A Journey to Maumere

Greetings everyone!

So I've just recently visited Maumere and this post basically is going to tell you about my journey there and provide some descriptions of what you will find there. Hopefully some information will be relevant for some of you who are planning to travel around Flores Island or simply just give an information for those who are wondering what Maumere is like.

Let's get started!

So it took me approximately 9 hours from Bajawa to Maumere by renting a car. It took longer time as I had to stop by in Mbay to pick up a friend of mine. As for information, Maumere is the capital city of Sikka District, it is in the eastern part of Flores Island near Larantuka. Meanwhile, Bajawa (the capital city of Ngada District) and Mbay (the capital city of Nagekeo District) are located in the middle of Flores Island. Basically, you could just travel from Bajawa to Maumere without passing Mbay and it will take you approximately 2 hours less. Or, you could travel from Bajawa to Mbay and then straight to Maumere from North route without passing Ende. However, the route is a bit rough and not so many cars travel by this route.

From Bajawa to Maumere (via Mbay) you will find a lot of beautiful scenery. At least you will pass 2 mountains (Inerie and Ebulobo mountain), beaches (in Ende and Sikka), river (in Ende), hills (mostly in Nagekeo), valeys, rice fields, houses and even traditional village. You will also find horses and cows by the roadside. Most of the roads are in good condition, but some are not. One thing interesting for me is that the road which connect Nagekeo and Bajawa is built by the aid funded by AUSAID.

During my trip to get to Maumere
So finally I arrived in Maumere. Actually it is my third time of going to Maumere. However, this is my first time to get the chance to explore this city and my impression would be that Maumere is a very lively city. There are a lot of people and a lot of destinations to go. So much happiness!

The day when I explore the city...
During my visit, I stayed at Wailiti beach resort for 2 days and 3 nights. Wailiti basically is okay. It got a view to the beach and mangroves. The place is quiet. It has a pool. You could also dive as it has dive center here, but I'm not quite sure if it still operates. The service is okay, but I think they need to improve their infrastructure such as their beach side just to make it more comfortable for people to sit and relax or even play around the beach. They might also put some nice looking decorations as they need to add more available menu in their restaurant. However, the beach has an incredible sunrise view.
Wailiti beach!


So, on Saturday I started my exploration in this city. I went with 2 of my friends, all girls. And this is so important that Maumere is relatively safe for women to travel. We actually planned to rent a car, but it turned out that we got no car available to rent as that day there were so many people (might be tourist) who had booked the cars before us. But, it did not cancel our plan. My friend (who is currently living in Maumere) successfully found a way to rent a public car transportation. No problem at all and there we go!

#1 destination: Tanjung Kajuwulu
This place is about 20 minutes away from Wailiti beach resort to the north coast to Nagekeo. It is basically a cape where you will be able to hike up and see the ocean from above. The panorama is simply wonderful. This place is also quiet where you could enjoy the solitude as there are not many people come here and you could just experience the nature. At the very top of the hill, you will find a big cross where some people also pray there. As an additional information, they said that this place was built by Indonesian national army as their place for training with the up and down stairs. If you would like to go here, you would better to hike up in the morning as this place becomes so hot in mid day. You would also be better to bring your sunglasses and a bottle of water (but please do not litter!)




#2 destination: Sanggar Lepo Lorun
This place is about 30 minutes away from the center of Maumere to Ende. It is near Nita Village. Here you will get to see the culture especially everything about woven fabric, including the process of the production and the traditional clothing of Sikka and other Districts in Flores. Here you could take a picture with the traditional clothing, see the traditional music performance and sip a cup of coffee and tea. They also sell their products of hand made woven fabric. If you make your reservation, they could also provide you with lunch.




#3 destination: Coconut Beach Resort Maumere
This place is about 30 minutes away from the center of Maumere to Larantuka. This place provides a delightful sunset view and a good ambience to feel relaxed. They got pleasing decorations, comfy beach side and quiet ambience. You could play swing in the beach side or laying on wooden chair (or even in the sands!) and you could also sit near the boat decorations. Some foreigners were even playing frisbee in the beach side. While waiting for the sunset, you could drink coconut as they have various type of coconut drinks. That just feels good to drink coconut in the beach while waiting for sunset!





The Journey: Places, Companions and Learnings
During this journey, I've got a lot of memories. Memories that I will never forget. Memories of being at this place, discovering new places I haven't visited, exploring its beauty, overcoming the challenges and having good times with great companions. During this journey, I and my friends, we shared a lot of things, we learned so many things too. At least we know that, it is not always about the places but the good things we share together. At least we know more about why we are here, at least we remind each other and support each other.


I can not wait for another journey cause I can not wait to learn more about things I haven't known or things I haven't realized. It is good, it is really good to be able to come here. Eppang Gawang, Maumere! Eppang Gawang, Sikka!


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