Driving a motorbike in Flores, Indonesia is incredible. The scenery is green and lush, and there are rivers, mountains, and beaches to see.

I had a long drive from Ruteng to Bajawa, where there were some sites. But the drive itself was a site, so I was in no hurry.

I went down the mountain, through rice terraces, down to the sea, then up a mountain. Once again, the black sand beaches were deserted.

All the kids I passed said “hello mister.” People smiled back when I smiled at them. I stopped a lot to talk to people.

On the Trans-Flores Highway.
On the Trans-Flores Highway.

Two important rules when driving a motorbike in Indonesia are to always smile, and never wear sunglasses. It makes you more accessible to the locals.

I stopped at a sign that said “coffee” in English. A family ran the business, and the husband spoke good English. I chatted for a while.

A guy selling coconuts, and his friend came up and joked that one of the kids was a buffalo, and another was a werwolf. People on bikes stopped and asked where I was going. Everyone wanted to help me get to where I was going.

Rice terraces, as far as the eye can see.
Rice terraces, as far as the eye can see.
These folks ran a coffee shop with a nice view.
These folks ran a coffee shop with a nice view.
Volcano through the corn.
Volcano through the corn.
Friends on the road.
Friends on the road.
Another deserted beach.
Another deserted beach.
Terry
I'm Terry, former cubicle-dweller, and now traveler, photographer, writer, and entrepreneur. I quit my job in 2014 to travel to US national parks, then to South East Asia. I write about independent, flexible, long-term, budget travel. Sign up to my newsletter to get the latest news on what I'm up to. I hope you join me on my trek around the world.

2 comments

  1. Hi man!!

    Really nice blog. I’m going to Flores with my girl in a few days and I want to visit the Ngada villages by bike. You know if it is possible to rent a motorbike in Bajawa?

    Thanks

  2. I think so, but you’ll have to ask around. There isn’t really any tourist infrastructure there.

Like what you read? Have a question?

Your email address will not be published.