Kalimaya Dive Resort

Until recently one of the more remote and seldom visited regions of the Indonesian archipelago, improved air and sea transportation has opened up Flores to the world. Named Cabo da Flores or ‘Cape of Flowers’ by 17th century Portuguese sailors, referring to the spectacular coral gardens visible under the surface of coastal waters, the mountainous topography of Flores has led to the development of numerous distinct traditions and languages with intriguing aspects of Portuguese culture adding their influence.

Part of the Lesser Sunda islands situated east of Bali and Sumbawa, the island of Flores sits in a fascinating stretch of water at the eastern edge of the Komodo National Park, part of the vast Coral Triangle. With at least 40 dive spots accessible from this Flores resort, the underwater exploration has only just begun in this region rich in wonderful macro life. Visited by relatively few divers, the dive area also supports a number of larger species on the dive sites more exposed to currents. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the peak of Mount Kelimutu, Flores is a destination that cannot disappoint above water, as well as below.

Flores flourish

With access to an ever-growing number of dive sites, basing yourself on the island of Flores offers an easy land based option to access the Komodo National Park, including Rinca and Komodo islands. The tranquil fishing village of Labuan Bajo, 1.5 hours internal flight from Bali, is your start point for the diving adventure of a lifetime.

Frog fish, Seahorses, Mantas and more…

Stay under water long enough, and eventually you may have a frog fish to match every colour of the rainbow. Sharing these waters with a large range of macro species, it is not uncommon to encounter Manta rays and sharks on reefs exposed to stronger currents. Most dive sites offer fantastic water clarity and a sense of peace at the end of the dive as your head pops above the surface to spectacular scenery.

Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park consists of three major islands; Komodo, Rinca and Padar as well as a number of smaller ones. Only on these legendary islands do Komodo dragons, survivors of the prehistoric carnivores that thrived in tropical Asia some 100 million years ago, still live and roam freely. There are over 50 dive sites to explore, varying from colourful shallow coral gardens to fast flowing drift dives along the walls, pinnacles rising from the deep and calm conditions in the bays for macro photographers seeking rarely seen critters in black volcanic sand. Komodo is blessed by a thorough flow of currents and cold water upwellings flowing to and from the Indian Ocean providing nutrient rich waters where swathes of soft corals, sponges, ascidians and clouds of brightly coloured fish thrive. When the current’s right exhilarating blue water, fish soup diving with explosions of fusiliers, trevallies, sharks and other pelagic fish will leave you mesmerised for hours. Hang out with congregations of manta rays while they feed, clean and dance on the shallow reefs and rock formations. 

Here be dragons!

At the eastern edge of the famed Komodo National Park, Flores offers an above and below water carnival of weird and wonderful wildlife, including Komodo Dragons. A more challenging trek to the jungle and waterfalls of Labuan Bajo’s backyard may be arranged subject to local conditions, or twin your stay with one of our Bali dive resorts.

Climate

Mid-January - June are semi dry
July–August southerly wind, can be choppy
September, October and mid-November are said to be the best months to travel
Mid-November to Mid-January rainy

Time

East Kalimantan is GMT / BST +7 or +8 hours

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in used in East Kalimantan.

Land Clothing

If you are venturing any further, we recommend modest dress with loose fitting clothing. Natural fabrics are more comfortable.

Flights 

International:
Best flight option into Balikpapan is with Singapore Airlines

Internal flight:
Balikpapan - Berau flights: 45 minutes

On arrival, there may be a wait in Balikpapan’s comfortable lounge or an overnight in a local hotel. This is the same for the return journey. 

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.