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Scores run from 0 to 10. Select a factor to see how its score changed across scoring runs.

Cost & Affordability

7 factors · average 6.6

Flores is relatively cheap compared to Bali, with low daily expenses for basic needs, though imported goods are pricier.

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Modest homestays and guesthouses are very affordable, but more Western-style lodgings can cost more; overall cheaper than most Indonesian tourist spots.

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Local warung meals and market produce are cheap; imported food is expensive due to island logistics.

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Local bemos and buses are cheap, but traveling between towns on Flores can be costly due to limited routes and road conditions.

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Nature activities like hiking and snorkeling are affordable; nightlife is limited but very cheap.

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Basic gyms exist in larger towns like Labuan Bajo with low monthly fees, but quality is inconsistent.

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The Indonesian rupiah is moderately stable, with some fluctuation against major currencies, but not as volatile as turbulent economies.

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Digital Nomad Essentials

6 factors · average 4.3

Internet in Flores is generally slower and less reliable than in major Indonesian hubs like Bali, with typical speeds around 10-15 Mbps in Labuan Bajo but dropping significantly in more remote areas.

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There are a handful of coworking spaces in Labuan Bajo, but they are limited in number and basic, with very few options elsewhere on the island.

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Cafes with WiFi are concentrated in Labuan Bajo and a few tourist towns, but connections can be unstable; many local eateries lack reliable internet.

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A few cafes in Labuan Bajo welcome digital nomads with power outlets and decent WiFi, but most cafes are more geared to tourists rather than focused on coworking needs.

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Flores sees some digital nomads passing through, especially for diving trips, but it is far less popular than Bali or Lombok, with few long-term nomads.

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SIM cards from Telkomsel and Indosat are widely available in towns, with decent 4G coverage in populated areas, though rural coverage is spotty.

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Quality of Life

6 factors · average 6.6

Laid-back island lifestyle with strong nature focus, but limited coworking and internet reliability may hinder productivity for digital nomads.

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Pristine coral reefs, lush hills, and volcanic landscapes, though some areas face deforestation and waste management issues.

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Tourist hubs like Labuan Bajo are reasonably clean, but rural areas and beaches often have plastic litter.

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Bahasa Indonesia is dominant; English is limited outside tourist spots, posing a moderate challenge for non-Indonesian speakers.

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Generally good, but dry season can bring dust from volcanic ash and occasional biomass burning.

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Safe and adventurous for families, but limited healthcare, international schools, and child-specific amenities reduce suitability.

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Healthcare

3 factors · average 4.7

Basic facilities in larger towns like Labuan Bajo, but limited specialist care and frequent need for medical evacuation to Bali or abroad for serious issues.

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Local consultations and medications are inexpensive, but costs for evacuation or advanced treatment quickly escalate, making overall affordability moderate.

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Overall healthcare access is poor for digital nomads; reliable care for minor issues exists but serious conditions require costly and time-consuming travel to better-equipped locations.

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Climate & Environment

6 factors · average 5.6

Flores enjoys a warm tropical climate with consistent temperatures around 27-30°C, less humid than much of Indonesia due to dry season influence from May to September, making September near ideal.

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Moderate risk of earthquakes and tsunamis due to proximity to tectonic plate boundaries, but volcanic activity is lower than in Java or Bali; dry season reduces landslide risk.

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Flores offers natural green landscapes, hills, and savanna parks like Kelimutu, but urban areas like Labuan Bajo have limited manicured green spaces typical for nomads.

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AC is common in hotels and co-working spaces catering to tourists and nomads in Labuan Bajo, but less available in smaller towns; reliability can be inconsistent.

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Limited seasonal variation with a wet and dry season, offering little change beyond precipitation; constant warmth lacks distinct spring, autumn, or cool periods.

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Generally quiet, especially away from main tourist hubs; occasional noise from motorbikes and local festivities, but overall far calmer than big Indonesian cities.

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Culture & Entertainment

6 factors · average 5.8

Rich traditional cultures of Manggarai, Ngada, and Ende with unique rituals and weaving. Less globally known than Arusha but deeply authentic.

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Minimal nightlife concentrated in Labuan Bajo with a few bars and beachside hangouts, far quieter than Biratnagar and closer to Naoshima.

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Exceptional natural wonders including Komodo dragons, Kelimutu tri-colored lakes, and pristine dive sites; rivals top outdoor destinations like La Palma.

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Bahasa Indonesia widely used but local languages dominate daily life; fewer formal courses than Bali, but immersive for committed learners—above Kariba.

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World-class Komodo dragon tours, traditional village homestays, and volcano treks; comparable to Goa in variety but more nature-focused.

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Limited indoor activities: few museums or galleries; mostly cafes and guesthouse lounges. Below Filandia and Osh in options.

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Food & Fitness

4 factors · average 5.2

Fresh seafood and Indonesian staples dominate Labuan Bajo; limited but decent international options for tourists.

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Several yoga retreats and beachfront studios exist, but fewer choices and less variety than Bali.

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Basic hotel gyms and a few small fitness centers in Labuan Bajo; no dedicated modern gyms elsewhere.

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Abundant fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy seafood; some cafes cater to wellness tourists but options are limited.

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Work Environment

5 factors · average 3.6

Flores (UTC+8) aligns well with Asia-Pacific and Australian work hours, and offers overlap with late European afternoons, making it favorable for remote work.

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Limited digital nomad community outside of Labuan Bajo; networking is mostly informal and reliant on small gatherings of travelers and expats.

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Local remote job market is very small; most nomads rely on external clients or pre-existing remote positions.

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Freelance infrastructure is minimal, with few platforms or local support for freelancers; payments and contracts often handled informally.

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A few basic coworking spaces exist in Labuan Bajo, but they lack reliable high-speed internet and modern amenities compared to major hubs.

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Business & Economy

3 factors · average 2.6

Flores has virtually no startup ecosystem, with only a handful of small local tourism or agriculture ventures and minimal coworking or investor presence, far below Davao City.

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Cash dominates, and while major Indonesian e-wallets like OVO and GoPay are accepted in tourist hubs like Labuan Bajo, rural Flores lacks reliable digital payment infrastructure, similar to Punta Cana.

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Crypto use is negligible among locals and tourists, with no dedicated exchanges or ATMs on the island; occasional Bitcoin payments in upscale resorts are rare, closer to Guanaja than Dawn Beach.

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Transportation

7 factors · average 3.5

Komodo Airport offers domestic flights to Bali and major hubs, but international connections are limited.

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Bemos and local buses serve some routes but are infrequent and unreliable for tourists.

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Only compact town centers like Labuan Bajo are walkable; roads lack sidewalks and lighting elsewhere.

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No major ride-hailing apps operate; limited to a few local drivers in tourist areas via WhatsApp or direct booking.

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Hilly terrain and narrow roads with heavy traffic make cycling challenging and dangerous.

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Buses, shared taxis, and short flights connect major towns, but schedules are irregular and comfort is basic.

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Scooter rentals are widely available in Labuan Bajo and other tourist hubs at affordable daily rates.

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Connectivity

4 factors · average 5.5

4G coverage is decent in Labuan Bajo and other main towns, but weak or absent in rural areas and during travel between islands.

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Most major VPNs work reliably in Flores, though occasional throttling or blocks may occur during peak times or on certain networks.

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Power outages are frequent, especially in less developed areas; many accommodations rely on generators, but grid stability is below average.

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Public WiFi is limited to a few cafes, hotels, and co-working spaces in tourist hubs; availability and speed are inconsistent outside these spots.

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Digital Nomad Community

3 factors · average 2.7

Flores offers stunning nature and a growing tourism infrastructure in Labuan Bajo, but lacks co-working spaces, reliable internet, and nomad-specific amenities. It's more of a short-term traveler spot than a long-term base.

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Organized nomad events are rare; occasional informal gatherings happen in hostels or cafes. The small nomad population means meetups are ad-hoc and infrequent.

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Facebook groups like 'Digital Nomads Indonesia' cover Flores but with limited active members. Local WhatsApp groups exist but are small and not very active.

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Safety & Tolerance

3 factors · average 7.4

Flores is generally safe for digital nomads, with low violent crime and a welcoming tourist infrastructure, though petty theft and scooter accidents are the main concerns in more remote areas.

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Female travelers are generally respected and can move around comfortably, but conservative dress codes and occasional catcalling in tourist spots mean it's not as relaxed as Northern Europe or Turkey.

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Locals are accustomed to international tourists of all backgrounds and treat visitors with curiosity and warmth, though racial profiling is rare and more about being an outsider than skin color.

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Continue exploring Flores