Ende Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Ende is accessible via H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport with regular connections from Bali and other Indonesian cities. From Labuan Bajo in western Flores, the drive to Ende takes approximately 8 hours along the Trans-Flores Highway, offering spectacular scenery along the way. Public buses connect Ende to other major towns on Flores Island, with services running daily though schedules can be irregular. The ferry terminal is located close to the town center, with local bemo (minivans) and ojek (motorcycle taxis) readily available for transport between the port and accommodations. If driving, limited parking is available near the port area, though it's advisable to arrange parking through your accommodation.

Perched on the southern coast of Flores Island in Indonesia, Ende blends coastal charm with volcanic landscapes to create a uniquely captivating port town. As a key ferry hub in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Ende serves as both a destination and a jumping-off point for exploring the region's natural wonders. Visitors stepping off the ferry will immediately sense the authentic Indonesian atmosphere, where traditional markets hum with activity and the magnificent backdrop of Mount Iya creates a stunning visual welcome.

Ende enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape the visitor experience. May through September offers the most reliable weather with sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, ideal conditions for exploring both the town and surrounding attractions. The peak dry season months of July and August provide the most comfortable ferry crossings with calmer seas. October brings the colorful Ende Cultural Festival, celebrating local traditions with dance, music, and crafts. The wet season (November to April) delivers lush landscapes but can occasionally disrupt ferry schedules, though services generally remain operational. Consider visiting in May or September to enjoy good weather with fewer tourists.

Ende serves as an excellent base for exploring Eastern Indonesia's diverse destinations by sea. Regular ferry services connect to Sumba Island (approximately 6-8 hours), where traditional villages and unspoiled beaches await the curious traveler. Shorter journeys reach the volcanic wonders of Palue Island, just 2-3 hours north, with its active volcano and traditional communities. The port also offers connections to Timor, a journey of about 10 hours that rewards passengers with cultural diversity and Portuguese colonial heritage. The scenic route between Ende and Labuan Bajo allows for island-hopping along Flores' southern coast, with opportunities to stop at smaller ports with pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling spots.

Ende offers a wealth of experiences within easy reach of its port area. The striking black sand beaches of Ende Bay provide perfect sunset viewing spots, while the nearby Blue Stone Beach dazzles visitors with its colorful volcanic pebbles that change hue when wet. Don't miss the Bung Karno Museum, commemorating the exile of Indonesia's first president in Ende, offering insights into the nation's struggle for independence. The vibrant Ende Market buzzes with local life, where you can sample regional specialties like pisang goreng (fried bananas) and fresh seafood caught daily. For an authentic taste of Flores, try the local jagung bose (corn soup) or the spicy cumi rica-rica (squid in chili sauce) at the waterfront warungs (small restaurants).

Ende harbors fascinating stories beneath its relaxed coastal exterior. The town was once a significant Dutch colonial outpost, with remnants of European architecture still visible in the old town quarter. The waters surrounding Ende are home to the mysterious Lio tribal whaling tradition, where ancestral techniques have been used for centuries and are still practiced on special ceremonial occasions. Mount Iya, the volcano looming over Ende, erupted dramatically in 1969, and the resulting lava flow actually extended the town's coastline, creating new land that is now part of the harbor area. Ende also served as the exile home of Sukarno, Indonesia's founding father, who developed many of his ideas for the nation's independence while living here from 1934 to 1938.