If you've ever dreamed of a destination that blends raw natural beauty, rich traditions, and unforgettable adventures, Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is where those dreams come alive. While Bali often takes the spotlight, Flores remains one of Indonesia's best-kept secrets—lush, colorful, and brimming with unique experiences. From turquoise waters to fiery volcanoes, ancient traditions to encounters with Komodo dragons , Flores offers a travel journey unlike anywhere else in the world.

Whether you're a backpacker chasing adventure or a traveler seeking cultural depth, here's your guide to discovering the best of Flores.

1. Meet the Komodo Dragons at Komodo National Park

No trip to Flores is complete without a visit to Komodo National Park, home to the legendary Komodo dragon. These giant lizards—often referred to as "living dinosaurs"—roam freely across the islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. A guided trek takes you through their natural habitat, where you'll spot dragons basking in the sun, stalking prey, or resting in the shade.

The park is not only about the dragons, though. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for marine biodiversity. Snorkeling and diving here reveal coral gardens, manta rays, sea turtles, and dazzling schools of fish. Pink Beach, with its soft blush-colored sand, is the perfect place to relax after your adventure.

2. Watch Sunrise at Kelimutu Volcano

One of the most magical experiences in Flores is witnessing the sunrise over Kelimutu Volcano. The volcano is famous for its three crater lakes, each shifting colors depending on mineral content and volcanic activity. Sometimes they’re turquoise, other times deep black or rusty red—it feels like nature’s own painting.

The trek to the viewpoint is gentle and best done early in the morning. As the first rays of sun light up the lakes, you’ll feel like you’re standing in a dream. Many travelers say it’s the highlight of their entire Indonesia trip.

3. Dive into Flores’ Underwater Paradise

If you love the ocean, Flores is paradise. Diving and snorkeling spots here rival the Maldives or the Philippines but with far fewer crowds. Maumere Bay, Alor, and the waters around Labuan Bajo are particularly spectacular.

Expect steep walls covered in soft corals, giant sea fans, and encounters with reef sharks. The current-fed sites around Komodo are famous for manta rays, while calmer bays are perfect for spotting colorful nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses. Even if you’re not a diver, a simple snorkeling trip will introduce you to an underwater world bursting with life.

4. Explore the Traditional Villages

Flores is more than just stunning landscapes—it’s also a land of deep-rooted traditions. Villages like Bena, Wae Rebo, and Gurusina offer a glimpse into the island’s cultural soul.

Wae Rebo, perched high in the mountains, is perhaps the most iconic. Its cone-shaped houses, called Mbaru Niang, are surrounded by misty hills, creating a fairytale-like setting. Visitors are welcomed warmly, often with a traditional coffee ceremony. Spending a night here allows you to experience the rhythms of village life, from weaving to farming.

In Bena, ancient stone altars and megaliths tell stories of ancestors and rituals. It’s a chance to learn how traditions are carefully preserved, even in the modern age.

5. Sail Through Flores’ Islands

One of the best ways to experience Flores is by boat. Island-hopping trips from Labuan Bajo let you explore remote beaches, hidden lagoons, and rugged coastlines. Popular stops include Kanawa Island for snorkeling, Padar Island for its breathtaking viewpoint, and Seraya for relaxing on pristine sands.

Multi-day liveaboard cruises are also available, perfect for travelers who want to combine sailing, diving, and exploring all in one. Imagine sleeping under a sky full of stars, waking up to turquoise waters, and spending your days discovering one island after another—it’s pure magic.

6. Chase Waterfalls and Adventure Inland

Flores is dotted with waterfalls that look straight out of a postcard. Cunca Wulang, often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Flores,” is a favorite for cliff jumping and swimming in clear pools. Cunca Rami and Cunca Wulang near Labuan Bajo are also beautiful escapes into nature.

For the adventurous, Flores' rugged interior offers hiking, mountain biking, and even motorbike trips through winding roads and lush valleys. Every turn seems to reveal a new surprise: rice terraces, bamboo forests, and rivers carving their way through the hills.

7. Taste Flores' Flavors

Food is a journey in itself on Flores. Freshly grilled fish, banana leaf-wrapped rice, and spicy sambal are staples across the island. Don't miss ikan bakar (grilled fish with chili sauce) or se'i sapi , smoked beef marinated with herbs.

Flores is also famous for its coffee. The island's fertile volcanic soil produces beans with rich, chocolatey notes. Visiting a coffee plantation, especially in Bajawa, lets you see the process from bean to cup. Sipping Flores coffee while overlooking green hills is an experience you'll never forget.

8. Practical Tips for Visiting Flores

• Best Time to Visit: April to October is dry season—ideal for trekking, diving, and sailing.

• Getting There: Most travelers fly into Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park. Alternatively, Maumere is another entry point for those exploring eastern Flores.

• Getting Around: Public transport is limited, so many travelers hire private cars or join organized tours. Boats are essential for exploring the islands.

• Stay: Labuan Bajo offers everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts. For cultural stays, head to mountain villages like Wae Rebo.

Why Flores Should Be on Your Bucket List

Flores is a place where every moment feels authentic and unspoiled. Unlike some crowded destinations, here you can still feel like a true explorer. You'll hike volcanoes at sunrise, swim in hidden waterfalls, encounter cultures untouched by time, and sail through some of the world's most beautiful waters.

For travelers looking beyond Bali, Flores is the heart of adventure and discovery in Indonesia. It's not just a place you visit—it's a journey you carry with you long after you've left.

So, pack your bags and step inside Flores. Paradise is waiting.

✈️ Have you been to Flores before, or is it on your dream list? Let me know in the comments—I'd love to hear your travel stories!