Dragons cradle, home of the largest living lizard, a nearly fictive island with the beach of blushing pink shaded seashore, with locals protecting and sharing an experience of traditional norms of their local tribe. A humble place of raw beauty kept untouched, this is the blooming tropical paradise of Flores lying in the province of East Nusatenggara. Together, let us explore more about Flores as it reveals the spellbinding grandeur of its place, people, and traditions.
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Flores.
7 Awesome Things to do in Flores, Indonesia
1. Witness the Caci Traditional Dance in Melo Village
Why is it one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia?
Caci Dance is a traditional performance of Manggarai, an ethnic group in the western part of Flores. An artistic whip fight dance performed with energetic twists and turns which at the same time represents philosophical values of sacrifice, sport, and solidarity among the group. Caci dancers wear distinctive and sacred costumes in their performance such as the whip, hood, their own Manggaraian sarong, bells, buffalo hair, and more. Dance has been a traditional performance being preserved and pass down to the younger generation of the tribe. Witnessing the actual performance of the local tribe is a simple way to understand the cultural identity of the people. Truly, this is one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia
All Photography supplied by CARLA MANALO
2. Organic Foodie Experience in Melo Village
Why is it one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia?
By far, this is the most noteworthy food experience in my entire trip to Indonesia. The panoramic view of the island has an added factor to this experience. Lunch has been prepared right after the Caci dance performance and just by merely looking at our meal, it sure does look palate friendly and oh so yummy. The delightful freshness of each dish captured my own high standard of a perfect gourmet experience. No need for garnish whatsoever, from the prawns cooked with perfect savory up to the tastiest fried duck, every single meal was a delight on my palate. If given a chance to go back to Flores, I would definitely visit Melo village again and ask about their way of cooking. This experience is definitely a certified best thing to do in Flores, Indonesia.
Hideya HAMANO CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
3. Coffee break after lunch
Why is it one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia?
Full loaded after that wonderful feast of authentic food, it’s definitely a perfect time for a coffee break to loosen up a bit. Chitchat with folks, kissed by the crisp air of the mountain, and a cup of organic coffee made by the locals, is such a lovely way to spend the day. The coffee is so good that I brought them to the Philippines! You might also want to try their sopi, a traditional palm liquor, that keeps you warm like coffee but make sure to drink moderately. Drinks to keep you warm, overlooking the island of Flores, for sure this is one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia.
If you plan to further explore Flores, homestays and tours are absolutely available. For further info, please contact Sanggar Riang Tana Tiwa Liang Ndara, Kristoforus Nison: +62 852 3950 3379, or Stef Hasima: +63 821 4563 3638
4. Volunteer in Taman Bacaan Pelangi
Why is it one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia?
Tama Bacaan Pelangi or Rainbow Reading Gardens is a nonprofit organization providing children of remote areas in Eastern Indonesia access to good books. We were very fortunate to get an opportunity to take part in their volunteering activity, headed by the very inspiring founder of the said organization, Miss Nila Tanzil.
openDemocracy CC BY-SA 2.0
Children were gathered and all lined up in the open field as we approach the school area. Precious smiles, waving hands, and a feeling of excitement and wonder can be seen on their cute little faces. We were divided into groups and tasked to tell something or anything about ourselves. It’s a really fun activity, though I’m really shy speaking in front of a crowd, but to impart something in the minds of these little children on how reality works for a grown-up, it’s a great feeling. There’s even a question and answer portion right after each introduction, finding it amusing how these kids get curious about life, our profession, and even our age (haha!). No doubt, a day spent with the kids in Rainbow Reading Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia!
For further info (on how to get involved/donate books) please contact [email protected] or check out their Twitter and Facebook accounts @pelangibook and www.facebook.com/pelangibook
You may also visit their website at www.tamanbacaanpelangi.com
5. Trekking on Rinca Island
Why is it one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia?
Our first close encounter with the dragons happened on the little island of East Nusa Tenggara, in Rinca Island. An important briefing of do’s and dont’s have been provided by a ranger right before we left the hotel. It is very important that you follow all regulations because Komodo Dragon’s bite is no joke, it can actually kill you. Care for the environment is important as well so remember to keep trash and throw it in proper disposal areas.
As we dock at the wharf, we waited for the others until the group is complete. Led by our park rangers, we begin our journey to the land of dragons by walking. Passing along the entrance (with two gigantic Komodo Dragons on each side, statues), a few moments and our encounter with these giants began. A slow yet fierce creature walking by, cameras ready for that rare shot, rangers on standby, reminding everyone of precautions. As the dragon passed along across the path walk, we continued our journey on the island, getting to know more about how these dragons live their everyday life.
Takanori Nakanowatari CC BY 2.0
Nestling territory of Komodo Dragons
Younger ones are faster runners than the old ones, but better be sure than sorry, everyone must be alert once a lizard approaches. It’s more or less an hour of the trek on the island. We went to the nesting area of the dragons up to the hill for an overlooking experience of the whole island. Aside from these huge lizards, we spotted other creatures on the island like deer, and monkeys (and there’s a sign at the entrance to be careful with crocodiles, though we haven’t seen one). It’s a close encounter with nature’s grace. Certainly, this is one thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting Indonesia, certified as one of the best things to do in Flores!
Crusty Da Klown CC0 1.0
6. Explore the Pink Beach
Why is it one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia?
Yes, it’s pink! Sand grain has a touch of this very unusual yet fascinating color. Pink beach, or Pantai Merah, was our last stop for that day. This interesting color of the sand grain was made from tiny bits of red reefs produced by a microscopic animal, the Foraminifera. Beach of clear water, it is home to a number of corals and fishes. I chanced to snorkel around the area, Nemo was there!
Riccardo Maria Mantero CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Surrounded by dry grassland and hilly landscape, it gives you this tranquil ambiance. A truly mesmerizing experience barefoot walking into the unusual colors of the sand and a magnificent view underwater, just a few meters from the shoreline. And to make the whole experience a little sweeter, wait for the sunset and fall in love. Pink beach definitely gets into the spot of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia!
7. Sunset in Labuan Bajo
Why is it one of the best things to do in Flores, Indonesia?
Every sunset has a unique way of making someone fall in love with its undying scenery. Coconut trees line up along the beach, blocking the ray of light from the inviting sunset over the horizon. Ferries and fishing boats parked by the bay, kids jumping around and sharing the excitement of their simple yet fun life at the sea. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Flores, the sunset experience at Labuan Bajo.
Sheila Dee CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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Front sea view is what our hotel offers, La Prima. Pool facing towards the sea, we get to experience the appealing sight of the island. A panorama of sea view, enjoying the serenity of the moment and the beauty of the surroundings. For further hotel info, visit their website at www.laprimahotel.mynetworksolutions.com
Special thanks to Wonderful Indonesia, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, and the whole Indonesian staff for having us in this International Bloggers Trip – Indonesia’s Top Bucket Destinations 2015.
Sharing with you this wonderful news from #WonderfulIndonesia, giving you the chance to visit Komodo Island for free! For further details on this exciting contest, please visit the INATopBucketList Wonderful Indonesia Competition For further info about Wonderful Indonesia, please check the Indonesia Tourism information
This article was originally published by Twomonkeystravelgroup.com/category/asia. Read the original article here.
