RIUNG 17 ISLANDS MARINE PARK

Explore Riung 17 Islands Marine Park north of Flores - day boat trip from Riung, snorkeling glassy turquoise waters with colorful fish, pristine white-sand uninhabited islands, Pulau Ontoloe flying fox colony with thousands of giant fruit bats at sunset.

Riung 17 Islands 

The hidden marine paradise of North Flores - like Komodo without crowds!

Overview:
Charter a boat to 17 Islands Marine Park for a day of snorkeling in glassy turquoise waters inhabited by variety of colorful fish, relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches on uninhabited islands, and chance to see flying foxes, giant fruit bats that blacken sky around sunset.

Pulau Tujuh Belas, known as '17 Islands National Park' - located on northern coast of Flores Island, near Riung town. Riung town has good accommodation and facilities, and boat tours to marine park can be arranged at any guesthouse.

What Makes It Special:

1. Full Day Snorkeling Trip - The Main Experience
You are to make a boat trip to 17 islands National park. Day 04: Riung – 17 Island – Bajawa (Full Day Snorkeling Trip)

• Boat: Traditional outrigger motorized boat, full day (8 AM - 4 PM)

• Route: From Riung harbor, explore whole day

• Snorkeling equipment included

• Lunch: Picnic on deserted island – enjoy delicious seafood lunch on one of uninhabited islands, prepared fresh by local guides / BBQ lunch on beach

2. Three Main Highlights:

A. Flying Fox Island (Pulau Ontoloe / Pulau Kalong)
Visit Pulau Ontoloe, home to massive colony of flying foxes (giant fruit bats). Visiting flying fox colony is usually part of full day trip to 17 islands national park. You will spend up to 30 minutes at site before moving on to snorkeling sites.

First stop is at flying fox island to see thousands of flying foxes hanging on mangrove trees. On the road, you will stop to see hundreds of flying foxes hanging in mangrove forests near coast.

Sunset time would be ideal, as this is time when bats start flying out to feed. Watching these nocturnal creatures take flight at sunset is spectacular sight and unique experience in Riung. Thousands blacken sky!

B. Pristine White-Sand Uninhabited Islands

• Pulau Bukit Tiga & Mborong have best swimming and snorkelling

• Pulau Rutong – Ideal for snorkeling and swimming with colorful marine life

• Pulau Tiga Island – where you can do snorkeling and BBQ lunch

• All islands: glassy turquoise waters, pristine white sand, no people, coconut trees

C. Colorful Coral Reef Snorkeling
Snorkeling in 17 Islands Marine Park is must-do activity for ocean enthusiasts. Coral reef snorkeling but first stop is flying fox island. Glassy turquoise waters inhabited by variety of colorful fish, unspoiled coral - better than many places in Bali!

Best Islands to Visit on Riung Boat Tour:

• Pulau Ontoloe – Home to massive colony of flying foxes

• Pulau Rutong – Ideal for snorkeling

• Pulau Bukit Tiga & Mborong – Best swimming

• Pulau Kalong – Large colony of flying foxes, huge bats that can be seen flying away in thousands at dusk

How to Get There:

• Base: Riung town, north coast Flores (72-73 km north of Bajawa)

• From Bajawa: 1.5-2 hours drive to Riung (Day trip possible: Riung 17 Islands – Bajawa)

• From Ende: About 3-4 hours

• Boat: Charter from Riung - arrange at any guesthouse, cost ~Rp 800k-1.2M per boat (up to 6 people) including lunch, snorkeling gear, guide

• Best Time: Dry season April-November, calm sea. Sunset trip best for flying foxes.

Tips: It was not easy to get to Riung, but it was very worth it to visit it for two nights. Bring sunscreen, hat, underwater camera. Stay overnight in Riung if possible - don't rush.

Perfect for snorkelers and beach lovers who want Komodo-like experience without tourists!

Keywords: Riung 17 Islands, Taman Laut 17 Pulau Riung, Pulau Ontoloe