There is a small fishing village of Riung in Flores, Indonesia. It is the home to Island 17 for the Marine Park. There are reasons why this is the best place to visit while you are in Flores. Eager for the 17 Islands Marine Park Travel Guide?
This trip requires time and patience since you will be taking a slow journey. It is a comprehensive guide to Riung. From the planning to the best routes to get there, you will find them all here. Plus, do not forget to check out how to book your snorkeling tour here.
Since there is no beach in Riung, you will have to get a small boat to reach the blue-green waters. The good thing is, the gap between each island is not that far. Land-hopping is a possible activity since it does not take that long.
Do not be fooled by the name because 17 Islands Marine Park consists of 20 small islands. The number 17 was put in the name because the locals wanted to commemorate the Independence Day of Indonesia, which took place on August 17.
Despite the claim, there is another version of why 17 marks the name of the marine park in Riung. A rumor is heard that the number refers to the personification of a 17-year-old girl who once lived in Riung.
Location
Riung is also known as Pulau Tujuhbelas (Island 17). This small fishing village is located northeast of Flores Island.
Activities You Can Do Here:
Based on the 17 Islands Marine Park Travel Guide, most of the 17 islands’ tours take a full day of island-hopping. You will get to visit four to five spots at that timeline. These include Bat Island, Rutong Island, Tambang Island, and Tiga Island.
There are also a few shallow reefs you can stop by at. Besides snorkeling opportunities, you also get to enjoy delicious BBQ fish for lunch. They prepare it right on the water’s edge. Do not forget that the boat returns to Riung at 4:00 pm as scheduled.
So, what do we get by island-hopping here?
Bat Island
This island is home to thousands of fruit bats. You may not see them much during the day since they are naturally nocturnal creatures. They sleep during the day.
However, as the sun sets and the dusk turns up, these bats are all awake. Watching them all rush up into the sky is a unique, probably once-in-a-lifetime experience. It would be best if you did not miss this.
Snorkeling
After visiting Bat Island, check a shallow reef. It is an ideal place for snorkeling. For an hour of this activity, you get to see corals down there. Some are still in good shape, while others are damaged.
You can also see a variety of wild animals here. There are clownfish, parrotfish, starfish, and lionfish. You must be careful with the lionfish, though, because they are poisonous.
The water in Riung, however, is still clear.
The 17 Islands Marine Park
Do not forget to check out other beaches after an hour of snorkeling. First, do not forget to have lunch. There are many activities that you can do here. From snorkeling off the coast, exploring the beach until sunbathing, you can do them all here.
Since the beach is deserted, expect no human-related excitement here. If you have spent too much time in the big city, then this is your perfect escapade. You may even be able to see other wild animals here, like deer, hedgehogs, monkeys, and even the illusive Biuwak Mbow (biawak). Consider them the much smaller versions of komodo dragons. They rarely turn up, but who knows? You might get lucky.
For island-hopping on the 17 Islands Marine Park, the costs depend on the number of passengers on your boat. Some boat captains are willing to negotiate the prices, as long as you know how to bargain well.
To be on the safe side, prepare at least about IDR 350,000 for 4 people on the boat. The price has already included fins, snorkeling gear, and a delicious fish BBQ dish on the location. You also need another IDR 100,000 for the parking fees.
Route
Getting there from Ende or Bajawa requires about a 5-hour-drive. Once you get there, you can see lines of palm trees on the fields. There is a small road that leads you to the Riung pier. That is the gateway right to the 17 Islands Marine Park.
Amenities
You only need about ten minutes to walk down to the pier from the closest accommodation here. While you are in Riung, these are the places to stay you may consider:
Sangrila Lodge Riung
Also known as Sangrila Mentos Riung, this accommodation provides a garden and a terrace. Each bedroom is equipped with a private bathroom with a shower. Muslim visitors can even get their halal breakfast here. Sangrila Lodge Riung is located about 86 kilometers from Ende Airport. You may request a shuttle bus to get you there and back to the airport.
Location: Riung Nangamese, 86471, Riung, Flores, Indonesia.
Estimated prices: IDR 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 per night.
Riung Guesthouse
Besides a garden and a terrace, Riung Guesthouse offers free private parking space and a shuttle bus inquiry to take you back to Ende Airport. Ende Airport is about 84 kilometers from this accommodation. Each room has a balcony, a private bathroom with a shower, and an air conditioner—there is also a coffee or tea maker in the room.
Guests can enjoy an Asian breakfast here.
Location: Central Benteng, Riung, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, 86419 Riung, Flores, Indonesia.
Estimated prices: IDR 350,000 per night.
Nirvana Riung
Nirvana Riung offers free parking space, free breakfast, and even a laundry service. There is also an air conditioner in every room. Most of the available rooms are for families.
Location: Jalan Pelabuhan Riung, 86471, Flores, Indonesia.
Estimated prices: IDR 150,000 – 400,000 per night.
There are two (2) cafes in Riung you can also go to when you look for something to eat and drink:
Café del Mar
They always serve fresh fish, and the place is comfortable. You get to see a beautiful garden and enjoy live music too.
Location: Nangamese, Riung, East Nusa Tenggara, Flores, Indonesia.
Café Rico Rico
The visitors of this café usually have traveled to the 17 Islands Marine Park, either for island-hopping or a snorkeling tour. They serve ice cold Bintang here for those into alcoholic drinks. If you have not gone to the 17 Islands yet, you may hang out here first. Ask them about their experiences at the Marine Park to get better references.
When To Visit
Riung is on the mainland of Flores, so the ocean waves are not that huge nor threatening. You get to visit Riung all year round. However, the best time to visit Riung (including The 17 Islands Marine Park) is sometime between April and October. When it is dry season, the sky is clear. There is no rain, and the waves are relatively calm.
How To Get To
These are the two (2) ways to get to Riung:
From Bajawa to Riung:
Take the bus from Bajawa to Riung. There is always a bus parked at 1:00 pm, waiting for passengers. Prepare about IDR 40,000 per passenger. The trip to Riung by bus might take about 4 hours and 45 minutes. If you prefer being picked up straight from your hostel, you may ask your homestay owner to make inquiries with the bus driver.
Be prepared, though, since it will be a bumpy ride – because the road is not smooth.
From Moni to Ende to Riung:
You can also get to Riung from Moni, which passes Ende in the middle of the route. It is also another bus ride, which costs about IDR 60,000 per trip per person. From Moni to Ende may take more than an hour or two.
Once you arrive in Ende, the bus will stop at the West Bus Station there. Hop on a different bus to Riung from there. Since this bus leaves at 2:00 pm, make sure you arrive long before that. For this trip, prepare about IDR 75,000 per person.
Unlike the previous route, the road from Ende to Riung is much smoother. However, the trip is longer. The bus ride will take about 4.5 hours to get you there.
Conclusion
To complete the 17 Islands Marine Park Travel Guide, here are some valuable tips for you:
- Stay over in Riung for two (2) nights, although there is not much to do around the area.
- Although there is a cash point (ATM) in Riung, you should prepare enough cash before your arrival.
- Before the 17 Islands Marine Park trip, pack yourself with loads of water and enough sun cream.
- Make the most of your time while hanging on the pier. Get to know other travelers around. You might save some budget by splitting the bills when you book a trip to 17 Islands Marine Park together.
Here is the 17 Islands Marine Park Travel Guide for you. Have fun.
