Maumere, the principal town of East Flores, is best known for the spectacular diving and snorkeling to be found around the islands in Maumere Bay. The reefs were damaged by the 1993 earthquake and tidal wave but are now recovering well. For the birder there are two recommended day trips: to Pulau Besar, out in the bay, and Egon-Illimudu, a right on the Trans-Flores highway so there are frequent bus service from east and west. There are daily air connections with Ujung Pandang, Kupang, Bima and Bali, and connections to Surabaya and Jakarta. Pelni’s Binaiya stops in Maumere four times a month.