Flores is one of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands. It lies east of Komodo Island and west of Lembata Island. The west coast port town of Labuan Bajo is a gateway to Komodo National Park, known for its carnivorous Komodo dragons and waters teeming with sea life, including manta rays and turtles. Also on the island is Kelimutu National Park, with its volcano and 3 intensely colored crater lakes.
Area: 13,540 km²
Max length: 354 km
Population: 1.831 million (2010)
Province: East Nusa Tenggara
Island group: Lesser Sunda Islands
Five Unique Islands to Explore in Indonesia
The name Flores, Portuguese for “flowers,” is perfectly matched to such a beautiful place. Situated east of Sumbawa and west of the Solor Archipelago, it is surrounded by pristine beaches of white sands including one of only a small number of pink beaches in the world. The island has been shaped by a line of volcanoes that divide up the landscape in such a way that many distinct ethnic groups have emerged, making it a fascinating place to visit.
Home to such an array of amazing aquatic life, there are 50 dive sites offering you the opportunity to swim in crystal clear waters alongside vibrantly coloured marine life, as well as larger sea creatures such as dugongs, dolphins and manta rays. Kayaking is also very popular along the coast and mangrove shores.
To witness Flores’ dazzling colours on land, visit Mt. Kelimutu located near Maumere which is home to three lakes of different colours, colours which transform depending on the light. A number of beautiful waterfalls are located on the island such as the Cunca Waterfalls in the west, a great place to swim in refreshing, clear pools nestled enchantingly within stone formations and dense forest.
If you’d like to absorb some of the local culture, Larantuka on the eastern tip of the island is a fascinating place where locals still continue Easter Portuguese traditions, imported to Flores some 500 years ago.
Interestingly, Flores has also recently become famous for the discovery of the “Flores Hobbit” a new species of human found in the caves of Liang Bua.
