Travelling to Indonesia - Flores

When travelling for a long period, such as a year, it is almost impossible to plan in detail all of the places that you intend to visit. When my girlfriend and I travelled, we had a solid idea of all the countries we intended to travel in but we did not know exactly where we would go when we got there. Sometimes the decision to visit a specific place comes together slowly and incrementally.

Labuan-Bajo-Flores

Flores in Indonesia is a good example of this. We had originally intended to travel in Indonesia for 2 weeks. I had never heard of Flores before setting off on our travels, much less had I any intention of going there. Then at some point, somehow, I started to learn of this place called Flores. Then I hear about some particular sight or activity that draws people in. Then an idea starts to take shape: what if I was to go to Flores? What is there to do there? How would I get there? How long would I need there?

In addition, as the answers to these questions come together you are left with an easy decision to make: we are going to Flores!

The Plan

We made a plan to fly from Bali to the town of Maumere on the far eastern side of the island of Flores. From Maumere we would go to the village of Moni and visit Kelimutu volcano. From Moni we would continue heading west until we got to the port town of Labuan Bajo in the far west of the island. From here, we would make our way back towards Bali by sea and somehow visit the islands of the Komodo dragon.
Gaps in the Plan

What we did not know was how we would travel from place to place whilst on the island; where we would sleep and what the accommodation costs and quality are like; what the food was like in Flores; and do people speak English. Apart from Kelimutu we really had no idea what else there was to see and do.
Just go with the Flow

Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and see what happens. Therefore, this is what we did in Flores. We knew from online research that there was a bus from Maumere to Moni but that our plane was due to arrive after the time at which the bus would depart. Therefore, when we arrived at the airport we negotiated with a taxi driver to see what kind of a price we could get to Moni. We managed to get the price down to half of his original offer and I felt that this was too good to turn down. We also figured it would save us having to pay for a night in Maumere just so that we could take the bus the next day. The taxi driver later told he was lives in Moni anyway, so it was either drive back with an empty car or at least makes something from us. He offered us accommodation in Moni but we told him we wanted something cheaper (even though what he offered us wasn't exactly expensive) and so he dropped us off at his friends' house, literally across the road - the only road in Moni - from his own place.

Moni and Kelimutu Volcano

The next morning we awoke at 4.30am and set off to Kelimutu, whilst it was still dark, on the back of two motorbikes driven by locals. We followed the road as far as it went and then had to park up and walk the rest of the way, minus the locals. Dusk started to break as we made our way up the Volcano towards the summit. At the top, we checked out the three lakes and rested up whilst waiting for the first glimpse of the sun rising up over the horizon.

After we had had enough up there and were happy that we had taken enough cool photos, we started to head back down. We decided to walk back to Moni to experience and savor the atmosphere and local environment. It was a long walk but we really enjoyed it. From talking to the taxi driver the night before, we knew there was a bus due at some point that morning to take us on to the next village. However, no one in Moni could say when the bus would pass through and so instead we jumped into a shared taxi and paid a price similar to what the bus would have cost. We got out at the next town and again asked around for the time of the next bus to Bajawa. Again, after standing around for while being told many different times for the bus we decided to take another shared taxi. We roughly knew how much the bus ticket would cost and so we were able to negotiate the same price for the taxi.

Bajawa

Its a few hours to Bajawa. We asked the taxi driver to drop us off at a guesthouse. However, the one he dropped us off at did not have hot water so we went in search of an alternative. We found one we liked but this one also did not have hot water. We rather established that hot water is not the norm in Flores. At breakfast the next morning, we literally had no idea what we were going to do whilst in Bajawa or what there was to see. We asked the person working the hotel reception if he had any ideas and asked us to take a seat while he called his friend. Several minutes later, a person turned up asking if we wanted to go on a tour of Bajawa and the surrounding area. He explained the itinerary and quoted a price that we thought reasonable and so, as soon as he called a mate to come along with another motorbike, we jumped on the back of the bikes and went off for a day of exploring.

During the day, we went to visit a family who made palm wine where we have to climb a palm tree and collect the palm juice before being given an explanation about the production method.

We next visited a small traditional village where the local people still live by their own traditional laws and rituals and have been given special dispensations by the government to continue life in this way. We tried chewing betel nut. We had seen people chewing this in many parts of Asia, this stuff that turned the chewers' whole mouth a deep shade of red, but we had never known what it was. We did not like it.

We then went to another traditional village, an even older one. This place was cool and had the look and feel of a tribal settlement the likes of which I had always dreamed about visiting. What I really loved about these places was that they had not (yet) sold out their culture by pandering to tourists and tourist dollars. There were no tacky stalls and no expectations of tips or handouts. The people just quietly went about their business as visitors politely had a little nosey around.

After visiting the village, we drove several kilometers to the site of some natural hot springs. We had been to 'natural' hot springs before which felt more like they belonged in a resort or a leisure centre and so did not feel very natural at all. The natural hot springs that our guide took us to however could not have been more natural. Tucked away in the forest you could immediately see that they had not been altered or manipulated by the hand of man in the slightest. We had lunch and then had a great afternoon playing about in the (very) hot springs.

Labuan Bajo Western Flores


After the fun of Bajawa, we took a shared taxi we gave up on the idea of catching a bus to the main port town of Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is in relatively close proximity to the islands of the Komodo Dragons (in fact a few dragons still live on a small part of Flores itself and so many captains offer their boats to take people on tours of the islands. Tourism is starting to develop as more and more people find out about this. With this comes the development of a tourist infrastructure, which although is non-existent in the rest of Flores, it is becoming clear in Labuan Bajo. There are nice places to stay, restaurants offering western dishes and good coffee and there are many tourist agencies looking to get some dollars from foreign visitors.

Indonesia Travel Information: Jakarta, Sumatra and More

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia. The country is washed by the Pacific and the Indian Ocean and includes more than 13,600 islands. Tropical rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and lagoons characterize the nature of the archipelago. Unique culture, national parks, nature reserves, and excellent resorts with lots of opportunities for rest make Indonesia a popular place for many travelers.

Istiqlal_Mosque_Jakara

Jakarta is the capital and the largest city of Indonesia. Jakarta is situated on the northwest coast of Java and is known as the city with an original mixture of numerous buildings of the 17th-18th centuries, canals and multiple 'national' neighborhoods, each with a unique style. A paved area near Taman Kota Fatah, surrounded by old buildings overlooking the canal, is one of the centers of Batavia, the old part of the city, which is often visited by organized groups of tourists. Nearby, the tourists will see the Jakarta History Museum in the former City Hall, an ancient gun as the symbol of an entire epoch, the Doll Museum, Chicken Market drawbridge erected in the 17th century, and the Bahari Museum with a lookout tower. Some more extravagant attractions of the capital include Sunda Kelapa, the old port, and the oldest temple of the city, Tszine-Yuan.

The second most recognized tourist area is Medan Merdeka, known as Freedom Square, with a 132-meter National Monument. Nearby one can find the National Museum of Indonesia with unique historical and ethnological collections, the Museum of National History and of Indonesian Culture. Of special interest is the impressive building of the presidential palace, the Maritime Museum, and Villelme church. Colonial past is perceived in the architecture of the Portuguese Church. One of the largest religious mosques in Southeast Asia is Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. Shopping is offered in the bustling Mangadau shopping center and Glodok Bazaar. Cutting-edge business districts, architecture of all styles, the famous zoo, water parks, cultural and entertainment complexes and the largest and most popular park in Jakarta, Jaya Ancol, contribute to the general tourist impression of the city.

Yogyakarta attracts the attention of tourists due to a huge palace complex of Sultan's Kraton, numerous museums, and the exquisite temple complex Lara Jonggrang in the nearby Prambanane region. In the area of Surabaya, the capital of East Java, one will find the attractive temples of Malang district and Mount Bromo. In the south of the island, there is a sample of medieval Indonesian art, the 'Temple of a Thousand Buddha’s' built in the 8th-9th centuries.

Bali Island is the most developed tourist area of Indonesia. Denpasar, the capital and the administrative center of the island, is a surprisingly quiet city filled with aromas of plants and unusual fresh air. Many small buildings of traditional architecture, quiet cozy streets, and the constantly shining sun give the city a special charm. Nearby, there is the international Ngurah Rai airport, the main transport hub of the island. 'The Island of the Gods' itself attracts tourists with its pristine landscapes, tropical rainforests and majestic volcanoes, blue lagoons and lush tropical jungle. As for mam-made attractions, one can mention temples and superb resorts. Bali is famous for the tolerant attitude of the local people towards the lifestyle of foreigners, so it surely makes this island a perfect place for a relaxing holiday.

Sumatra is often associated with intense volcanic activity, hundreds of miles of beaches with dark sand and dozens of pristine mountain lakes. However, the region is also known for its turbulent historical past evidenced by the ruins of ancient temples and palaces. The most interesting places include Parapat luxury resort on the shores of the magnificent volcanic Lake Toba, the royal palace and the tombs of Samosir Island, mosques, museums, a crocodile farm near Medan, and an orangutan rehabilitation center. In the northern part of Sumatra, one will find the largest reserve of the country, Gunung Leuser, where rare species of Sumatran rhinoceros, tigers, wild bulls, and orangutans are preserved.

Indonesia Travel Agency to design a trip to Indonesia, you can contact one of the Indonesian travel agents or Indonesian tour operators. They will help you prepare a tour with least effort and make your trip a great experience.

Singkawang City of-thousand-Chinese-temples

Singkawang located 145 km north of Pontianak, capital of West Kalimantan, Singkawang is the second largest city in the province, bordering the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. Unlike other towns in Indonesia, Singkawang has a distinct oriental atmosphere with hundreds of Chinese temples found around almost every corner of town. This is because over 70% of Singkawang’s population is of Chinese descent, predominantly of the Hakka tribe with some Teochew. Others are Malays, Dayaks and other Indonesian ethnic groups.

Singkawang-Temple

In the 18th century, West Borneo lured many from mainland China to the gold mines at Monterado The Chinese came by the thousands, and on their way there they used to overnight in Singkawang. Most settled here and their descendents today form the majority population of Singkawang.

One of the oldest temples here is the Tri Dharma Bumi Raya temple, established in 1878 dedicated to the god of the forest, or Tua Peh Kong.  

Normally a quiet city, Singkawang comes alive each Chinese New Year, reaching its climax at Cap Goh Meh, or the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, closing the celebrations. For this event, Chinese from around the region, including those from Java and Sumatra but from Singapore and Malaysia flock to Singkawang to celebrate the event with family and friends.

During these celebrations, the Tatung or Chinese shamans will perform their supernatural prowess to the thousands gathered along the streets, while remaining totally unharmed. However, before performing their feats they first pray for blessing at the temple of Toa Peh Kong.

Singkawang is also famous for its Chinese ceramics, still produced in the old style with “antique” designs. Center for ceramics is at Sa Kok, some 7 km. from Singkawang. Ceramics made in Singkawang is very popular on Java and can be bought in many parts of Jakarta and Surabaya.

The longhouse and the Dayak Way of Life

When travelling up the Kapuas River, you will pass typical Dayak longhouses, with smoke wafting from atop roofs disappearing behind leafy ferns and rows of coconut trees. Inside, mothers will have just extracted the coconut juice to prepare a big dinner that smells most inviting. A Dayak longhouse consists of more than 50 rooms with many kitchens, making it one of the largest houses built. Although many may look dilapidated, nonetheless, they are very sturdy; most built decades ago, and are made of strong ironwood.

Dayak longhouses

The Dayaks are the original inhabitants native to Kalimantan, this large island that was once better known as Borneo. They live in the interior upper regions of this huge island, amidst dense rainforests and along banks of wide rivers. Once feared for their headhunting raids, the Dayaks today live peacefully from agriculture, forest products, weaving and wood carving.

The Dayak longhouse is a large communal dwelling, where an entire community of extended families resides. These longhouses, known as Betang or Lamin, are normally located along riverbanks and are built on strong posts raised above the seasonal flooding. Such longhouses, therefore, are usually built on 5 meters and sometimes even 8-meter posts, while entry to the house is by a Tangka or ladder, notched into a huge log. As the ladder is precarious, visitors must be careful when climbing.

The river is necessary for the community for the supply of water and food, and of course as a means for travel, and communications with the outside world. However, today such longhouses are fast disappearing or falling into disuse, as people prefer to live in smaller homes rather in one large communal dwelling.

One longhouse takes a large number of families. The longhouse at Putussibau, in the upper region of the Kapuas River, for example, counts 54 cubicles, called Bilik, for as many families. There is however one long veranda set aside for communal meetings, rituals, ceremonies, cultural performances or other common activities, where daily, women may be seen busy weaving and the men carving their intricate woodwork. The longhouse, therefore, provides shelter and builds a framework for continuous, informal contacts and harmonious social relations.

In the village of Saham, some 158 km. from Pontianak, the longhouse is 186 meter long and 6 meters wide, and is inhabited by no less than 269 persons.

Kapuas-River

In these houses, each family is assigned the tasks of taking care of communal safety; each must be involved in ceremonies and rituals. In all, there is a division of labor but also emphasis is on cooperation. Nevertheless, distinction is still made between aristocrats and commoners. The leader is positioned in the center of the house, with the lowest ranking on the outer side near the entrance.

The original longhouses are dispersed in various places, among which are in the district of Sunge Uluk Apalin, at Melapi, Semangkok, Sungai Utica, and at the Bukung district, all in the Kapuas Hulu Region, or the Upper Kapuas. Such longhouses have become part of Indonesia’s rich national heritage.

Mount Palung National Park

The Mount Palung National Park, located in the west Kalimantan, is the oldest national park in all of Indonesia; and the fact that it sees over a million visitors a year means it is one of the most visited places in the country.

Mount-Palung-National-Park-Bird

It is no wonder the sheer number of outdoor recreational activities within the Mount Palung National Park is enough to make you tired reading about, let alone actually doing them all. One of the biggest activities is hiking, or tramping as they call it here. Short hikes, long distance hikes, it does not matter you can do them both.

Wildlife watching is a big pastime in the Mount Palung National Park, with some 56 species to find, by the way. Spotting the local wildlife is also a big deal, so keep your eyes out for giants and 2,000 orangutans, too.

Other peculiar faces of this jungle are the uniquely long nosed proboscis monkeys. Along with the orangutans, the proboscis monkeys are among many of the endemic species inhabiting Mount Palung National Park.

Other animals that also dwell in the jungle of Mount Palung are the land squirrels, forest deer, honey bears, beruk apes, klampiau, lemurs, rangkong badak, kancil, forest chicken, enggang gading, Siamese Crocodile, Ivory turtles, penyu tempayan, and the rare canary squirrels.

Mount-Palung-National-Park-Orangutan

As a National Park, the significance of  Mount Palung Park is not only limited to the country, but also to the rest of the world as  its diverse flora and fauna  act as one of the earth’s richest bio-diverse ecosystems. There are at least 7 types of vegetations found within the Mount Palung National Park, they include mangrove forests, swamp forests, alluvial forests, tropical lowland, tropical highland forests, and sub- alpine forests.
Being a place of such importance, Mount Palung National Park is dubbed by many as Kalimantan’s Eden as it features such a wide variety of colorful flora and fauna. From the exotic Black Orchid to the gentle orangutans, Mount Palung National Park is unmistakably the main gate into Borneo’s tropical wilderness.