What to say about Flores?

Flores was a gorgeous island, with drives throughout the mountainous and beach-side terrain that make you fall in love instantly. Problems that I had with this lovely island were the people of Flores. They weren't overly rude and I was never scared/worried on the island, but this is the place where I couldn't walk 2 steps without hearing a "hello Mrs." "hello Mr." etc. (yes, they called me mister quite a lot, which of course is funny at first, but after the 500th time, it's just old).

Our main reason for visiting Flores was to see Kelimutu. It is located on the other side of the island from where we got dropped off, so it was a little journey to get there.

The first stop was Luaban Bajo (where our Komodo cruise dropped us off). I only spent a night here, but the cafe's were the nicest on the island with outstanding views of the ocean.

Next was the best 4 hour car ride to Ruteng. If you have the opportunity to visit Ruteng, don't. Or only go for the car ride. It was alright to walk around for an hour or so, but it was somewhat dirty and the calls...again...annoying.

Then it was off to Ende, which was a "big" city also just for the night.

The highlight of the trip was going to Moni.  A 30 minute motorbike ride out of Moni is Kelimutu National Park with 3 colored crater lakes. This made the 2 other nights in a big city all worth while.







That day in Moni was spent riding on motorbikes through the rice fields and bathing in a natural hot spring.

We stayed at Bingtang Guesthouse in Moni. This was a small but quaint hotel in the cutest little village town. Our hotel was only $5pp and included breakfast. After enjoying the first night with the locals/singing with the band/playing cards/drinking Arak, the following morning were were off to the park at a good 4:30am to catch the sunrise.

Kelimutu was phenomenal, and the walk back down wasn't so horrible either. We found the waterfall and passed another local village alone the way.

After that, we spent 2 nights in Maumere. One night in the city, and one on the beach.

Overall, Flores is wonderful to drive through and seeing Kelimutu was worth all the cat calls.

rant- Indonesian Transportation

I had the worst 2 automobile experiences in my life on the way to and from my favorite town in Flores (will talk about town later....)

There are a few ways to travel in Indonesia:

1. Ojek- motorbike taxi
2. Bemo- Large bus with tinted windows that plays music as loud as it will go packed with many people
3. Public transportation/bus- have yet to attempt this
4. 'Travel' or public car- a car or van that stops and picks up people (like a bemo but less flashy/usually....usually more comfortable)

We rode by 'travel' to Moni and from Moni to Maumere.

I wanted to die. Both times. The first time, there were 9 of us in a 7 person vehicle. Ok ok, not so bad, but the guy sitting between us as honest to god the worst body odor I have ever smelled no exaggerating. To illustrate my reaction, I IMMEDIATELY accepted a cigarette and held it to my nose after it was out and I don't even smoke. I actually hate cigarettes. But that was the best thing I could have smelled at the moment.

On the way to Maumere, it was the car ride of doom. The driver almost killed every passenger along with every single driver on the road every time we would take a turn around the mountain. At least there was a rooster on board to humor me somewhat, along with Celine Dion belting in the background.

I hope Mondays plane situation is better than this. Fingers crossed.