The mysterious island located in the south of the Indonesian archipelago resembles a fish with a long tail. Until recently, he was little known among tourists, and now more and more vacationers rush to this friendly corner, promising everyone a sea of adventure.
Flower island
The most interesting island of Flores (Indonesia) was discovered by chance at the beginning of the XVI century. Such a beautiful name was given to him by the Portuguese colonialists, admired by the lush flower paradise. Five centuries have passed since its discovery, and pristine nature is now considered the main attraction of the volcanic island. The picturesque corner, immersed in exotic plants and tropical greenery, is not in vain recognized as a floral island.
Places untouched by civilization provide a unique opportunity to plunge into the fabulous world of nature. It is curious that many of the flowers and animals of Flores have been preserved since those times when gigantic dinosaurs lived on our planet. A variety of flora and fauna is another great reason to come here on vacation in order to fully experience the uniqueness of a lost paradise on earth.
The only catholic corner in Indonesia
The colorful island of Flores is the only corner in Muslim Indonesia where Catholicism is the main religion. When the Portuguese gave their colony to Holland, a Christian mission was already established here. Catholics converted the locals to their faith, and the non-interference of the new owners in the sacrament of baptism became the main condition for the transfer of the territory.
Hospitable aborigines with a traditional lifestyle
About 1.8 million people live on the Indonesian island of Flores, welcoming all tourists. And the first thing that guests of the exotic corner tell about is the hospitality of the local population living in the traditional way. All note the isolation of indigenous islanders living remotely from each other, which led to a vivid contrast between peoples.
The main highway was laid about twenty years ago, and before that the natives had never seen cars and buses. By the way, there are many old villages on the island, the natives of which look as if they came from archival black-and-white photographs. Therefore, when they talk about an untouched civilization, this applies not only to nature, but also to the way of life of the local population, which shows increased interest in guests.
The colorful island of Flores, which gained independence in 1945, is also known for the fact that residents are allowed to hunt whales in the ancient way.
Three changing crater lakes
The most famous volcano of the resort is Kelimutu, three crater lakes of which change the color of the water, and scientists still argue about the reason for this amazing phenomenon. Once upon a time after the eruption of a volcano, small depressions formed that turned into wonderful lakes.
Aborigines sacredly believe that the souls of the dead live in color-changing water, and any color change is associated with the anger of their ancestors. In the lake, which is far from the rest, the souls of people who righteously lived until old age rest.
Two other craters filled with water are located close to each other. The lakes in which the souls of young people who died at a young age live, and sinners who bring a lot of evil, are known to the whole world. The water in them changes colors, becoming either green, then burgundy black, then blood red.
Explanations of scientists
True, scientists have their own point of view. They explain the natural phenomenon by the presence of dissolved minerals and claim that it all depends on the chemical reactions that occur in water. However, other experts are convinced that such a color change is associated with volcanic gases entering the lakes.
Natural phenomenon
A real natural miracle, which the whole world learned about, has become a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world, who admit their love for a wonderful island. Tourists strive here to meet the dawn on the top of Kelimutu, watching the magical play of sunlight on the water surface of the lakes.
Mirror cave
Batu Cermin Cave is another local attraction. The underground kingdom located in the rock massif is a delightful sight. Here you can see the stone remains of turtles and fish, admire the fancy halls with colonies of stalagmites that resemble fantastic views. As guests of the island note, at a certain hour, the falling rays of the sun through a gap in the arch are reflected by millions of mirrors interspersed with minerals. To enjoy the wonderful picture, tourists come from all over the world to the cave.
Labuan Baggio
In the west of the picturesque island there is a small settlement that the guests of Flores adore, dreaming of magical beaches with clear water. All diving enthusiasts are eager to get into the village.
Well, if you get bored with a relaxing holiday, you can go to the farm where pearls are grown, or wander through the mysterious caves that Indonesia is famous for. Travelers note that there are quiet places for solitude with nature, and those who are tired of the noise of large cities will enjoy the opportunity to walk in absolute silence.
Bajava
The unique island of Flores, despite the long-term work of missionaries, is famous for its traditional rites. The city of Bajava is of interest to tourists who want to get acquainted with pagan rituals. This is the center of the Ngadha religion, which is an interesting mix of Catholicism and the cult of ancestors.
Visitors to the town note the well-preserved megaliths - places of worship of spirits, and the whole area seems to be saturated with a mystical atmosphere.
Scientific sensation
The unique island of Flores gained incredible popularity after the scientists announced the results of archaeological excavations. The find discovered in the Liang Bua cave became a real scientific sensation. The strange bones of a man with a height of one meter of miniature physique extremely surprised scientists who initially thought that they had found the skeleton of a child.
However, after careful study, it was found that these are the remains of ancient hominids, called Homo floresiensis. The florezian man possessed unusually small brain sizes weighing 400 grams, which became the reason for the discussion of scientists discussing the intellectual capabilities of the ancient people who inhabited the island of Flores (Indonesia).
The “hobbits,” as archaeologists have called living creatures, are the last surviving human species, not counting Homo sapiens.
The find that destroyed the concept
The find fundamentally turned over the harmonious system of traditional paleoanthropology. Scientists are interested in the question of what place dwarf hominid occupies in the family tree of a person. Where did it come from and how did it end up on an island resulting from volcanic activity?
After discovering the new skeletons, experts found that the so-called hobbits lived on the Indonesian island of Flores 950 centuries ago, most likely falling into the territory, drifting into the sea.
New discoveries
Interestingly, the small island once again surprised archaeologists with unusual anomalies. As it turned out, hominids coexisted with huge birds, the size of which was twice as large as the growth of the hobbits that lived among the fantastic fauna on the Indonesian island of Flores.
Centuries ago, according to archaeologists, gigantic marabou hunted small people. Birds from the family of storks differed from the rest of their relatives: weight exceeded 15 kilograms, and growth reached almost two meters. Such conclusions were made after studies of the giant skeleton of the marabou found on the island.
Disputes of scientists
Now there is a debate about why ancient dwarfs and giant birds became extinct. According to the main version of scientists, they were killed by a volcanic eruption, because all the remains were found under a layer of ash. Perhaps in an isolated territory ancient relics would still exist today, as, for example, huge monitor lizards live in neighboring Komodo .
Be that as it may, but on the Indonesian island of Flores centuries ago, relics from an ancient family tree lived as if on a kind of Noah's ark.
A trip to the picturesque Flores, emerging from the shadows of the more famous islands, promises everyone a wonderful vacation and a variety of entertainment. Ideal conditions for a secluded pastime are created here, and picturesque landscapes make your stay in an attractive place devoid of an influx of tourists unique.