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Flores Journals

Winding Roads and Long Distances

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A September 1999 trip to Flores by Marianne

Trans Flores Highway Photo, Flores, Indonesia More Photos
Quote: Flores is not on all tourists travel trail. The Trans Flores Highway meanders from west to east, and is difficult to negotiate in some places. Meeting Bernardus was one of the highlights of our trip.

Winding Roads and Long Distances

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Overview

Trans Flores Highway Photo, Flores, Indonesia
Quote:
The Trans Flores Highway is simply a paved version of the dirt road and was completed in 1989. No effort was made to make it straight. It winds its way in loops and tumbles 700 kilometres from Labuanbajo to Larantuka. It is narrow and two cars can barely pass each other. Divers are courteous, they slow down and signal you to pass. People walking alongside the road, wild running dogs and landslides make driving hazardous especially after dark. Darkness sets in around 6pm. Do not underestimate the time it takes to travel from coast to coast. By public transport it takes three days:Day 1 - Labuanbajo - Bajawa Day 2 - Bajawa - MaumereDay 3 - Maumere - Larantu...Read More

Sao Ria Wisata

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Hotel | "Sao Ria Wisata, Moni, Flores"

Sao Ria Wisata Photo, Flores, Indonesia
Quote:
Price is US$10, which includes breakfast. The hotel is perched on a hill with wonderful views from the veranda. You will have to enjoy this during the daytime, at 6 o'clock it is dark.

The rooms are in bamboo cottages, adequately furnished, they come with an attached mandi, only cold water. The ceiling is low, so it is easy to attach your mosquito net, which you will need as maleria is endemic in this part of the country.

Breakfast is served after you have returned from your early morning outing to kelimutu. The breakfast is truly delicious: freshly made pancakes topped with coconut and fruit.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 3, 2000

Sao Ria Wisata
On The Main Street
Flores, Indonesia

Sao Ria Wisata

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Hotel | "Sao Wisata Resort , Maumere"

Sao Ria Wisata Photo, Flores, Indonesia
Quote:
Bungalows in a pretty garden, close to the beach. The bungalows have a sitting area, a spacious bedroom and an attached bathroom. There is a choice between air-conditioned rooms and rooms with a fan. You can swim in the only swimming pool on the island of Flores. Most of the time you are the only person to swim here.On arrival we were shown various rooms. We chose a room with a fan. After we had settled down we had to ask for another room as the door to the bathroom could not be opened as my husband had now the handle in his hand.''No, problem'', the friendly receptionist assured us. ''There are no other rooms with a fan available.'' We looked at each ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 1, 2002

Sao Ria Wisata
On The Main Street
Flores, Indonesia

Kelimutu

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Attraction

Kelimutu Photo, Flores, Indonesia
Quote:
They are shivering from cold, warming their hands on a mug of tea. These tea vendors came to the mountain before sunrise. They are wearing thick coats, some have wrapped themselves in blankets. They feel the cold. True, it is not as hot as during the day. They ask me if I am not cold. It is chilly, yes, but cold, no. They do not believe me. I can see their point but I am an 'Orang Belanda'. This morning I got up at 3.30 and went by truck to the place where I am sitting now at an altitude of 1600m. We are waiting for the mist to lift. Suddenly there is a clearing in the clouds and I can see the three crater lakes, all coloured differently: one is turquoise, the other is ol...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 26, 2002

Kelimutu
Mountain top near Moni, Flores
Flores, Indonesia

Bernardus

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Attraction

Bernardus Photo, Flores, Indonesia
Quote:
My eyes have to adjust themselves to the darkness. Gradually I start discerning objects. On a ledge I can see two wooden statuettes, meticulously carved. I am allowed to hold them for a minute, I am honoured; they are sacred ancestors.My interpreter unlocks an inner door. I enter into a dark, small room. Behind a trellis I can see an emaciated, old man. We shake hands. I tell him that I am an ''orang belanda''. Belanda, Holland, he reaches for his mouth organ and I hear the first notes of our national anthem. We sing together. I am moved. Then I take leave, the bright sunlight almost blinds me.The villagers tell me that Bernardus is 108 years old. He is old but not ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 26, 2002

Bernardus
Home of the 'Kepala Dessa" , the village chief
Flores, Indonesia

About the Writer

Marianne

Marianne
Eindhoven, Netherlands

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