15 The natural wonders of West Flores besides exotic, beautiful and almost untouched besides Labuan Bajo
Flores is indeed the ideal place to hide from modern civilization. Derived from the Portuguese language which means "flower", Flores's nature and culture are like flowers that don't need make-up to look beautiful.
Who does not know of Komodo Island, which is located living away from here? In addition, this island also contains waterfalls, lakes and seas that are almost untouched, as well as villages whose atmosphere has not changed since hundreds of years ago.
Since Flores Island is very wide to explore, this time we will only take
you for a walk in the western part of the island to the Ruteng area.
So is your visit here to return to nature or back to the past? Certainly
both.
How to get there
From Bali: Wings Air, NAM Air, and Garuda Indonesia serve direct flights
to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo. PP ticket prices range from Rp 1.2
million to Rp 2.5 million per person.
From Jakarta: Batik Air, and Garuda Indonesia serve direct flights to
Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo. PP ticket prices range from Rp 3.6 million
to Rp 4.1 million per person.
Transportation:
The most popular entrance is from the City of Labuan Bajo. The condition
of the Trans-Flores road that connects Labuan Bajo and Ruteng is quite
good, but the village's roads are largely unpaved.
Public transportation can also be found, but the conditions are very dense
and often unreliable. So it is advisable to rent a private vehicle.
Motorbikes are preferred because there are many narrow and damaged road
conditions that make it difficult for cars to pass. Also make sure your
vehicle is in top condition.
You might also consider hiring a local guide.
Motor / car rental recommendations:
Bajo Rental
Price: Motorbikes starting at IDR 75,000 / day, Cars starting at IDR
750,000 / day
Telephone: 0385 244 0495
Email: admin@bajorental.com
1. America has a Grand Canyon, Flores has a "Green Canyon": Cunca Wulang Waterfall
Hidden in the wilderness of tropical forests, this waterfall flows through
narrow cliffs, just like the Colorado River with its famous Grand Canyon.
Okay, the size is "mini" and doesn't deserve to be called "Grand Canyon".
But because of the greenness of the surrounding forest, we just replace it
with the title "Green Canyon". How?
And nothing is more fun than jumping into a calm and clear pool under
these rock cliffs. While swimming, you can peek at the grandeur of the
waterfall behind the cliff.
But before jumping, discuss with your guide first, because it could be at
that time the water was shallow, especially in the dry season.
Don't want to swim? It doesn't matter as long as I still want to be
private. There is a suspension bridge that offers views as well as a cool
selfie.
Cunca Wulang Waterfall
Entrance Ticket: IDR 70,000 - IDR 100,000 (including guide fees)
Location: Pota Wangka Village, Boleng District, West Manggarai Regency,
East Nusa Tenggara 86754.
Coordinates here.
Operating Hours: 6am - 5pm
2. Finding a charming Sleeping Beauty: Mules Island
Eits, don't misunderstand first. The word "mules" here means not an upset
stomach, but comes from the local language which means "beautiful"
Uniquely, from afar the shape of this island indeed resembles a princess
who was sleeping due to the exotic hills.
Indeed, the island which is a little wider than the city of Bandung has
beautiful nature. Expanse of rock hills, pastures filled with livestock,
and tropical forests inhabited by monkeys can be found here.
The sea is no less beautiful. Sea water clarity as if tempting you to
explore the waters around this island. And the waters here are indeed
filled with turtles, dolphins, and various other fish species.
Oh yes, this island also has a lighthouse which is located about 30
minutes from Konggang Village
Mules Island
Location: Nuca Molas Village, Satar Mese Barat District, Manggarai
Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86561.
Coordinates here.
3. Flores' anti-mainstream pool: Goa Rangko
Although you have already tasted the taste of swimming in many places,
this place is guaranteed to provide a new experience.
Rangko Cave, located near Labuan Bajo, is a 4 meter deep cave adorned with
stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and sizes.
But what is certainly most sought after is a natural pool with cool, clear
water. Because it is located near the beach, the pool water also contains
salt which is said to make the body healthy.
Unique is not it? Where else can you swim in a cytagmite cave?
Still looking for something cool here? What about the charm when the sun
peeked through the gap in the cave door and made the water sparkle. Two
words to describe it: amazing!
Goa Rangko
Entrance Ticket: Around Rp. 200,000 to Rp. 350,000 to rent a fishing
boat with a capacity of 5 people.
Location: Tanjung Boleng Village, Boleng District, West Manggarai
Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86754.
Coordinates here.
4. Fertile land with a unique shape: Rice Field "Spider Web" Cancar Village
You may have visited Ubud and posed against the backdrop of green rice
fields arranged neatly on the slopes of the mountain.
How about trying another setting in Flores? Try to visit Cuncar Village to
peek at the lush, green giant "spider web".
Yes. When viewed from above, the rice fields in this village do look like
spider webs (or pizza?).
But the reason behind the unusual distribution of rice fields is because
the land is owned by the whole community. They then give a share of land
to each family according to social status and number of family members.
Hmmm ... maybe the term many children many fortune does fit here!
Cancar Village
Cancar Village
Location: Wae Belang Village, Ruteng District, Manggarai Regency, East
Nusa Tenggara 86516.
Coordinates here.
5. The splendor of multilevel waterfalls: Cunca Relief Waterfall
Between the greenery and thick jungle of Flores stands a magnificent
two-story "building" that is charming. That is the Cunca Lega Waterfall
which is also known as the Tengkulese Waterfall.
The beauty of the multilevel waterfall as high as about 25 meters is truly
extraordinary. Moreover, accompanied by a background of brown rocks and
natural greenery that is still beautiful.
The splendor of this waterfall is clearly visible from the top. Plus
friends of a beautiful stretch of rice fields residents in the distance.
Well, for those who want to climb to the top, it is advisable to come in
the dry season when the water discharge is not too heavy.
Take it easy, the appearance of this waterfall from below is no less
fierce. There are more natural pools at the bottom of the waterfall ready
to accompany anyone who wants to swim.
So, no need to worry because at the bottom of this waterfall is no less
exciting.
Cunca Relieved Waterfall
Entrance Ticket: IDR 5,000
Location: Tengku Lese Village, Rahong Utara District, Manggarai Regency,
East Nusa Tenggara 86516.
Coordinates here.
6. Giant painting that makes love: Tengku Shiva's waterfall
This waterfall is indeed like a giant painting on canvas high stone walls
looming. The waterfall gives a white color, while the moss plants scribble
green on the "canvas".
No half-hearted, there are four waterfalls as high as 70 meters that adorn
this giant "canvas". These four waterfalls also have similar water
discharge.
The large stones in front of the waterfall are the best selfies for posing
with this magnificent nature painting. Moreover, these stones are also
decorated with mini versions of waterfalls that are no less beautiful.
The journey to reach this "giant painting" is indeed quite difficult. But
when you reach this beautiful and magnificent maestro masterpiece, you are
guaranteed to fall in love. Do not believe?
Niagara Tengku Shiva
Location: Village fierce, District Reok West Manggarai regency, East Nusa
Tenggara 86592.
coordinates here.
7. Has the hobbit ever lived here ?: Goa Liang Bua
What is the original "hobbit" house? If your imagination is like small and
cute houses decorated with various flowers on a page that you often
display on Instagram, with regret to say that you are wrong!
The home of the original "hobbits" - which they have actually lived in can
be found on Flores Island!
This is Liang Bua Cave. In 2003, scientists discovered the skeleton of a
dwarf sized human who was later named Homo Floresiensis.
This human skeleton is believed to have a height of only about 106cm with
a weight of about 30 to 40kg and extinct around 50,000 years ago.
And this cave is where they live! The real "hobbit" house!
Also take a moment to visit the museum to see the original hobbit human
skeleton and if you are interested, you can visit a village that is
believed to be inhabited by direct descendants of these hobbits!
Interested in meeting them?
Liang Bua Cave
Entrance Ticket: Free. Museum: IDR 40,000
Location: Liang Bua Village, Rahong Utara District, Manggarai Regency,
East Nusa Tenggara 86516.
Coordinates here.
8. The royal residence of the famous king: Kampung Todo
It is said that Todo Village was founded by a king from Sumatra named
Mashur. And since then this place has become the center of government of
the Manggarai Kingdom.
Even though it is no longer triumphant, at this time we are still able to
peek at the remnants of his legacy and the lives of his citizens who are
still the same as they were centuries ago.
In the middle is Watu Todo, a stone believed to be a village guard with a
beautiful circular formation. Around him stood a cone-shaped traditional
house building called Niang Todo:
Want to look for souvenirs? You can shop for a typical Todo songket that
costs between IDR 50,000 and IDR 500,000. This songket is guaranteed not
to be found in major city malls though!
Do not forget also the fresh air and beautiful green mountains that
surround this village!
Kampung Todo
Entrance Ticket: IDR 50,000
Location: Satar Mese Barat District, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara
86561.
Coordinates here.
9. Dating a virgin sky: Wae Rebo
If many people are willing to trek for 4-5 hours just to reach a remote
village in the mountains, it is definitely not an ordinary village.
The village was named Wae Rebo, a traditional village filled with
traditional houses resembling giant party hats.
And amazingly, this thatched house has five floors! The first floor is
used as a residence, the second to fourth floors are granaries, while the
top floor is a place to pray for ancestors.
The green nature and the cool air at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea
level are also a reward for your "sacrifice" to reach this village.
Another charm from Wae Rebo is in the sky. Here dozens of stars can be
seen clearly in the sky with the naked eye!
Indeed, the trip here is draining, but you want to sacrifice a little time
to sleep to be able to date with the sky that is still a virgin here?
Wae Rebo
Location: Satar Lenda Village, West Satar Mese District, Manggarai
Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86561.
Coordinates here.
10. Enchantment of "Burning Lake" Special: Lake Sano Nggoang
His name is indeed still foreign, not as famous as its "neighbor": Lake
Kelimutu. But did you know that this is the largest and deepest lake in
East Nusa Tenggara?
And the privilege of Lake Sano Nggoang is not only that. The lake water is
rich in sulfur that is efficacious, and you can also find hot water baths
you know (make sure first with the people around because there is a pool
whose temperature reaches 70 to 1000C)
The name Sano Nggoang itself means "Burning Lake" in the local language.
If you want to enjoy the charm of the whole lake, you can climb the Golo
Dewa Peak. This natural painting will be more beautiful when there is a
thin mist that accompanies or in the morning accompanied by the dawn.
This area is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Indeed, a variety of unique
species of birds can be found here, including crows, parrots, eagles, and
plop birds (a type of owl).
Note: If you want to see the shape of Lake Sano Nggoang directly, you can
climb the hill around the lake, which is the Peak of Golo Dewa.
Lake Sano Nggoang
Location: Wae Sano Village, Sano Nggoang, West Manggarai Regency, East
Nusa Tenggara 86757.
Coordinates here.
11. Witness the phenomenon of "Eclipse of the Bats" in the evening: Kalong Island
As the name implies, this 5 hectare island near Komodo Island is inhabited
by thousands of bats (maybe even millions!).
"Rush hour" on the island begins before sunset. Bat groups on this island
began to fly from behind the mangrove forest to the east in search of
food.
There are so many bats that their shadows are able to carve a silhouette
in the twilight sun!
While waiting for this "eclipse" to arrive, you can dive or snorkel in its
clear sea. The coral reefs and fish hordes that inhabit the waters here
are no less beautiful.
Kalong Island
Location: Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara
86754.
Coordinates here.
12. Magic mirror inside a stone wall: Goa Batu Cermin
It's not like the magic mirror in the fairytale of Snow White that can
talk, but this "mirror" has its own magic.
Inside this cave there is a small gap, and when sunlight comes in through
that gap, the light can be reflected by stones in the cave wall!
In the rainy season, when puddles form in caves, incoming sunlight will
make these puddles look sparkling!
The right time to visit is around 1 pm, where the sun's light is just
above the cave gap.
Goa area of 19 hectares with a height of 75 meters is also filled with
charming stalactites and stalagmites.
You can also find fossils of fish, shellfish and turtles in this cave. For
this reason, scientists believe that this place was once under the sea.
Goa Batu Cermin
Entrance ticket: IDR 10,000, Guide service: IDR 20,000
Location: Batu Cermin Village, Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency,
East Nusa Tenggara 86754.
Coordinates here.
13. Tropical dreams come true: Island Marine Park 17
Maybe the tropical paradise of your dreams is a virgin island covered in
lush forest with white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea.
If so, you will not only find one, but 20 islands!
But why is it called Island 17? Reportedly to be in accordance with
Indonesia's independence day: August 17.
The sea around Pulau 17 Marine Park is indeed rich in fish, starfish and
spectacular coral reefs. Especially around Bukit Tiga Island and Mborong
Island.
And not to be missed are the waters of Batang Kolong Island, which has a
"sea rose", a unique sea animal shaped like a rose that seems to wave its
petals to greet you.
Oh yeah, don't "forget the mainland", literally! Try to visit Bukit Tiga
Island or Rutong Island to see the beautiful blue sea from the hills on
this island.
And if you're lucky, you can also meet with whales, you know.
Island 17
Boat rental fee: Around IDR 400,000 to IDR 700,000 (maximum 10 people),
including guides and captains.
14. Arena test the courage for the brave: Goa Snake Palace
When planning your itinerary, chances are that the dark cave that is
snake-filled won't be on your list.
But for those of you who are anti-mainstream and brave, there is a place
to test the guts that are worthy of choice.
The cave palace snake is hundreds of meters long and is inhabited by
various types of snakes, including pythons and various other venomous
snakes, as well as bats.
Because it is dangerous, for those of you who want to visit it must be
accompanied by a local guide. You can also only visit during the dry
season (April to October). In the rainy season, rainwater can flood the
cave and snakes often roam outside.
Before entering the cave, you must also attend a local ritual at the
expense of a small chicken and egg.
And it must be remembered: When inside, never try to disturb this beast!
Goa Snake Palace
Location: Weto Village, Galang Village, Welak District, West Manggarai
Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86753.
Coordinates here.
15. Enchanting private island: Kanawa Island
Ever craved a vacation while lazing on a private island?
If so, your dream can be realized on this beautiful island between Flores
and Komodo Island. Nothing disturbs you here other than white sand and
blue sea.
There are several lodging models to choose from namely bungalows (small
houses with bathrooms), bale (rooms with curtains with outside bathrooms),
and camp.
When you are tired of lazing around and want to relax your muscles, all
you have to do is take snorkeling equipment and you can immediately start
your adventure among the coral reefs.
Kanawa Island
How to Get There: Ships to Kanawa Island depart at 12 noon every day from
Kanawa Office in Labuan Bajo. Travel time is about 1 hour with a ticket
price of Rp 100,000 per person.
Email: info@kanawaresort.com
Phone: 0385 41252/0813 3823 3312
The best time to visit
The dry season is a suitable holiday time because the weather tends to be
more friendly. If you want to find a relatively quiet atmosphere and enjoy
good weather, the suitable month is April to June - before the school
holidays, or from September to November.
Keep in mind that there are some places that cannot be reached during the
rainy season.
It's amazing isn't it? And we believe, what we share above is only a small
part. Are there still other hidden beautiful places in West Flores that we
don't know about?