Flores
Flores is everything that attracted people to Bali before Bali became what it is now. The island has genuine remoteness, dramatic volcanic terrain, traditional village culture, the extraordinary three-coloured crater lakes at Kelimutu, and the Komodo National Park just offshore. Labuan Bajo is developing as a tourist hub and will not stay this quiet forever, but right now it is still a fishing port that happens to have good restaurants.
Why visit
Komodo dragons, three-coloured volcanic crater lakes at Kelimutu, traditional villages, dramatic landscapes, and Labuan Bajo's excellent seafood.
Crowd level
Labuan Bajo is developing quickly as a gateway but remains a fraction of Bali. The highland villages and Kelimutu crater are genuinely uncrowded.
Best time
Dry season (April-November)
Getting there
Fly into Labuan Bajo (growing airport). Rough roads inland — 4WD recommended for the highlands. Komodo boat trips depart from Labuan Bajo.
Tradeoffs
Infrastructure is rougher than Bali. Some roads are challenging. Not a beach-and-pool holiday. Rewards independent and curious travellers.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Indonesia
- Region
- East Nusa Tenggara
- Fresh Air Score
- 84/100
- Cost level
- $
- Distance from Bali
- 1400 km