Is Bajawa Worth It (And Things To Do)

I spent 3 days exploring Bajawa, and I can confidently say that it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited.

With its hidden hot springs, remote hiking trails, and rich culture, the small village is nothing short of spectacular.

Bajawa was everything I was searching for – a raw and authentic escape from the mass tourism that other parts of Indonesia are known for.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Bajawa and what I loved most about this region of Flores.

What to do in Bajawa Flores — The best way to explore Bajawa is on bike

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How many days in Bajawa

You’ll need 3 days (2 nights) in Bajawa. This is the perfect amount of time to see all the highlights before heading off to your next stop.

The village is very small and easily walkable, but most of the attractions are found further out, so it’s best to rent a scooter during your stay.

If you’re not comfortable driving one, you can get a scooter taxi (ojek) or hire a car and driver for the day.

Hiking Mount Inerie in Bajawa, Flores, Indonesia — Mount Inerie is the highest volcano on Flores and dominates the Bajawa skyline

What to do in Bajawa, Flores

Here are my favorite things to do in Bajawa.

Visit the Bajawa Hot Springs

Bajawa is home to two incredible hot springs, namely Malanage Hot Springs (South of Bajawa) and Mangeruda Hot Springs (North of Bajawa).

Of the two, Malanage Hot Springs is the best, although Mangeruda is worth a visit if you’re looking to fill your day with activities.

Malanage Hot Springs

Entrance fee | 20 000 IDR

Location | Malanage Hot Springs

I arrived at Malanage Hot Springs at the crack of dawn and spent about 5 hours in the stream. This was my highlight of Bajawa, and I could have spent all day here.

Malanage Hot Springs, or Wae Bana Malanage as the locals call it, is heated by the volcanic activity of Mount Inerie volcano, which is nearby.

Two streams flow into the Malanage Hot Springs. One is boiling hot and the other is freezing cold. Together they meet to form a river that makes the perfect temperature as you relax in the rock pool below.

This is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited and should definitely be on your Flores itinerary.

Facilities are very basic with a rustic, small change room alongside the river.

Hike Mt Inerie

Best things to do in Bajawa, Flores — Reaching the summit of Mount Inerie in Bajawa

Time needed | 7 hours

Guide fee | 300 000 IDR per person

Sitting at 2,245 m, Mount Inerie is the highest volcano on Flores Island.

We started our hike at 2:30 am and reached the summit for an epic sunrise. Our total hiking time was about 6 hours, and we were exhausted by the end of it.

Getting to the top is a challenge, but the views are spectacular. If you’re up to it, hiking Mount Inerie is one of the best things to do in Bajawa.

A guide is needed to climb Mount Inerie as the path is not marked. There is loose volcanic rock everywhere, and it’s extremely steep. For these reasons, it isn’t a very popular hike, and the route is not crowded.

Visit Bena Traditional Village

Bajawa itinerary — Bena Traditional Village in Bajawa

Entrance fee | 25 000 IDR

Location | Bena village

Bena Traditional village is a beautiful local village home to the Ngada people and is situated among the mountains just outside of Bajawa.

The houses are made of thatch and bamboo, and they’re surrounded by lush green forests.

Walking through Bena Village, you’ll notice the locals cleaning rice, and the fruit and nuts drying outside. The women also sit on their doorsteps and weave ikat, a local textile used to make traditional garments.

Whilst the village is geared for tourists, there are many other traditional villages nearby that are smaller and perhaps more authentic. These include Wogo Lama, Wogo Baru, or Tololela Traditional Village.

Check out Wolobobo Hill viewpoint

Wolobobo Hill in Bajawa — Wolobobo Hill viewpoint in Bajawa. Image credit: @heronimustan via Instagram

Entrance fee | 20 000 IDR per person

Location | Wolobobo Hill viewpoint

Wolobobo Hill is 10 km south of Bajawa and offers the best views of Mount Inerie.

You’ll need to walk 30 minutes to the photo spots and it’s best to enjoy your sunset here.

Explore Air Terjun Ogi (Ogi Waterfall)

Entrance fee | Free

Location | Ogi Waterfall

Ogi Falls is a beautiful waterfall just 15 minutes outside of Bajawa, Flores.

These falls are easy to locate and don’t get too crowded, but unfortunately, you’re not able to swim in the pool below.

Ogi Waterfall in Bajawa — Ogi Waterfall. Image credit: @paulinamazi via Instagram

Find the Wawomudha Lake

Entrance fee | Free

Location | Wawomudha Lake

The Wawo Muda Lakes, also known as “Mini Kelimutu”, are located 30 minutes north of Bajawa.

They were formed after a volcanic eruption in 2001, and whilst they are crater lakes, they aren’t nearly as striking as Kelimutu Lakes in Moni.

During the dry season, the water evaporates and so the Wawo Muda Lakes may look more like an empty, muddy crater during this time.

The main attraction of the Wawo Muda Lakes is the journey it takes to get to them from Bajawa. It’s an hour-long trek through rugged paths alongside coffee plantations with spectacular views. It can be a difficult path to find, so many people choose to skip it if they don’t have time.

Wawo Muda Lakes in Bajawa. Image credit: @yury.okh via Instagram

Where to stay in Bajawa

I stayed at Cinnamon Guesthouse and highly recommend it if you’re traveling on a budget. It’s in a prime location, and the owner was so helpful in assisting with scooter rental and bus schedules.

If you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable (and luxurious), Manulalu Jungle is magnificent. It’s a bit further out of town, but the views are stunning.

How to get to Bajawa

Bajawa is located in the middle of Flores Island in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia.

It’s hidden in the mountains and tends to have a cooler climate than the rest of the island, so pack wisely if you plan on visiting Bajawa.

There is a small airport in Bajawa with daily flights from Labuan Bajo. However, most travelers prefer an overland trip instead of a flight.

If you’re traveling across Flores using public transport, getting to Bajawa won’t be a hassle. Public buses operate daily and you can also hop in a bemo if you’re looking for a quicker trip.

How to get to Bajawa, Flores — Bemo’s are a common form of transport in Flores Island

Flores overland travel to Bajawa

Labuan Bajo to Bajawa | Labuan Bajo (Komodo Islands) is about 10-hour drive from Bajawa. If you’re coming from here, add Ruteng as an overnight stop as it’s halfway between Labuan Bajo and Bajawa.

Aimere to Bajawa | If you’re arriving in Flores from Sumba Island, you’ll get off at Aimere Port. Bajawa is 1.5 hours east of Aimere, and the trip costs 80 000 IDR per person.

Riung to Bajawa | If Riung is a stop on your Flores itinerary (which it should be), you can get on a public bus between the two destinations. Whilst Riung is only 70 km from Bajawa, the trip takes over 4 hours as the road is in terrible condition and the buses make frequent stops and detours.

Moni to Bajawa | There are daily buses from Moni, which is 4-hour drive from Bajawa.

Bajawa Restaurants

Lucas Restaurant for cheap, local food
Dito’s for great chicken satay and curry
Emtry for live music and great Indonesian cuisine