Holidays in Flores, Indonesia

An emerging destination in Indonesia just beyond the mystical landscapes of Bali and the paradise beaches of Lombok, the island of Flores is the gateway to an almost prehistoric world. In the eastern sprawl of Indonesia's islands, Flores and its neighbours rise out of the sea in a series of high volcanic peaks and deep ravines covered in savannah and ancient rainforest. The volcanic archipelago harbours a host of evolutionary wonders both above and below the water, the most famous being the komodo dragon.

The rarity of the world's largest lizard has led to its habitat becoming a world heritage site. The islands of Komodo and Rinca, in particular, are now part of Komodo National Park, and the port town of Labuan Bajo in western Flores is the main departure point for boat tours into this real-life Jurassic Park. As it's not possible to stay in the national park, many tourists also choose to base themselves in the beach resorts and hillside hotels of Flores.

But it's not just dragon hunting that attracts travellers to Flores and Komodo National Park. For starters, the protected area is also a marine reserve that's part of the Coral Triangle. Popular with divers, this underwater biodiversity hotspot is home to an abundance of rare fish, rays and sea turtles, as well as peculiar aquatic botanicals.

The island of Flores itself is also well worth exploring. Aside from experiencing its stunning tropical beaches, the trio of electric blue crater lakes around Kelimutu volcano are not-to-be-missed. Intrepid types can traverse the Trans-Flores Highway to uncover bucolic thatched villages and a picturesque interior of rice paddies, lakes and mountains virtually untouched by the march of time.