What to do in Moni in Flores, Indonesia

If you’re traveling to the beautiful island of Flores in Indonesia you should definitely include Moni in your itinerary. Nestled in the Ende district of Flores, the Moni region offers a truly unique travel experience that is sure to captivate you. With its stunning natural beauty, Moni is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Some of its most iconic landmarks are the tri-colored crater lakes of Mt. Kelimutu or the Wolojita forest. Moni is also a center of cultural heritage, with traditional villages such as Djopu and Wologai, local markets and vibrant festivals to immerse yourself in the culture of this part of the island. In this post, I will go through what to do in Moni in Flores, Indonesia, and try to convince you that it is a must-stop if you’re traveling to this beautiful island in East Nusa Tenggara. Let’s dive in!

There are many great things to do in Moni so I suggest that you save at least 2 nights in Moni to be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of its nature and the richness of its cultural heritage. This post is part of a series from our perfect 10-days Flores itinerary. Check it out!

Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia

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7 great things to do in Moni, Flores

1. Watch the coloured lakes at the Kelimutu National Park

Mt. Kelimutu is an active volcano in the Moni region, and it’s definitely a highlight of any trip to Flores. The crater lakes are known for their unique colors, which change over time due to chemical reactions and volcanic activity. Scientists believe that the colors of the lakes are caused by the dissolution of minerals in the water, such as iron and manganese. As the minerals interact with the volcanic gases and sunlight, they create a range of vibrant colors that change over time, including turquoise, green, and red. The lakes have been a source of fascination for scientists and locals alike, with local legend attributing their colors to the spirits of the dead.

Schedule: 5-18, Price: 150k IDR (9€), 225k IDR (14€) in the weekend

You can view the Kelimutu crater lakes from several viewing points within the national park, with the most popular spot being the summit viewpoint. The trek to the summit takes approximately 30 minutes and is quite an easy hike. The best time to visit the lakes is early in the morning when the sun is rising, as this is when the colors of the lakes are most vivid.

2. Learn the unique culture of the region in the traditional villages

As many regions in Flores, the Kelimutu region where Moni is located is home to some traditional villages. These villages are home to members of specific tribes, and they push to preserve their cultural heritage and religion. Typically these villages have traditional wooden and palm leaf houses, and village elders who drive the tribe. They follow a Catholic religion, but deeply intertwined with their animistic local religion and rituals. Visiting traditional villages is one of the most interesting and unique things to do in Moni and in Flores as a whole.

Djopu (or Jopu) traditional village

This traditional village located near the town of Moni that is home to the Lio people. When we visited this village, we were greeted by Mama Maria, a tribe elder with a gift for storytelling. With a mix of English and Indonesian, she showed us her village and let us into the ceremonial house. There, we sat and listened to her enthusiastically talking about the Djopu traditions: the seeding and harvest ceremonies (with buffalo sacrifices), the election of new leaders…

For me, this was one of the most authentic traditional village we visited in all of Flores. This is because they seem to keep their tradition but also move with the modern era (aka less trying to please the tourists). Also, Mama Maria is a natural speaker, so if you visit Djopu you’ll find yourself just listening to her in awe.

Price: donation

Wologai traditional village

Another really interesting traditional village to visit in Wologai. It is also home to Lio people and is conveniently located close to Moni village. This one has a sad story attached to it, as it burned down recently. However, all the tribe members have put an effort to rebuild and it now looks amazing! The elder Leo showed us around the village and told us the history of its clans, the sun and the moon monument, the storm stone (that if a foreigner touches it a storm unleashes, we didn’t try!) as well as the symbols carved on the houses.

Leo is very passionate about his village and will immerse you into the traditions and history of his home. I really recommend that you visit Wologai.

Price: 30k IDR (1,8€)

Other traditional villages around Moni

There are other traditional villages in Moni and the Kelimutu region. Some of them are Saga, Wolobewa or Puutuga traditional villages.

3. Go trekking in the unique nature of the region

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Moni will not disappoint. The region boasts stunning landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. Trekking in the Kelimutu National Park, as I mentioned above, is a popular activity, with trails leading to the famous tri-colored Kelimutu crater lakes.

But this region has more to offer! You can also explore the Wolojita forest, where you can spot a variety of bird and wildlife species. The trek to the Detusoko waterfall is another highlight, with the trail leading through traditional villages and past picturesque rice paddies.

We particularly enjoyed trekking to Muru Keba waterfall, a beautiful waterfall close to Moni village. The trail is not easy to follow (aka there is no trail at times) and some areas are a bit harder physically, but it is totally worth it to spend some time in these waterfalls by yourself (literally not a single tourist or local)! And on the way you can also see the Mutulo’o Hot Steam, a spot with volcanic activity from Mt. Kelimutu.

I am not aware of any guided trekking activities around Moni, but I am sure that if you ask your accommodation or driver they can figure something out!

4. Visit the traditional markets of Moni

If you’re looking to experience the local culture of the Moni region in Flores, Indonesia, visiting traditional markets should be at the top of your list. The markets offer a glimpse into the daily life of the local people and are a great way to sample the local cuisine and purchase unique handicrafts, as well as interact with locals. The markets are usually held in the morning and offer a wide variety of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The Moni village market is a popular spot and is held on Mondays, and the Nduaria fruit & vegetables market is very picturesque. Alternatively, you can visit the markets in nearby towns, such as Ende and Maumere (the last one is not so “nearby”, but you can check it out if you include it in your itinerary).

5. Attend a local festival in Moni

If you time it right, you can pair your visit to Moni with an incredible experience attending a local festival. The most incredible and spiritual one is the Pati Ka Du’a Bapu Ata Mata, the yearly festival by the Lio people to honor their ancestors at the Kelimutu crater lakes. The Lio people believe that souls depart this world through the crater lakes, so every year they visit them to give offerings and perform rituals. This festival occurs on August 14th and is followed by festivities in the traditional villages.

If you are in the area in December, you can enjoy the Nduariao Festival, which celebrates the end of the harvest season. It’s a time of thanksgiving and an opportunity for the local people to showcase their unique cultural traditions. The festival begins with a traditional ceremony where offerings are made to the ancestors and the spirits of the land. The locals dress in traditional attire and perform dances and music, accompanied by the sounds of gongs and drums. The festival also features a market where visitors can purchase local handicrafts, clothing, and traditional foods.

6. Have a coffee with a view at Detusoko rice terraces

This is by no means an epic thing to do in Moni, but it was our first stop from the airport and the moment we knew we would fall in love with Flores. The Detusoko rice terraces are absolutely beautiful and have nothing to envy to other rice terraces like Tegallalang or Jatiluwih in Ubud, Bali. There are a couple of local cafés just atop the terraces so you can sit back and take in the beauty of Flores’ countryside.

7. Go birdwatching

The Moni region in Flores, Indonesia, is an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystem, the region is home to a wide variety of bird species. You can spot endemic birds such as the Flores crow, Flores monarch, and Flores green pigeon, as well as other species like the white-rumped kingfisher, scarlet minivet, and flame-breasted sunbird. The best time for birdwatching in Moni is from September to November when the birds are most active. The Kelimutu National Park and the Wolojita forest are two popular spots for birdwatching, and you can also take guided tours to learn more about the birds and their habitat.

How to get to Moni in Flores, Indonesia

Getting to Flores

To get to Moni you’ll have to get to the island of Flores. The easiest way to get to Moni is to fly to the airport in Ende and then drive around 2h to the town of Moni. Alternatively you can fly to either of the other two airports in the island: Labuan Bajo or Maumere, but both are quite far. However, if you start your Flores itinerary in Labuan Bajo or Maumere, your itinerary will naturally go through Moni.

Getting to Moni From Ende

If you’re only visiting Moni, you can rent a car in the Ende airport and use it to explore the region. If you’re following a longer itinerary through Flores, renting a car is still technically possible. However, the geography of the island (long and narrow), makes it so it is hard to do a circular itinerary, and returning a car to a different location increases the price immensely. Instead, I suggest you hire a driver, which takes a lot of worries out of the picture. We had a great time with our driver Gusti in our Flores trip. You can contact him through WhatsApp and get a quote in this number +62 82147244300. He is an excellent driver and, even though he will tell you he’s not a guide, he is very knowledgeable and will recommend you places to visit and help you communicate with the locals.

Alternatively, if you’d like a driver and a guide, you can contact Sipri at sipri.muda@gmail.com.

Where to stay in Moni in Flores, Indonesia

The best place to stay to explore the Kelimutu area is Moni, a little village which is little more than a bend of the road, but is the heart of the region. There are a few bars and restaurants and a range of accommodations for visitors. As for the rest of Flores, hotels and guesthouses offer simple accommodations, but they more than make up for it with the kindness of the hosts.

Here are some recommendations based on your budget:

Budget

We stayed at Bintang Bungalow and it was affordable, clean and our hostess was really welcoming and funny. They have double rooms with bathroom and breakfast included starting at 165k IDR (10€). Another option in this price range is Rice field homestay.

Mid range

If you can spare some money for a nicer accommodation, stay at the The Geckos Homestay. This hotel offers nice, clean and beautiful wooden bungalows for 2 people with bathroom and Indonesian outdoors shower and including breakfast for 450k IDR (28€). Another great option within this range is Mahakali, located on the slope of the volcano. Both of these hotels are a bit further away from Moni but offer great views and a stay in nature. If you prefer something closer to town, check out Rago’s Homestay.

Luxury

While there is no lavish luxury in the region, there are some options for those seeking some extra comforts. One of them is Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge, a cute bungalow resort located close to Moni. Another option is Kelimutu Paradiso Resort, which offers spacious and beautiful bungalows with breakfast for 1m IDR (61€). I want to stress that if you only want Western-style luxury, this is not the case and I would recommend that you visit other areas of Indonesia.

Booking.com

Where to eat in Moni in Flores, Indonesia

If you’re staying in Moni, the place to be is Mopi’s Place a hip restaurant, bar and concert house where each night the whole town comes to life. Their food is delicious and affordable and there are options if you want to keep local (such as chicken curry or gado-gado) as well as international food for the less adventurous. Do not miss their delicious local coffee and moke (a palm liquor). Try their delicious Espresso Moke to taste both at the same time!

Other nice options for local food in the area are Good Moni Cafe & Resto or Santiago Cafe & Resto. For a unique culinary experience, head to the traditional market in Moni town and try the Babi Kelempung, pork cooked in a bamboo tube. This sweet and savory dish is a local specialty and a must-try when in Moni.

Closing statement

The region of Moni in Flores, Indonesia is truly a hidden gem that should not be missed on any traveler’s itinerary. From hiking to the mesmerizing Kelimutu National Park and witnessing the colorful lakes at sunrise to visiting traditional villages and interacting with the locals, there is something for everyone in Moni. The natural beauty and cultural richness of this region make it a must-visit destination in Indonesia. So, pack your bags and head to Moni for an unforgettable adventure!

If you’re planning a trip to Flores, check out this amazing itinerary and a few posts about the region:

Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia

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