Among the many islands of the Indonesian archipelago worth visiting, Flores stands out. This island is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Its name comes from the Portuguese word Flores, meaning "flower." It covers an area of nearly 14,300 km² and sits approximately 767 km northwest of Australia.

History

The arrival of foreigners on Flores was initially marked by the Portuguese, followed by the Order of Preachers at Larantuka in the early 16th century. Later, in the 19th century, the Dutch began landing on the island between 1838 and 1846. They were primarily interested in the slave trade, as well as the plundering of wrecks, a common practice at the time. In 1890, Dutch forces strengthened their presence on Flores by deploying soldiers to protect mining operations.

Flores in 1992

That year, the city of Ende on the island's south coast was devastated by a violent earthquake, followed by a massive tsunami. These natural disasters left a heavy toll in both human and material terms. The local port, for instance, was completely destroyed. At that time, it handled copra, the territory's leading export product.

Discovery of Homo floresiensis Fossils on Flores

Flores was home to a hominid no taller than 5 feet. Fossils of this individual were discovered in Liang Bua cave in 2003. Paleontologists who found it named it scientifically Homo floresiensis, or "the Man of Flores." According to research conducted by scientists, this specimen was a dwarf version of Homo erectus. According to them, a population of pygmies inhabited the island tens of thousands of years ago.

Other Information Worth Knowing About Flores

On average, it takes 5 to 6 days to explore the entire island. Flores had approximately 1,831,472 inhabitants in 2010. Unlike other islands in the archipelago, it is less frequented, but that doesn't mean it lacks interesting attractions to discover. It's worth noting that a single road called the Trans-Flores Highway connects the western part of the island to its eastern section. This route terminates at Labuan Bajo on the western side and Larantuka on the eastern side of Flores.

Culture

More than half the population of Flores follows Catholicism, largely due to its introduction by the Portuguese during the colonial era. As for languages spoken, they vary by region. Notable ones include Ngadha, Ende, Nage, Lio, Keo, and Palu'e.

What to See and Do on Flores Island?

Vacations on Flores Island are synonymous with countless discoveries and encounters. This destination is renowned for its paradisiacal, well-preserved beaches. Beyond the beauty of its coastlines, this land is also famous for its volcano called Kelimutu. It's home to 3 colored lakes that regularly change appearance depending on the water's acidity level. Sometimes one displays a turquoise hue while the other two may be black or deep blue. Beyond these natural wonders, Flores is also an ideal destination for connecting with its inhabitants and learning about their customs and way of life. Generally, the people of this territory are joyful and friendly by nature. They live by fishing (those near the coasts) or by cultivating rice, coffee, bananas, and cacao.

A Closer Look at Kelimutu Volcano

If you love high-altitude hiking, Kelimutu volcano is a perfect destination for you. This natural wonder is considered the very emblem of Flores Island. It rises to nearly 5,375 feet above sea level. It's especially famous for its 3 lakes, whose colors change depending on the season and the chemical composition of the water. The small village of Moni serves as the starting point for excursions to Kelimutu. Generally, tourists complete their mountain trek at dawn to reach the summit at sunrise. However, some prefer to venture onto this massif later in the day, as visibility can sometimes be poor in the early morning due to clouds forming around the volcano.

A Small Anecdote About Kelimutu's Lakes

According to the beliefs of the island's inhabitants, when someone dies (a local native, of course), their soul goes directly into one of the lakes. They believe each spirit is directed to one of the lakes based on their age and personality (jovial, anxious, nervous, grumpy, etc.).

When to Visit Flores Island?

To enjoy favorable weather conditions during your stay on Flores Island, visit between June and October. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant. Additionally, the rainy season typically extends from November to March, particularly in the western part of the island. Regarding local temperatures, this depends on where you are. If you're around Labuan Bajo or Maumere, two coastal towns, temperatures usually range between 31°C and 35°C during the day. However, in the evening, it becomes somewhat cooler, so you'll want to bring something warm. On the other hand, if you visit mountainous areas like Kelimutu volcano, it's best to pack several warm layers.

Flores Island is accessible by air or sea. Your choice of transportation will depend on your preferences. If you opt for flying, note that several airlines serve this destination (Wings Air, Lion Air, Merpati, etc.). The island's main airports are located in Labuan Bajo and Maumere respectively. Flights come from other Indonesian islands such as Bali, Java, and Timor.

If you prefer traveling by boat, you can take a ferry from any major port city in Indonesian territory. Generally, the comfort aboard these vessels is quite basic. If you take a ferry from Lombok, expect to spend around 750,000 IDR.

Exploring the island can be done by bus, scooter, or shared taxi.

By Bus

Locals often use this mode of transportation to travel between cities. If you'd like to try a new experience and share some kilometers with the local people, choose this option. This public transportation is admittedly inexpensive, but in most cases, it's always crowded.

By Scooter

The two-wheeler is perhaps one of the most practical ways to explore the island. Generally, this type of vehicle is available for rent at local accommodations.

By Shared Taxi

This is the most economical means of transportation if you're traveling with family or in a group. The comfort aboard is significantly better compared to a bus.