Moni village, Flores, Indonesia

Moni village – a gate to Kelimutu

Moni is a small village popular with the travelers for one reason – it is a perfect accommodation base for the nearby Kelimutu volcano. But, by no means, don’t treat it as a mere place to stay on the way to the tri-colored crater lakes!

What to see in Moni, Flores

Due to its location on the slopes of Kelimutu, Moni will make a pretty break in your trip. For sure you will enjoy the view of the volcano and a lazy afternoon with a book or beer, but if you make an effort and go for a little walk, you’ll be surprised how many interesting things you will see.

Start with a path near the Rainbow Café, leading towards the waterfall (ask the locals for the directions). If you take a swimsuit, you can refresh your bones in the cool water. Then go a bit uphill, through the farmlands full of exotic crops, till you reach the wooden café, where you can get cold drinks and eat something if you’re not a vegetarian. Continue the stroll through the hamlet (we were amazed to see how the family graves erected in the yards were put to use in everyday life – they served as loom workshops, surface for drying the crops, recreational space…) until you reach the intersection. From there go back toward the tarmac and the rice fields.

If you're interested in seeing a more traditional village, we can recommend Wologai. It is conveniently located near Moni, close to the main road to Ende (although requires a short detour from the tarmac), and is easily accessible with a motorbike.

To learn more about the places in Flores we liked the most, go to What to see and do in Flores.

And if you want to know how to see all these places in six days, see our detailed itinerary here: How to plan a trip to Flores, Indonesia.