EXPLORING BAJAWA

I wasn't expecting much from the small, hillside village of Bajawa in Flores Island, Indonesia. As with most travelers, Bajawa was a mandatory stop on my overland trip between Labuan Bajo and Moni.
WHERE IS 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.
SPEND YOUR MORNING AT THE BAJAWA HOT SPRINGS
Bajawa is home to not one, but two incredible hot springs namely Malanage Hot Springs (South of Bajawa) and Mangeruda Hot Springs (North of Bajawa). Of the two, Malanage is said to be the best, although Mangeruda is worth a visit if you're looking to fill your day with activities. Many locals use these hot springs to bathe in, and on weekends they can get quite busy (but more so with locals than international tourists).
MALANAGE HOT SPRINGS
Malanage Hot Springs, or Wae Bana Malanage as the locals call it, is a completely natural hot spring close to Bajawa. The river is heated by the volcanic activity of Mount Inerie volcano which is nearby. Two streams flow into the Malanage Hot Springs. The 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.
HIKE THE HIGHEST VOLCANO IN FLORES
Sitting at 2 245m, Mount Inerie is the highest volcano in Flores Island and dominates the skyline in Bajawa. Getting to the top is a challenge but the views are spectacular and awe-inspiring. If you're up to it, hiking Mount Inerie is one of the best things to do in Bajawa, Flores. The hike starts at 2:30 am to ensure you reach the summit for an epic sunrise. The total hiking time is about 6 hours so many people skip this due to time (and of course fitness levels).
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. This was the biggest attraction for me and I enjoyed the summit of Mount Inerie with only two other people.
VISIT BENA TRADITIONAL 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. These can also be purchased from the village.
CHECK OUT 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)
Ogi Falls is a beautiful waterfall just 15 minutes outside of Bajawa. These falls are easy to locate and don't get too crowded but you're unable to swim in the pool below.
FIND THE WAWO MUDA LAKES
The Wawo Muda Lakes, also known as "Mini Kelimutu", and 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 crate 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 scenic trek through rugged paths alongside coffee plantations with spectacular views.