Flores is an island of beauty and tradition. It takes less than an hour to fly from Bali but it feels like time travelling. Flores is still wild and unspoiled, specially when compared to Bali, and there is still so much to discover here!
First, the natural treasures: waterfalls, rice paddies, forest-clad mountains, pristine beaches and amazing blue water. You can trek to the summit of Mount Kelimutu and reach the famous three lakes at the top. Each lake periodically changes its colour all the way from bright red to dark grey and pastel blue. Or maybe you can swim in the secluded bays of Riung wondering if you just found the ‘lost paradise’. Here you can stroll around looking at the profusion of beautiful flowers that give the island its name. Keep an eye on the path ahead though, just in case you may stumble into a Komodo dragon!
Next is the culture: the traditional villages around Bajawa have been declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Six different languages are spoken on the island as ancient traditions and distinct cultural traits are alive in each district. Catholicism is the main religion in Flores, due to centuries of Dominican missionary activity throughout the island.
So grab a backpack, rent a car or a motorbike and start exploring. You could spend weeks wandering around, perhaps getting lost but certainly not bored!