Shila - Kelimutu National Park

Shila is a guesthouse near Kelimutu National Park.

Location
Kelimutu National Park, Nusa Tenggara Archipelago, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.750745, 121.848530
Activities
guesthouse

Best Time to Visit Shila

The best months to visit Shila are May, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 17.21°C, rainfall 215.6mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 89.8%
  • February: Poor, temperature 17.04°C, rainfall 180.2mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 91%
  • March: Poor, temperature 16.91°C, rainfall 235.3mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 91.9%
  • April: Poor, temperature 16.66°C, rainfall 163.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 89.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.32°C, rainfall 111.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 88.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 15.6°C, rainfall 79.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 88.6%
  • July: Good, temperature 14.65°C, rainfall 79.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 87.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 15.49°C, rainfall 28.6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 79%
  • September: Good, temperature 16.78°C, rainfall 45.7mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.65°C, rainfall 91mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • November: Good, temperature 17.67°C, rainfall 140.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • December: Poor, temperature 17.27°C, rainfall 224mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 89.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shila and experience Kelimutu's famous changing lakes?

We always recommend visiting during the dry season, typically from May to September, for the clearest views of Kelimutu's vibrant crater lakes. Arriving before dawn is essential; watching the sunrise paint the lakes with their mystical hues is an unforgettable, almost spiritual experience we cherish.

What can we expect from the guesthouse experience at Shila itself?

Shila offers a charmingly simple yet comfortable guesthouse experience, perfectly suited for those prioritizing proximity to Kelimutu over lavish amenities. We found the local hospitality incredibly warm, and the communal areas provide a lovely spot to share stories with fellow travelers after a day of exploration.

How do we best arrange transport to Shila and then to Kelimutu National Park?

We recommend flying into Ende (ENE) or Maumere (MOF) and arranging a private car or shared taxi directly to Moni, the village where Shila is located. For Kelimutu, Shila can easily arrange a local driver with a motorbike or car to take you to the park entrance, which is just a short, scenic drive away.

Besides Kelimutu, what other local experiences or activities do you recommend around Shila?

While Kelimutu is the main draw, we encourage exploring the surrounding Moni area on foot. We love visiting the traditional Lio villages, like Wologai, to witness their unique ikat weaving process and experience the local culture firsthand; it's a wonderful complement to the natural beauty.

What kind of dining options are available at Shila or in the immediate vicinity?

Shila typically offers simple, home-cooked Indonesian meals, which we found to be delicious and authentic. In Moni village, you'll discover a handful of small warungs serving local fare, providing a wonderful opportunity to savor fresh, regional dishes like nasi goreng or gado-gado in a relaxed setting.

Other Safari Lodges in Kelimutu National Park

Parks in Nusa Tenggara Archipelago

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Indonesia

Travel advisory for Indonesia