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LABUAN BAJO
WEST FLORES INTERESTING PLACES
TO VISIT
Labuan Bajo
Mainland Batu Cermin Cave:
Batu Cermin is the Indonesian name for
Mirror Rock. Shown is the limestone Mirror Rock that gives this
outcrop its name. Depending on the time of year, between 9 a.m. and
10 a.m., the sun shines into the canyon and reflects off the walls
creating a spectacular visual effect.
The main cave is located at the centre of
Batu Cermin. A ladder walkway connects the central area where the
main cave is located. The walkway leads through a series of chambers
before opening into the main narrow canyon of “Mirror Rock.’’
Observe bats and spiders in the caves. While the bats are found in
abundance, you have to be very lucky to see the local spiders who,
when approached, quickly scamper out of sight.
Sano Ngoang Deepest Lake in the World
General information:
Located approximately 35 km east of Labuan
Bajo
Thought to be one of the deepest volcanic
crater lakes in the world, with recorded depths of 500 meter. Its
waters are sulfuric and fed by numerous hot springs.
Surroundings:
Rural. Agricultural society.
Traditional villages, rich in local culture.
Activities:
No local guides operate from Sano Nggoang.
Guide services should be organized before your departure from Labuan
Bajo. Remarkably simple and untouched by modern life, the lake area
offers the following experiences for eco tourism visitors:
* Hiking and trekking.
* Swimming.
* Therapeutic soaks in local hot springs.
* Bike tours (if you bring your own bike or rent one in Labuan
Bajo).
*Local horse excursions along the shoreline.
*Nature tours:
- Bird watching.
- Flora and Fauna explorations.
* Agricultural insights:
- Traditional cultivation and irrigation systems
- Care and propagation of domesticated animals.
- Cultivation of cash crops in combination with traditional
crops.
* Culture
- Local handcrafts
- Village traditions, dances and local traditional ceremonies.
How to get there:
Located approximately 35 km east of Labuan
Bajo, in the direction of Ruteng
Best accessed by car or on a rented
motorcycle
By local Ojek transport (motorcycle taxi)
or Bemo (local public buses).
The recommended means of visiting the lake
is in the company of a local driver and guide.
Directions:
Follow the main road from Labuan Bajo to
Ruteng. After approximately 35 km, turn right at the road crossing
in the direction of Werang. The distance from the intersection to
Werang is approximately 10.5 km and it is a further 16.5 km from
Werang to the actual lake shore. Please note that the road condition
is poor beginning from the main road’s intersection and can be
difficult to pass during the rainy season.
If you’re traveling by local transport, it
is recommended that you disembark at Werang and take an Ojek
(motorbike taxi) for the remainder of the distance to the lake.
Please note that local buses do not operate to any fixed schedule.
Those seeking exercise should hike the
16.5 km from Werang to the lake. This is a picturesque trek taking
about five hours from Werang to the village of Nunang at the lake,
with the path passing small local communities along the way.
Cunca Rami Waterfall
General information:
Located approximately 35 km east of Labuan
Bajo
A large waterfall offering a refreshing natural swimming reservoir.
A scenic 1.5 hour nature walk is required to reach the waterfall.
Local surroundings:
o Rural setting with agriculture plantations producing a wide
range of crops.
o Traditional agriculture practice and unique architectural features
used in local home construction.
Getting there can truly be half the fun!
The walk to the waterfall transitions from settled areas to
less-populated agricultural environs. On the way you, with the help
of your local guide, you can converse with local farmers for
directions or obtain insights on daily life in West Flores’
hinterlands.
Domesticated water buffalos, pigs and goats will be seen along the
path.
Rice fields, providing the opportunity to see rice cultivation at
various stages of its growth cycle, are found along the scenic trek
to the waterfall. Be sure to keep an eye out for the vanilla,
avocado, bananas and cacao plantations located along the trail
leading to the waterfall. A local guide will help identify the many
plants, fruits and other plants that populate the walk through this
Eden-like setting.
When fording the river leading to the
waterfall you’ll pass by a popular swimming pool for local children.
The river is fairly wide with water volumes that vary, depending on
season.
Offshore Labuan Bajo(
Indonesia Best Snorkeling )
Bidadari Island:
General Information:
* Excellent white sandy beach.
* Calm water, good swimming.
* Nice coral reef, good for snorkeling.
* Calm conditions make this an ideal spot for learning or beginning
divers.
* Exclusive eco-friendly bungalows now being built on the island.
* Rock and coral protection undertake by an international company
(Reefseekers).
How to get there:
* Distance readily from Labuan Bajo to Bidadari Island is 6 km.
Local tour operators and boats readily available for the short 15-20
minute boat trip.
* Located north west of Labuan Bajo
* Local excursion boats
Seraya Island
Island Information:
* Excellent beach, calm water, outstanding swimming and snorkeling.
* Basic bungalow accommodation available.
* Beach restaurant serving local food and drinks.
* A small fishermen village is located on the southern tip of the
island (see map) provides a chance to view the bagan style of
traditional fishing from bamboo structures erected over the open
sea.
How to get there:
* Distance from Labuan Bajo to Seraya Island is 10 km.
* Only 50 minutes by .local boat from Labuan Bajo
* Please note that for Seraya Hotel guests the boat transfer is not
normally included in the accommodation package. Please check on sea
transport arrangements when booking.
* Charter boats;
Kanawa Island
Island Information:
* Excellent beaches, calm water, good swimming and snorkeling.
* Basic bungalows available for overnight stay.
* Restaurant serving local food and drink.
* Excellent snorkeling opportunities near the Jetty and to the right
of the Jetty area. Refer to map for snorkeling spots.
How to get there:
* Distance
Labuan Bajo to Kanawa Island is 15 km..
* Traveling time
about 2 hours by local excursion boat from Labuan Bajo.
* Local
excursion by boats
Facilities on Seraya Island:
* Basic
Bungalows set in a tropical island surrounding.
* Restaurant
with local food and drinking water.
* Trails to
lookout points (highest point is 97 m above sea level).
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