When you visit Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara, don’t forget to visit the other destinations around the area. You do not want to miss Kelor Island, one of the most recommended places in the province with a stunning panoramic view.
The island is also proof that Indonesia’s beauty is perfect. From under the sea to the coast and the mountains, you can explore the gem with your beloved ones. If you happen to travel to Komodo Island or Labuan Bajo in Flores, there is nothing wrong with taking the time to stop by this incredible island.
The Location
Kelor Island is located in Manggarai Regency, Flores, exactly in the East Nusa Tenggara Province. Its romantic ambience makes it perfect for a wedding, honeymoon, or other special occasions for travelers looking forward to spending time with their partners. This place has an enchanting natural beauty that will spoil your eyes as you will enjoy the beauty of the beaches and underwater scenery and the hills and mountains.
The Route
It is not difficult to understand the route to find the hidden treasure. You can begin your trip from Bali’s port or airport. After arriving at Labuan Bajo, you can continue heading to the island. If you depart by boat, it will take more or less an hour. The region is also only 30 minutes away from Labuan Bajo’s port if you ride on a speedboat.
The Attractions & The Amenities
There are many scenic areas in Kelor Island that you do not want to miss. This place is perfect for photography enthusiasts to capture many interesting spots, especially the white sandy beaches and small waves combined with crystal-clear seawater. In addition to that, the island is well known as well with a hilly area where you and your group can go trekking at. The hill will turn into a dry, brown savanna within the dry season, making it look spectacular with the surrounding blue seawater.
When on the island, there are many activities that you can do to have fun. One of which is snorkeling. Its calm seawater is pretty much safe, even for beginners. Therefore, never miss out on snorkeling, diving, or even only swimming to check out the island’s underwater scenery, including a large variety of colorful fish and coral reefs.
Besides snorkeling, jogging, walking along the beach, and taking pictures with a charming background is highly recommended there. Not to mention that the coastline of Kelor Island is long and sloping, making it quite fun to try out sports activities such as soccer or beach volleyball with your friends or family there.
As mentioned above, there is a hill to climb, and it requires 20 minutes to the top because the terrain has an elevation of 45 degrees. Nevertheless, after climbing up the hill, your fatigue will pay off when you eventually reach the top and see the amazing view from there.
In terms of facilities, this island is lacking them, so prepare well before visiting the region. Another bad news is that you can only stop by to enjoy the beautiful scenery on Kelor Island. There is no adequate accommodation to stay overnight on the island.
When to Visit the Island
The best time to go to the island is April through December, as it is in the dry season. The seawater is more likely to be calmer in the season due to the protection of coral reefs surrounding strong sea waves.
How to Get to the Island
After flying away from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, you will arrive at Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Then, prepare about IDR 50,000 in your pocket for a taxi ride. Meanwhile, it costs only IDR 10,000 with a motorbike taxi. The Labuan Bajo pier is merely 5 to 10-minute away from the target island.
Next, ride a boat heading to Kelor Island. The boat trip that takes about 60 minutes will cost you about IDR 100,000. Furthermore, the island does not charge for any entrance tickets. You have to rent a boat or a speedboat from Labuan Bajo port to the location.
The beautiful gem can offer you and your group many more. It is highly advised that you bring along your equipment with you, including a camera, a camping tent, sleeping bags, diving gears, and hiking gear.
The best tip before you go is to bring enough money with you to pay for the transport and food. The island is quite hidden that almost no shops there as well. It means you have to pack your supplies like clothes, sunscreen, soap, shampoo, mosquito repellent, and medication. Besides, be ready for restricted internet connection and electricity on Kelor Island. The bright side is that you can have a tranquil holiday away from the city’s hectic scenes.