Flores Island
Flores is an Indonesian island celebrated for its stunning volcanic landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and proximity to Komodo National Park. Located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, the island is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago.
Key facts of Flores Island.
- Name origin: The name “Flores,” meaning “flowers” in Portuguese, was given by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. The local name for the island is Nusa Nipa, or “Dragon island”.
- Geography: The long, narrow island is extremely mountainous due to its location in the volcanic belt. Its rugged interior features active volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls, and terraced rice paddies.
- Prehistory: The island is a significant paleoanthropological site. In 2003, remains of a small, archaic human species called Homo floresiensis (informally known as “hobbits”) were discovered in the Liang Bua cave.
- Culture: Flores is known for its diverse ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and intricate ikat weaving techniques. While the majority of the population is Catholic due to centuries of Portuguese and Dutch missionary influence, ancient animistic beliefs and megalithic rituals still coexist.
Top attractions and activities in Flores Island.
- Kelimutu National Park
Kelimutu is a volcano famous for its three colored crater lakes, which often change hues from bright red to blue and green due to volcanic gas activity and mineral deposits. The best time to visit is at sunrise for a magical, misty view.
- Komodo National Park
Accessible from the port town of Labuan Bajo on Flores’ western tip, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the native habitat of the famous Komodo dragon. Beyond seeing the large lizards on Komodo and Rinca islands, visitors can explore the park’s vibrant marine biodiversity.
Popular traditional villages in Flores Island.
- Bena: Located in the Ngada region, this village features traditional houses and megalithic stones that reflect the enduring ancestral worship of its people.
- Wae Rebo: A remote and isolated Manggarai village, Wae Rebo is known for its unique cone-shaped traditional houses. The UNESCO-recognized site can be reached via a challenging hike through the mountains.
Unique natural wonders
- Riung 17 Islands Marine Park: On the north coast, this park offers a pristine area for island hopping, snorkeling, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
- Pink Beach: This beach, located within Komodo National Park, gets its rare pink sand from microscopic organisms living in the coral reefs.
- Cunca Wulang Waterfall: Near Labuan Bajo, this remote waterfall is a hidden paradise with natural rock pools perfect for swimming and cliff jumping.
Adventure and exploration
- Diving and snorkeling: The waters around Flores are a world-class destination for diving and snorkeling, with popular spots like Manta Pointand Batu Bolong teeming with marine life.
- Trekking: In addition to the hike to Wae Rebo, adventure seekers can trek up volcanoes like Mount Inerie or hike through the famous spiderweb rice fields of Cancar