Flores and Komodo

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, Sea Horses, 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.

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.

Kalimaya is a PADI 5-Star Resort; its unique location allows daily diving access to sites normally only liveaboards can reach. This means you can dive these super locations with a virtual guarantee that no one else will be in the water. West Komodo, rich in flora and fauna and largely untouched, is just 60 minutes away. Gili Banta is where the frenetic pelagic action is; fuelled by nutrient-rich currents, these dives will leave you lost for words. Sangean Volcano is a superb critter dive, and the bubbling bottom makes for a very different experience and is just 45 minutes away. Unlimited house reef dives come with any diving and accommodation package.

Dive Packs

Diving packages include up to 4 dives per day and unlimited house reef diving, to take full advantage of very diving opportunity you have. Please discuss any requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

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 trek to the jungle and waterfalls of Labuan Bajo’s backyard may be arranged, or twin your stay with a Bali resort.

Climate

Flores has an equatorial tropical climate, with day-time temperatures averaging 30°C (mid-80s°F) throughout the year.

The wet season falls between October and March, and humidity can be high during this period. The resort may have an annual closing in the wettest months around January / February.

The dry season, between April to October is the best time to visit, peak season is June to September. The dry season is generally sunnier and less humid. However, downpours can occur at any time but are normally short lived and a relief.

Annual closure: Dates are confirmed annually, but likely January & February.

Water Temperature

22 - 28 degrees. 5mm suit recommended.

Time

Flores is GMT +8 hours.

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Approximate rates:
£1 = 18,931 IDR
€1 = 16,750 IDR
$1 = 13,653 IDR

Cash payments are accepted at the resort and dive centre in Euro and US Dollars. It is recommended to change a small amount of IDR before you travel and then change more locally, where you will likely receive a better exchange rate.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted. A Euro 5 charge applies per transaction.

You can draw cash in Rupiah from the ATMs in Bali airport. You can draw up to Rp 3,000,000 on a Visa or Mastercard inside the banks (you must present your passport with your credit card). Local banking hours may vary; most close early afternoon.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff may look to guests for personal recognition of particular services offered.

Flight Information

Flights are with Singapore airlines, via Singapore, into Bali's Denpasar International airport who have the most frequent connections to the island. Singapore offer a Manchester departure (touchdown Munich) - supplement applies.

Alternative flights with KLM, Qatar, Garuda Airlines, Malaysian Airlines or Thai Airways.

An internal flight Denpasar to Labuan Bajo is organised to reach Flores; an overnight in Bali may be required subject to flight times.

Stopovers in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok can easily be added on to your package.

Flight duration:

London - Singapore 12 hours and 40 minutes
Singapore - Denpasar 2 hours and 30 minutes

Passports

Passengers travelling to Indonesia should have minimum six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK, plus one full page free. Hotel receptions may be required to take a photocopy of your passport for registration purposes.

Visas

British nationals travelling to Indonesia can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days at certain airports' Immigration Check Points: Soekarno-Hatta Jakarta ( CGK ), Ngurah Rai - Bali (DPS), Kualanamu, Medan (KNO), Juanda - Surabaya (SUB), Hang Nadim - Batam (BTH).

You won’t be able to extend your stay beyond 30 days if you enter under this visa waiver scheme. Entry via Manado and certain other entry points is still subject to a visa on arrival at a cost of $35 (30 day visa) and $15 (7 day visa). Please note that visitors must purchase a visa if their ultimate destination is not one of those listed above e.g. guests going to Manado.

For further information about entry requirements, visit the website of the Indonesian Embassy in London or your nearest Indonesian embassy.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Indonesia, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic. Advice on Malaria should be sought.

Small hospitals are located in Maumere, Cancar and Lela, Flores. Private medical care in the larger towns and cities tends to be good quality. There are plenty of chemists and dentists in Bali and a recompression chamber in Denpasar Sanglah General Hospital.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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Bintang Flores Hotel

Bintang Flores Hotel

Bintang Flores Hotel