Bajawa is a city in the central highlands of Flores in Indonesia.
At 1,200 m (about 3,800 ft) above sea level, Bajawa is much cooler than the coastal lowlands. Bring a sweater for the chilly nights. Bajawa is the Center of Ngadha ethnic minority interesting local villages.
There are many "tourist guides" in Bajawa. None of them are in any way trained, and their primary skills are speaking English and overcharging. The best you can do is stay clear of them and just hire a motorbike (IDR 100,000) or charter a bemo for the day (IDR 300,000) and see the villages at your own pace.
There is an official, and very helpful, tourist information service in the mayor's office. There are also many touts that have shops with "Tourist Information" signs printed on them. Don't be fooled by them: the real tourist information will not try to sell you anything.
- Traditional villages. The most famous villages are: Bena, Gurusina, and Tololela. Although clearly a tourist destination, the villages house regular people, doing everyday things. Some are weaving ikat, others are simply tending to their livestock. It is okay to be photograph the villagers, but of course ask first. Bring around IDR 1,000,000 if you would like to get woven cloth. There is no ATM nearby. IDR 20,000 - IDR25,000, depending on the village (as of Nov 2018)..
- Traditional fighting or dancing (not at the same time). This is not a show put on for tourists. However, it is a show. People from the villages gather to fight. The rules seem to be that there are no rules, and so it is difficult to determine a winner. A fight continues for as long as the audience is entertained and the fighters are willing to continue. Ask at your hotel if there is something scheduled. This traditional fight called "sagi" is similar to boxing. The game happens only once or twice in a year in So'a village.
- Inerie volcano. The Inerie volcano is an impressive volcano located close to Bajawa. There is a nice viewpoint from the radostation. It is possible to climb the volcano with a guide but this should not be taken lightly.
- Oggi Waterfalls. Based around Oggi village. It is possible to walk from the main road along the rice-fields till you get to the waterfall. There are also steps on the side of the waterfall that allows climbing up.
- Malanage Hot Spring. After a long day of traditional culture, it feels nice to plummet into the hot springs. There are 2 pools (as in man-made pools) with hot springs, and one that flows into a river mixing the water to a comfortable warm temperature. There is an overpriced shop there, so it's better to stop along the way for some ice cold Bintang to enjoy in the pools. The place is poorly maintained, but the spring is still hot. Rp10,000.
- Mangeruda Hot Spring. The hot volcanic water flows in a river and mixes with cold mountain water creating a natural hot spring. By careful positioning yourself in the river it is possible to regulate the temperature. There are no tourist facilities apart from a changing-room hut. Beverages to be purchased outside the entrance. IDR 14,000 (as of Nov 2018).
- Wawomudha. After an easy one hour hike up with some nice views, you get to see two small volcanic ponds which apparently change color just like the Kelimutu lakes. This is in no way comparable to Kelimutu and can be disappointing in the dry season. Rp10,000.
- Wolobobo viewpoint. 9 km away from town center, this viewpoint overlooks Mt Inerie and the surrounding mountainous area. You can see the crater from the previous eruption long ago. No food & beverage facility (or anything of that sort). IDR 10,000 (as of Nov 2018).
Traditional villages. The most famous villages are: Bena, Gurusina, and Tololela. Although clearly a tourist destination, the villages house regular people, doing everyday things. Some are weaving ikat, others are simply tending to their livestock. It is okay to be photograph the villagers, but of course ask first. Bring around IDR 1,000,000 if you would like to get woven cloth. There is no ATM nearby. IDR 20,000 - IDR25,000, depending on the village (as of Nov 2018)..
Traditional fighting or dancing (not at the same time). This is not a show put on for tourists. However, it is a show. People from the villages gather to fight. The rules seem to be that there are no rules, and so it is difficult to determine a winner. A fight continues for as long as the audience is entertained and the fighters are willing to continue. Ask at your hotel if there is something scheduled. This traditional fight called "sagi" is similar to boxing. The game happens only once or twice in a year in So'a village.
Inerie volcano. The Inerie volcano is an impressive volcano located close to Bajawa. There is a nice viewpoint from the radostation. It is possible to climb the volcano with a guide but this should not be taken lightly.
Oggi Waterfalls. Based around Oggi village. It is possible to walk from the main road along the rice-fields till you get to the waterfall. There are also steps on the side of the waterfall that allows climbing up.
Malanage Hot Spring. After a long day of traditional culture, it feels nice to plummet into the hot springs. There are 2 pools (as in man-made pools) with hot springs, and one that flows into a river mixing the water to a comfortable warm temperature. There is an overpriced shop there, so it's better to stop along the way for some ice cold Bintang to enjoy in the pools. The place is poorly maintained, but the spring is still hot. Rp10,000.
Mangeruda Hot Spring. The hot volcanic water flows in a river and mixes with cold mountain water creating a natural hot spring. By careful positioning yourself in the river it is possible to regulate the temperature. There are no tourist facilities apart from a changing-room hut. Beverages to be purchased outside the entrance. IDR 14,000 (as of Nov 2018).
Wawomudha. After an easy one hour hike up with some nice views, you get to see two small volcanic ponds which apparently change color just like the Kelimutu lakes. This is in no way comparable to Kelimutu and can be disappointing in the dry season. Rp10,000.
Wolobobo viewpoint. 9 km away from town center, this viewpoint overlooks Mt Inerie and the surrounding mountainous area. You can see the crater from the previous eruption long ago. No food & beverage facility (or anything of that sort). IDR 10,000 (as of Nov 2018).
- Dito's. Reasonably priced restaurant. It has the usual suspects of Indonesian cuisine and some western food as well. The pork satay comes highly recommended.
- Lucas Restaurant, Jl Ahmad Yani No. 6 (near Korina Hotel, +62 384 21340. Cosy place with decent food, a nice atmosphere and reasonable prices. Arak is available, although not of top quality. Also a hotel with four rooms available, choose between hot or cold shower. Otherwise, the rooms are the same, with one double and one single bed.
Dito's. Reasonably priced restaurant. It has the usual suspects of Indonesian cuisine and some western food as well. The pork satay comes highly recommended.
Lucas Restaurant, Jl Ahmad Yani No. 6 (near Korina Hotel, +62 384 21340. Cosy place with decent food, a nice atmosphere and reasonable prices. Arak is available, although not of top quality. Also a hotel with four rooms available, choose between hot or cold shower. Otherwise, the rooms are the same, with one double and one single bed.
Just like Ruteng, Bajawa is also a great place to produce coffee. Never order instant coffee when you are here. Remember that by default here coffee is served with sugar, so please request in advance if you would like to have less or no sugar.
Also, just like the cold area Ruteng, arak is popular drink (also called moke here).
There is a bus station near the market, but the buses will just as happily pick you up from your hotel at the same price. Be prepared to circle the town a few times picking up passengers (until full) before actually leaving for your destination.
- Ruteng Rp 110,000, four hours, cold area with plenty of rice field and Manggarai villages
- Labuanbajo — Rp120,000 to Rp200,000 and ten hours to the west by bus, or seven hours by car. Gateway to the islands of Komodo National Park
- Ende — Rp50,000 and four hours by bus, ferry to Sumba island
- Moni — four hours away, Rp80,000 by bus, for the colorful crater lakes of Kelimutu, the main attraction in Flores