SOUVENIRS OF FLORES
No fancy malls or boutiques on Flores. It doesn't have the huge collections of woodcarvings or paintings like on Bali. But Flores has its own natural products and
there are some nice things to take home.
-
Tenun Ikat (weaving cloth)
Ikat is a weaving technique which is used on several islands in Indonesia. Especially the islands of NTT are famous for their ikat, including Flores. Every regency has it's own pattern. Ende,
Maumere and Labuan Bajo have some ikat shops. Also for sale on the markets. You also can buy directly from the traditional villages.
http://www.ikatland.com/category/6-flores.aspx
-
KeKaYa products
This brand provide by Yayasan Puge Figo north of Bajawa has a collection natural products like essential oils and soap. Sold in Rumah BUMN in Bajawa.
Yayasan Puge
Figo
-
Bambu products Mr. Markus
There are a lot of bambu forests on Flores in particular around Bajawa.
Om Markus of Koeslin Bambu Flores has golden hands as he creates numerous products from bambu with the presidential palace in Jakarta amongst his clients.
If you are lucky you maybe can see the master at work in his house annex workroom in Manubhara, 50 minutes south of Bajawa.
You also can combine your visit to the villages of Bena and Gurusina on the way to the south and on to Aimere and Ruteng (as an alternative for the
direct road to Aimere). The road itself is gorgeous.
Koeslin Bambu Flores on Facebook
-
Moke (arrack) *
The local ginlike spirit is a way of life on Flores and part of the adat (tradition). It is best to drink
it pure or mixed with lime and honey or with orange juice. Maybe you would like to take a bottle to your home country (in your suitcase! and well
packed) although taking alcohol without official label is prohibited. The best moke is sold
in Aimere (on the way to/from Bajawa) and Boba. Also in other places like
Larantuka and Maumere you can buy moke.
Heavens Door resto near Manulalu sells botteled "dr Arak" moke.
-
Blue stones
Near Nangapanda in Ende regency are some stretches of beach with blue/turquoise stones. The demand is high enough to make it an export product for Bali,
but also for other countries in Asia like Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. You can also collect a few yourself on the beach. At home they are at best kept in water in a glass vase to enjoy the
bright colours.
-
Photo's
You will return home with lots of MB's to keep your memory of Flores alive.
-
A no go!
Coral and (big) shells, even found on the beach are not allowed to take out of the country. Keep in mind that the securitycheck on airports
can be keen on that.
*
To clear misunderstandings about moke (arrack).
The last few years the consumption and processing of arrack is frequently in the headlines. People have died after the consumption of arrack on Bali, Jawa and
Sumatera (including tourists). In my opinion moke on Flores is safe to drink and besides that also a delight to drink.
It is pure without additions. Keep in mind that moke on Flores is part of the tradition and always a good suggestion to make friends.
However, there are differences in taste and quality. Moke from Larantuka (actually from Adonara), Aimere and Boba is much
appreciated. The one I bought near Labuan Bajo in October 2016 didn't taste good but in earlier years it was ok. There are four types, the original one with 6% alcohol, then three other ones with
20%, 40% (bm=bakar nyala) and 50% (super bm) alcohol. The 40% is nice to mix with orange juice, or on the rocks with lemon and honey. (the so-called arrack attack)
No need to worry about moke on Flores. Enjoy.
A local recipe of an arrack cocktail:
- moke (arrack)
- lemon juice
- Sprite
- basil leaves (kemangi)
- salt ...
No ratio, just mix as you prefer. Cheers!
Photo's
Anne Mieke -AM PHOTONESIA©-