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Flores — Kelimutu & coastal villages
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Flores

Kelimutu & coastal villages

Where to go

Flores

A scenic overland journey from Labuan Bajo east to the three-coloured crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu, through traditional Manggarai and Ngada villages, hot springs and waterfalls.

Flores stretches 700 km from west to east — a string of volcanoes, traditional villages and quiet coastlines that most travellers never see. Almost everyone arrives in Labuan Bajo for Komodo, but it's the overland route inland that turns the trip into something special.

From the rice fields of Ruteng you climb into the cloud forest to Wae Rebo, a remote village of seven cone-shaped houses where you spend the night with the community. Further east lie the Ngada villages around Bajawa, the hot springs of Soa and the megaliths of Bena.

The journey ends on Mount Kelimutu, where three crater lakes — each a different colour — sit side by side. Watching the sunrise here is one of those moments that stays with you for life.

Highlights

  • Mount Kelimutu three-coloured lakes
  • Wae Rebo traditional village
  • Spider rice fields of Cancar
  • Bena ancestral village

What to see

Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo

This charming fishing village is nestled in a picturesque bay, offering breathtaking views of the small islands between Flores and Komodo. Labuan Bajo is known as the “City of Sunset,” providing plenty of mesmerizing scenes of the spectacular sky. Within the city, you can explore interesting destinations such as the Mirror Cave, where reflective stones shine in some parts. Another option is to take a swim in the cave-lake at Rangko Cave, where the blue water and sunlight create a magical setting. Explore the paths to the Cunca Rami and Cunca Wulang canyon waterfalls for further adventures.

Wae Rebo

Wae Rebo

Located approximately 1200 meters above sea level in the Manggarai district, the indigenous village of Flores, Wae Rebo, awaits. This village is home to seven cone-shaped houses that have sheltered its people for more than 19 generations. These symbolic houses represent the people’s cosmos, providing a serene environment for their daily lives away from the bustling crowd. To reach this village, a trek of about four hours by foot from the lowland is required. The following day, you can explore unique spider-web-shaped rice fields, showcasing a distinct method of rice cultivation found only in this part of Indonesia.

Bajawa

Bajawa

Perched high in the mountains, Bajawa enjoys a pleasant climate. The Ngada, a traditional ethnic group, reside here. Their striking symbols—the ‘ngadhu,’ a parasol-like structure standing about three meters high, and the ‘bhaga,’ a miniature house with a thatched roof—symbolize the continuous presence of their ancestors. You can immerse yourself in Ngada culture by exploring the surrounding villages of Luba and Bena. Additionally, during this day, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the hot springs at Soa.

Kelimutu

Kelimutu

Kelimutu is a natural wonder nestled on the island of Flores at an elevation of about 1,639 meters above sea level. It unveils a captivating mystery with its amazing tri-colored lakes, standing as a testament to the Earth’s unique geological artistry. If you climb the densely forested peak, you’ll have an unforgettable view of the three beautiful lakes located in deep craters. Remarkably, these lakes regularly change color, shifting from turquoise to green, or to red and black. It’s a fascinating phenomenon of which no one fully understands the intricacies.

Maumere

Maumere

Maumere is a coastal town on the northern shore of Flores and the largest gateway to the eastern part of the island. It is surrounded by mountains, quiet bays, and traditional villages that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. The coastline around Maumere is known for its calm, clear waters and colorful coral reefs, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving. Small offshore islands offer peaceful beaches and vibrant marine life, while inland you can visit weaving communities and scenic viewpoints overlooking the bay.

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