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Volume 1 April 2017 THIS DIGITAL MAGAZINE IS ALSO AVAILABLE VIA ISSUU AND SCOOP FLORESPLUS March 2017 | 1 2 | FLORESPLUS March 2017 Selini on the HILL Villas & SPA Labuan Bajo Indonesia Komodo Hotel in Komodo, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia Instagram.com/selinionthehill 0852-5375-2903 FLORESPLUS March 2017 | 3 Editorial 6 Diving and Snorkeling in Komodo 26 What’s Up Flores 8 Wild Life 27 Hot Deals Flores 10 Entrance Tickets & Other Fees 28 Best of Flores 12 District & Places to Visit 30 Newsletters 14 Getting to Flores 36 About Flores 16 Hotels in Flores 38 People & Culture 17 Eat in Flores 42 Geography & Weather 18 Essential Info 44 History 20 Cultural Highlight 21 About Komodo Natioanl Park 22 Cruising Komodo & Beyond 24 25 | Aqua Luna Selini Takes To The Sea 40 | Selini On The Hill Villas, A Haven Of Serenity 4 | FLORESPLUS March 2017 Aqua Luna Labuan Bajo Indonesia Komodo FLORESPLUS March 2017 | 5 Dear Friends Mai Miu! Welcome to the first ever edition of the Flores Plus digital magazine. Mai Miu is the traditional language of the local people of Ende, which means, welcome! Here in this monthly magazine, you’ll find important, fascinating and interesting information on everything you’d need to know about Flores and each of its distinctly different districts, which are made up of its equally fascinating people from different cultures, tribes, religion and history. Flores is also a nature lover’s haven, home to some of the world’s most unique and extraordinary wildlife, both above and underwater, inimitable to only this part of the world. Explorers and travel enthusiasts would already know by now that Flores is so much more than the Komodo Dragons and the Kelimutu. With a long and colourful history, vibrant culture and traditions, this almost untouched, rugged and wild expanse of land that spans over 8 regencies awaits further discoveries. The mystifying culture practiced by the locals of Flores has given many a small peek into fascinating traditions and distinctive languages, which are all part of the island’s allure. From the Komodo National Park to the myth-spun tri-crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu, the Drum Houses in Ende to the Lingko Spider Webs in Ruteng, the caves of Liang Bua and the immortal panoramas of Larantuka, we strive to bring to you a glimpse of the magic that Flores has to offer. Pink beaches, thundering waterfalls, hot springs, caves, wildlife and underwater sea creatures, fascinating ceremonies, traditions and village lives; Flores’ natural and cultural richness is impressive and its friendly inhabitants are always happy to invite you to explore and learn more about their captivating past and present way of life. If visiting Flores is on your to-do list, then be sure to keep your eye out for our weekly newsletter - we also share insider’s tips and tricks as well as recommendations on accommodations, activities and travel tips that could save you a lot of hassle, money and time on your next trip there. So come and join us as we Rediscover Hidden Paradise and be sure to tag #floresplus on your Instagram uploads to be featured. Be sure to also follow us on Instagram (@ flores.plus) and Facebook (floresplusmagz) and do visit www.floresplus.net for more insights and to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Floresplus Team Phone: +62 8445078 email: The following photos are courtesy of SwissContact - [email protected] Page 17, Page 21, Page 22, Page 24, Page 25, Page 30, [email protected] Page 31, Page 32, Page 33 6 | FLORESPLUS March 2017 FLORESPLUS March 2017 | 7 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. Gg. Perikanan Lama No.77, Labuan Bajo, Flores Ph: +62 852 5375 2903 www. villaselini-onthehill.com AQUA LUNA SELINI TAKES TO THE SEA Aqua Luna is a beautiful and luxurious traditional Indonesian sailboat, also known as the phinisi, which takes guests on overnight trips and daytrips around the many islands surrounding Flores, Labuan Bajo and the Komodo National Park. Part of the Selini Group, Aqua means water and Luna means moon; the sailboat boasts 4 spacious cabins with fans and 1 cabin with air- conditioning, two fully-equipped bathrooms with running hot and cold water, toilets and sinks, a kitchen, a dining area and relaxing areas decorated with cushions and throw pillows, perfect for sun-tanning, relaxing and any other unproductive activities. Snorkel, visit coves, islands and quaint fishing villages from the comforts of the Aqua Luna and let the crew pamper you with meals, drinks and anything else that you may need. For more information please email [email protected]. 8 | FLORESPLUS March 2017 17 ISLANDS MARINE PARK The 17 Islands Marine Park is where the real hidden treasure is. Also known to the locals as Taman Laut Riung, the park is about 5 to 7 hours away from Labuan Bajo in the small and sleepy town of Riung. Made up of 17 completely uninhabited and unspoiled paradise islands, the 17 Islands Marine Park is just waiting to be explored. Getting to the park is quite a challenge though; travellers who had been there reported of overcrowded busses, lengthy journeys and due to lack of inns and other establishments, sleeping in their cars while waiting for the most magnificent sunrise they have ever seen. Upon arriving at the Marine Park, visitors can rent a boat to island hop to some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches and islands in South East Asia. Speak to the locals near the pier for a boat tour; prices should include the price of the boat and a simple yet delicious lunch with fresh seafood. Do bring extra cash for park fees, snorkeling equipment and etcetera. Be prepared to bargain! *Photo by Flores Tourism EASTER PARADE IN LARANTUKA, EAST FLORES A week before Easter, the town of Larantuka in East Flores will be awash with thousands of devotees for the annual Easter Holy Week devotions, also called the Semana Santa procession by the locals. The route along the 10km parade will be lighted with candles for the procession as thousands celebrate by carrying the statues of Jesus and his mother, Mary. The procession, a religious icon for the town, has been held continuously annually for five centuries and begins at the Anugerah Church and ends at the Talitakumi Church. During this week, pilgrims from Bali, Java, and the surrounding islands in East Nusa Tenggara as well as international tourists will come to Larantuka to witness or participate in this one of a kind week-long event. In the past, Larantuka was the Portuguese trading centre for South East Indonesia; it is also known as the City of 1000 Churches, Naples of the Orient, Italy of Flores and Spain of the Lesser Sunda Islands. *Photo by Valentino Luis FLORESPLUS March 2017 | 9 VISIT ATLAS SOUTH SEA PEARL FARM IN PUNGGU Make your visit to Flores one to remember and enjoy a tour of Atlas’s working pearl farm in Punggu, Flores, where you can explore the magic, experience the nature and unlock the mysteries of the South Sea pearl for yourself. Atlas Pearls and Perfumes has an enviable reputation as a global leader in eco-pearling; specializing in the highly sought after silver and white Pinctada maxima, known as the South Sea pearl. Atlas has pearl farms scattered throughout the South Seas extending through the Indonesian Archipelago to West Papua. Its pearls are grown in these nutrient-rich waters and under the strictest possible environmental guidelines. This allows Atlas to produce some of the most incredible pearls. The result is stunning, finished jewelry products for sale across the world and here in Flores. Ph: +628 113 848 212 E: [email protected] www.atlassouthseapearl.com.au 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS ADVENTURE DEAL AT PLATARAN KOMODO Your adventure begins on a luxurious note with the Adventure Vacation package at Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa. For IDR 27,939,000++, you and your partner will enjoy a 3 night’s stay at this renowned 5-star resort that combines relaxed travel, exciting land and sea adventures with comfortable accommodation and world- class facilities. The package also includes welcome drinks and cold towel upon arrival, daily breakfasts, a welcome dinner, a one-time 60-minutes massage for two, a one day trip to Rinca Island with the Atlantis Blackfin yacht and return airport transfers from Komodo to the Labuan Bajo Komodo Airport. Your stay can be extended for IDR 3,750,000++ per night inclusive of breakfasts and a 50% deposit is also required upon booking. For more information, please email reservation@platarankomodo. com. Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, Flores Ph: +62 361 844 6012 www.platarankomodo.com 10 | FLORESPLUS March 2017 LONG STAY OFFER AT THE JAYAKARTA SUITES KOMODO-FLORES The Jayakarta Suites Komodo-Flores is the first ever five star hotel established in Labuan Bajo.