region's artisanal skills and traditions.

Cultural Importance

Tenun Ikat Sikka plays a vital role in the social life of the Sikka community. It is not just a fabric but a cultural artifact used in various ceremonies and rituals. The patterns and motifs often carry symbolic meanings and reflect the community's history and beliefs.

Unique Patterns and Motifs

The patterns of Tenun Ikat Sikka are distinctive and often feature motifs that are unique to the Sikka region. These designs are influenced by local flora, fauna, and cultural stories, setting them apart from other Indonesian ikat fabrics which may have different regional influences and styles.

Additional information about the island of Flores Indonesia

Depending on how much time you can spare for the island, Flores offers other highlights besides our highlights like the Komodo National Park, Waerebo Village and Moni.

Experience the central city of Ruteng - about 4 hours east of Labuan Bajo - rice fields as far as you can see. The cobweb-shaped fields of Cancar are worth a visit and are about 30 minutes outside the small town. Asked a few locals, you will quickly find the entrance to the huge rice fields and, with a little luck, be enlightened by a local about the history of the terraces.

In Bajawa, which is located about 120 km west of the city of Ende, traditions are in the foreground. Bajawa, with more than 40,000 inhabitants, has a slightly larger choice of accommodation, but it remains fairly basic. Here are traditional villages such as Bean, about 16km south, worth a visit - just swing on the scooter and explore the surrounding area.

Maumere offers untouched stretches of beach, beautiful sea views and a few hours to unwind.  So, it can be the perfect ending of your Flores island tour.

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