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Place in Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia
Photo: Nuel Nababan, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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An easier alternative to Wae Rebo, consisting of a few traditional houses.
The prehistoric caves where the fossils of Homo florensis were found. The small museum next to the cave has a replica of the skeleton; the original is in Jakarta. The caves themselves are not particularly special, but the surroundings and the road there are very pretty. You may be required to wear local clothes (for a price, of course). You will be shown around by tour guides.
Located in Cancar area, about a 20-min drive west from town along the Flores highway. Look out for an intersection where the highway turns left. Just continue straight through the intersection (leaving the highway) and follow the road for 500m. After a short hike up a hill, you have the view of the valley and the spiderweb rice fields. Definitely worth a visit.
(Danau Rana Mese) 30 km from town, on the main road towards Bajawa. Beautiful lake, with a small waterfall which can be visited (with a guide) around there. It is possible to walk around the lake on a small path (around 45 minutes). The area is very calm with a few fishermen plying their trade. It is also possible to visit a 75m waterfall near one of the surrounding villages, ask the ticket officer of Ranamese Lake for more information.
a typical traditional market, but it is worth visiting if you have an extra time. Friendly locals, as expected in Flores.
Cosy cafe that has legitimately good coffee (freshly ground and with machine). Try the ginger coffee or ginger tea. Also offers basic but very tasty Indonesian meals, as well as fried chicken with chips. Very amicable English-speaking owners.
Swiss-style hotel made of dark wood, it even has a Swiss cuckoo clock at reception. It's a bit gloomy and reportedly noisy, but it has internet cafe facilities and a small shop selling toiletries, snacks and drinks. The owner is friendly and speaks good English. They have a "Business" room with hot water with clean sheets, hot water shower, and western style toilet. You can get an "Economy" room for up to three people: shared cold water bathrooms, not a single plug in the rooms. The included breakfast is an egg toast and local Ruteng coffee.
Staying at this convent is a fun experience. Peaceful and clean place - great value. The nuns will give you a simple breakfast in the morning with coffee, eggs and bread. Showers have hot water. The gate closes at 9pm and there is no Wi-Fi.
Very basic hotel. Breakfast is a single piece of sweet bread and tea/coffee.
"Best hotel in Ruteng" according to locals.
Friendly, family-owned hostel with good breakfasts. Location a long walk from the centre of town but they rent motorbikes too.
It is easy to explore Ruteng as it is a small town, but you would need a motorbike to go around the region. A motorbike is ideal to discover the surrounding area.
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Bima · Regional · BMU
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