Maumere has great beaches, but at some point you might have had enough ocean air. Then there is an alternative place that you must definitely consider for a visit; the Blidit Hot Spring. Located in the Waigete village area (16 km to the East of Maumere), Blidit is a great place for a half day of soft trekking that can be followed by a relaxing ‘bath’.
Only 5 km off the main road, Trans-Flores Maumere-Larantuka, lays a village called Blidit. The hot spring which owes its name to the village is easy to find since every villager is very familiar with the place. It is a wise idea to ask a local kid from the village to accompany you over the slippery trail to get there. Do not underestimate your little guide since the hot spring is the villagers’ daily bathing place. Therefore they know the trails very well, especially the places where you have to be careful because these are all part of their playground during the rainy season.
Located in the middle of a tropical forest, the hot spring is surrounded by huge trees and beautiful flora and fauna which make for an interesting short trek. Leaving the village, you will have to cross cashew plantations and local crop fields, after which there will be a trail down to the forest. Ask your local guide to show you and find yourself surprised at how many edible fruits grow here. You will cross a river stream more than once, and after less than an hour you will reach a small pool where the hot and cold streams join together.
The Blidit area is close to the Egon volcano, so the hot spring derives from Egon’s volcanic activity. Why not visit this relaxing place after your volcano trip to Egon?
Article & image by Dwi Setijo Widodo
