SANO NGGOANG CRATER LAKE

Just 35 km east of Labuan Bajo, in the heart of the Mbeliling mountains, lies the Sano Nggoang crater lake. Created by an ancient volcanic eruption, it is the largest crater lake in eastern Indonesia and the deepest in the world at 600 metres. Surrounded by 20,000 hectares of biodiversity-rich Sesok forest, the site is a paradise for nature lovers, home to monkeys, Timor deer, hedgehogs and wild boar. In 2013, camera traps even revealed the presence of a new species of Komodo dragon. The region is home to over 20 rare and endangered bird species, including four endemic to Flores.

Three villages border the lake: Wae Sans, Sano Nggoang and Pulau Nuncung. You can stay with local people in the village of Sano Nggoang. From the top of Mount Golodewa, an hour's hike from Wae Sano, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake.

To reach Sano Nggoang, take a car or scooter from Labuan Bajo via the village of Werang. The 62 km journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, and the roads are quite rough, sometimes narrow and winding. You can also leave your vehicle in Werang and continue on foot along the "ecoroute". This medium-difficulty 3-4 hour hike should be organized with a guide who knows the area well. Spending the night in the village of Sano Nggoang is an excellent idea for a complete immersion experience.