I’m standing on a hilltop so steep it looks like it was painted by a fantasy artist. Below me, a turquoise sea crashes against soft white sand. Behind me, lush green savanna rolls over hills that hide wild deer and exotic birds. There are no cafes, no souvenir stalls, and hardly any other people.
Just me, the wind, and the feeling I’ve stepped onto a movie set. This isn’t Isla Nublar from Jurassic Park—this is the real thing. Welcome to my comprehensive Nuca Molas travel guide.
My name is [Your Name], and I’ve spent years exploring the hidden corners of Eastern Indonesia. I’ve trekked active volcanoes and dived with manta rays, but nothing prepared me for the raw, prehistoric beauty of Nuca Molas. People often ask me, "Is it really worth the long journey?"
My answer is always a resounding yes. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that rewards you with solitude and stunning views, this is it. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this dream trip a reality.
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Why Is Everyone Calling It the "Jurassic Park" Island?
Receiving photos of an island that appears unbelievably green and rugged may have flooded social media recently. That is Nuca Molas, or Pulau Mules, as she is called here about. The name of the movie is not merely a marketing gimmick; the nickname is Jurassic Park.
When you come to the island in a boat and see those iconic steep hills coming up out of the ocean right in front of her, it really feels as though you were a explorer who had found a lost world.
It is not only a beautiful face. This island is a sanctuary. It is a home to wild rusa deer which can be found grazing in the hillsides, the mighty maleo birds and sea turtles which can be found swimming in the crystal clear water below.
It is the variety of scenic scenery and wild animals that makes the prehistoric feel sell. In my case the greatest thing about this Nuca Molas travel guide is that they are telling you that the pictures are real it is that beautiful.
Planning Your Adventure: The Best Time to Visit Nuca Molas
Then there is the question of timing until you book that flight. I inform my friends that half the battle is getting the weather right in NTT. You would like to see the savanna as it is, you would like the ocean to be clear enough so that you are safe when riding in a boat.
Navigating the Dry Season for Perfect Weather
During the dry season, which is between April and October, the best time to visit Nuca Molas is in absolute. I was there at the end of June and the weather was perfect. The sun was shining, the skies were that dark, blue, cloudless blue, the Savu Sea as smooth as a pancake.
The hills are a bright green, nearly neon green, during these months. When you head to the end of the dry season (August to October), the grass will change to a gorgeous golden brown and the resultant landscape will be totally different yet equally beautiful. The key here is calm seas. You would not like to be in a little local boat when the waves are high. Believe me it is far better to have a boat ride when you are not wet!
Why You Should Avoid the Rainy Season
The monsoon has rains and huge waves that occur between December and March. Well, this is not the time to take this trip. The paths are getting slippery and hazardous, the boat landings can be canceled, and you could not even land in the island. When such form your sole traveling dates, save Nuca Molas to your next journey, and see the highlands of Flores in its place.
Your Step-by-Step Journey to Nuca Molas
Alright, then you are a convinced one and you are going in the dry season. Amazing! And how shall you get to this distant paradise? The trip is an adventure per se, thus get ready to have a long and yet very scenic day.
The Gateway: Flying into Labuan Bajo
Every path (or plane) ends in Labuan Bajo, the small cosmopolitan town on the West end of Flores. This is your starting point. The flights that are made on a regular basis are about an hour long and include Bali (DPS), Jakarta and even Kuala Lumpur. The airport is a small but a modern one. As soon as you get there, you get the feeling of excitement in the air because you know all of them are here to have an adventure.
The Scenic (and Bumpy) Drive to Dintor Village
Out of Labuan Bajo, you must go south. The journey to Dintor Village which is the entry point of the mainland can be completed in a period of 4 to 5 hours. It is a winding road with some beautiful mountains, through old-fashioned villages, though I have to tell you the truth about the road: sometimes it is very bad.
I would definitely recommend the employment of a private driver. It is cheap and much more comfortable as compared to doing it yourself. I was driven with one of the local legends called Emanuel Saman and he made the drive to fly by. He was aware of the best places to make photo-stops and take a cup of coffee. It is not a transportation, but a sightseeing through the Flores countryside.
The Final Stretch: The Boat Ride to Paradise
Finally, you arrive in Dintor. You will see in the distance the figure of Nuca Molas, and your heart will begin to pound. In this case, you will hire a local boat to ferry you. The crossing is not long, approximately 30 minutes.
One caution, based upon my own experience; be prepared to make a rustic landing. There’s no proper dock. You need to either walk in the shallow waters or in my case, board a styrofoam raft (a so-called gabus) to reach land. It is a little ridiculous and contributes to the adventure, but always remember to keep your electronics in a waterproof bag in case!
Exploring the Island: What to Do When You Arrive
You’ve made it! Your feet in white sand of Nuca Molas. Now what? This is an island where you can do things at your own time.
Hiking to the Lighthouse and Beyond
The initial activity you will want to do is to hike. The island has a little lighthouse which makes a nice view point. You may go to the top, though you had better be careful--the ladder is steep!
The real magic however lies further inland. I requested my local guide, Jose (where I was staying with him) to take me on a walk to one of the central hills. It is here that you obtain that classic Jurassic Park perspective. It will be an experience I will never forget as I stood on the top of the rolling hills looking down to the beach. We had even seen a herd of deer running away. The sense of adventure is huge.
Snorkeling in Pristine Waters and Relaxing on White Sand
Having exerted some heat in the hike, it is time to unwind. The surrounding waters of Nuca Molas belong to the Coral Triangle, which implies that they are full of sea life. The snorkeling in this area is amazing. You will get to witness healthy corals and anemones, and a rainbow of fish.
You can even see turtles or dolphins in your boat ride in case you are lucky enough and it is the time of the day. I still had a pleasant hour of mere floating around in the cool clear water, glancing in the direction I had lately taken possession of the island. It’s the perfect way to unwind. Do not forget to simply relax in the clean white sand beach and be soaked in everything.
Respecting Local Wisdom: A Word from the Experts
One should always keep in mind that it is home to someone here. This is a well managed area by the local community. I had a chat with the head of local tourism group (Pokdarwis), Sahrul Salam, who stressed on the need to be safe and respectful.
I have been informed by Sahrul that before visiting Nuca Molas, tourists should be able to check with the management on the weather and the possibility of the boat trip. We do not permit snorkeling without a really good weather, when the water is clear.
He also emphasized on the fact that foreigners should hire a local guide and act with respect. This is not only a rule but also a method of keeping this paradise clean as long as generations. You must always listen to your guide, he understands the moods of the island better than anybody.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
In order to ensure that your journey is as wonderful as mine, I would like to share some of my insider secrets that are not mentioned in every Nuca Molas travel magazine.
Where to Stay: Dintor Homestays vs. Labuan Bajo Luxury
There are two accommodation options:
- Spend the night in Dintor: To experience the best of sunrise, spend the night in Dintor. I spent my night at Jose Homestay, although it is so basic and yet it is comfortable and is right on the beach. Jose is capable of making your boat trip and even food. This alternative will carry you to the island early enough before any day-trippers come in.
- Base in Labuan Bajo: Labuan Bajo is a town that is more comfortable and has more night life. You will have plenty of choices on hotels, including the well known Seaesta Komodo Hotel, and the new posh Ta’aktana Resort. You know you will have a very early morning run before you.
What to Pack (Don't Forget This!)
There are zero facilities on the island and so you need to be self-sufficient. Here is my packing list:
- Adequate Water and Food: Take more than you imagine you will require. No warungs (food stalls) here.
- Sturdy Shoes: You have to have good grip on the hikes. On those steep hills flip-flops are no good.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sun glasses, high-SPF sunscreen. The sun is intense .
- Swimsuit and Towel: That swim that you so deserve.
- Cash: To pay entry fee (approximately IDR 50,000 and IDR 75,000 depending on the type of tourists) and your guide and a boat.
- Trash Bag: Dear me, dear me, dear me, pick all your rubbish back up, I beg you. Let's keep Nuca Molas clean .
Conclusion: Is Nuca Molas Worth the Hype?
And now, to answer the question you have come here to ask: yes, a thousand times yes. When you visit Nuca Molas it is not a one day affair but an experience on its own. It pushes you through a long trip and pays off with lonely wilderness, unrefined nature, and sceneries that appear unnatural. It is like being an adventurer.
You need such places like Nuca Molas in the world where travelling can sometimes be a little too trendy and busy. They are a reminder of why we like to travel: because of the unknown, the beautiful and the wild. I wish that this Nuca Molas travel guide has encouraged you to go off the road. See it with your own eyes--you will have my debt.
FAQs: About Nuca Molas
Q: Nuca Molas is equivalent to Pulau Mules?
A: Yes, absolutely! It is called Nuca Molas locally and Pulau Mules is the other common name. They speak about the same beautiful island.
Q: What is the price of visiting Nuca Molas?
A: The last time I visited there was IDR 50,000 as the entrance fee to domestic tourists and IDR 75,000 as the entrance fee to international tourists. To employ a local guide, it will be approximately IDR 200,000 per group (a maximum of 8 people). This does not cover how much it will cost to get to Dintor or the boat.
Q: Am I allowed to go to Nuca Molas without an escort?
A: technically, you have to go there in a boat and you will probably be dealing with local boatmen. Nevertheless, domestic bills demand that you have a domestic guide after arriving on the island, and frankly speaking it is in your best interest and to advantage the community.
Q: Can you drink the water in the island?
A: no source of fresh water is available to the tourists on the island. You will have to carry drinking water on yourself all the way over to the mainland.
Q: Is it possible to camp over at Nuca Molas?
A: Camping can be made and it is strictly controlled. You are not supposed to camp without any prior consent of the local management (Pokdarwis) . This can be best organized by a homestay in Dintor or a recognized tour operator.