Our summer family vacation on Flores Island, Indonesia, was an unforgettable experience. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs of Bali and other nearby destinations, Flores offers a serene escape. We embarked on a leisurely three-week exploration of the island, with the highlight being our visit to the 17 Islands National Park. This park is a slice of paradise on Earth, captivating us all, especially the kids. In this post, I’ll share our experiences, complete with photos, and provide some practical tips for visiting this hidden gem.
About 17 Islands National Park
The 17 Islands National Park in Flores, Indonesia, is a breathtaking archipelago that promises a tranquil and picturesque retreat. Nestled in a region less traveled by tourists, this national park is a mosaic of unspoiled beauty, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Each island in the park offers a unique experience, from secluded beaches to lush, green landscapes. Visitors can indulge in snorkeling, exploring the rich coral reefs, or simply relax on the pristine sands, soaking up the serene atmosphere. This hidden jewel of Flores is a perfect blend of natural splendor and peaceful solitude, offering a respite from the bustling world beyond its shores.
Arriving at Riung
When we were planning our Flores vacation we didn’t plan to visit this national park. Comparing to Komodo National Park, this seemed less interesting and not worth visiting. Our local guide Yance however did not agree. He suggested we stop here for a couple of nights to break up long driving distances and relax a little bit. We listened to him as we were already tired after 10 days of touring mountain areas, villages and volcanoes of Flores. Without any reservations we arrived at Riung village. Yance is an experienced guide with connections all around the island. He managed to get us rooms at Nirvana Bungalows, a cosy little place, not far from the harbour.
After a quick dinner, Yanche, my brother and I drove to the harbour. There, we asked around for a captain who could take us around the island the next day. We got our guy at Cafe Rico Rico, agreed on the price and departure time and returned to our rooms.
A Day Trip to 17 islands National Park
After breakfast, we headed to the harbor to meet our captain. He had all our stuff ready, like food and snorkeling gear. The kids were really excited to get on the boat, and before we knew it, we were on our way to our first stop.
Flying Fox Colony
Our first stop was at the so called Bat Point. This is a place where the large fruit bats formed a colony. Flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, are a subset of the larger bat family and are particularly notable for their impressive size and reliance on fruit as a primary food source. Among the flying fox species, the Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus) can be found on Flores Island.
We hung out there for around 30 minutes. I wished we could have stayed longer, maybe when the sun was lower for better photos. But the kids were super keen to start snorkeling, so we moved on.
Snorkeling at 17 Islands National Park
After leaving Bat Point, we explored three more islands, snorkeling at each one. While we were in the water, our crew prepared an amazing seafood lunch. We had fresh fish, squid, rice, veggies, plus bananas and mangoes. It was so tasty!
Snorkeling at the 17 Islands is nice and easy. Each island we visited had a sandy beach, plenty of shady trees, and great spots for snorkeling. The kids had a blast swimming, fishing, running along the beach and hunting for seashells. They even found a perfectly preserved Nautilus shell! I mostly spent my time swimming, reading, and taking photos. The day just flew by.
Photos of 17 Islands National Park
In the afternoon, we saw a storm rolling in. Our captain, getting a bit worried, wanted to head back quickly. We asked if we could stay a bit longer, and he agreed. Turns out, he was right about the storm. On our way back, we got hit by strong winds and rain, but the sunset light was incredible! It was totally worth the extra time, but we were all relieved to get back safely.
Final Thoughts
17 Islands National Park might not have the same fame as Komodo National Park or other marine spots in Indonesia, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Its beautiful nature, affordable prices, and fewer tourists make it a great choice when you’re exploring Flores Island. My family really loved our time there. The only downside we noticed was some trash washed up on most of the beaches, a common issue across Indonesia, unfortunately.
I hope this post gives you some helpful insights about 17 Islands. If you’re on the lookout for a driver or guide, I wholeheartedly recommend Yance. He’s one of the best guides I’ve ever met (or worked with), and he’ll truly enhance your Flores experience!
And for the best photo spots of Indonesia (and around the world) check PhotoHound!
