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Volume 3 October-December 2017 THIS DIGITAL MAGAZINE IS ALSO AVAILABLE VIA ISSUU AND SCOOP FLORESPLUS 1 AQUA LUNA SELINI Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia 2 FLORESPLUS Editor’s Note ear Friends, really exceptional photographs in our Weekly Newsletter, and we would like to invite you to In a blink of an eye, we welcome the third edition continue with your contributions by tagging of the Flores Plus Digital Magazine. On behalf of us on Instagram (@flores.plus) or Facebook the team at Flores Plus Magazine, we would like (floresplusmagz). In the next up and coming to express our extreme pleasure and gratitude issues, we take it as our own personal mission to that come from the creation of the content in highlight Flores; from East to West. While many this monthly magazine. Also a big thank you to would already know by now that Flores is so all our clients and partners for placing your faith much more than the Komodo National Park or and trust in us. Mount Kelimutu, there are still many others yet who cannot even imagine the wide expanse of In the making of this third issue, we have this island’s riches. continued to read, discover and learn so much With a long and colourful history, vibrant culture about the beautiful and fascinating island of and traditions, this almost untouched, rugged and Flores, and we look forward to continue doing so wild expanse of land that spans over 8 regencies for the next upcoming issues. For daily updates, awaits further discoveries. From the Komodo don’t forget to check out our blog, “Best of National Park to the myth-spun tri-crater lakes Flores” that’s available on our website. Weekly of Mount Kelimutu, the Drum Houses in Ende updates are available via our weekly newsletter – to the Lingko Spider Webs in Ruteng, the caves don’t forget to subscribe! of Liang Bua and the immortal panoramas of Larantuka, we strive to bring to you a glimpse of In the process of creating this magazine, which the magic that Flores has to offer. Pink beaches, is our pride and joy, we needed to come close thundering waterfalls, hot springs, caves, wildlife to the heart and soul of Flores that is the locals and underwater sea creatures, fascinating who have helped us thoroughly in understanding ceremonies, traditions and village lives; Flores’s the island’s myriad intricate culture, heritage and natural and cultural richness is impressive and its history. The variety of vibrant cultures, tribes, friendly inhabitants are always happy to invite you history and beliefs on this magical island is truly to explore and learn more about their captivating astounding, which we feel honoured to be able past and present way of life. to come face to face with during our writing process. This is the place where time almost So come and join us as we Rediscover Hidden stands still – and age old beliefs and practices Paradise and do visit www.floresplus.net for still stay strong and we strive to bring all of this to more insights and to subscribe to our weekly you via our Digital Magazine, Website, Daily Blogs newsletter. If you would like to have your say, and Weekly Newsletters. send your comments! We’d always love to hear from you. At Flores Plus Magazine, in the spirit of adventure and discovery, we welcome contributions by explorers to the island of Flores in the form of photographs – we have been featuring a few The Floresplus Team Contact Us: Flores Plus Team Assistant Editor: Circulation & Distribution: Dewa Putu Nara Kusuma Heri Yuherzan Phone : +62 8445078 Company Director: Accounting: Putu Sukarsa For editoral : Hendra Lapusa Made Sudarmini Wayan Sudartha [email protected] Graphic Designer: Yuliana Bela Traffic: For advertising : Agus Hendra Manuaba Web Design & Developer: Yuli Astuti [email protected] Editor: Diana A. Kadek Dwi Angga Permana The following photos are courtesy of SwissContact - Page 17, Page 21, Page 22, Page 26, Page 27, Page 30, Page 32, Page 33, Page 34, Page 35, Page 37FLORESPLUS 3 SELINI ON THE HILL VILLAS Gang Perikanan No. 77, Labuan Bajo, Flores Tel: +628 123 891 0083 Email: [email protected] www. villaselini-onthehill.com 4 FLORESPLUS Content 3 Editoral 25 Cruising Komodo & Beyond 6 What’s Up Flores 27 Diving & Snorkeling in Komodo 8 Hot Deals Flores 28 Wildlife 10 Best Of Flores 30 Entrance Tickets and Other Fees 14 Newsletters 32 Districts and Places to Visit 16 Understanding Flores 42 Getting to Flores & Travel Practicalities 18 People & Culture 43 Hotels in Flores 19 Geography & Weather 47 Eat in Flores 20 History 49 Flores Essential Info 22 Cultural Highlights 24 About Komodo National Park Follow Us floresplusmagz @flores.plus www.floresplus.net FLORESPLUS 5 What’s Up Flores AYANA KOMODO RESORT To Open Its Doors At Waecicu Beach Ayana Komodo Resort is the first and only five-star resort on Labuan Bajo’s exquisite Waecicu Beach. Already famed in Bali and Jakarta for world-class hospitality, exceptional hotel design, superior cuisine and unparalleled service standards, AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach will open in the summer of 2018 with 12 suites and 189 premium guest rooms. Inspired by light, comfort and open living, each contemporary room features a flawless ocean view with large windows to capture the golden glow of tropical sunsets that melt dramatically behind distinctive Kukusan Island. Set in one of the most rugged and picturesque islands of the Indonesian Archipelago, guests will find an extraordinary diversity of religions, languages, and landscapes - alongside pristine archipelago while relaxing in elegance crystal blue waters and pristine white and style on the ultimate seafaring adventure. sand beaches. Go on board the Ayana Ayana Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach, Labuan Lako di’a to discover East Indonesia’s Bajo, Flores | www.ayana.com/labuan-bajo A HAVEN OF SERENITY AT SELINI ON THE HILL VILLAS Selini On The Hill is a group of 7 exclusive villas located in Labuan Bajo that promises a breathtaking tropical escape within the stupendous calm and peace of a tree-shaded location cradled by mountains where time stands still. Offering a calm and peaceful stay with an amazing view of the bay, all rooms are uniquely decorated in a traditional eco-friendly way, providing guests with a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of today’s glass and steel structures that can be found in many parts of the world. All villas are equipped with much-needed creature comforts including air- conditioning, hot and cold running water in an en-suite bathroom that comes well stocked with free toiletries, a mosquito net and a cosy seating area. Perfect for families, Selini On The Hill Villas also provide babysitting services for the little ones. Feel free to enjoy a much- Gg. Perikanan Lama No.77, Labuan Bajo, Flores needed in-villa massage. There are also daily Ph: +62 852 5375 2903 free daily housekeeping service and laundry www. villaselini-onthehill.com services for a fee. 6 FLORESPLUS What’s Up Flores FESTIVAL NUSAK SASANDO – ROTE ISLAND Sasando is a harp-like stringed instrument originating from Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara. The name sasando is derived from the Rote dialect word ”sasandu”, which means “vibrating” or “sounded instrument”. During the Nusak Sasando Festival, over 100 Sasando players, usually called the Sasando Ta’e Sasanu will participate by wearing the traditional hat of Rote Island made from woven leaves of the lontar palm trees. These hats are called the Ti’ilangga. The participants will then place the Sasando musical instrument on their laps and music is created when the strings of the instruments are plucked in a similar manner to the harp. Almost all materials used to make Sasando are from Rote island. The festival is meant to highlight the beautiful traditional music created by the Sasando, and to expand Indonesia’s infinite musical potential to the international market. TOJA BOBU – SIKKA VILLAGE Toja Bobu is a beautiful dance drama performance, which was brought to the Sikka village - also known locally as Sikka Natar - in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Traditionally held in the village during Christmas time, this is a story about a beautiful, young princess being courted by many men, who all want to marry her. Also in the centre of Sikka village is an ancient church built by Jesuit Priests in the year 1899. The walls of the church are decorated with local Ikat motifs. In the old days, the church was used to hold inauguration of new kings along with Holy Communion. Sikka Natar is one of the most important and famous weaving centres in East Flores for the making of the Ikat. It is also one of the first places in Flores for Portuguese influence and Catholic missionary activities. *Photo by Cendana News FLORESPLUS 7 Hot Deals Flores VISIT ATLAS PEARL’S SHOWROOM IN LABUAN BAJO Make your visit to Flores one to remember and enjoy a tour of Atlas Pearl’s working pearl farm in Punggu, near Labuan Bajo in Flores, where you can explore the magic, experience the nature and unlock the mysteries of the South Sea pearl for yourself. Atlas Pearls has an enviable reputation as a global leader in eco-pearling; specialising in the highly sought after silver and white Pinctada maxima, known as the South Sea pearl. Atlas Pearl’s extensive range of exceptional quality jewels features South Sea pearls cultivated at the five Atlas Pearl Farms located throughout the Indonesian archipelago including here in Flores. These farms produce some of the world’s best South Sea pearls, nurtured by the loving hands of its dedicated personnel before making their way to you.