Flores is one of the most special islands to explore in Lesser Sunda Islands
Adventure seekers and hikers will be in their element climbing the volcanoes Kelimutu and Inerie, while divers and snorkelers will find around Komodo, Labuan Bajo and Maumere one of the best marine life in the world. Wildlife lovers will see the prehistoric Komodo dragon, the planet’s largest living lizard. Beach lovers will enjoy the boat tour of 17 Islands, and those drawn to living culture will find centuries-old Ngada villages, and a deep-rooted Catholic faith that gives Flores a character found nowhere else in Indonesia.
GOOD TO KNOW
It is good to know that Flores is much less developed than Bali or Java. For us, that is exactly what makes it so special. You will find far fewer tourists and plenty of places that still feel authentic and untouched. The trade-off is that accommodation is generally more basic. There are a few beautiful exceptions, but most places offer simple, cute homestays rather than luxury hotels.
Languages: Locally, various Manggarai and Ngada languages are spoken, Indonesian is widely understood, English is common in tourist areas
Population: around 2 million inhabitants
Minimalist and budget-friendly travel: That’s how you travel just with hand luggage
How many days do I need in Flores?
We recommend at least 10 days to travel around Flores, including Komodo National park for a comfortable pace. That’s why we created our Flores Highlights itinerary, which covers the island’s highlights in 10 days. We’ve personally spent three weeks exploring Flores, but if you want to experience the complete Flores route, we recommend allowing 14 days.
How much does it cost to travel around Flores?
Flores is a relatively affordable destination, especially if you travel independently. For food, you can expect to spend around €5 per meal, while budget accommodation averages about €20 per night. Standard accommodation costs around €50 per night, while more luxurious options start at around €80 per night.
For transportation, renting a scooter costs around €7 per day, while a private car with driver costs approximately €60 per day. Shared vans are another option, with prices depending on how many people are travelling together.
If you choose the cheapest options, you can travel around Flores for roughly €40 per person per day, excluding excursions and activities.
What is the best time to visit Flores?
The best time to visit Flores is from April to October, during the island’s drier season. We visited Flores in September and had incredible weather throughout our trip, making it a great month for exploring the island and travelling between destinations.
How do I get around Flores?
You can travel around Flores by scooter, private car with a driver, or shared vans. A private car and driver is the most comfortable option if you want to cover a lot of the island, while a scooter gives you more freedom if you’re an experienced rider. Shared vans are a cheaper option, although they can be less predictable and comfortable.
Want to know more? Check out our guides on travelling around Flores by scooter and how to find a private car and driver in Flores.
How do I get to Flores, Indonesia?
You can fly to Flores through three main airports: Labuan Bajo, Ende and Maumere. Labuan Bajo is the easiest gateway, with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Java, Bali and Lombok. Flights to Ende and Maumere generally require a layover, usually in Labuan Bajo. There is also a direct connection between Maumere and Makassar in Sulawesi. For this itinerary, we recommend flying into Maumere and travelling west towards Labuan Bajo.
Is it easy to travel around Flores independently?
Yes, absolutely. You can travel around Flores independently without booking an expensive travel agency. With our guides and itineraries, we’ll show you how to plan your route, arrange transportation and travel safely around the island. We’ve done the trip ourselves and created our guides to make independent travel around Flores as easy as possible.
Plan your Trip
FIND YOUR BEST TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR FLORES
Travel smarter
EXPLORE OUR TRAVEL GUIDES
Flores Scooter Guide
How to explore Flores by Scooter
Get inspired
EXPLORE OUR TRAVEL STORIES
ADVENTURE
Mount Inerie is one of Flores’ most impressive volcanoes. We set off in the middle of the night for hiking through complete darkness to reach the summit in time for sunrise. Strong winds, and a very steep mountain with no marked trail made this an unforgettable experience.
Liang Bua Cave & Homo Floresiensis in Flores
CULTURE & HISTORY
At Liang Bua Cave, we stepped into the place where Homo floresiensis, the “Hobbits of Flores”, once lived. What we discovered there made us see the island, and our own human history, from a different perspective.