An Island Shaped by Volcanoes
Flores is an island where volcanoes define much of the horizon. Roads wind through mountain ranges, green valleys and small villages, with the scenery constantly changing as you travel across the island. Here, some of the most memorable views unfold between destinations.
Where the Flores “Hobbit” Was Found
Flores is where the remains of Homo floresiensis were discovered — an ancient human species nicknamed the “hobbit” because of its small stature. You will visit the cave where this remarkable discovery was made, a place that transformed scientists’ understanding of human evolution.
Flores from Within
Between the main highlights, there is time for smaller discoveries: walks through tropical landscapes, a swim beneath a waterfall and stops in places rarely included in typical itineraries through Indonesia. This is how Flores reveals itself best — gradually, through its landscapes, history and people.
The Spiderweb Rice Fields
Among Flores’ most remarkable landscapes are the lingko rice fields, divided into wedge-shaped plots radiating from a central point like a giant spiderweb. Their distinctive pattern comes from the traditional Manggarai system of land distribution and is especially striking when viewed from above.
Wae Rebo — A Village Above the Clouds
High in the mountains lies Wae Rebo, a traditional Manggarai village known for its distinctive cone-shaped Mbaru Niang houses. The village can only be reached on foot, by following a trail through tropical forest. An overnight stay gives you the chance to experience it after the day visitors have left.
