Koka Beach

Koka is on the southern coast of Flores between Maumere and Ende, two adjoining coves separated by a rocky point with a small hill, both white sand backed by trees, with clear water and a reef. It has the quality that most of Flores has: it is a beach that in Bali would be developed and named on every map, and here it has a few warung, a rough access track and, on most days, a handful of people at most. The eastern cove is the more sheltered and the usual swimming spot; the western is more exposed. There is no accommodation and the track down from the main road is poor enough that many arrive by ojek. Currents run round the headland and the surf can be strong, so swimming is best kept to the sheltered end.

What you actually see

• Twin coves and a headland - two white beaches divided by rock.
• Almost nobody - the quality that most of Flores's coast still has.
• A rough access track - the reason most people arrive by motorbike.
• A sheltered swimming end - the eastern cove, with the western more exposed.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Honest expectations

There is no accommodation and facilities are a couple of warung. The track is rough. Currents round the headland are strong. It is a stop on the Maumere-Ende drive rather than a destination.

Nearby

Maumere is north-east; Kelimutu and Ende are west.