East Nusa Tenggara

Hidden gems in East Nusa Tenggara

Indonesia's Hidden Gems

East Nusa Tenggara’s landscape features the tri-colored volcanic lakes of Kelimutu and the archaeological site of Liang Bua, where remains of Homo floresiensis were discovered. The region includes Komodo National Park’s Pink Beach, colored by microscopic organisms, and the limestone Mirror Cave near Labuan Bajo. Natural water features across Sumba and Flores include the turquoise pools of Waimarang Waterfall and the thermal waters of Malanage, where a volcanic hot spring meets a cold river stream.

Indonesia's Hidden Gems — Map

Neil / CC BY 2.0

A

Kelimutu

Kelimutu is a volcano close to the small town of Moni in central Flores island in Indonesia.

Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Pink Beach

Located within Komodo National Park, this shoreline derives its color from red coral fragments and microscopic Foraminifera mixing with white sand.

Rosino / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Liang Bua cave (Hobbit cave)

A limestone cave near Ruteng where the remains of the extinct human species Homo floresiensis, nicknamed "the Hobbit," were discovered in 2003.

D

Air Terjun Waimarang

A tiered waterfall in East Sumba featuring a deep turquoise swimming pool enclosed by circular limestone rock formations.

E

Matayangu Waterfall

Situated in Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park, this 75-meter waterfall flows from a cave into a blue lagoon. It is considered a sacred site by local residents.

F

Batu Cermin Cave

A limestone cave system near Labuan Bajo known for walls containing salt crystals that reflect sunlight like a mirror during mid-morning hours.

G

Malanage Hot Springs

A natural thermal site near Bajawa where a hot volcanic stream and a cold river converge, allowing visitors to choose their preferred water temperature.

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