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Flores is a narrow rugged island found in the center of the Nusa Tenggara province in eastern Indonesia.
It is one of the most visually stunning islands in the country and is dominated by a string of volcanoes (14 of them still active!) which form an almost impenetrable backbone that has led to the development of many distinct ethnic groups.
The rugged south coast is home to numerous fishing villages and the people from these villages head out from the volcanic black sand beaches in their tiny vessels to hunt for the huge pelagic fish found in the area.
Of the 1.5 million or so people living on Flores, most have been influenced by the Portuguese explorers that landed here in the 16th century and as such Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. Indeed in rural communities around the island the elder generations can generally still speak some Portuguese.
The 'Trans-Flores Highway' is certainly not the name we would have given it but this windy, bumpy road does link the island together from the eastern tip of Larantuka to the west coast town of Labuan Bajo.
Between these two towns you will see Flores' main industry, farming. Rice, coffee, tamarind, coconut, chocolate, bananas, numerous spices and an assortment of other crops are grown all over the island.
All this food has also attracted the largest rats in Asia and if you are brave enough to give them a try you will regularly see them roasted over a flame on the side of the road as you pass through the mountain villages!
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Suggested itinerary featuring Flores
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Flores, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Flores
- Sumba 174 kilometers away
- Komodo Island 178 kilometers away
- Tambolaka 223 kilometers away
- Pantai Nihiwatu 231 kilometers away
- Pantai Marosi 236 kilometers away
- Moyo Island 388 kilometers away
Our expert guides to exploring Flores
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Flores, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Flores at its best.
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Flores and Komodo: Indonesia’s wild frontier Flores and Komodo: Indonesia’s wild frontier
Flores and Komodo: Indonesia’s wild frontier
With the world’s largest lizards, time-worn volcanoes and traditional ethnic villages, Flores and Komodo feel like a collection of relics from an earlier time. Indonesia specialist Megan has explored the island by road, mapping out an itinerary that will show you the best of an island that few venture to.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Indonesia and Bali Honeymoons in Indonesia and Bali
Honeymoons in Indonesia and Bali
Plan your perfect honeymoon to Indonesia with Audley. Discover some of the beautiful properties available and how we can make your honeymoon in Indonesia extra special.
Read this guide