There are 17,508 islands that make up Indonesia, and when one thinks of probable holiday locations in Indonesia, the opulent resorts of Bali may be the first thing that comes to mind. The swarms of partying visitors who occasionally cause damage to historic and religious monuments, as well as the terrible pollution that litters Bali’s idyllic beaches, have contributed to the island’s dramatic rise in popularity, but this popularity has come at a great cost.
It is also important to note that a vacation to Bali for one week, including round-way flights, may cost around $2,350 per person for tourists from the United States. The good news is that if you are seeking for an alternate method to escape the crowds in Bali, the answer lies with another island that is around 600 miles east of the tourist hotspot in Indonesia.
Flores Island is the biggest island in the East Nusa Tenggara province. It serves as a gateway to stunning scenery and unique Indonesian cultures, and it has a lower level of tourism than other islands in the region. As a premier diving destination, Flores Island, often known as “Pulau Bunga” (which literally translates to “Flower Island”), is highly regarded.
As well as having a distinct culture and history that distinguishes it from the islands that are located in close proximity to it, the island is home to a collection of different natural preserves that include three crater lakes and volcanoes.
Flores Island
The tropical nature preserves on Flores Island make it an ideal destination for tourists.
Komodo National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses a network of 29 smaller islands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Flores Island. There are around 2,500 Komodo dragons that live on Komodo Island, which is the most popular destination among these. These dragons may be seen living on the island’s grasslands and beaches. Although they weigh an average of 330 pounds, these enormous, poisonous lizards have the power to incapacitate huge animals like as deer and water buffalo.
On Komodo Island, it is essential to be in the company of a ranger who will act as a guide while you explore the island. It is also essential to follow any instructions that the ranger gives you, particularly while you are in close proximity to Komodo dragons. In addition, menstrual blood might be a trigger for an attack. The park is home to a wide variety of coral, dolphins, and green turtles, making it one of the most prestigious diving destinations in the world. If you would prefer stay on the water, tourists may enjoy one of the most prestigious diving spots in the world at the park.
Mt. Kelimutu, a volcano that is situated close to Moni Village, is yet another magnificent feature that should not be missed on Flores Island. There are three large crater lakes that change color and are located close to Kelimutu. The lakes were produced as a result of volcanic eruptions, much to the Danau Toba crater lake that may be seen on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
Due to the chemical composition of the waters, the lakes of Kelimutu, which are referred to as Tiwu ata Mbupu (“Lake of Old People”), Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (“Lake of Young Men and Maidens”), and Tiwu Ata Polo (“Enchanted Lake”), have the ability to change their colors into a variety of shades of blue, green, and even red or black.
The waterfalls of Mount Inerie, the volcanic beaches with black sand of Blue Stone Beach, and the archeological sites of the homo floresiensis at Ruteng Village are some of the other incredible natural vistas that can be explored. The homo floresiensis was an ancient human species that was nicknamed “hobbits” due to their height of approximately 3 feet and 6 inches.
There is a distinct cultural identity that is unique to the island of Flores.
There is a significant difference between Flores Island and the rest of the archipelagic state in terms of both its history and its culture. This difference is a reflection of the island’s stunning natural scenery. On Flores Island, around 85 percent of the population adheres to the Catholic faith, despite the fact that the majority of Indonesian nationals follow either Islam or indigenous beliefs.
The island was under Portuguese colonial administration in the 16th century, and during that time it was an important commercial outpost for Portuguese merchants. This distinctive character is a result of the deeply established legacy of colonial rule.
Pockets of communities, such as the Ngada and Ende-Lio tribes, have flourished for millennia despite the fact that the island’s hilly environment makes it impossible to travel throughout the island. Because of this, a significant number of Flores islanders who are native to the region use a wide variety of local dialects and languages in their day-to-day conversations rather than Bahasa Indonesian, which is the language that is most often used in the state. In addition, the island is well-known for the meticulous quality of its colorful artworks and textiles, such as ikat, which is a rainbow fabric that is created into apparel that is used for celebrations and rituals that are performed locally.
There are innumerable stunning diving places, a broad variety of epic natural features, and a multifaceted culture that is steeped in history. Flores Island offers guests the opportunity to have an immersed experience while escaping the rush and bustle of Bali.
Due to the fact that additional economic incentives and resorts have been investing more money and resources into the island’s infrastructure, the relative quiet may not persist for very long. Therefore, if you are planning your next trip to the Indonesian islands, you should make sure that Flores is at the very top of your list of destinations to visit.