East Nusa Tenggara has a lot of charm, so the number of tourists continues to increase yearly. In 2023 alone, more than 5 million domestic and almost 100,000 international tourists will visit.[1] Some of them will even search for hidden gems in East Nusa Tenggara.
Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island might already be familiar to tourists, considering that both are the mainstays of mainstream tourism in East Nusa Tenggara. However, did you know that there are still many stunning hidden places that are worth a visit?
Find out about the top 10 picks for hidden gems in East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia here!
1. Cunca Wulang Waterfall (Flores)
The Cunca Wulang Waterfall, our first hidden gem, is a true marvel. Nestled on Flores Island in Pota Wangka, Boleng, West Manggarai, it’s a sight to behold. The journey from Komodo Airport is a scenic 32 km drive, taking about an hour by car.
Not many tourists know about the existence of this place. The location is also quite hidden in a raw and natural rainforest. You need to trek for around 20-30 minutes. But, the trek trail to the waterfall is already well-made, so you won’t find it difficult to manage.
You can see the waterfall in the middle of the cliffs and large rocks. However, the main attraction is the natural swimming pool near the waterfall, which looks clear and pristine. You can refresh yourself while swimming here.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Pota Wangka, Boleng, West Manggarai | IDR 50.000 (USD 3,09) | 6.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. |
2. Kera Island (Sumba)
There’s many white sand beaches in East Nusa Tenggara, however Kera Island is kind of unpopular. While in fact, this island has a clean and stunning white sand. The location is also close to Kupang City, perfect for visiting.
If you are searching for things to do in East Nusa Tenggara, visiting this beach is a must. You can camp, swim, snorkel, take a stroll, and chill on the shore. However, make sure to bring all the things that you need because there’s no seller here.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Kera Island | Free | 24 hours |
3. Bena Village (Flores)
Did you know that East Nusa Tenggara has many ethnic groups? There’s around 45 ethnic groups in this province. There are around 818 villages inhabited by only one ethnicity, while multi ethnicities inhabit 2.632 villages.[2]
One of the many traditional villages in East Nusa Tenggara is Bena Village, home to the Ngada Tribe. Here, the rich cultural customs are still maintained, offering a unique insight into the local way of life.
Wae Rebo Village is shadowing Bena Village’s popularity. But this place is worth a visit. There are so many things to do here. Aside from learning the culture of the Ngada Tribe, you can also see the iconic megalith stones. There are some handcrafted bracelets and self-made clothes for souvenirs.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Tiworiwu, Jerebuu District, Ngada | IDR 25.000 (USD 1,54) | 24 hours |
4. Mirror Stone Cave (Labuan Bajo)
For adventurous people, visiting Mirror Stone Cave is definitely a must while visiting Komodo Island. So, aside from watching Komodo dragons, you can go to this hidden gem in Labuan Bajo. The cave is still so raw and natural, perfect for adventure seekers.
In addition to exploring the natural cave, you can also find a crystal-clear pool. So, you can refresh yourself while swimming there. However, hire a local guide so you won’t get lost in the cave.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai | IDR 50.000 (USD 3,09) | Monday – Saturday: 9.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m.Sunday: 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. |
5. Mangeruda Hot Springs Gate (Flores)
Did you know that there’s a natural hot spring in Flores?? Most people don’t know about its existence, so this place can be considered a hidden gem.
Aside from a hot spring pool, you can savor a mini waterfall. This place is perfect for chilling, healing, and relaxing because it’s not crowded, and the ambiance is comfortable.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Mengeruda, Soa District, Ngada | IDR 20.000 (USD 1,23) | 7.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. |
6. Tanggedu Waterfall (Sumba)
Another hidden gem waterfall in East Nusa Tenggara worth visiting is the Tanggedu Waterfall. The waterfall is not that high, but the scenery still looks magical. High cliffs surround it and has a pristine pond.
The trek is longer than Cunca Wulang Waterfall. However, aside from taking a walk, you can also go there by ojek (motortaxi). You can enjoy the scenery and swim in the pond.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Ndapayami, Kanatang, East Sumba | IDR 30.000 (USD 1,85) | 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. |
7. Watu Mitong Riung (Flores)
A journey to the Watu Mitong Riung is far, but it will be worth your time. You can savor the scenery of Savannah Hills and the 17 Island Marine Park from above. To make it more worth it, make sure to visit during dusk. There are not a lot of people here, so this place is perfect for healing.
Don’t forget to visit during the best time to visit East Nusa Tenggara, from April to October. That’s a dry season in Indonesia, so your trip will be more enjoyable because there’s no rain and fog.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Sambinasi, Riung, Ngada | Free | 24 hours |
8. Museum Regional NTT (Kupang)
For history lovers, there’s a museum in East Nusa Tenggara that will satisfy your curiosity. It’s called the Museum Regional NTT, and it holds many historical objects in this region. There are artifacts from prehistoric times, local cultures, fossils, etc. You can learn about a lot of things from the guides here.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Kayu Putih, Oebobo, Kupang City | IDR 3.000 (USD 0,18) | 24 hours |
9. 17 Islands National Park (Flores)
This place might not be as popular as the Komodo and Kelimutu National Park, but its beauty can definitely compete with these two places. It’s one of the best snorkel sites in Indonesia, with millions of small fishes and multiple species of coral reefs.
Not many people know about this place, so nature is still raw. The place is not too crowded, perfect for those of you who want to snorkel calmly.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Riung, Ngada | IDR 100.000 (USD 6,16) | 24 hours |
10. Mbawana Beach
You can consider Mbawana Beach as one of the best beaches in East Nusa Tenggara. It might not be as popular as the Pink Beach in Komodo Island, but it’s still very beautiful. The main attraction of this place is definitely the steep and high cliff. You can hike to the summit, so you can see the scenery better.
Make sure to stay until dask because the sunset view feels so magical. If you love photography, this place will look like a paradise for you.
| Location | Ticket Fee | Open Hours |
| Panenggo Ede, Kodi Bangedo, Southwest Sumba | Free | 24 hours |
