8 Reasons Why You Should Skip Bali For Flores – Bali vs. Flores
Like so many destinations around the world, the Indonesian island of Flores is still recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic. Friends in nearby Bali say they have gone through their most difficult economic years since the aftermath of the 2003 terrorist attack. However, Bali is already seeing 300,000+ tourists a month and rebuilding as a flagship location for attracting foreigners with Indonesia’s new digital nomad visa.
Indonesian Island economies in Flores, Sulewesi and Lombock remain devastated. These islands were billing themselves as authentic alternatives to bule packed Bali for a decade leading into the pandemic. Now, they may never be back on track and locals in the hospitality industry are suffering.
This is especially true of the remarkable island of Flores, a place full of magical, unique experiences waiting to be enjoyed.
Since 2014, I’ve kept in touch with Jimmy Rotterdam, an Indonesian tour guide and fellow musician with an effervescent energy and a great love for his adopted home island of Flores.
Flying through the jungle in the black of night blasting dub- reggae from a windowless jeep to buy a live chicken is one of many indelible memories I have of my time on the island. Touching base with him earlier this year, his energy was way down, he sounded exhausted:
“Flores is slow, slow brother, no tourists, everyday at the airport there is one maybe two per airplane. I’m praying next year things will change and Flores will be normal again.”
Flores is not Bali.
There are no five star resorts with elegant cocktails, (although the new Plataran Komodo Resort looks to change that) no Dj clubs, and the internet connection is painfully spotty. Whereas most of Indonesia practices Islam, the locals in Flores and other Sunda islands like Sumba practice Catholicism, a testament to the Dutch colonial interests in the region. ( many hawkers sell “antique” Dutch coins from the 1700’s.)
Flores is one of those places where words cannot begin to describe the incredible nature and culture one is exposed to. A few busy days in Flores guarantees a packed schedule of memories that stay with you. Travelers who choose the adventure of Flores over luxury of Bali will be greatly rewarded.
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Flores boasts a rich history, excellent cuisine, active volcanos, some of the best diving in the world and, oh yeah… dinosaurs.
8 Flores Adventures Not to be Missed
1. Komodo Dragons
Flores is the main gateway to experience the largest living reptiles on earth, the Komodo Dragon. Flores in the primary access origin for the islands of Komodo and Rinca– lands where the dragon remains the apex predator. Primordial emotions emerge when walking so close to these massive, human sized lizards.
We were lucky enough to watch a mother while she built her nest. A mountain shaped hill of dirt where her eggs are strategically placed within the hill for incubation.
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Boats to Komodo and its closer sibling island, Rinca leave daily from the market area in Labuan Bajo.
2. Kelimutu
Watching the sun rises over the three lakes of the active volcanic monster that is Kelimutu is a perfect morning.
The lake changes colors throughout the year depending on mineral content.
You’ll love Sipping ginger coffee at sunrise and take in one of the archipelago’s great wonders.
But don’t forget to explore the area. The terrain is incredibly dynamic, from ancient crags to rich red volcanic soil, the hike down in the light of day is just as rewarding. You’ll find yourself among incredible wildlife such as birds and monkeys.
Melt the aches of your morning hike away in the natural hot springs near the entrance of the park and spend some time in the lovely little village of Moni. Home to an incredible fruit market, Good Moni, and Marta’s Garden, where Marta and her sister serve up “Moni Cakes” – a knock out local dish perfect for refueling your body after the morning’s hike.
Hiking a sacred volcano to watch the sun rise sipping on ginger coffee – Only to soak your bones in thermal hot springs and indulge in local fruits and cuisine? That’s a mighty handsome day.
3. Visit a Traditional Village
Bena Village is incredible.
Bena is the most visited of the traditional villages, a megalithic village about 20 kilometers south of the town of Bajawa. Locals claim that their forefathers lived in the same location over 1000 years ago. A guided tour is available that teaches about Bena Village’s history, culture, rituals, and traditions. There are 38 traditional houses, many of which are still occupied by families. The houses surround a series of beautifully constructed sacrificial altars that are still in use.
You’ll stay at the nearby hill town of Bajawa which has a great local market, friendly people and plenty of restaurants serving Flores style Indonesia fare. Bajawa is a good base to bounce around to the various central Flores adventures like Bena and Luba Traditional Villages, Wolo Bobo lookout, Ogi Waterfall and Mangeruda and Malanage hot springs.
Mengurada Hot Springs, also known as Soa Hot Springs has been a sacred natural wonder for locals to come and partake in the healing hot springs generated from Mt. Inelika.
There are several pools of varying temperatures located throughout the park, but the unique experience hot water rapids rushing over your body is truly unforgettable. There are several scalable rocks around the water falls to crawl into and sit as the hot mineral water gushes around your body.
An all encompassing experience of relaxation.
Mengurada’s temperature and rich volcanic mineral content is known throughout the island as providing medical remedies for skin and muscular issues.
5. Explore the Hobbit Cave
The Hobbit Cave on the island of Flores, Indonesia is an incredible natural wonder. Dating back to prehistoric times, the cave has long been used as a shelter by the natives of Manggarai Barat Regency. Over thousands of years, water flowing through the cave has created awe-inspiring formations of stalagmites and stalactites.
In 2003, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery – the skeletal remains of a 3-foot tall hominid they called the “Hobbit”. The species was reportedly 1.5 million years old and coined “Homo Floresiensis”. This find rocked the scientific world, sparking debate over the origins of the Hobbit and its unique physiognomy. To this day, scientists continue to research and examine this ancient species in hopes of understanding more about our prehistoric past.
Visiting the incredible Hobbit Cave on Flores is a must-do day trip while on Flores. To get to the cave, take a short drive from Labuan Bajo and onto Hatta Village in the Manggarai Barat Regency. Once you arrive at Hatta village, look out for signs that will direct you to the entrance of the cave. The hike is steep but easy, will take about 20 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Once you reach the cave itself, observe in awe of its incredible hanging geodes. You’ll also witness the evidence that humans used it as shelter during prehistoric times – a fascinating experience.
6. Eat Fresh Fish in Labanbajo
Eating fresh fish from the Labanbajo fish market on Flores, Indonesia is an unforgettable experience. The market is bustling with activity as fisherman haul in their catch of the day, and merchants offer up an amazing selection of fresh seafood for purchase.
Locals gather to buy their weekly provisions and tourists marvel at the vibrant assortment of colorful reef fish and shellfish. There’s something for everyone from tuna, mackerel and snapper to squid, shrimp and clams. Visitors can also enjoy mouthwatering grilled seafood dishes prepared by nearby vendors.
At Labanbajo you can find some of the freshest catches that are not only delectable but also served at a great value. It’s no wonder why locals keep returning here, or why travelers cannot help themselves but come back to this amazing market each time they visit Flores.
7. Hike Padar Island
Padar Island is a stunning green paradise that is part of the larger Komodo National Park off the coast of East Nusa Tenggara. Boasting towering mountains and unique coves, Padar Island has become a popular hiking destination. Hiking through the rugged terrain of this tropical island, surrounded by lush greenery, you’ll have serene, unique views from several summits in one day of hiking.
Getting to Padar Island is easy – most tour operators offer boat trips from Labuan Bajo in Flores. The boats will take about 1-2 hours depending on which beach you choose to land at. Once there, prepare yourself for an exhilarating climb up steep pebble slopes and rocky paths leading to some incredible vistas of the surrounding islands and the mind-blowing scenery below.
Exploring Padar Island offers endless opportunities to marvel at Flores’ beauty – whether it be a shaded jungle walk or a breathtaking beach stroll.
8. Support the Local Economy
As a traveler, it an honor to be welcomed by the local people and an honor to spend your money in their economy. Being generous and humble will imbue your experience with the warmth of gratitude for you and your fellow people.
