Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from their hotel in Moni to Kelimutu,
making it to the top in time to see the
sun rise hazily over the mountains; make
sure you organize this early departure the
night before, though you can also go later
if you prefer. Just before the car park near
the summit you need to pay a park fee of
Rp20,000, plus Rp50,000 for a camera.
here are two vantage points - you can
only see two lakes from the first one, so
most tourists and all the local coffee-
sellers head to the second. he walk back
down to Moni, which takes about two
and a half hours, is a joy, especially in fine
weather, providing views over rolling hills
down to the sea. here's a path to the
right at the two white pillars around the
6km mark, which cuts a good 4km off
the road route, taking you through some
charming local villages and past the
waterfall ( air terjun ) on the edge of Moni
- a great spot for a dip. If you take this
route you'll need good shoes, as it gets
very narrow and steep. Following the
road, you'll pass some hot springs in
which to soak your tired feet. Be sure to
take plenty of water, as even going
downhill you'll warm up quickly.
Bintang Lodge and Restaurant On the main road
T 0852 3916 8310. This friendly restaurant has a few
rooms of varying size, all with showers and mosquito nets;
the n ewer, slight ly more expensive options are the best
bets. Rp150,000
Maria Inn Opposite the market T 0821 4607 0423.
The most basic rooms in the back of this small homestay
are dingy, but the three b amboo bung alows up front
(Rp150,000) are quite pretty. Rp100,000
Sao Ria Wisata A 10min walk uphill from the village
T 0852 39256119. The bungalows here are showing
their age but nonetheless represent excellent value, with
great views over the valley. There's also a reasonably priced
restaurant o n site, saving you the walk back into town.
Rp100,000
EATING
There are more cafés than you'd think a town this size
could merit, though very little stands out.
Bambu Set-menu evening meals in a local house. You'll
need to book in advance, but the owner will probably
accost you as you walk through town anyway. The local
specialities he serves are delicious, and a good deal at
Rp60,000 for three courses. Daily 6-11pm.
Rainbow Café At the top of the village. The menu is
limited to Indonesian staples and some Western-style
pasta dishes (around Rp40,000), but it's tasty, and there's
plenty of it. Daily 9/10am-9/10pm.
4
Moni
Nestling among lush rice paddies, the
village of MONI exudes a lazy charm. Full
of homestays and little family-run cafés,
it's a relaxed place to spend a few days,
with great walking in the surrounding
hills. here is no bank or post o ce in
Moni, despite the increasing number of
tourists; but you can make phone calls
at the tiny wartel off the main road, and
the Bintang Restaurant offers internet
access. here's a small book exchange in
the nearby village of Woloara, off the
road to Maumere.
MAUMERE
On the north coast of Flores, roughly
equidistant between Ende and Larantuka,
MAUMERE was once the tourism centre of
the island and its best diving resort. In
1992, a devastating earthquake and
tsunami destroyed most of the town, as
well as the coral, though this is slowly
recovering. Improved transport links and
regular air services are steadily making it
one of the main stops on trips around
Nusa Tenggara; from here, you can
organize tours that take in all of Flores's
attractions. Maumere is the capital of
the Sikka district, especially renowned
for its weaving , which incorporates
maroon, white and blue geometric
patterns in horizontal rows on a black or
dark-blue background.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus Buses from Ende (1hr 30min) and Maumere (3hr
30min) stop here regularly throughout the day, and
there's one bus daily to Bajawa, though you should ask
your homestay to book it, otherwise it may be full by the
time it gets to Moni.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By plane The airport is 15min outside town; taxis from
here cost Rp50,000, or take an ojek from the main
road. Trans Nusa ( T 0382 21393, W transnusa.co.id) flies
ACCOMMODATION
There is only one road through Moni, and many of the
homestays offer very similar rates and rooms.
 
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