The most beautiful Indonesian island you've probably never heard of
When Aussies take a holiday to Indonesia, chances are they tick off Bali and nothing else.
But it's actually a huge country, made up of hundreds of islands with thousands of hidden gems to explore.
Like for example, Flores Island - one of the most beautiful places you've probably never heard of.
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Flores Island is an hour's flight from Bali. Getty
When we asked Bali local Janine Cottle, who runs the wellness retreat Escape Haven, she told us that hands-down her favourite holiday spot in Indonesia is the island of Flores.
Not only are there the world-famous Komodo dragons, stellar snorkelling, and great national parkland, but also she says that the beaches there are unparalleled.
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"It's like swimming in the Maldives," she tells 9Travel.
Another huge plus is that it's so accessible from Bali, just a short hour-long flight away.
She also says that if you visit in the low season, you can snag a room in a five-star waterfront resort for less than $200.
Here's everything to know about Flores.
Flores is a jumping-off point for many nature adventures. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Things to do on Flores Island
Most travellers fly straight into Labuan Bajo and base themselves here. It is the main gateway for Komodo National Park, and where you can take boat tours (day trips or liveaboard cruises).
Highlights for a trip to Flores include:
- See Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat on Komodo and/or Rinca Island.
- Hike Padar Island for the iconic tri-bay viewpoint.
- Snorkel or dive at Manta Point with manta rays.
- Relax on Pink Beach (Pantai Merah), famous for its reddish-pink sand.
- Swim in Rangko Cave, a sea cave with a crystal-clear natural pool.
- See the brightly-coloured crater lakes atop Mount Kelimutu, which periodically change colour (blue, green, and black/red) due to volcanic gas activity.
You can get to this viewpoint by hiking on Padar Island. Getty
How do you get to Flores Island, Indonesia?
The easiest way to get to Flores Island is by flying directly from Bali to Labuan Bajo. There are multiple daily flights, and the journey is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
You can also fly to Labuan Bajo from Jakarta.
Best time to see Komodo dragons?
The best time to see Komodo dragons is during the dry season, from April to August, when they are most active in open areas like watering holes and sunbathing spots.
For the ideal combination of weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in April – June or September – November.
Avoid the rainy season (January to March) due to potential boat trip cancellations and the mating season (July to August), when large males are in the forest.
Komodo dragons are endemic to this part of Indonesia. Getty
Are there Komodo dragons on Flores Island?
Labuan Bajo, a town on Flores Island, is the main gateway to Komodo National Park, which is the best place to see these giant lizards in their natural habitat.
Most travellers head to Rinca Island or Komodo Island. Rinca has boardwalks and a ranger station where dragons often gather, making encounters highly probable.
Komodo Island feels more rugged and untouched than Rinca. Sightings can be less predictable as it's a vast island, and dragons may move deeper into the forest during mating season.
Pink beach is named for its brightly-coloured sand. Getty
How far is Komodo Island from Flores?
A boat trip from Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island typically takes around 2 hours - most travellers book an island hopping tour to see the dragons, the famous pink beach, and the hike on Padar Island.
