Flores Island is one of the Nusa Tenggara Islands groups, the part of the Lesser Sunda Islands of the Indonesia Archipelago. Elongated from West to East along 450kms length; the island lies on the ring of fire and featuring rugged mountain and active volcanoes spread at total area 15.531km2. Total length of Flores highway is 500kms from west to East. Temperatures of the Island range between 25º-34ºCelsius. The temperature may drop to12ºCelsius on the highlands especially on July to August. The island is occupied by 2.3 million populations (updated data 2023) which consist of six ethnic groups (Manggarai, Ngadha, Nagekeo, Riung, Lio, Sikka and Lamaholot) with strict difference in culture and language. The ethnic groups tied by official language – Bahasa Indonesia for daily communication and interactions.
Flores offers infinite nature, culture and adventure exploration for holiday. This is the prime choice of some world’s travelers right now especially for adventurers and natural and cultural lovers. Traveling in Flores is just like to be in an impossibility of the world with extraordinary things to explore.
It is easy to reach to the island. Manage your flight from your home country to some main airports in Indonesia like Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya, then directly connecting to Flores Island with Maumere as the eastern entrance and Komodo International Airport the western gate. Go and visit the different communities of indigenous tribes with various culture and different way of life. Penetrate inland to the rugged mountains and amazing volcanoes, exotic flora and faunas, pristine beaches with white sands, or find out the colorful marine life in the deep sea. Kelimutu Volcano with its three colored lakes is one of the main attractions to see. Taking boat to visit the Komodo dragon at its original habitat at Komodo National Park and enjoy swimming in the clean crystal water with white or pinky sands.
Plan your trip to explore the extraordinary things in Flores Island. We are standing here to assist you to explore Flores and the islands beyond.
The visa requirements depend on the length of your stay and on your home country’s regulations. Indonesian visa requirements are prone to changes. Thus, it is important to check the respective requirements at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country before you start on your journey.
In recent years the Indonesian immigration regulations have been considerably simplified. Entering without obtaining a visa in advance is possible now for citizens from 63 countries at certain air or seaports in Indonesia. The visa will be issued directly on arrival at the entry point and is therefore called ‘Visa on Arrival’. It costs USD 25 and allows you to stay in Indonesia for 30 days. Since January 2010, you can extend this type of visa in Indonesia for another 30 days, which will cost you an additional USD 30. As a prerequisite for the visa on arrival, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry, and the applicant must also have a return ticket. It is time-saving to bring along the required amount of USD in cash upon entering Indonesia.
Our trip will mostly explore out of the common tracks and spending more time away from the big cities. Although ATM (Automated Teller Machine) is available and spread in every district and almost all small shops provide the service for transfers or withdrawing money, it is recommended to keep enough cash money during tour for your personal needs in emergency!
Cash basis payment is the general way of payment in Flores and only Rupiah (IDR) is accepted for cash payment. Money transfers are not usually possible, as using International account is not very common yet. There are ATMs in the district capital depending on the Bank-accept major credit cards (Visa and Master Card) where you can get cash. Cash withdrawal from local accounts is easier to do nowadays in the small shops everywhere. The ATMs of BNI (National Bank of Indonesia) are the most reliable. The Bank can also change your foreign currency into Rupiah. Travel Cheques are rather difficult to change.
Except Kupang in Timor, traveling in Flores, Sumba, Alor and Lembata is an excursion to explore the paradise away from the modern bustling lifestyle. It is rare to find modern shopping mall or supermarkets there on Flores, Sumba Alor and Lembata.
But it would be a great experience to involve in the real life of the people in the remote destinations. You will find the most evident human relationship, their interaction and economic style in the traditional market. You will experience something different but probably more exciting kind of shopping beyond your modern notions of malls and supermarkets. Very small Shopping malls are basically limited to Maumere, Ende, Ruteng and Labuanbajo. The hustle bustle of Florenese market (Pasar) will bring you closer to an important part of people’s daily life. You will see not only a range of familiar or unknown local products; you may also witness a barter transaction, which used to be the traditional way of doing business in the region.
While planning your trip to Flores Island, it is important to inform you about health and safety issues. We highly recommend you to consult a specialist on tropical medicine in your home country prior to your journey. A reliable physician can give you the right advice on the vaccinations needed and the preparation of a medical travel kit.
For most people on Flores eating and especially sharing a meal with their family and friends is a very important part of their communal life. It is symbol for sharing, social cohesion, communication, family unity and integration.
You should not miss out to step into the wonderful world of various local food. Usually, there is no problem with eating local meals, as your hosts are concerned about your well-being as well. No one wants to see you in discomfort.
Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked. Do not eat raw or uncooked meat or fish. Some types of fish may contain poisonous bio toxins even when cooked. Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Avoid drinks that contain ice. Avoid unpasteurized milk and any products that might have been made from unpasteurized milk, such as ice cream.
Make sure to bring along an antibiotic and anti-diarrheal drugs to be taken immediately as emergency treatment.
Dengue Fever, Malaria, Japanese B Encephalitis and Rabies are the kinds of diseases those are spread throughout the Americas, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. The risk of getting infected affects the region of East Nusa Tenggara as well. Therefore, we highly recommend you to seek medical advice and take the necessary measures before you start on your trip.
Mosquito bites can be avoided by wearing protective clothing (avoid dark-colored or black clothing as it attracts mosquitoes) and using mosquito repellent sprays or mosquito nets for malaria prevention. As the adult tiger mosquitoes, which cause dengue fever, are active during the day, your options for protection are limited. Mosquito repellent sprays with a high DEET content are most effective in lowering the risk of a mosquito bite.
Rabies spreads through the bite of infected animals mostly dogs, monkeys and flying foxes. You might have the way of threatening dog as domestic pets at home. But greatly advise to avoid being too close to the dogs during the trip in the region of East Nusa Tenggara unless having a vaccination with ‘pretavel’ which is a vital part of your medical pre-journey preparations.
Health centers, hospitals, and general practitioners are present throughout the region of Flores. However, in case of emergency, the limited equipment may not be sufficient. Depending on the case, admission to a renowned hospital on Bali or Singapore is advised.
Before you start on your journey to the region of Flores, make sure to consult a doctor or a clinic specialized in travel medicine. The vaccinations and preventive measures needed.
Since the vaccinations have to be made up to eight weeks before departure, it is important to contact the doctor early. All vaccinations are registered in an international certificate of vaccinations, which is a part of your travel documents to bring along.
While visiting the region of Flores, you will notice many cultural differences, also in matters of behavior. Visitors who respect the local customs and traditions will receive hearth warming hospitality – from their Indonesian host and get an unforgettable travel experience. It is therefore an advantage if you consider some basic cultural dos and don’ts for Flores:
Dress Conservatively! For female travelers, it is highly advisable to dress conservatively – a shirt covering the shoulder and lower body garment to the knees – especially when visiting village and cultural object. Unless you are on a dive boat or on one of the Labuanbajo’s beaches or Riung beach or island frequently visited by tourist you should wear more than just a bikini to swim. Please consider that it is inappropriate for men and woman to hang clothes in the same place.
Smile a lot! The people in the region of Flores are friendly and they are smiling a lot… Smile is an indicator for friendliness and smile probably change everything. Arrogant visitors who do not respond to smile or greetings will find it hard to get close to the local people.
Reduce the use of your left hand! The left hand is being used to wash after going to the bathroom, is considered dirty. Use your right hand for bringing food to your mouth as well as to pass and receive things. Try to avoid passing food and money, as well as shaking hands or touching people with left hand as it will be considered offensive.
Avoid touching men, woman or even children’s head as well. For local people head is their crown. Please do not touch one’s head, as this is consider offensive and under estimation.
Be Attentive! You are safe traveling in the region of Flores. But please note on mind that crime can happen everywhere. Please do not let all goods un-attention in public areas and make sure your valuable things are well stored. Crime can happen on the availability of opportunity to do so…..
Do not keep, bring, sell or consume Narcotics! Last but very important! Indonesian government is strictly forbid narcotic for the citizen and for those who travel to Indonesia. So, do not ever keep or bring, sell and consume narcotics or any other addictive drugs. Narcotics and all kind of addictive drugs will bring to mortal penalty.
CV. Gema Pariwisata Svarga
Flores' Top Points
Comapany's Legal Standing
