On the wide and intricate map of Indonesia’s tourism destinations, Ende is seemingly unheard of. But this exotic region on Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, holds raw and untouched charms. From historical sites to gorgeous natural attractions, discover the top things to do in Ende, Indonesia.
Contents
Things to Do in Ende, Indonesia
Walk the historical park
Taman Renungan Bung Karno (or Taman Renungan Pancasila) is more than just your average park. This is where Soekarno, one of Indonesia’s founding fathers, often came to sit, read, and think about the nation’s future. This is also the place where he first came up with Pancasila, which is still used as the philosophical foundation for Indonesia until today.
Today, this historical park serves as a charming open space to walk around and enjoy the fresh air. It has lush tall trees and benches that will allow you some quiet and mindful time out, and who knows, maybe it’s your turn to come up with something great that will go down in history.
Visit Bung Karno’s exile home
About a decade before Indonesia’s independence, founding father Soekarno or Bung Karno was exiled by the Dutch for four years. This charming house in Ende was home for Soekarno and still has many of the first president’s stuff. He’s also known as a humble and friendly man who liked to walk around the village and interact with locals — something you’re very welcome to do as well.
Inside, there are preserved objects and old photos of the president. Visitors can tour the house and see his old bedroom or simply admire the old, historical house.
Relax at Blue Stone Beach
Among many beautiful spots in the coastline of Ende, this beach sets itself apart from others, thanks to its stretch of blue stones scattered lovingly across the sand. These pebbles come in different shades, too — turquoise, different hues of blue, and some of them with tints of reds, creating a wonderful, otherwordly sight alongside the glorious crashing waves and horizon.
This sparkling-clean, bare-walled restaurant is filled with travellers out for a taste of local food, but who come back for Martin, the charismatic owner and self-appointed ‘captain of the boat’. He’ll colourfully explain the short, whiteboard-scrawled menu cooked by his wife as jazz plays in the background.
The ayam goreng (fried chicken) uses free-range village chickens, marinated, tenderised then fried. Empal is the Javanese answer to brisket – a hunk of tender, spiced fried beef. Both come with a mound of addictive serundeng (spiced, grated coconut) on top.
The ikat market sells hand-woven tapestries from across Flores and Sumba. Bargaining is acceptable, but bear in mind you’re expected to make good on any offer that’s accepted. Shops can be closed during lunch.
Go to Waturaka Village
Kelimutu Lake. But don’t just pass it away! This village offer you some natural attractions that you can enjoy after a tiring walk to the lake, such as gardening, harvesting, and even helping the local to build their traditional houses. You can also stay for a night or two in the village, since they provide extra rooms for home stay. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy some local performances there as well.
There are lots of local and foreign tourists that already have great experiences in this village. Hope you also have your own experience there!
Discover Kedebodu Waterfall
Only 13 km away from downtown, you’ll find hidden beauty in Kedebodu Village. Kedebodu Waterfall gives you some refreshing sensation with the 35 meters tall waterfall. Beneath the waterfall, you can dip your tired feet into the cold water or you can also take a swim for a while.
But you have to check for the weather whenever you have some plan, since it won’t be nice if you get there in wet season. And also you need to prepare your belongings, because you’ll walk for a while and belongings will surely makes it uncomfortable. So plan your trip here carefully to make you get the best condition of the site!
Sokolo’o Campsite
This campsite is around 40km away from Ende, and offer you some beautiful view with a fishing lake. It’s a very nice place to set up your tent there while catching some fishes for dinner. For the backpackers, it’s a perfect place to set your temporary camp and you can explore another beauty that hidden around the site. Back then, it was the place for the Nusa Tenggara Scouts events. If you want to travel around Ende and want some challenge in it, this is the perfect spot.
