Flores, Indonesia: travel guide
Island of Komodo access, Kelimutu's coloured lakes and mountain villages
Island of Wonder in East Nusa Tenggara — gateway to the Komodo dragons via Labuan Bajo, with the tri-coloured Kelimutu crater lakes, traditional villages, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
About Flores
Flores is a long, mountainous island in East Nusa Tenggara, with winding roads, volcanic scenery and traditional villages. It rewards travellers who like to move slowly and see the landscape change.
In the west, Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park and its dragons. Further east the three crater lakes of Kelimutu change colour across the seasons, Bena is a traditional village of thatched houses, and Wae Rebo sits high in the mountains and takes a trek to reach.
Flores suits adventurous travellers, divers and wildlife fans. The drier months from April to November are the most reliable for boat trips and trekking.
- Country
- Indonesia
- Currency
- IDR
- Time zone
- Asia/Makassar
- Nearest airport
- BJW
Last updated
Top places to visit in Flores
Kelimutu Tri-Coloured Crater Lakes
volcanic lakes · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Three volcanic crater lakes sitting side by side on Gunung Kelimutu, each a different colour — one teal, one dark chocolate-black, one deep turquoise. The colours shift seasonally with mineral and gas changes. At 1,639m altitude, the…
Wae Rebo Mountain Village
traditional village · 4.9 rating · about 8 h · entry Rp225,000 (≈ ₹1,200)
A remote Manggarai village at 1,200m altitude accessible only by a 3–4hr jungle trek, preserved as one of Indonesia's most intact traditional communities. Seven conical mbaru niang (coconut-leaf thatch) communal houses form a ceremonial…
Bena Traditional Village
Cultural · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Ngada megalithic village on the slopes of Mount Inerie with clan houses (sao) and ancestral megaliths, one of Flores' oldest surviving traditional settlements.
Malanage Hot Springs
Nature · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Natural hot spring near Bajawa where a warm volcanic stream meets a cold river, popular for outdoor soaking.
Pantai Batu Biru (Blue Stone Beach)
Beach · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Black-and-blue pebbled beach near Ende known for its distinctive blue-toned stones, a quiet coastal stop near Kelimutu.
Things to do
- Kelimutu Sunrise Trek Activity · 4 h · from IDR 150,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Komodo Full Day: Dragons + Pink Beach + Padar Island 11 h · from IDR 700,000
Where to stay in Flores
- Beach Town about IDR 2,000 per night
Eastern island with accommodation
Hotels
- Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge 3-star
Where to eat
- Warung Makan Pak Min Indonesian, Flores · about IDR 25,000 per person
- Sari Rasa indonesian · about IDR 45,000 per person
- Mopi's Place indonesian, international · about IDR 45,000 per person
Getting to Flores
Airport: Bajawa (BJW)
Getting around
- Boat
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Scooter rental damage claim
Labuan Bajo harbour boat charter operators · Pink Beach & Komodo tour overcharges · scooter rentals on main harbour road
Pre-existing damage is invoiced when you return the scooter — often Rp 2–5M.
How to avoid it: Video the scooter on pickup. Rent only via your hotel.
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Frequently asked questions about Flores
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Flores?
- The highest-rated places in our Flores guide are Wae Rebo Mountain Village, Kelimutu Tri-Coloured Crater Lakes.
- Where should I stay in Flores?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Flores: Beach Town.
- How do I get around Flores?
- Ways to get around Flores covered in our guide: Boat, Self-drive car, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Flores?
- Scams reported to us for Flores include Scooter rental damage claim. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Flores?
- The nearest airport to Flores has the code BJW.