Indonesia · East Nusa Tenggara
Flores
& Komodo
Komodo dragons, colored crater lakes, world-class diving, and 700 km of volcanic coastline. The complete guide.
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The Lombok–Komodo crossing is one of Southeast Asia's great journeys — 3–4 days of open ocean, Komodo dragons, Pink Beach, and turquoise water. Compare boats and routes from Lombok to Labuan Bajo.
View LiveaboardsFrom Labuan Bajo's waterfront hotels to guesthouses along the Trans-Flores Highway. Book in advance for May–September — the dry season fills up fast.
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700 km · 8 regions
The Trans-Flores Highway
Most visitors fly into Labuan Bajo, see Komodo, and leave. They miss everything east of it. The highway runs through eight distinct regions — each with its own volcano, culture, and character. One of the great road trips of Southeast Asia.
The route: Labuan Bajo → Ruteng → Bajawa → Riung → Ende → Moni → Maumere → Larantuka
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Map of Flores & Komodo
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Guides & Travel Blog
All articles →Tengkulese is a two-tiered waterfall near Ruteng, almost unknown to outside visitors. Combine it wit…
Flores got its name from Portuguese sailors rounding this remote eastern cape. Requires a 4WD from L…
Wolopaku in the Soa valley is one of the few places in Flores where you can walk a working coffee pl…
Wologai and Nggela are Lio culture villages within 45 km of Ende. Wologai has megalithic ceremonial …
Todo is the ancestral seat of the Manggarai kingdom, 40 km from Ruteng, with a fraction of Wae Rebo'…
Most overland travellers skip Nagekeo between Bajawa and Ende. Tutubhada traditional village and Ebu…
Frequently asked questions
What is Flores Island in Indonesia?
Flores is a 14,300 km² island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It stretches approximately 375 km from Labuan Bajo in the west — the gateway to Komodo National Park — to Larantuka in the east. The Trans-Flores Highway connecting the two ends spans approximately 700 km of winding mountain road. The island is known for its volcanic landscapes, colored crater lakes at Kelimutu, traditional villages, world-class diving, and rich Catholic-influenced culture.
Is Flores part of Komodo National Park?
No — Komodo National Park sits just west of Flores, across the Sape Strait, on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores, is the main gateway town for visiting the park. Most visitors base themselves in Labuan Bajo and take day trips or liveaboard cruises into the park.
How long does it take to travel across Flores?
Driving the Trans-Flores Highway from Labuan Bajo to Larantuka takes 2–3 days non-stop, but most travelers take 10–14 days to properly explore the highlights. The road connects all major towns: Labuan Bajo → Ruteng → Bajawa → Ende → Moni → Maumere → Larantuka.
What is the best time to visit Flores?
The dry season runs from May to October, with July–September being the most reliable. This is also peak season for Komodo diving. The wet season (November–April) brings heavy rain and rough seas, making liveaboard cruises and some mountain treks difficult. Kelimutu can be visited year-round but is clearest in the dry season.
Do I need a visa to visit Flores, Indonesia?
Citizens of most countries can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days or obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major airports including Labuan Bajo (LBJ) and Maumere (MOF). The VOA costs USD 35 and can be extended once for another 30 days.
What is the Lombok to Komodo liveaboard route?
The Lombok–Komodo liveaboard is one of Southeast Asia's most popular backpacker routes. Boats depart from Bangsal or Senggigi (Lombok), spend 3–4 days crossing via the Gili Islands, Sumbawa, and the Komodo Archipelago, and end in Labuan Bajo (Flores). It includes stops at Komodo Island (dragons), Padar (viewpoint), Pink Beach, and snorkeling sites.
Is Flores safe to travel?
Flores is generally very safe for travelers. Petty crime is rare. The main risks are traffic on mountain roads (drive cautiously at night), strong currents at some dive sites, and altitude sickness if ascending volcanoes quickly. Medical facilities are limited outside Labuan Bajo and Maumere — travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
What language do people speak in Flores?
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the national language and widely understood. Flores has over 20 local languages — the main ones are Manggarai (west), Ngada (central-west), Ende-Lio (central), and Sikka (east). English is spoken in tourist areas of Labuan Bajo, less so in smaller towns.