Have you heard of Nuca Molas? It’s a tiny, wild island off the coast of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia – sometimes called “Jurassic Park Island.” Imagine steep jungle-covered hills, palms swaying, and one big rocky peak in the middle. From a distance it looks straight out of a movie (think Jurassic Park or Moana). It’s pretty remote, so you’ll likely have the place mostly to yourself. If you’re road-tripping Flores or heading to Komodo or Wae Rebo, make time for this gem. Here’s everything you need to know, in a friendly nutshell, before you go.
Getting There: –
Fly to Labuan Bajo (Flores Island)
First, you need to get to Flores. The nearest airport is Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores’ west end. Lots of airlines fly into LBJ, including daily flights from Bali, Jakarta, and even Kuala Lumpur. The flight from Bali is only about an hour, so it’s quick and often cheap. (Tip: use a flight search app to find good deals.) Labuan Bajo is a small coastal town – the perfect launchpad for Nuca Molas.
Drive to Dintor Village
From Labuan Bajo, you’ll make a road trip to Dintor Village. This is the jump-off point for boats to Nuca Molas. By car or motorbike it’s a long drive – think 4 to 5 hours – because the roads can be rough and winding. If you’re not an experienced motorbike rider, I wouldn’t recommend taking a scooter there on your own. Instead, consider hiring a local driver with a car. It costs roughly 1–1.5 million IDR one-way (around $70–$100 USD) to go from Labuan Bajo airport to Dintor. The extra comfort and safety is worth it, and a good driver can also explain local sights on the way.
Bonus tip: If planning the Flores loop (Lake Kelimutu, Bajawa, etc.), this same driver can stick with you. We met a friendly guy named Emanuel who was great – careful driver and spoke English. If you can find him or someone similar, it makes the journey much smoother.
If you’d rather skip all the driving logistics, you might look into a package tour from Labuan Bajo. There are 2-day tours that cover the transport, boat ride, lodging, and even a guide for Nuca Molas (and sometimes nearby Wae Rebo). These tours cost more than doing it yourself, but they handle all the planning for you.
Boat Ride to Nuca Molas Island
Once you’re in Dintor Village, you can see Nuca Molas on the horizon from the beach. It looks massive and mysterious from afar! The final step is a short boat ride (about 30 minutes) from Dintor to the island.
The easiest way is to contact a local boatman. In Dintor we stayed at Jose Homestay (a simple place on the beach run by a friendly local named Jose). Jose also arranges boat trips – you just message him beforehand, and he’ll take you out in a small wooden boat directly to the island’s shore. (Full disclosure: he doesn’t speak much English, so have Google Translate or a local friend ready.)
Alternatively, you can go down to the little harbor in Dintor and hire someone on the spot, but communication can be tricky and bargaining might be needed. If you plan ahead, contacting Jose’s Homestay via WhatsApp is straightforward.
Heads-up: The sea to Nuca Molas is usually calm, but waves can roll in. We actually needed a tiny raft to ferry us from the beach to the boat! If you’re bringing cameras or phones, pack a waterproof/dry bag just in case. You don’t want to be soaked if waves splash you. Once on the boat, the ride itself is short and generally safe, just be ready for some bumps.
Exploring Nuca Molas Island
You made it! Nuca Molas (also called Pulau Mules) really lives up to the hype. The whole island is covered in steep, jungle-clad hills dotted with palms, and there’s one towering peak right in the center. It feels totally wild and untouched. Plan to spend at least a half-day here to soak it all in.
Here’s what to look out for:
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Lighthouse with a View: There’s an old lighthouse near the beach. It’s the main landmark and totally worth a look. You can even climb up inside (it’s narrow and the ladder is a bit steep, so only if you’re comfortable). Up top you get a killer panoramic view of the whole island and ocean. Just go slow on the climb and watch your step – it’s a bit rustic inside.
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Hikes & Hilltops: The island has some trails (though not formal ones) up into the hills. We did a short hike with a local guide (Jose) up one of the side peaks. From there the view was amazing – endless green hills dropping to the sea. If you’re lucky you might spot wildlife too; we saw a family of Javan rusa deer bounding around in the distance! Remember to stick to paths and be cautious – it’s jungle out there.
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Caves and Beaches: Nuca Molas also hides a bat cave (careful where you poke around!), and a few quiet white-sand beaches on the coastline. These beaches are perfect for a rest after the hike – crystal clear water and almost no one else around. Just watch for currents if you plan to swim.
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Bring Water and Snacks: One thing – there are no shops on the island, so come prepared. It can get really hot in the midday sun (this is the tropics!), so carry plenty of water and maybe some snacks. We definitely noticed the heat up there, so drinking lots of water is key.
In short: bring your camera, hike up a hill or two, savor the views from the lighthouse, and maybe dip your toes on the beach. It’s a magical, off-the-beaten-path spot.
Tips & Packing
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Clothing: Lightweight, quick-dry clothes and sturdy shoes (or good hiking sandals) are best. The trails can be muddy or rocky.
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Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves. The equatorial sun can be brutal on exposed hikes.
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Waterproof Bag: As mentioned, a dry bag or waterproof case is extremely useful for your phone/camera, especially on the boat.
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Cash: There are no ATMs in Dintor. Bring enough cash (rupiah) for your driver, boat fee, any small snacks, and tips.
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Language: Bahasa Indonesia is the main language. English is rare in Dintor, so a translation app is handy.
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Daylight: Boats usually head back before dark. Check the return time with your boat person to avoid getting stranded.
Nearby Adventure: Wae Rebo Village
If you’re road-tripping Flores, don’t miss Wae Rebo Village while you’re in the area. It’s a centuries-old mountain village with iconic cone-shaped houses, surrounded by misty peaks – very different vibe but equally cool. Wae Rebo isn’t far from Dintor, so some travelers do both in one trip. You can drive to the trailhead and hike (~3-4 hours) to Wae Rebo, or join a tour that includes it. If time allows, adding Wae Rebo makes your Flores itinerary even more epic.
Where to Stay
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Labuan Bajo: Most visitors fly into Labuan Bajo. This little port town has tons of hotels and hostels. Places like Bayview Gardens, Komodo Suites, and Seaesta Komodo are solid mid-range picks, and Plataran Komodo Beach Resort is a swanky beachfront option. You can find everything from budget dorms to luxury resorts. Staying in town (or on nearby Bidadari Island) keeps you close to restaurants and the harbor.
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Dintor Village: If you want to get a head start on Nuca Molas, consider staying the night in Dintor. Lodging here is very basic, more like homestays. Jose Homestay (where we stayed) is one example – simple bungalows right on the beach, and Jose can help arrange your boat. Other than that, options are limited and rustic, but perfect if you want to wake up steps from Nuca Molas.
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Camping: The island itself has no facilities or official campsites, so it’s really a day-trip destination. Plan to stay on Flores mainland.
Whether you base in Labuan Bajo or Dintor, make sure your transport to Dintor is lined up the day before. And double-check your boat plan for the early morning – many boats leave first thing to avoid afternoon wind.
Bottom line: Nuca Molas is an off-grid paradise. It requires a bit of effort to get to, but once you’re there, it feels like a magical private island. Follow the tips above, pack smart, and enjoy your Jurassic Park adventure in Flores!
