Known for its magnificent landscapes, Bajawa is a small town nestled on Flores' high plateaus. Capital of the Ngada district, a cultural region of the island, traditions and customs remain deeply rooted in the daily life of its residents. Visitors seeking discovery and immersion in a new culture will be enchanted by this charming town surrounded by mountains!

Climate

Bajawa enjoys a desert climate with peak humidity and rainfall in January. The town sits at over 2,100 meters altitude at the foot of Mount Inerie. Nights are cool with temperatures sometimes dropping to 25°C. Generally, temperatures range between 27.3°C to 30°C year-round.

Today

Bajawa is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province, approximately 80 km from the town of Ende and 130 km from Moni. Visitors often stop here when traveling from one city to another. The residents of Bajawa have therefore decided to promote their region's tourism sector around its exceptional landscapes and traditional culture.

Bajawa has roughly 45,000 inhabitants, predominantly Catholic. They descend from the Ngada peoples, also known as Rokka in Dutch literature.

Numerous traditional villages dot the surrounding area. It's ideal for those wishing to meet local populations and discover their culture. Among the best-known villages, we recommend Bena and Wogo. You can admire local architectural style, rituals and craftsmanship.

Bajawa is the perfect destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Following various accessible trails, everyone can enjoy the incredible biodiversity of Flores and the different natural sites it offers.

The trek begins from the Watumeze village, continues along the slopes of Mount Inerie and ends at the summit near the Wawo Muda volcanic lakes. Once at the summit, hikers enjoy the panoramic views of other Flores volcanoes including Mount Ebulobo.

Between May and July, residents practice numerous religious and traditional ceremonies such as fights or dances rooted in Ngada rituals.

The village of Bena

The traditional village of Bena sits at the foot of the Inierie volcano, 16 km from Bajawa. Although little-known to tourists, it offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. As a result, craftsmanship and traditions remain deeply embedded in these communities' culture. The only buildings in the village are traditional houses with thatched roofs. They divide the population into two, facing off eighteen rows of traditional houses. At the center of the village stands the ngadhu sanctuary, embodying the ancestor of the male clan, and bhaga representing the ancestor of the female clan.

The village of Wogo

Located east of Bena, Wogo is also a small traditional village. The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or car. Among the villages around Bajawa, Wogo is considered one of the most lively and vibrant. Residents regularly organize festivals and celebrations that are always interesting to attend.

The Mangeruda hot spring

Situated 23 km from Bajawa, the Mangeruda hot spring results from volcanic activity on the mountain. A river merges with the volcano's hot waters to form a natural basin. It's accessible by scooter from town.

Mount Inerie

Dominating the landscape around Bajawa, Mount Inerie is one of the highest volcanoes on Flores island. It rises over 2,245 meters and stands majestically just 7 km from Bajawa. From there, the best way to appreciate this natural giant is to go on a trek with a local guide. The route to the summit takes approximately 4 hours.

The Wawo Muda craters

Following a violent eruption of Mount Inerie in 2001, two magnificent crater lakes formed just below the mountain. They are now ranked among the region's most interesting natural sites.

Airplane

The town of Bajawa has two minor airports: Bajawa Soa airport and Bajawa Pahdamaleda airport. These air facilities regularly serve flights connecting Kupang, Labuan Bajo, Waingapu and Bajawa.

Taxi

From Ruteng, located 4 hours' drive from the town, you can arrive via shared taxis.

Bus

Bajawa is an essential meeting point when traveling overland through Flores. It takes 5 hours by road from Ruteng and 4 hours from Ende.

What to do?

• Visit the traditional village of Wogo or Bena and attend New Year celebrations.
• Trek along the Mount Inerie trails and enjoy breathtaking landscapes nearby.
• Visit the Mangeruda hot spring.