Most people come to Labuan Bajo for the Komodo Dragons — and fair enough, they’re ancient, fierce, unforgettable. But spend a little more time in Flores, and you’ll see that the islands breathe with stories far older than tourism.

In Melo Village, guests are often greeted with the Caci whip dance: part performance, part tradition, all pride. The rhythm of the drums, the colors of the costumes, and the raw energy in the air feel less like a show and more like an invitation into the island’s heartbeat.

Further inland lies Wae Rebo Village, a place that feels almost mythical. The trek up is tough but rewarding; mist clings to the hills until the Mbaru Niang houses appear, rising from the clouds like a scene from another time. Staying overnight there is like pausing life — no noise, no rush, just quiet conversations and the crackle of a fire.

Closer to town, Batu Cermin Cave offers something lighter: a natural play of sunlight bouncing off rock walls. Pair that with a seafood dinner at the night market, and you’ve touched both culture and comfort in a single day.

Flores has teeth, but it also has a soul — and if you only chase dragons, you’ll miss it.