Located on Flores, one of the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands, Ende is the capital of the regency bearing its name. Surrounded by a landscape of volcanic mountains and lush vegetation, the town remains a haven for nature lovers. It thus offers countless natural sites to explore and invites travelers to immerse themselves in local culture.

History

Ende is the oldest city on Flores, its contemporary history shaped by the Dutch colonial period. Today it remains the seat of the Archbishop of Ende and is home to the Cathedral of Christ the King. Notably, the diocese of Maumere has no longer belonged to the archdiocese since 2005.

Geography

Located 56 km from Moni on the southern coast of Flores, the town of Ende spans an area of 2,046 km². Volcanic peaks and crater lakes largely define the geography of its region. To the west, the town offers a striking view of Mount Aebulobo, while Mount Ipi Gunung, an active volcano, dominates the south of Ende.

Climate

Perched at an altitude of 31 meters, the Ende region enjoys a desert climate. Rainfall in December is quite substantial. September brings the dry season with average temperatures around 27°C.

Today

While the Komodo and Rinca islands draw more travelers, Ende remains one of Flores' richest destinations for natural, cultural, and historical attractions. Today, its local economy is driven by tourism. Ende is in fact the largest city on Flores and is home to approximately 60,000 residents.

The town boasts several dining and accommodation options, including upscale hotels and highly-regarded restaurants.

As visitors explore the city and its surroundings, they can immerse themselves in local culture through traditional villages. They can also trace the region's history by visiting museums and historical monuments. For nature enthusiasts, parks and natural lakes offer an ideal glimpse into Flores' biodiversity.

For an optimal Ende experience, a cycling tour is highly recommended. The 12 km route takes about an hour and begins from Simpang Lima. The route concludes just past the Marilonga football grounds. Be sure to visit the traditional market at Potulando, Soekarno's exile residence, the Taman Renungan Soekarno park, Ende Bay, the Mbongawani market, and the Ipy Bay market.

The Bung Karno Museum

The Bung Karno Museum was occupied by Soekarno during his years of exile in Ende in 1934. At that time, the local population regarded him as a political icon in the region. Most of the museum's furnishings date from this era. The museum ranks among Ende's principal tourist attractions.

Rewa Rangga

Rewa Rangga is located an hour's walk from the village of Nuabosi along a small trail, or 8 km from Ende. It is a prehistoric site displaying the footprints of the so-called last giant on earth.

Watu Api

The village of Watu Api is the birthplace of a local hero named Nipa Do, a celebrated commander of the Nangapanda kingdom. The story goes that this loyal officer rebelled to protect the region's inhabitants against Dutch rule. At that time, the local population was impoverished by heavy taxation and forced labor for the construction of a road network across Flores.

Beaches Around Ende

The closest beaches to Ende are found east of the airport. Among them is Nanganesa Beach. Little known to tourists, it is covered with beautiful stones and volcanic black sand.

Bus

Buses from Maumere or Bajawa typically stop at the station near the airport, which is 9 km from the city.

Air

Ende has the small H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport. Numerous flights connect the region to other major cities in Indonésie such as Denpasar, Kupang, Labuan Bajo, and Tambolaka.

Ferries

Ende is the principal connection point for Flores, Sumba, and Kupang.

• Discover the city's history by visiting the Bung Karno Museum
• Make the ascent of Mount Kelimutu and admire the crater lakes
• Relax on the secluded Nanganesa Beach
• Meet the inhabitants of Watu Api to learn more about their authentic culture