Executive Summary: Why Flores, Komodo Dragons and Kelimutu Matter for Singapore-based Travellers
Flores Indonesia, anchored by Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park and the tri-coloured lakes of Kelimutu, is one of East Indonesia’s most spectacular yet still under-the-radar regions.[1][2][3] For Singapore travellers, it is now reachable in under 5–6 hours via transit through Bali or Jakarta, offering world-class diving, close-up encounters with Komodo dragons, volcanic crater lakes, and traditional villages such as Bena and Wae Rebo.[1][2][3][4]
This Flores travel guide is written from the perspective of a Singapore-based traveller who has visited Labuan Bajo and the Komodo islands multiple times over the past decade, and who advises overseas buyers on the Singapore property market through Homejourney. It combines practical on-the-ground tips (boat safety checks, what to watch out for when trekking with Komodo dragons, how to deal with cash and ATMs in small Flores towns) with strategic guidance for expats and international investors who may compare Flores and Singapore as lifestyle and real estate destinations.
Throughout this guide, you will also see how Homejourney supports safe, transparent decisions – whether you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime Flores trip from Singapore, exploring Asian property investment opportunities, or thinking about using Singapore as a stable base while enjoying regular getaways to Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara region.
Table of Contents
- Flores Indonesia Overview: Komodo Dragons, Kelimutu and East Indonesia
- Best Time to Visit Flores, Komodo and Kelimutu
- Getting to Flores from Singapore
- Currency, Costs and Money Tips for Singapore Travellers
- Top Attractions & Experiences in Flores Indonesia
- Practical Travel Tips: Visas, Transport & Safety
- Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo, Bajawa and Moni
- Food & Dining: What and Where to Eat in Flores
- Suggested Itineraries: 3 Days, 5 Days and Day Trips
- Connecting Flores to Singapore Real Estate with Homejourney
- Flores Travel FAQ for Singapore Travellers and Investors
Flores Indonesia Overview: Komodo Dragons, Kelimutu and East Indonesia
Where is Flores and Why It’s Special
Flores is the tenth largest island in Indonesia, part of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, lying east of Bali and Lombok and west of Timor.[3] Its western gateway town, Labuan Bajo, faces the legendary Komodo National Park, while its eastern highlands host the volcanic village of Moni and the famous Kelimutu crater lakes.[1][2][3]
Unlike Bali’s highly developed resort scene, Flores remains comparatively low-density, with rugged mountain roads, undeveloped beaches, and compact towns such as Ruteng, Bajawa, Ende and Maumere forming a classic overland route.[1][2][3] Travellers often fly into Labuan Bajo for Komodo dragons and manta rays, then cross the island by car or bus to Moni for Kelimutu before exiting via Ende or Maumere.[1][2][3]
Komodo National Park: Home of the Dragons
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is world-famous for its wild Komodo dragons, pink-sand beaches, and exceptional diving and snorkelling with manta rays.[2][4][7][9] Day trips or multi-day liveaboards from Labuan Bajo typically visit Padar Island, Komodo or Rinca islands for dragon trekking, and coral-rich sites like Manta Point and Kanawa.[1][2][7][9]
Kelimutu: The Tri-coloured Lakes of Moni
At the other end of Flores, near the village of Moni, stands Mount Kelimutu, a volcano famous for its three crater lakes that change colour due to mineral and chemical variations.[1][2][6] Most travellers head up before dawn to watch sunrise over the lakes, then explore nearby rice terraces and traditional Lio villages along the Moni–Ende road.[1][2]
Flores Versus Bali and Lombok for Singapore Travellers
From a Singapore perspective, Flores sits in a sweet spot between Bali’s mass tourism and the quiet of smaller Indonesian islands. Bali remains better for direct flights and high-end resort variety, but Flores offers:
- Lower tourist density, especially beyond Labuan Bajo
- More authentic village culture and traditional architecture (e.g. Bena, Wae Rebo)[1][2][3]
- Unique wildlife (Komodo dragons) and volcanic phenomena (Kelimutu)
- Good value mid-range stays compared to mainstream Bali beachfronts
For Singapore-based expats who already visit Bali frequently, Flores is a logical “next step” in East Indonesia, especially if you enjoy nature, hiking and diving.
Best Time to Visit Flores, Komodo and Kelimutu
Dry Season vs Wet Season
Flores shares a similar tropical monsoon pattern with Bali and Lombok. Multiple travel sources indicate that the best time to visit Flores is during the dry season from May to around September/October, when days are generally dry, skies clearer and sea conditions better for boat trips.[2][4]
The shoulder months of March, April and November can also be good, with fewer crowds and some rain but still workable conditions for Komodo island hopping and Kelimutu sunrise hikes.[4] December to February is the peak of the wet season; boat services may be disrupted by rough seas and heavy rain, and trekking paths can be muddy.
When to See Manta Rays and Komodo Dragons
Manta rays can be seen year-round in Komodo, but sightings are often more reliable and surface conditions more comfortable in the dry season (rough seas are more common during peak monsoon).[2][7][9]
Komodo dragons are present all year. Rangers report that you are more likely to see them moving around in the cooler early morning and late afternoon, while midday treks can be very hot.
Insider Tip from a Singapore Perspective
If you are based in Singapore and bound by school holidays, June and September are usually sweet spots: dry, good visibility underwater, but Labuan Bajo is slightly less packed than July–August. For Kelimutu, June to August offers cooler dawn temperatures and clearer sunrise views, though you will need a jacket.
Getting to Flores from Singapore
Flight Routes from Singapore
As of recent schedules, there are no regular non-stop flights from Singapore to Labuan Bajo or Ende; most Singapore travellers route via Denpasar (Bali) or Jakarta, then connect on a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (Komodo Airport) or Ende.[1][2][3]
Typical routings include:
- Singapore → Denpasar (Bali) → Labuan Bajo
- Singapore → Jakarta → Labuan Bajo or Ende
Total travel time, including transit, is usually around 5–7 hours depending on layovers. Travellers who want to combine Bali and Flores often spend a few days in South or Ubud Bali, then fly onward to Labuan Bajo.
Overland and Sea Options
Some long-term travellers take multi-day boat trips from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, but these are basic backpacker-style journeys with variable safety standards, and are generally not recommended for families or those prioritising safety. From a Homejourney perspective, most Singapore-based families and professionals will find flying the safest and most time-efficient option.
Arrival Points within Flores
- Labuan Bajo (Komodo Airport) – Main gateway to Komodo National Park with many boat operators and dive shops.[1][2][3][9]
- Ende (H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport) – Common exit/entry for Kelimutu and the eastern segment of Flores.[1][2]
- Maumere – Alternative eastern entry/exit hub with beaches and snorkelling.[1][3]
Currency, Costs and Money Tips for Singapore Travellers
Currency Basics
Flores uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are readily available in Labuan Bajo and major towns like Bajawa and Ende, but can be limited or non-existent in smaller villages such as Riung or Moni.[1][2][3]
From Singapore, it is usually cheaper to withdraw IDR using a multi-currency card or fee-free ATM card rather than exchanging cash at Changi. Always bring a backup debit/credit card due to occasional network outages in East Indonesia.
Typical Costs (Indicative)
Actual prices vary by season and exchange rates, but Singapore travellers can use the following typical ranges as a guide (per person, in IDR):
*Exchange rates fluctuate – use Homejourney’s currency support features when planning budgets and comparing with Singapore property or living costs. Bank Rates
Money-Saving Tips
- Book Komodo trips in Labuan Bajo on arrival and compare at least 3 operators for safety standards and inclusions.
- Eat at local warungs for authentic food at local prices; save splurge meals for sunset bars.
- Travel overland (Labuan Bajo–Ruteng–Bajawa–Moni–Ende) by shared car or bus rather than private car if you are budget-conscious.[1][2]
Top Attractions & Experiences in Flores Indonesia
1. Komodo National Park: Dragons, Pink Beaches and Manta Rays
Most travellers base themselves in Labuan Bajo and join day trips or liveaboards to Komodo National Park.[1][2][7][9] Typical day-trip stops include:
- Padar Island – A steep but short hike (20–30 minutes) to a panoramic viewpoint over three bays.[1][2][7]
- Komodo or Rinca Islands – Ranger-led treks (usually 1–2 hours) to spot Komodo dragons in safe conditions.[1][2][7][9]
- Pink Beach – Iconic red-and-white sand created by crushed coral, great for snorkelling off the shore.[1][7][9]
- Manta Point – Drift snorkelling with manta rays in shallow channels, conditions permitting.[2][7][9]
Safety Tips for Komodo Dragons
- Always follow rangers; never wander off marked paths.
- Keep at least 3–4 metres from dragons; they can move faster than they look.
- Inform rangers if you have open wounds; dragons are attracted to blood.
- For Singapore families with young children, choose shorter, ranger-led routes and check recent park advisories.
2. Labuan Bajo: Gateway Town with a Growing Scene
Labuan Bajo was once a sleepy fishing village but is now a compact harbour town with dive shops, cafes, and hillside hotels offering sunset views over the bay.[1][3][9] The main street is walkable, though hilly side roads and heat make short taxi rides or scooters practical.
Insider tip: If you’re used to Singapore’s tap water quality, remember that tap water in Flores is not potable. Stick to bottled or filtered water even for brushing teeth, and confirm hotel filtration systems.
3. Bajawa and Traditional Ngada Villages
In central Flores, Bajawa
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 7 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 9 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 6 (2025)
