10 Best Tourist Attractions that Can Be Visited in Flores, Indonesia

Flores is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Komodo Islands is an international tourist attraction. Few places in Indonesia offer this unique combination of beautiful natural scenery and distinctive environment. Yet it is just one of the many amazing things to do in Flores.

1. See The Komodo Dragons

The Komodo Dragon is one of the 5 Natural Wonders of the World. I personally think they are a bit over rated as they are really just large Monitor Lizards, but as you probably came to Flores to see the Dragons’ then they need tone on the top of this list. Because no trip to Flores would really be complete without seeing these massive reptiles that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. While watching them bask in the sun is a sight enough, the dragons are more active in the mornings, when lucky guests may catch them fighting or sometimes even feeding. Besides the dragons, the treks on Komodo and Rinca islands, where ranger stations are located, offer expansive views of the park and are worth the trip in a local boat to get there.

2. Experience Sunrise at Kelimutu Lake

One of Flores’ biggest landmarks, the volcano of Kelimutu looms over verdant valleys and is an impressive sight from ground level, but a trip to its peak reveals its true treasure – multicolored lakes. The pastel waters, with colors so rich they appear to be made of paint, are particularly impressive in the early morning light of the sunrise. The peak is a short walk from a car park accessible by motorized transport, but intrepid travelers may enjoy a stroll down past cascading rivers and through local villages. You can visit Kelimutu Lake in the dry season between June and August.

3. Trek to Wae Rebo Village

Wae Rebo, located in the central highlands, is another of the best things to do in Flores. While you get a lot of “Traditional Villages” in Indonesia Wae Rebo is one of the best. The village is set in a valley between rolling hills and it’s picturesque. To reach the village you need to hike for four-hours. This makes it harder to get to and less commercialised. If you want to visit Wae Rebo you will need to do an overnight tour. Make sure to bring a change of clothes’ as you will be staying overnight under a sky lit up stars. Hike in Wae Rebo village, you will be presented with a beautiful view with some other interesting treats like music, dance, and food before bedding down like a local in a conical-shaped home.

4. See the Spider Web Rice Fields

While rice paddies are common in Bali and other locations throughout Asia, the ones in Flores are particularly unique. Here, you will find patches in various shades of rich green splayed out from a central point, growing gradually smaller until they concentrate in the center of the ‘web.’ In addition to being visually stunning, these fields have a purpose. Divided into sections allocated to families, the workers start on the outside of their section and work their way in, with everyone meeting at the end of the day to enjoy tea and conversation, promoting camaraderie amongst the village families.

5. Watch a Traditional Caci Fight

Caci is a ceremonial form of fighting, with a whip, between people of the Manggarai tribe. The fights are held between young males of competing villages. Over four rounds the competitors take it in turns to attack each other. The defender has a wooden ratten shield and stick while the attacker wields a long whip. The winner is the person who manages to hit the other player the most times. If you have a chance it’s interesting to watch a Caci fight, but I wouldn’t go too far out of your way to see one.

6. Explore the Riung 17 Islands

The Riung 17 Marine Park is one of the first Marine Parks in Flores. Ironically there are actually more than 17 islands in the Riung Chain, not that anyone seems to mind. Regardless of the name the Marine Park is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy diving and snorkelling. You can easily arrange a day tour from the mainland to the park. One of the most popular islands to visit is “Flying Fox Island.” The name comes from the hundreds of fruit bats take to the air at sunset.

7. Meet the Ancestors at Liang Bua Cave

If you are an archaeologist or interested in evolution you might have heard of Liang Bua Cave. The skeleton of June, Homo Floresiensis, was discovered in the cave. The skeleton is now a key part of the story of human evolution. There is a small museum in front of the caves about the archaeological site. If you have young children I’d recommend visiting Liang Bua Cave.

8. Dive with Rays at Manta Point

Flores is famous for its diving. One of the best dive sites around the Komodo National Park is Manta Point. This dive site is in a channel between two islands. The fast flowing current is rich in nutrients, which is what attracts the manta rays and other marine life. If you like diving you need to try this site. A dive here offers you the chance to see schools of Manta Rays drifting slowly through the water between turtles and other sea life. Manta Point really is one of the best things to do in Flores.

9. Jump from Cunca Wulang Waterfall

Cunca Wulang Waterfall was made famous by photographers and Instagram. There is a spot after the waterfall enters the gorge where you can jump off the cliff into the water. If you have fast shutter speed you can take a great photo of kids diving into the water (or your friends diving into the water). Even though visiting Cunca Wulang is mostly about the photo it’s still a nice place to visit if you are looking for things to do in Flores. You should hire a guide from the local village when you visit.

10. Learn to Weave Ikat

Eastern Flores is known for its ikat, an intricate process of dying and weaving fabrics to create textiles rich in patterns and colors. Examining the hand-made products sold throughout Flores gives you an idea of the painstaking process that creates them however, the best way to gain an understanding of the incredible skill required is to watch how they are made, or even better, try it for yourself.

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