Moni, Flores | Things to Do | Shopping

Moni , Flores Overview

Moni is a small village town in the Flores island of Indonesia. It is located on the base of the volcano mountain Kelimutu. The best time to visit Moni is during July- August as it is Indonesia’s dry season to better explore the town. The Rasta community of the town are very friendly with the travellers and often invite them for small communal music performances.

The most visited and well-known place in Moni are the Kelimutu Lakes. These are a group of three tri-coloured cratered lakes, collectively known as ‘the boiling lake’. The mineral-based lakes are a worldwide attraction for they often change shades throughout the day and changes colour several years. The lakes give the city of Moni a very high aesthetic value. Moreover, the lakes also have a cultural significance and are considered a resting place for the departed souls.

Things to Do

Although Moni is a very small town, there are plenty of activities for travellers in its surrounding area. One of the most well-known activity is trekking around the Kelimutu volcano and exploring the hills. Watching the sunrise from the mountain is also one of the most exciting activities of Moni. Experts advise going to the peak as early as at 3:30 AM in the morning for the best view.

Another popular activity is exploring the Murundao waterfall, in which you can also bathe. The waterfall can be reached following a small trail next to the Rainbow Cafe located at the end of the town. You can also explore the hot springs that are located just above the waterfall. You can look around the rice fields located near the town of Moni for a surreal and blissful experience and capturing some memories.

Shopping

Travellers can pick up some hand-picked fresh produce of fruits and vegetables from the local markets of Moni. Women also sell hand-woven Ikat sarongs and scarves. The hand-woven items are either chemical or natural dyed. For a cheaper option, you can always buy the chemically dyed sarongs and scarves.

Places to Eat

Seeing the tourist inflow in Moni, there are several cafes that have come up in the area. Bambu, one of the prominent cafes is famous for its traditional four-course Moni food.

Rainbow Cafe is one of the well-known cafes due to its location, acting as a landmark for various attractions in Moni. The Chenty Restaurant Cafe is known for its Moni cakes, while Hidayah Cafe serves delicious snacks along with traditional Moni food.

Overall, Moni is a destination for people who are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life. It is perfect for a relaxing get-away along with a surreal nature and culinary experience.