The Hobbit Cave of Flores

The 14km drive to Liang Bua was downhill on a badly maintained, pothole ridden winding road through rural communities and spectacular terraced rice fields. I now understood why the charter cost so much; I doubt many drivers would willingly take their prized bemos down a road like this. It was a stomach churning experience made worse by lack of air circulation, and cigarette smoke, body odor and bad breath from the three person bemo crew. I was a tiny bit queasy by the time we got to the cave. I was slightly annoyed that they picked up other passengers en route since I had chartered the bemo, but I let it go because they didn't deviate from our route. They also kicked out one passenger when we chartered the bemo; I felt so sorry for her and I tried to look apologetic.

The cave itself was, well, a cave. But, the archeological find here sent shockwaves throughout the world because it challenged many long-held notions about human migration and evolution. There was a small museum opposite the cave that was very informative, and I also got to see Flo, who is more formally known as Homo Floresiensis, at that museum. This site is worth a visit despite the poorly maintained road.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/liang-bua-cave

https://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Indonesia/Flore…Read more