Sunda Islands Flores & Komodo
Islands for individualists: Natural spectacles, wildlife & culture
Komodo & Flores: Two spectacular islands, part of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, delight with their natural beauty, unique wildlife and fascinating culture. Flores, also known as the “Flower Island”, enchants with green, magnificent rice terraces, crystal-clear lakes and impressive volcanoes. The island is also known for its traditional villages, such as Bena and Wae Rebo, where the local population preserves their unique way of life and their remarkable art of weaving.
Only a short boat ride separates Flores from the legendary Island of Komodo. Komodo is famous for its dragon-like, powerful lizards, the Komodo dragons, which can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh 70 kg. These fascinating, otherworldly creatures can be observed in their natural environment. Komodo also offers some of the most beautiful diving and snorkeling in the world, including the crystal clear waters around Pink Beach and the colorful coral reefs in Komodo National Park.
Both islands can be ideally combined and offer a unique travel experience where you can discover the culture of the islanders, enjoy the breathtaking landscape and marvel at the extraordinary wildlife. Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike will delight in Komodo and Flores.
What you should see on Flores:
Flores, the "Island of Flowers" in Indonesia, a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. The combination of picturesque rice terraces, majestic volcanoes and an exotic culture is unique. The island of Flores belongs to the Lesser Sunda Island group and is located east of the most famous island in Indonesia - Bali.
What makes Flores so special:
- Natural beauty: Flores impresses with spectacular volcanoes, rugged coastlines and lush rice fields. One of the most remarkable places is Kelimutu, a fascinating volcano with three colored crater lakes, whose water colors of turquoise, green and black change over and over again over the course of a day.
- Cultural Diversity: Flores is home to a diverse population of different ethnic groups, including the native Manggarai, Ngada, and Ende. Each village has its own traditions, customs and rituals, which are reflected in different architectural styles, crafts and festivals. The population of Flores is the only island in Indonesia to be 91% Christian.
- Traditional villages: In the traditional villages of Flores you can find huts with thatched roofs Experience roofs and original village communities. Some of the most famous traditional villages are Wae Rebo and Bena, which offer visitors insights into the village's lifestyle and culture. WAE REBO VILLAGE was even awarded the “Award of Excellence” at the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards and is a highlight on every trip. Anyone who appreciates contact with hospitable people and often the associated trekking tours can visit other untouched villages.
- Diving and snorkeling: The waters around around Flores are a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The underwater world is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, turtles, manta rays and diverse fish species. There are pink powdery sugar beaches, crystal clear water, breathtaking views and untouched nature. An absolute highlight for nature lovers, divers, non-divers and photographers.
- Komodo National Park: Anyone who visits the Komodo National Park, home of the Komodo dragons, which are among the largest lizards If you want to visit a part of the world, Flores is the starting point. But it's not just the monitor lizards that are worth a trip. The guided tours of the park also offer great opportunities for hiking, diving and exploring the region's unique flora and fauna.
- Fascinating History: The History Dating back thousands of years, Flores has been shaped by influences from various cultures, including Chinese, Hindu and Christian. Flores has a diverse, cultural past. Visitors can marvel at archaeological sites, traditional megalithic tombs and historic stone columns.
- Crafts and textiles: The women of Flores are known for their craftsmanship and the production of traditional textiles, Ikat, a very old Indonesian weaving technique. The fabrics are famous for their patterns and colors, which often reflect stories and rituals of the respective communities.
What you should see on Komodo:
Prehistoric dragon-like Komodo dragons are at home here. But Komodo is not only fascinating because of the unique giant lizards, Komodo also offers breathtaking diving and snorkeling opportunities and offers one of the most beautiful underwater worlds on earth.
What to see on Komodo:
- KOMODO NATIONAL PARK: a UNESCO World Heritage site in Indonesia with one of the most diverse marine communities on earth. Prehistoric Komodo dragons and breathtaking diving and snorkeling opportunities characterize the Komodo National Park. Perfect for an adventure in nature.
- BATU BOLONG REEF: Part of the national park with crystal clear waters, colorful coral splendor and extreme marine diversity. Something very special for every diver and snorkeler.
- RINCA ISLAND: an unforgettable encounter with the famous Komodo dragons is possible on Rinca. Visiting Rinca is only allowed with a guide. The landscape on Rinca offers a breathtaking natural backdrop.
- PINK BEACH: admittedly, depending on the position of the sun and the weather, not always as pink as in the pictures. Still a worthwhile destination to a beach famous for its pink coloring.
- DIVING SITES: the Komodo Islands are known for great diving sites with, especially during the new and full moon, extreme currents and therefore a particularly large number of fish. Sharks, manta rays and if you're lucky you can even spot manatees and whale sharks.
- LIVEBOARDS: are the best way to explore even the most remote dive sites. Tours lasting several days on mostly simple diving boats take their guests to the best spots. A diving safari is not only exciting underwater, the silence, solitude, serenity and peace on the water is also a first-class experience.
An enchanting story of Flores
Flo, as she is affectionately known to her admirers, never imagined she would be the center of attention like she is. It was in 2003 when the little woman in her 30s came into the spotlight on the world stage. Flo comes from the beautiful island of Flores and was found there in a hidden cave - deceased more than 60,000 years ago. Although her many admirers are likely to be mainly from the global anthropologists and paleontologists community, the perhaps somewhat less euphoric rest of the world nevertheless took note that the excavation of Flo, the 'Little Lady of Flores', provided proof that In addition to Homo Sapiens, there was actually another 'human race', Homo Floresiensis.
A lot has happened in Flores since then. While the western, Catholic-influenced part of the island with a Portuguese past is still somewhat dormant, the eastern, Muslim-influenced part around the island's capital Labuan Bajo is currently developing rapidly. This may not least be due to the fact that Labuan Bajo has become the gateway to the Komodo National Park, where you can marvel at a completely different, special local species - the Komodo dragons. A trip to Flores and Komodo guarantees an unforgettable experience.
A mystical story of Komodo
Komodo Island, hidden in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, has always been no ordinary island, it has been home to a mysterious people who lived in close connection with their wildlife.
The people of Komodo villages lived in harmony with the Komodo dragons, the island's ancient inhabitants. These dragons, affectionately called Oras, were the protectors of the island, and the locals respected them as sacred creatures.
When a severe drought hit the island and the water supplies were exhausted, the head of the village asked the Komodo dragons for help. The dragons led the villagers to a hidden spring that provided water and ensured and saved the survival of the village community.
In gratitude, the people of Komodo vowed to protect and preserve the island's nature and animals. From that day on, man and dragon lived in even closer bond, and the island of Komodo prospered.
The Legend of Komodo reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment and living in harmony with nature. And even today, when you observe the majestic Komodo dragons on the island, you can feel that this mystical connection between humans and animals still exists.
In 1980, Komodo National Park was established to protect the region's unique wildlife, particularly Komodo dragons. The park was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, Komodo Island is a popular travel destination, known not only for its unique wildlife, but also for its fascinating history and breathtaking nature. Tourism plays an important role in the region's economy and contributes to the preservation of the national park.