Ultimate Flores, Indonesia Travel Guide: Where to Go & What to Do

Welcome to Flores Indonesia, home of the Komodo Dragons, colour-changing volcanic lakes, incredible beaches, and loads more!

In this Flores Indonesia Travel Guide – we’ve put together everything we know about travel in Flores to help you plan quicker & travel more! So you can start exploring this beautiful, under-explored island. 

Flores has stunning landscapes and truly unique attractions but is limited in one area, its infrastructure. When we planned our Flores vacation we frequently found ourselves overwhelmed and confused, especially regarding transportation.

This comprehensive guide aims to clarify those uncertainties and provide valuable tips for your trip to Flores.

The Ultimate Flores, Indonesia Travel Guide

Flores is a tropical island, with white (or pink!!) sand beaches, lofty palm trees, and some of the bluest waters in the world. It’s a long and thin paradise in the East Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia and makes up part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.

The city of Labuan Bajo in the Komodo district has transformed from a small fishing village into a bustling tourist hub. Now known for its exceptional diving spots and proximity to Komodo National Park – home to the world’s only wild Komodo dragons!

How to get there

To get to Flores, Indonesia you’ll need to fly via Java or Bali, as all flights to the island are via smaller domestic planes. Air Asia, Citilink, Lion Air, and Garuda operate several daily flights. These flights are plentiful but unreliable, they have been known to cancel and reschedule last minute.

We had two of our flights cancelled during our time travelling around Flores!

There are 5 airports on Flores but your initial landing place should be Labuan Bajo on the island’s Western tip. This small tourist hub in the Komodo region of Flores allows quick access to the region’s most popular attraction. Dragons!

How to Get Around

Transportation was our biggest concern before arriving in Flores. However, once we arrived we found several reliable options for getting around the island:

• Moped/Motorbike ($6-$12/day): Rent a moped for flexibility and access to remote areas. Some places offer one-way rentals across the island.
• Bemo ($4-$15): These local shared minivans are an affordable way to travel between towns.
• Shared Taxi ($12-$30): Shared taxis are more comfortable and faster than bemos.
• Private Car with Driver ($80-$130): For convenience and comfort, hire a private car and driver.
• Renting a Car ($60-$100): Self-driving is an option but can be challenging due to road conditions.

Where to Stay in Flores, Indonesia

Check out the blog post of best hotels in Flores, Indonesia here!

We stayed in various accommodations across Flores, each offering different experiences:

• Labuan Bajo – Bajo Sunset Hotel ($14): Basic but comfortable, with a friendly atmosphere.
• Labuan Bajo – Blue Ocean Hotel ($36): Offers better amenities but can be noisy.
• Ruteng – Hobbit Hill Hotel ($24): Warm hospitality and beautiful views.
• Ende – LCR Hotel ($40): Modern facilities but disappointing breakfast.
• Moni – Moni Mahalika ($27): Rustic and charming, with outdoor bathrooms.
• Maumere – Coconut Garden Beach Resort ($65): Excellent service and beachfront location.
• Labuan Bajo – Le Pirate Island (~$80): Unique beach huts with an upgrade option for more comfort. (read more here)
• Labuan Bajo – Seasta Hotel ($80): Luxurious option for a comfortable stay.

Things to Do

Flores offers a variety of unique experiences. Here are some highlights from our trip:

Komodo Island Boat Tour

Visiting the Komodo National Park to see the famous Komodo dragons is a MUST for anyone traveling to Flores, Indonesia. Tours typically depart from Labuan Bajo!

• Slow Boat Day Tour ($60 per person): A full-day tour that stops at Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, and a snorkeling spot with manta rays.
• Overnight Cruises (2 days, 1 night, $175 per person): Includes additional stops and a private cabin.
• Private Boat: Ideal for groups, but more expensive.

The park entrance fee changes alot and is currently around 150,000 IDR pp.

Private Car Tour in Ruteng ($80)

Ruteng is a great stop en route to Mount Kelimutu. It offers attractions like Hobbit caves, spider web rice fields, and traditional villages.

We had an excellent experience with a private tour arranged by our homestay hosts. Having a private driver for the day meant we could see everything in the area in one swoop! These can be arranged at almost all accommodations in Ruteng!

Mount Kelimutu Hike

A must-see in Flores, the hike to Mount Kelimutu’s summit is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the crater lakes. The entry fee is $15 per person.

Plus you’ll need to arrange for transport to the trailhead. We organised an early morning taxi ride but many people ride scooters!

Flores Indonesia Travel Tips

Traveling to Flores, Indonesia was easier than we anticipated. Here are some important things to know before heading on your adventure to make your holiday as smooth as possible:

• WhatsApp: Essential for organizing tours and transport.
• SIM Cards: Pick one up on arrival or grab an eSim from HolaFly (Use code JORDANANDEMILY for a 5% discount)
• Drinking Water: Only drink bottled or filtered water.
• Mosquitos: bug repellent is needed, and be sure to use nets where provided.
• Booking Tours: Book in advance when possible. We book our tours here!
• Local People: Friendly and helpful, knowing a few phrases in Indonesian can go a long way.

Final Thoughts on Flores, Indonesia

Travelling Flores, Indonesia was the perfect blend of adventures and activities mixed with local experiences.

If you’re looking for a lesser-travelled region of the world that has epic tropical beaches, adventurous walking trails, waterfalls, traditional villages, and literal dragons. You’re going to the right place!

Watch our Flores, Indonesia travel guide here

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