22 Best scenic things to do and attractions in Komodo Islands and West Flores

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/flores/tempat-wisata-alam-flores-barat/

Written by Junanto Xu
Co-written by Kristyna Schonova, Beverley Lennon
Edited by Beverley Lennon

You’ve had enough of Bali and finally ready to venture a little further? Ready to impress everyone on your social media with real bucket-list stuff?

How does a hidden paradise with pristine beaches, azure waters, and giant lizards sound? If you’re up for a real adventure, Flores is a good option to consider. Embark on a short 1-hour flight from Bali to swap crowds of tourists for spectacular nature, dragons and volcanoes!

While you’ll land in Labuan Bajo (West Flores), the deal gets real when you visit the nearby exotic islands. Your exotic island getaway guarantees untainted beaches lathered with powdery white pink sand and the clearest of waters for you to bask in! You’ll also get to explore mystical caves, world-class diving sites, experience romantic sunset spots and so much more!

Here are 16 scenic things to do in Komodo Islands and West Flores that prove they’re (probably) winning over Bali! 😉

Read more:

5D4N Scenic West Flores + Komodo + Padar + Rinca islands adventure itinerary with giant komodo dragons and pristine beaches!

25 Exotic natural, cultural and traditional attractions in Flores you have never heard of

The ultimate guide to Komodo islands and West Flores – Indonesia’s land of dragons

1. This resort serves up comfort, good views and luxury – AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach

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Essentially speaking, AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach has everything there is to love about resort-living.

The reclusive stay is where you get to soak up million-dollar views, ultimate privacy, over-the-top facilities and a polished level of service, all the while being a boat ride away from the dragons at Komodo National Park.

Put it shortly, if there’s a paradise on earth, AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach surely could have an excellent tilt at the title. There are stunning views from everywhere around the resort, starting from your room – yes all rooms here are staggeringly beautiful and come with complimentary ocean views!

Or, you could well prefer waking up in the middle of the ocean with their luxurious cruise experience aboard AYANA Lako di’a. The verdict? Simply gorgeous!

When it’s time to step out, why not sign up for their daily boat trips that take you on an island-hopping experience of a lifetime. You can also opt for their in-land day tours to immerse in nature and culture.

At sunset time, make sure you are back to take in killer panoramas from the resort’s UNIQUE Rooftop Bar. With the natural setting surrounding you and a few of their handcrafted cocktails, I can assure you that you’re in for a treat! What’s more, it doesn’t stop here as you are about to be wowed by the magic of Kisik Grill  at dinner time.

Sign up for a liveaboard experience and sleep on a boat!

If you want to get the best of the islands around West Flores, I highly recommend you to sign up for a liveaboard experience as you get to sail and hop from one island to the next, wake up in the middle of the ocean or on a private beach, swim with manta rays at any time of the day and take in magical views from sunrise to sunset!

2. Sail on a boat that feels like a villa in Santorini! – Le Pirate Explorer

Le Pirate Explorer is something I’ve wanted to do forever – or at least since I moved to Asia some years ago. I don’t fancy big cruises so the idea of sleeping on a boat and sailing around the best islands around Flores is something pretty exciting, to say the least. Oh, and of course, you get to stop at Rinca Island to walk with the dragons!

If you’re familiar with Indonesia, you must have heard of the brand “Le Pirate”– they have hotels around Nusa Ceningan, Gili Trawangan and also in Labuan Bajo where they have cabins and a floating hotel.

However, what really sets them apart is their liveaboard experience on Le Pirate Explorer. You can sign up for different packages – I have signed up for a 4D3N package which includes all meals, two nights on the boat and one night on Le Pirate Private Island and the best part is that there are only 8 people on the boat (4 cabins in total).

One thing I really like about the cruise is that you get to create your own fun  – you’re not forced to follow on tours during the day. Here to relax on the boat? You can stay in, anytime!

What’s more, the boat itself simply blends in the natural setting, staying true to the brand colours – white-washed and turquoise blue. Seriously, it’s time to embrace your inner Moana!

TripCanvas Tip: Pack some trainers and snacks for the hikes. While the cabins have ample space, we recommend you to pack your 4-day necessities in a smaller bag for the cruise. You can keep your luggage at the main office in Labuan Bajo.

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3. Experience luxury in the middle of the ocean with jacuzzi and more! – Magia II

Magia II is a treasure above the water. This luxury yacht (renovated in 2019) sails around Indonesia’s most beautiful groups of islands – it can take you to the Komodo Islands, Spice Islands or even to the magical Raja Ampat.

Aboard, you get to see the wonders of the archipelago in all luxury – even while soaking in a jacuzzi located on the deck of the master room.

The cruise is a destination on its own – it comes with a bunch of water sports equipment which you can use while onboard, all meals, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) are included.

Eventually, for this level of utmost luxury, you will need to charter the whole boat but it is an exclusive experience like no other (if you have the means or reason to do so).

Just looking at pictures make me think that there’s no reason to spend time onshore rather than onboard while cruising aboard Magia II – a 5-star yacht experience.

Snorkel in crystal clear waters at pristine white sand beaches

Who can resist beautiful white sand beaches with crystal clear waters? What’s even better – quiet untouched beaches few tourists know about!

4. Spend a romantic getaway on a private paradise island – Le Pirate Private Island

Ahoy, little pirates! Get ready to set sail on a journey to a private island with just you and your loved one.

This tropical playground is a perfect place to celebrate love! Stroll by the beach hand in hand, explore the underwater scene together, laze by the beach and sip on cocktails, feel as free as a bird in this paradise as you enjoy exclusivity and intimacy!

If you fancy some shade or a nap, head to the beach hut that overlooks the stunning sea, lay down in your lover’s arms while your dreams become reality! During sunset, you’ll be blessed to witness the ball of fire sink into the horizon, setting place for a mesmerizing dark sky dotted with shining stars.

5. Visit the lucky “9” island – Atol Mangiatan

If you’re are on a sailing trip near Mangiatan Island, make sure to drop by this unique coral island that is shaped in a ‘9’.

Although the best you can do here is lay on the sand or dip in the water, this sandbank is worth a visit for its uniqueness- plus can you really say no to even more crystal white sand, and azure blue waters? Instagrammers we hear you!

6. An almost-private island: Kanawa Island

Here, you can almost have an island all to yourself – isn’t that a dream come true?

If you get tired of lazing on the beach, go grab your snorkelling equipment and explore the marine life on the reefs!

7. Laze on the white sandy shore: Bidadari island

This beautiful white sand beach is ideal for a private getaway. You can stop here during an island-hopping boat trip to have a swim and enjoy the beach on your own!

P.S. This has the same name as another island in Thousand Islands (near Jakarta).

8. Explore a beautiful island with spectacular views – Kelor Island

This hidden gem offers a rewarding hike to its visitors.

While you could simply laze on the sparkling white sands and let the azure blue water wash your worries away, we would highly recommend you to make it to the top of the hill to enjoy endless views and take it the 50 shades of blue the ocean has to offer!

Discover Spectacular Scenery and Komodo Dragons at Komodo National Park

9. Conquer the land of the dragons!: Komodo Island

Update: Komodo Island will be closed temporarily from January 2020 for a year, to improve its conservation efforts and increase the population of the Komodo dragons

Ever dreamt of stepping into Jurassic Park?

It’s pretty much the same at Komodo Island, as you get to meet live roaming giant lizards, descendents of the extinct monstrous creatures! This ‘bucket-list material’ experience is a must-do for everyone visiting Flores!

When friends of ours went on a boat tour from Labuan Bajo to explore this national park, they referred to it as “surreal”! When the boat arrives at Komodo island itself, get ready to meet the dinosaurs! Your guide will take you to locations where you can spot these giant lizards.

With a bit of luck, you can spot them sunbathing, drinking from the spring or simply just crawling about. Let us know how many of them you’ve been lucky to spot?!

Full day trips usually include a short stop at the pink beach where you can snorkel and get some rest. The pinkish shade is caused by little pieces of red corals that mixed with the white sand.

10. Embark on a dragon-spotting adventure – Rinca Island

Are you in quest of relishing on a real-life dragon? Well, you might want to start your journey here because the chances of encountering them on Rinca Island are more promising than on the other surrounding islands!

Adventurers who embark on this journey must sail for one hour from Labuan Bajo before stepping on the Land of Dragons. Upon arrival, you might be lucky enough to spot one or two lazy Komodo Dragons basking under the sun (you know, just collecting tan lines like us)!

Locals say that the population of Komodo Dragons here is higher than on Komodo Island hence your mission will be far from impossible! However, the dragons here tend to be aggressive and fierce so always remember to keep your distance and stay alert at all times.

Besides its extended dragon family, Rinca Island is also known for its epic trekking trail! Enjoy a forever-changing panorama while you visit the island! Vast savannahs, majestic hills, azure sea waters, and a stunning shoreline will please your eyes and leave you speechless!

11. Make it to the top of the world for the best of views! – Padar Island

Surreal? Majestic? Out-of-this-world? No word can do justice to the scenery that Padar Island has on offer! You’ll have to come and see for yourself.

Grab your hiking shoes and trek all the way up to the peak of this breathtaking rugged island. As you reach the top, relish on panoramic views of majestic green hills, azure waters and a spectacular stretch of white sand beach. The view ressembles a live painting with the hills outlines by the nearby turquoise-coloured bays.

This might be the highlight of your trip!

Explore secret caves

12. Take a dip in a natural cave pool: Rangko cave

Few have heard about this recently discovered four-metre-deep cave, which hides a splendid natural pool with cold, crystal clear water. The water contains a large amount of salt and is known for its health benefits!

Explore further and discover nature’s beautiful works of art, such as stalactites, stalagmites along with fossils hidden in the cave walls! 😱

And when the sun rays find their way into the cave, you can relish on a sparkling water show too!

13. Mirror, Mirror who’s the prettiest stone of all?: Batu Cermin Cave

Discovered in 1951 by the Dutch archeologist, Theodore Verhoven, the Batu Cermin Cave is nicknamed “Mirror Cave“ due to a magical phenomenon – as sunlight passes through the cave, the light reflects from one stone wall to another, creating a mirror effect!

This is because the stone contains bits of salt, which reflect light like a mirror. The stone covers an area of 19 hectares and the cave is about 75 metres high and 200 metres long. To see the sparkling stone, you’ll have to go down to a depth of 20 metres at least.

During the rainy season, it’s even possible to see the reflection of water puddles on the cave walls. The cave is also covered with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites, and since it was once submerged in the ocean, you can also find fossil corals and turtles engraved in the cave walls too!

14. Row, row, row your canoe through the rainforest: Cunca Wulang Waterfall

Located in a tropical rainforest, Cunca Wulang is often searched for by canoeing enthusiasts. You can hike here and swim in the natural pools!

There are also a couple of ledges you can jump off if you are one of those thrill seekers (we sure are!).

15. Watch flying foxes fly some errands during sunset time: Kalong Island

The mangrove forests in Kalong Island are home to thousands of bats. As the sun goes down, it’s time for the bats to wake up. Come and watch hundreds of them go on their food hunt mission, flying out from the forests in a perfect synchronised manner.

Their dark silhouettes cast out a dramatic shadow in the sky orange glow – a unique award-winning show illustrated by Mother Nature!

Go for exotic dives with strange marine creatures

For those who like to explore the underwater world, there is no better place than crystal clear waters around Flores! Dive into the depths of the ocean and swim with mantas, turtles, seahorses and hundreds of fish!

16. Meet with the majestic manta rays: Karang Makassar (Manta Point)

Diving with mantas will pump some adrenaline into your blood! These huge marine animals will swim close to you, demonstrating their best ballet moves in all elegance!

17. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime night dive: Seraya Kecil

In Seraya Kecil, you can experience a unique night dive. The currents are not strong here, so it’s ideal for beginners. It’s the perfect place to spot pygmy seahorses, turtles, stonefish or eagle rays.

If you are an experienced diver, you can explore deeper, and with a bit of luck, you might even meet “Daddy shark doo doo doo doo”🎵

18. Explore an expert diver’s underwater paradise – Tatawa Kecil and Tatawa Besar

You have to dive hard and be an advanced diver to get a glimpse of the underwater paradise here, because Tatawa Kecil and Tatawa Besar challenging conditions may be unsuitable for those who are inexperienced.

Once you are experienced enough, these two world-class diving sites will reward you with a magical underwater landscape full of colorful lively corals and other marine creatures. Rare ones include the manta rays, dugongs, reef sharks, and hawksbill turtles!

19. Can you conquer the currents? (For experienced divers only!) – Batu Bolong

Are you an experienced diver who loves to conquer rough seas and witness the untouched underwater glory?

Thanks to its rocky topography and strong currents, Batu Botong has made it too challenging for fishermen to access. Expect to see a kaleidoscopic underwater world with multi-colored corals, lively schools of fishes, giant turtles and fierce sharks adorning the seas.

20. Indulge in fresh seafood with stunning ocean views – Tree Top

With the ocean at its doorstep, you can’t miss on feasting over seafood in Flores! If you want to do it right, head over to Tree Top for the ultimate sea-to-table experience!

Perched on the hills and overlooking the bay of Labuan Bajo, this restaurant promises you with a memorable “dining with a view” experience! Relish on the  endless sea dotted with sailing boats and guarded by the hills from afar; yes, you’re in for a feast for both eyes and palate!

Their must-try seafood include the oh-so loved grilled fish, chili crab or chili squid. These dishes awaken your senses with an explosion of flavors, while the breeze runs through your hair!

21. Sip on local coffee in a heartwarming coffee house – Kopi Mane Inspiration

Kick off the day with a heartwarming cup of coffee at Kopi Mane Inspiration. Real coffee-lovers will understand the hype as though on an island, you get to choose from a variety of coffee options including Arabika, Robusta, or Lanang coffee. Don’t forget to pair it up with some local snacks like some freshly-made banana fritters while you share tables with the locals themselves.

Kopi Mane Inspiration is the branch of a coffee house in Ruteng and managed by a young and energetic owner, Wenti! As an undergraduate student from Jakarta, Wenti apparently chose to give up her life in the city and pursue her interest in coffee making far away in this small town! The coffees served here here is full of dedication and hard work!

22. Catch a romantic sunrise atop the love hill –  Bukit Cinta (Love Hill)

Lovebirds, this is a must-visit for you! A short 10-minute drive from the city centre will bring you to beautiful Bukit Cinta in Labuan Bajo. This is where you get to enjoy a picturesque 360-degree panorama of the surrounding island. You’re bound to be left in awe!

It is a perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers alike to admire the natural charm of Labuan Bajo and take in the tropical atmosphere up high!

Want to witness the scenery at its finest? Come during dusk and watch the fiery orange sky  spread its magical glow. The sea, sky, trees, and mountains are lathered with golden sun rays, creating a scenery that seems right from a fairy-tale!

Getting around

If you wish to embark on an island hopping adventure and visit several islands at one go, you can check out the tours below:

a. Alba Cruise

b. Komodoalor

c. Oradive

Looking for a private boat for a short island getaways? Check out the tours below:

1. Komodo Tours

2. Komodo Heaven Tour

Ready to see beyond just Bali and explore Indonesia’s Jurassic Park? It’s never too late to squeeze in yet another item on your bucket list! We repeat; picture pink sand beach and glowy clear blue waters 😍!! Let us know when you’re going?

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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