Top 22 Things to Do in Flores, Indonesia
1. Hike Padar Island
Kick off your Flores adventure with a sunrise trek up Padar Island for sweeping views and colorful beaches—black, white, and pink. A must-do near Labuan Bajo.
2. Meet the Komodo Dragons
Head to Komodo or Rinca Island to see the legendary Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat—one of the few places on Earth where they still roam free.
3. Dive at Kanawa Island
Dive into Kanawa Island’s vibrant underwater world, home to coral gardens, turtles, and reef sharks—perfect for divers and snorkelers.
4. Snorkel at Bidadari Island
Just a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo, this small island offers calm waters full of fish, sea snakes, and coral. A peaceful snorkeling haven.
5. Swim in Rangko Cave
Swim in the crystal-clear saltwater pool inside Rangko Cave. A hidden natural gem surrounded by limestone cliffs, just outside Labuan Bajo.
6. Snorkel at Rangko Beach
Right in front of Rangko Cave lies a quiet beach with colorful coral reefs and a vibrant underwater world. Perfect for snorkeling and spotting schools of tropical fish.
7. Watch Flying Foxes at Sunset
Visit Kalong Island at dusk to watch thousands of giant bats fly out over the mangroves as the sky turns orange. A magical, unforgettable moment.
8. Cool Off at Cunca Wulang Waterfall
Trek through lush forest to find this cliff-ringed waterfall and plunge pool. Brave enough to cliff-jump? Go for it!
9. Explore Riung 17 Islands Marine Park
Escape the crowds in this quiet marine park filled with untouched islands and colorful reefs. Ideal for snorkeling, island hopping, and nature lovers.
10. Admire Kelimutu’s Color-Changing Lakes
Head inland to see the famous three-colored crater lakes of Kelimutu—each a different hue and constantly shifting. Go at sunrise for the best view.
11. Trek to Wae Rebo Village
Hike to this remote mountain village to meet the Manggarai people and experience life in traditional cone-shaped houses. Stay overnight for the full experience.
12. Experience the Penti Festival
If you’re in Wae Rebo at the right time, join the Penti Festival—a spiritual celebration of harvest, featuring music, rituals, and Caci whip dancing.
13. Watch the Caci Dance
See this unique whip-fighting performance where men in traditional dress duel with rhythm and style—an ancient part of Manggarai culture.
14. Marvel at the Spider Web Rice Fields
In Cancar, discover fields designed in a fascinating spider web pattern, used for generations to divide land among families.
15. Explore the Hobbit Cave (Liang Bua)
Step into prehistory at the cave where fossils of *Homo floresiensis*—small, ancient human species—were discovered. A real-life mystery.
16. Swim in Sano Nggoang Crater Lake
This deep, quiet lake is perfect for a swim or forest trek. Nearby hot springs make it an even better nature stop.
17. Visit Seraya Island
A peaceful island escape with snorkeling, marine life, and a local fishing village where you can sample fresh food.
18. Visit Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave)
See how sunlight reflects off the salt-rich rock walls of this cave, creating a magical mirror effect. A fun and easy stop from Labuan Bajo.
19. Relax at Blue Stone Beach
Wander along Penggajawa Beach, where the shoreline is covered in soft blue and turquoise stones—perfect for photos and a peaceful walk.
20. Taste Bajawa Coffee
Visit Bajawa’s highlands for a cup of Flores’ finest coffee—rich, aromatic, and grown at altitude. Take some home as a souvenir!
21. Try Traditional Arak in Aimere
Stop in Aimere to see how *arak* (a local spirit) is made using bamboo distilling techniques. You can even sample some if you’re curious!
22. Buy Ikat Weaving in Sikka Village
Watch local women weave beautiful *ikat* textiles by hand. Learn about the technique, take photos, and bring home a piece of Flores tradition.
Book your tour with Bintang Komodo Tours
Flores
"Wild Beauty & Warm Welcomes"
Discover Flores: A Journey of Nature, Culture, and Adventure
Flores is an island full of endless possibilities for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and adventure seekers. Whether you're planning a 3-day getaway, a week-long escape, or a 12-day expedition, Flores offers a perfect itinerary for every traveler.
At Bintang Komodo Tours, we’re here to help you create the perfect adventure. Our tours typically include accommodation, meals, transfers, entrance fees, professional guides, and refreshments. Additional expenses such as flights, airport taxes, porters, diving/snorkeling/camera fees, and personal costs are not included. Tipping is always appreciated as a gesture of thanks for the excellent service you’ll receive.
Accommodation and Facilities
Flores is a destination for those seeking an authentic experience. While there are more luxury accommodations and dining options cropping up, don’t expect the same high-end facilities you might find in more developed tourist areas. Instead, embrace the adventure and explore the true beauty of the island. As Flores grows, your journey will still offer plenty of surprises, especially in the heart of nature and culture.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from mid-May to August, is the ideal time to explore Flores. Roads are more accessible, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Keep in mind that during the wet season, some roads, especially in remote areas, can become impassable. Plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting Labuan Bajo, as it gets busy during the dry season. If you’re planning on trekking, the dry season will make your journey more enjoyable—rainy hikes are more challenging than fun!
What to Pack
While Flores is tropical, the weather in the highlands around Ruteng, Bajawa, and Kelimutu can be cooler. Temperatures may even dip to 12°C, so don’t forget to bring warm clothing like jackets, sweaters, and proper footwear for hiking in the mountains.
About Flores
Location: Indonesia (Lesser Sunda Islands)
Length: 450 km
Coordinates: 8°40’29”S, 121°23’04”E
Population (2016): 1,994,213
Official Language: Bahasa Indonesia
Largest Town: Maumere
Temperature: 25°–34°C (can drop to 12°C in the highlands)
Best Time to Visit: May – August
Tour Organizer: Bintang Komodo Tours
The History of Flores
Flores has a rich history shaped by both local traditions and foreign influences. Before European colonization, seafarers from Sulawesi arrived for trade and control of the coastal areas. The Portuguese first landed in the 16th century, naming the island “Cabo das Flores” or “Cape of Flowers,” and used it as a strategic point for trade. Eventually, they were pushed out by the Dutch, who took over the island and administered it for many years.
Flores has always maintained a unique identity. Although the island faced external pressures, it was largely governed by local leaders before the arrival of European colonial forces. In the 20th century, Indonesia gained independence, and Flores became part of the newly formed nation, overcoming challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Flores Today
Today, Flores is a place where tradition and modernity meet. Though some areas still face challenges such as limited access to services, the island is rich in culture, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming people. Tourism has played an important role in helping locals preserve and share their heritage. The appreciation of Flores’ traditional practices as part of Indonesia’s national identity has made the island even more attractive to visitors seeking authentic experiences.While some of the island’s challenges remain, tourism has also brought opportunities to the community. Traditional crafts, local festivals, and the unspoiled natural environment are now recognized and celebrated both within Indonesia and internationally.
