Flores, Indonesia
Indonesia
Across the extraordinary island of Flores, from the Komodo dragon territory of Labuan Bajo through Portuguese colonial Ruteng and the spider-web rice paddies of Cancar, up to Bajawa's megalithic Ngada villages, the ikat-weaving towns of Maumere, and Kelimutu's three crater lakes that change colour between turquoise, red, and black.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Labuan Bajo
Gateway to Komodo National Park. Pinisi schooners fill the harbour at sunset before departing for Komodo dragon territory.
- Cancar Spider-Web Rice Fields
Circular rice paddies divided like a spider's web by irrigation paths, a system unique to western Flores and best seen from the hill above.
- Ruteng
A cool highland market town at 1,200m. Flores is 85% Catholic and Ruteng's Portuguese-inflected culture sets it apart from broader Indonesia.
- Bajawa
Gateway to Ngada megalithic villages. Stone shrines and clan houses cluster around ceremonial squares under the active Inerie volcano.
- Ende
Sukarno was exiled here by the Dutch 1934-38; his preserved house is a pilgrimage site. The market sells intricate Ende-Lio ikat cloth.
- Kelimutu
Three volcanic crater lakes sit side by side, each a different colour, shifting independently from turquoise to black to red over decades.
- Maumere
Flores's largest port town and ikat-weaving centre. Sikka village nearby produces some of the finest hand-dyed cloth on the island.
Where to Eat
- Kopi Mane InspirationCoffee Shop
A cozy café in Ruteng offering locally sourced coffee and traditional Indonesian snacks.
- Dapur Tara FloresIndonesian
Authentic Indonesian dishes served in a rustic setting in Bajawa.
- Sari RasaSeafood
Fresh seafood specialties with ocean views in Ende.
- Cafe CharlieWestern
A popular spot in Maumere for Western cuisine and refreshing drinks.
- Warung MamaLocal Diner
Home-cooked Flores specialties in a family-friendly atmosphere in Labuan Bajo.
Things to Do
- Komodo National ParkNational Park
Home to the famous Komodo dragons and stunning marine biodiversity near Labuan Bajo.
- Bena Traditional VillageHistoric Site
A well-preserved traditional village showcasing Ngada culture near Bajawa.
- Blue Stone BeachBeach
A unique beach near Ende known for its blue-hued stones and clear waters.
- Wae Rebo VillageCultural Experience
A remote village offering insights into Manggarai culture and traditional Mbaru Niang houses.
- Koka BeachBeach
A secluded white-sand beach with turquoise waters near Maumere.
Travel advisory
The trans-Flores highway is paved but narrow, winding, and steep in many sections, requiring confident mountain driving. Fuel availability drops significantly east of Bajawa, so carry a reserve. Road quality degrades after heavy rain and landslides are possible in the wet season.