Things To Do
in Ende

Iconic sunrise photography over three crater lakes that change colour—best light and colours at dawn from the official viewpoints above the calderas.

Busy harbor scenes at sunrise and sunset with fishing boats, local activity, and dramatic skies—great for documentary-style street and landscape shots.

Sandy coves, rocky headlands and clear water provide coastal compositions and opportunities for long-exposure shots at golden hour.

Historical architecture, local markets and everyday life scenes ideal for cultural and portrait photography—respectful permission required for close portraits.

Fresh local fish marinated and grilled over charcoal, often served with sambal and rice; widely available at seaside warungs and night stalls.

Must-Try!

A tangy sour or turmeric-based fish soup made with local spices and vegetables—comforting and commonly cooked at home and in small eateries.

Staples of eastern Indonesia: boiled or roasted corn and cassava served as sides or snacks, frequently sold at markets and roadside stalls.

Locally grown, medium-to-full bodied coffee with chocolatey and earthy notes; ask for 'kopi tubruk' (unfiltered) in cafés for an authentic cup.

The central market is the place to see local produce, buy fresh fish and sample snacks like jagung bakar, pisang goreng (fried bananas) and simple noodle dishes from stall vendors.

Evening seafood stalls near the port grill freshly landed fish and squid—ideal for a casual beachfront meal with locals.

Dress modestly in towns and villages—shoulders and knees covered is a respectful guideline, especially when visiting churches or homes.

A handshake with eye contact is common; use both hands or a gentle nod with elders. Learn basic Bahasa phrases and locals appreciate any effort to speak the language.

Remove shoes before entering some homes; attend church services respectfully (Flores has many devout Christian communities) and ask permission before photographing people in private spaces.

Small gestures—bringing fruit or packaged snacks to a host—are appreciated. If invited to a meal, accept at least a small portion to show respect.

Tipping is not compulsory; small tips or rounding up for good service are appreciated in restaurants and by guides. For porters, drivers and guides, modest tips are normal if service is helpful.

Cash (Indonesian rupiah, IDR) is king in Ende—carry enough small notes for markets and remote areas. ATMs are available in town but may be limited; credit cards are accepted at a few hotels and larger restaurants but are not reliable everywhere. Mobile payments are less common for tourists.

The small local airport serving Ende with regional flights—useful for connections within Flores and to neighboring cities; flight schedules can be limited so book in advance.

Located northeast of Ende (about 2–3 hours by road depending on conditions), Maumere’s airport has more frequent regional connections and is an alternative arrival/departure point for eastern Flores.

Further west on Flores and a common gateway for western Flores and Komodo National Park—access by road is long, but flights connect to larger hubs and international routes.

On Timor Island, a larger regional airport with more frequent connections to major Indonesian hubs; useful for some onward international or inter-provincial travel, though distant from Ende.