Lake Rana Mese: Birdwatching in Ex-crater

Rana Mese, a small crater lake at 1,200 m located 22 km west of Ruteng on the Trans-Flores highway, supports waterbirds such as Sunda Teal, Pacific Black Duck and Little Pied Cormorant not found elsewhere in the area. The surrounding forest is good for Ruddy Cuckoo-dove, Sumba Cicadabird,, Russet-Capped Tesia, Russet-backed Rhinomyias and other forest birds.

Getting there

Take any public bus to Mborong from the terminal in Ruteng (IDR 7,500) and get off at the park sign at Km Post 22. the lake is just a short walk down a stepped trail. Alternatively, take a bemo to Mano (IDR 2,000) and walk the 6 km to Rana Mese. Flag down a vehicle to return to Ruteng.

General information

To get into the forest, walk 100 m back along the road from the site sign board towards Ruteng and follow the small, unmarked footpath on the right towards the lake. The trail passes through good forest with a short, steep section leading down to the northern shore, which is very swampy.

Mt Ranaka: Montana Birdwatching

Mt Ranaka

In 1987, this 2,140 m high mountain erupted, causing the telecommunications station to be relocated, but the 9 km access road is still open, providing visitors with the opportunity to walk or drive right up into the elfin forest that covers the higher slopes. This is a good place for pigeons and chestnut-capped Thrush.

Getting there

This is the most accessible montane cloud forest in Flores. The turning is at Robo, at km Post 9 along the road from Ruteng to Bajawa. The easiest way to get there is to charter a bemo from Ruteng to the top of Ranaka, $4 for a drop, $6 if it waits an hour and brings you back. Alternatively catch a public bus or bemo to Robo (IDR 25,000) and make the strenuous, 9 km (2 hr) climb.