Komodo Dragons- Labuan Bajo, Flores
Flores falls into the category of the Lesser Sunda islands in the Indonesian archipelago. It is a group of islands situated between Sumba and Alor, where all together they represent the province of East Nusa Tenggara. Portuguese traders and missionaries came into this area (including Timor, which is further east) in early 16th century. The population in Flores is predominantly Roman Catholic, and there are several languages spoken in the area, all of them from the Austronesian family.
Two of the major tourist attraction in Flores are: Labuan Bajo to see the komodo dragons; and Ende to see the three-colour Kelimutu lakes. Both cities offer spectacular diving sites in their surrounding waters.
Airport:
Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo and H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport, Ende.
Recommended Airlines:
Garuda Indonesia.
There are no international flights to either Labuan Bajo and Ende. There is one direct flight from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo, and more than 2 flights per day from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo.
Don’t miss the magnificent aerial views when you land into or take off from Labuan Bajo!
Recommended Hotels:
Jayakarta, Bintang Flores and La Prima.
People who travel in groups sometimes prefer to charter a vessel and stay there the entire trip. The boat normally stays in the area for at least five days and use two or three days for diving. They come in packages, including meals as well as rental of diving equipment and guides.
One of the boats that I highly recommend if you are interested in chartering one is the Salila. (Please visit www.Salila-Indonesia.com)
Among the other tour operators who offer services in boat rentals and chartered vessels are: Visit Komodo Tours, Flores Komodo Expedition, Komodo Charter, and Cruises to Komodo.
What to wear:
Light Cotton t-shirts and shorts and open and light footwear. It gets very hot and dry when you visit Rinca and Komodo islands. And of course: beachwear, beach towel and loads of sunblock!
Recommended Sites:
Recommended Restaurants:
In Labuan Bajo: Bajo Bay Fisherman’s Club, Mediterraneo, Tree Top, Paradise Bar and Made In Italy.
The first three restaurants above also offer great sunset views.
