2025 Ende Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

The Kelimutu Lakes in Flores island, are absolutely stunning. The three volcanic lakes change color, shifting from blue to green to red and even to black depending on the minerals and weather. You can easily get there by scooter, which makes the trip pretty convenient. The locals believe the lakes are where the souls of the dead go—each one represents a different stage of life. So it is a sacred place and please be respectful. The best time to visit is usually at sunrise, but be prepared that it may be very cold early in the morning. It’s a surreal and peaceful place, definitely worth the visit. #goingplaces #100waysoftravel #indonesia

**Pantai Batu Biru**, also known as **Blue Stone Beach**, is a charming and beautiful beach in Indonesia. It is located on Flores Island, near the town of **Labuan Bajo**, which is the starting point for visiting Komodo National Park. **Blue Stone Beach**: This beach is characterized by large blue or blue stones, which are colored by various minerals, giving it a unique appearance unlike typical beaches. - **Clear Water**: The sea here is clear and clean, perfect for swimming, diving, or various water activities. - **Beautiful Scenery**: The beach is surrounded by mountains and lush green trees, creating a peaceful and shady atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and photography. - **Tranquility**: As it is not yet well-known, it is perfect for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle. #### **Location** - **Coordinates**: Pantai Batu Biru is located in the village of **Sanjung** in the Manggarai Barat district of Flores Island. - **Getting There**: Tourists can travel from Labuan Bajo by car or motorcycle, which takes about 30-40 minutes. The journey offers beautiful views of the landscape. #### **Summary** Pantai Batu Biru or Blue Stone Beach is a beautiful and exciting tourist destination in Flores. For those looking for a place with beautiful nature, interesting changes, and tranquility, it is recommended to visit and experience a unique experience, along with opportunities for beautiful photography and complete relaxation.

Lake Kelimutu is one of the tourist attractions whose pictures are found on payment instruments circulating in Indonesia for a nominal value of 5000 rupiah with the year published 1992. The beauty of Lake Kelimutu is in Pemo Village, Kelimutu District, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The name Kelimutu itself comes from the words "Keli" which means mountain and "Quality" which means boiling. Lake Kelimutu, also known as the three-colored lake, provides a natural view that spoils the eyes of every tourist who visits with the sheen of the colorful water. For those of you who like to enjoy the sunrise, you can visit these tourist attractions with your family or friends. Let's get to know the beauty of Lake Kelimutu and the tourist attractions around it. The charm of the beauty of Lake Kelimutu cannot be separated from the three-colored lake that can change and the development of myths that have been believed by the residents. The color change of the three lakes is caused by the mineral composition in the lake. The three lakes are named Tiwu Ata Polo (red lake), Tiwu Nua Muri Koo Fai (blue lake) and Tiwu Ata Mbupu (white lake). the meaning of the name. Tiwu Ata Polo is a place for souls who have left the world for people who committed crimes during their lifetime. The lake called TIwu Nua Muri Koo Fai as a place for young people who have died. Meanwhile, Tiwu Ata Mbupu is a gathering place for the souls of parents who have died. For those of you who like to fill your Instagram feed with amazing natural scenery, this is a worthy choice for you to visit Kelimutu Tiga Lake. Make sure you invite the closest people such as family, friends, or girlfriends to share the beauty of Lake Kelimutu whose charm is already well known by foreign tourists. Besides being served by the view of three colored lakes that you can enjoy from the top of Lake Kelimutu, you can also wait for the dawn to appear on the sidelines of the hills while enjoying your favorite drinks such as coffee or hot tea sold around. In order not to miss the sunrise moment, don't forget to come to the top of Kelimutu before sunrise. #nationalpark #naturalwonders #camping #beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns

Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang this island is certainly worth to stay one whole day. No noise and uncrowned is what this island stands for. It is a holiday village for everyone and a good place to relax as it offers a haven for those from the city. The surrounding water is a paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports. Barbecue on the beach is desirable. Bamboo cottages are available right on the white sandy beaches. This unattained island paradise is well worth stop over. The surrounding crystal - clear waters offer exceptional snorkeling and swimming. Bamboo bungalows are available right on the white sandy beach, and you can barbeque your freshly-cough dinner while enjoying a spectacular sunset. #summervacation#beachvacation#urbanexplorer

In Flores there is a beach which has a stretch of green stone. People often call it green stone Penggajawa. The beach with the charm there is in the central of Flores. Precisely in Nangapanda District, Ende Regency named Penggajawa Beach. To access the beauty of Penggajawa Beach, you must first use public transportation to Ndao station. Then, you can use public transportation to Nanga Penda. Arriving there, you will be greeted toska turquoise colored stone that dominate the coast. Explore the uniqueness of the natural color of its coastal boulders. Not only blue or turquoise, the other stones there is even a purple, red, white, yellow, and even multi-layered color. These stones not only has one form. There are various forms of stone that has natural color. There are square, triangle, round to oval with diverse sizes. Ranging from the tiny to the largest size. Penggajawa Beach has a dazzling scenery with crystal clear sea water, reflecting the beautiful colors of the stones in it. If the weather is sunny, you can see Ende hill, and the island across the sea. Along the coast stretches limestone cliffs greenish also complements the beautiful view of the beach. #summervacation#beachvacation#urbanexplorer

When you arrive at Lake Kelimutu, you will be presented with views of cliffs from steep rocks. You will also be surprised by the figure of the cliff guard. A mob of brown-haired guard monkeys suddenly appeared from tree branches on the edge of the cliff. You do not need to linger over steep cliffs because it can jeopardize safety. After you walk-up through few stairs of stones, you can see two of the three lakes in the Kelimutu region. The two lakes are “Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai” and “Tiwu Ata Polo”, the lake on the right when the body position is facing the lake. This lake is deep black. While the lake on the left and the tosca green is Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai. These two lakes are located side by side, only separated by a cliff as the dividing wall. The separating rock cliffs are basin shaped. As far as the eye can see, around the lake there are only cliffs of rocks. The journey to the top of Kelimutu is very tiring. In addition to the fairly steep path, the air on the way to the peak is getting thinner because of its height. To unwind you can rest for a moment in the peak monument of Kelimutu. You could say after seeing the third lake, the monument surrounded by several steps is the next destination. Besides being able to sit and chat on the steps, capture photos, you can enjoy a cup of warm coffee, a perfect dish from the nature. #nationalpark#urbanexplorer

Kelimutu lakes (Part of Kelimutu National Park) are one of the most beautiful sights in Indonesia and one of the reasons why I would recommend you to spend some time on Flores rather than only staying around the Komodo Islands. The national park itself is well-known by many for its 3 forever-shifting tri-colored volcanic lakes that are situated 1,639 m above sea-level on top of a mountain. Kelimutu lakes are located in the eastern part of Flores island and there are 2 cities with airports you can fly into, Ende and Maumere. Ende is a little closer and so I would recommend you start your journey to Kelimutu from there. Go at surise so that you are likely to have a clear sky. The clouds often rolled in in the afternoon so you are less likely to have a nice view then. Wait until the sun shines on the lakes before you leave because the colors of the lakes are most vibrant when the sun is higher up in the sky. Plus, there will be considerably less people now. #nationalpark#urbanexplorer

If you’re ever on the island of Flores, one place you absolutely can’t miss is Mount Kelimutu and its famous tri-colored lakes. Waking up at 4 a.m. might not sound fun, but watching the sunrise over these surreal volcanic craters is pure magic. The lakes constantly change color — from turquoise to black, green to red — and no one fully knows why. Locals believe each lake holds the souls of the departed, which only adds to the mystery. The place feels otherworldly — misty, quiet, and full of energy. Oh, and keep an eye out for the cheeky monkeys along the way. They might try to steal your snacks, but they also make the hike even more unforgettable.

#celebrateit #ende #bluestonebeach #flores If you ever find yourself driving along the coast of Ende, Flores, make sure to stop for lunch at Blue Stone Beach Restaurant. Located right by the famous Blue Stone Beach in Nangapanda, this spot offers not only delicious food but also one of the most scenic dining experiences you can ask for. The restaurant serves up fresh seafood, local Indonesian dishes, and refreshing drinks, all while you sit back and enjoy the view of the deep blue ocean. Grilled fish with sambal? Nasi goreng? Or maybe a bowl of curry? They got it all! Plus young coconut 🥥 All the food was Flavorful and satisfying. And with the sound of the waves in the background, every bite somehow tastes even better. 🐟🔥 What makes this place even more special is the unreal landscape—a shoreline covered in smooth, naturally blue stones, unique to this part of Indonesia. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to linger long after you’ve finished eating. If you’re passing through Penggajawa, do yourself a favor and stop here for lunch. Good food, ocean breeze, and an unforgettable view—it’s hard to beat. 🌊🍛✨ 📍Address:Unnamed Road (How cute 🥰) Nangapanda, Kabupaten Nusa Tenggara Tim., Penggajawa, Kec. Nangapanda, Kabupaten Ende, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia

#celebrateit #ende #floresroadtrip Driving through the forest on the way to Ende feels like entering a whole different world. The road winds through a dense canopy of trees, their branches intertwined above, creating a beautiful green tunnel. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, adding to the tropical charm of the scene. It’s a peaceful, almost surreal experience, where every twist and turn reveals more natural beauty. 🌳🌴 The forest here is alive—birds chirp from the treetops, and you can occasionally spot a monkey playfully jumping between branches. The vibrant shades of green—from the deep forest trees to the bright palm fronds—seem to stretch on forever, creating a sense of calm and wonder. 🌿🐒 As you drive deeper into this natural haven, you pass by small, quiet villages where life moves slowly, and the locals seem to blend right into the landscape. It’s a great reminder of the raw, untouched beauty that Flores has to offer. If you’re heading to Ende, don’t rush through this stretch—take your time. It’s a beautiful journey through nature, one that makes you feel truly connected to the land. 🚙💚

#celebrateit #Linasguesthouse #ende Some places are just a place to sleep, and then there are places like Lina’s Guest House—where you arrive as a guest and leave feeling like family. A Stay That Feels Right 🛏️🌿 After a long day of travel, stepping into our room at Lina’s was a relief. The bed was fresh, the bathroom spotless, and everything felt effortlessly clean. There was no need to second-guess comfort here—it was already taken care of. Hospitality That Sticks With You 👨👩👧❤️ The real highlight? The family running the guest house. From the very first greeting, they were warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to help. Whether it was casual chats, travel tips, or just their overall kindness, they turned a simple stay into something special. Perfect Spot to Explore 🏞️🚶♂️ Located in a convenient part of Ende, this guest house made it easy to explore. Whether we were heading out to nearby attractions or just strolling through town, everything felt within reach. Would I Stay Again? Absolutely. If you want a place that’s clean, comfortable, and run by people who truly care about their guests, this is it. Lina’s isn’t just a place to stay—it’s part of the adventure.

#celebrateit #Ende If you’re passing through Ende, Flores, and need a simple, budget-friendly place to stay, J-Hotel is a solid option. Located on Jl. Durian No. 9, it offers basic yet comfortable rooms that are perfectly fine for a night’s rest. 🚶♂️💤 The rooms are clean, functional, and come with air conditioning, which is always a plus in the tropical heat. The beds are decent, and the private bathrooms get the job done. It’s nothing fancy, but for budget travelers, it covers the essentials. Affordable, convenient, and no unnecessary frills. 💰✅ One of the best things about J-Hotel is its location—it’s close to shops and eateries, making it easy to grab a quick meal or essentials. The staff is friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth check-in and stay. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, affordable place to rest before heading out on your next adventure, J-Hotel works just fine for a night! 🏡✨

#celebrateit #Ende If you’re in Ende, Flores, and craving a delicious chicken dish, Maria Restaurant is the place to go. This family-run eatery serves up tender, flavorful chicken meals that hit the spot after a day of exploring. 🍛✨ Their Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken) is a must-try—perfectly marinated, slightly charred, and served with a side of spicy sambal for an extra kick. 🔥🌶️ If you’re in the mood for something saucier, their Ayam Goreng (fried chicken) is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and pairs beautifully with rice and veggies. 🍗🍚 The portions are generous, and the food has that home-cooked taste that makes every bite satisfying. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with friendly staff who make sure you leave full and happy. If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy flavorful chicken in Ende, Maria Restaurant won’t disappoint! 🍽️👌

#celebrateit #Ende Ende might not be the first place on every traveler’s list, but it deserves more attention. Sitting along the southern coast of Flores, this town offers beautiful ocean views, friendly locals, and a laid-back vibe that makes it a great place to explore. 🚶♂️🌿 One of the highlights is Pantai Batu Biru (Blue Stone Beach), where the shoreline is covered in smooth, blue-tinted stones—something you won’t see just anywhere. 🌊💙 Walking along the coast, you can watch local fishermen bring in their catch or chat with vendors selling fresh coconuts. If you’re a history lover, a visit to Soekarno’s exile house gives an interesting look into Indonesia’s past. The town itself is easygoing, with small cafes, markets, and delicious local food—don’t miss trying Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) with sambal! 🐟🔥 Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, Ende is worth a stop for its mix of nature, history, and coastal charm. 🚗✨

#nationalparks The road to get here is indeed a bit of a struggle. The winding road almost all the way to the top, but you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the right and left of the road (if you pass it in the morning, afternoon, evening). Be careful because the road is not too wide to pass other vehicles from the opposite direction. When you arrive at the gate of Kelimutu National Park, you will be asked to pay an entrance fee, don't worry, it's still very affordable. Then you continue your journey to the parking area above about 15 minutes from the gate. Here you can relax for a moment, toilets are available and separated for men and women. If you are a coffee lover, there are several stalls selling snacks and drinks here. You can continue your journey to Lake Kelimutu by following a fairly clean path, there are even concrete stairs to make the journey easier. The road is uphill about 20-30 degrees along the way, you can relax for a moment at several points on the road. About 30 minutes away, you will arrive at Lake Kelimutu with a very beautiful view. Be careful if you want to take pictures, don't go beyond the fence. If you still have the energy, please climb to the highest peak on Mount Kelimutu, around 1600 above sea level and you will get a view that you will never forget.

**Nanganesa Beach** is a beach located in **East Nusa Tenggara**, Indonesia, known for its unique and beautiful black sand. #### **Location** - **Coordinates**: Nanganesa Beach is situated on **Sumbawa Island**, near the city of **Bima**. It can be reached by car or motorcycle from Bima, taking about 30–45 minutes. #### **Beauty** - **Black Sand**: The highlight of Nanganesa Beach is its black sand, formed by volcanic erosion in the area, making it distinct and beautiful compared to other beaches. - **Clear Blue Sea**: The sea here is crystal clear blue, contrasting with the black sand, creating a stunning view. - **Scenic Landscape**: The beach is surrounded by prominent mountains, offering a diverse and beautiful landscape when viewed from the shore. #### **Highlights** - **Beach Activities**: Besides relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, you can swim, stroll along the beach, and take beautiful photos. - **Nature Exploration**: The area around Nanganesa Beach is rich in nature, with lush trees and surrounding mountains, creating a refreshing atmosphere. - **Impressive Sunset**: Watching the sunset at this beach is an experience not to be missed, with vibrant colors creating a memorable view for tourists. #### **Summary** Nanganesa Beach is an interesting destination for those who want to experience the beauty of nature and local lifestyle. Its unique black sand, clear sea, and tranquil atmosphere allow you to fully relax.

**Kelimutu** is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Indonesia, located on Flores Island. It is known for its three-colored lakes that change colors dramatically and are linked to the cultural beliefs of the local community. #### **Beliefs** The Kelimutu lakes are considered sacred, with each lake believed to hold different spiritual significance: - **Blue Lake** (Tiwu Ata Mbupu): Believed to be the resting place of the spirits of the elderly. - **Green Lake** (Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai): Believed to be the resting place of the spirits of young people. - **Red Lake** (Tiwu Ata Polo): Believed to be the resting place of the spirits of those who led a troubled life. Therefore, Kelimutu is considered a place of great spiritual and cultural importance. #### **Travel** - **Getting to Kelimutu**: Tourists can travel to Kelimutu from the town of **Moni** by motorcycle or private car, taking about 30-45 minutes. - **Recommended to rent a vehicle**: Renting a car or motorcycle is the most convenient as it allows for stops to take photos or explore the surrounding area at leisure. #### **Entrance Fees** - The entrance fee to Kelimutu National Park is approximately **50,000 IDR** (around 3-4 USD) for general tourists, with additional charges during festivals or for special services. #### **Best Time to Visit** - **Optimal time**: It is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and to see the lakes in the best light. - **Tourist season**: The best time to visit is between April and October, which is the dry season with good weather. **Summary**: Kelimutu is an interesting and culturally significant tourist destination in Indonesia. A trip here will be memorable for nature and history lovers, especially witnessing the stunningly colorful lakes at dawn.

#wecreate Kelimutu volcano is located 50 km east of Ende, central Flores on a road that climbs through several small villages and rice terraces into a dense rainforest near the summit. The volcano is in a national park, and there is a fee to enter: not much for locals and foreign Indonesian work visa holders, and more for tourists (about US$15). From a parking area a few hiking trails go up to the summit, which features 3 steep-sided craters with actively roiling multi-colored lakes. On a clear day you can see gases bubbling to the surface and a sulfide scum on the surface of the first two lakes. The local lake names are Tiwu Ata Bupu (Lake of Old People - blue), and the other two lakes, Tiwu Ko'o Fai Nuwa Muri (Lake of Young Men and Maidens - bluish-green) and Tiwu Ata Polo ("Villany" Lake - red) are separated by a shared crater wall. #mytripvlog#urbanexplorer#tripblazers #awesomepic#summervacation##wonderfulindonesia

Located in the mysterious tricolor lake at the foot of the Klimtu volcano in Indonesia, it has gorgeous colors and will fall asleep to change color and dream. Sword-like hill, picking a few milky white fog. They are filled with a piece of land, making the entire mountain area form a sea of envy. A layer of grass, like a cotton paved staircase.