Apr 22, 2025
Traditions, Trails, and Dragons
Far from the crowds lies a slice of untouched Indonesia: the island of Flores. This is where you'll find real, raw Indonesia. Think dramatic volcanoes, lush highlands, wild Komodo dragons, and villages untouched by time.
This is a travel experience that feels wildly different from the usual tropical getaway. Here, you’re not merely sunbathing on a beach; it’s where adventure meets the edge of myth, especially when you come face-to-face with the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
But beyond the thrill, the culture is just as captivating. On Flores, for example, many communities still practice traditional ceremonies in adat villages, where houses are built in symbolic shapes and rituals involve dance, storytelling, and sacred offerings to the spirits.
Step into a living tapestry of nature, legend, and ancient tradition. It’s remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful — and that’s exactly why you should go.
Attractions and cultural highlights
Flores has slowly crept onto traveller radars, mostly thanks to its role as the gateway to Komodo National Park, home to the legendary Komodo dragons. It isn’t solely about the coast either. Rent a scooter or hop on a local bus and explore the island’s mountainous interior.
Bajawa
Volcano views and hot springs await! Step into the ancient culture of the Bena tribe at Bena and Tololela Villages. Mt. Inerie is a serious hike, but the summit views? Worth every step. Then, soothe your muscles after all that trekking at Malanage Hot Springs.
Komodo National Park
Nature’s Jurassic Park is a rugged archipelago of 29 volcanic islands between Flores and Sumbawa, home to ancient residents, the last dragons on Earth — 2,500 Komodo dragons, to be exact. It's a full-blown adventure playground wrapped in myth, mystery, and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Above water, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a patchwork of rugged hills, pink-sand beaches, and wild, untamed landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy film. Below the surface, it’s an entirely different world — one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet. Drift over energetic coral reefs, glide alongside manta rays, spot reef sharks cruising through the deep, and float past schools of technicolour fish in crystal-clear waters.
Komodo Island: An absolute must-visit, especially for the surreal Pink Beach, where crushed red coral mixes with white sand to give it that renowned blush hue.
Padar Island: No dragons here, just otherworldly views. Hike to the top at sunrise and you’ll see a panorama of three bays, each with different coloured sand.
Rinca Island: Better chances of spotting the dragons here, plus guided hikes and a chance to snorkel the reefs afterwards.
Labuan Bajo
A once-sleepy fishing village turned into a lively travel hub. Since the airport upgrade in 2022, it’s easier than ever to reach Labuan Bajo — and it’s got just the right balance of creature comforts and local flavour. You’ll find everything from laid-back hostels to boutique resorts, and yes — if you’re craving sushi or pizza after one too many nasi gorengs, you’re covered. But the real star of Labuan Bajo is the view: the sun dipping below island-dotted seas, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and emerald hills hugging the coast.
Maumere
The ocean’s heartbeat meets eclectic island spirit—a coastal gem bursting with life on the eastern edge of Flores Island. Known for its kaleidoscopic coral reefs that dance beneath crystal-clear waters, this town feels like a secret world pulsing with colour and culture. Imagine wandering through lively fishing villages alive with tradition, then sinking your toes into sun-drenched beaches that glow under endless sunsets. Every splash while snorkelling reveals a dazzling underwater wonderland, and every meal of fresh seafood tastes similar to the sea’s own celebration. In Maumere, adventure and warmth collide, making you feel alive, welcomed, and utterly enchanted.
Notable mentions include Muru Keba Waterfall and Detusoko Rice Terraces.
Moni and Mt. Kelimutu
This town is your base for visiting Mt. Kelimutu, where science meets magic. Mt. Kelimutu is a volcano like no other, famous for its three crater lakes, each glowing a different colour. This surreal natural wonder feels like something out of a dream as the lakes shift between turquoise, emerald green, inky black, and even blood red, changing hues without warning or clear explanation. Local legend says each lake holds the spirits of the dead.
Rangko Cave
This secret world is hidden along the rugged coastline just outside Labuan Bajo. After a short boat ride and a walk through the jungle, you’ll descend into a cavern that suddenly opens up to reveal a crystal-clear, electric-blue pool — cool, serene, and lit by rays of sunlight pouring through the rocks above. Surreal it may be — wait until you’re floating in it, surrounded by ancient cave walls and the echo of dripping water. It’s a half-day adventure, but one that delivers full-on magic.
Ruteng
Do highland coffee farms, misty rice fields, and old-world charm pique your interest? Don’t miss an 8-hour trek to the remote mountain village, Wae Rebo Village, known for its traditional cone-shaped houses. Spider Web Rice Fields is exactly what they sound like — and best viewed from above. Meanwhile, Liang Bua Cave is home to the remains of Homo floresiensis, a mysterious human ancestor nicknamed the “Hobbit".
Scuba dive or snorkel the diverse ecosystem
Komodo’s reefs are alive. Drift over energetic coral reefs, glide alongside manta rays, spot reef sharks cruising through the deep, and float past schools of technicolour fish in crystal-clear waters. Even with just a handful of dives under your belt, you’ll find plenty of accessible sites. One snorkelling hotspot worth exploring is Boleng Beach, due to its pristine reefs and clear turquoise water.
Staircase to Heaven
High above the hills near Labuan Bajo lies one of Flores’ most unforgettable views — the Staircase to Heaven. This isn’t just a hike, it’s a climb straight into the clouds. As you ascend the winding trail, the landscape opens up around you: rolling green hills, scattered islands below, and the endless ocean stretching into the horizon. But the real magic happens when the sky explodes in gold, pink, and fiery orange, and the sea glows beneath you.
Getting There
Three modes enable you to reach this refreshingly off-the-radar destination: adventure, easy, and only for the bold.
Option 1: By sea is more adventurous. A four-day, three-night sailing trip from Lombok to Flores, for example, belongs in a storybook. Imagine sunrise yoga on deck, snorkelling over coral gardens, campfire dinners under starry skies, and finally arriving at Komodo. This isn’t just transport — it’s a full-blown experience. You’ll visit deserted beaches, crystal lagoons, and top it off with the unreal landscape of the Komodo, Rinca, and Padar islands.
Option 2: Flying is quick and affordable. Daily domestic flights connect Denpasar, Bali or Jakarta to Labuan Bajo for approximately an hour.
Option 3: Feeling extra adventurous? Travel overland and sea via the Nusa Tenggara islands. It’s long (30+ hours), it’s bumpy, and you’ll need to change buses and boats more than once. But the stories? Unmatched.
Best Times to Visit Komodo Flores
Dry Season: May to September — Expect sunny skies, calm seas, and perfect conditions for diving, sailing, and trekking. This is the prime season to explore Komodo National Park and spot dragons in the wild. July and August are peak months, so book ahead — it’s busier, especially in Labuan Bajo.
Rainy Season: December to March — The island turns lush and vibrant, with fewer tourists around. While some overland travel and hikes may be affected by heavy rains, it’s still possible to visit. However, rough seas may impact boat tours and diving conditions.
Shoulder Season: April and October — A sweet spot for travellers when the warm, mostly dry weather has thinner crowds and better deals on accommodations and tours. Great for diving, too — especially October, when manta ray sightings are common.
Accommodation
Luxury resorts: Sudamala Resort, Seraya; Plataran Komod Resort & Spa; AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach; TA'AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo.
Mid-range hotels: Laprima Hotel; Waecicu Eden Beach Hotel; Katamaran Hotel & Resort Komodo; Coconut Garden Beach Resort
Budget-friendly options: Guesthouses and homestays.
Komodo Flores travel essentials
Travelling through Flores means engaging with local communities — so a little cultural awareness goes a long way.
1. Smile often. Smiling is a universal sign of respect and friendliness here. Add in local titles such as Bapak (Mr.) Ibu (Mrs./Madam), Mas (Young man), and Mbak (Young woman).
2. se local titles such as Bapak (Mr.) Ibu (Mrs./Madam), Mas (Young man), and Mbak (Young woman).
3. Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites. Sarongs are widely accepted and appreciated.
4. Remove shoes before entering homes or some shops.
5. Bargain politely in markets — but accept fixed prices if labelled Harga Pas.
6. Don’t touch corals or marine life, and feed the fish as it messes with the ecosystem.
7. Maintain good buoyancy to avoid damaging reefs. So, keep your gear tight and don’t drag it on the sea floor.
8. Absolutely no littering — pack it in, pack it out.
9. No gloves, knives, or fishing gear.
10. Don’t take souvenirs from the ocean.
Flores is an epic journey across wild terrain, ancient cultures, and underwater realms that few have experienced. You'll get something rare in today’s world: a true sense of discovery. Does this mean you'll put Flores on your map? Read our related article below for more details.
20 Reasons Why You Must Explore Flores Island