Moni · Flores · Indonesia
A family-run homestay near Kelimutu
"Come as a guest, leave as family."
Meet Lopez
Selamat datang. Welcome.
My name is Lopez. This homestay is my family's home. I built this place with my own hands, more than ten years ago. Every bungalow, every piece of furniture you see, I made it myself. This homestay is my way of sharing the life I love here.
I always tell my guests the same thing: arrive as a guest, leave as family. It's not a slogan, it's really how I want to build a connection with you. You are not just another guest to me, but a potential new friend. So by the time you leave, you'll have a home in Moni you can always come back to.
Running this place keeps me close to my village and close to my family. I get to look after the people in the community, and after my dad and my younger siblings, Memi and Menno, who work with me to make this place what it is.
In 2023, one of my guests was Simone, from the Netherlands. She arrived as a guest, but left as my girlfriend. In December 2024 I asked her to marry me at the rim of Kelimutu, and she said yes! Now she's part of the family too.
Are you coming soon to meet us?
— Lopez
A glimpse of The Geckos
Photos can only say so much. Press play for not even a minute. Sometimes it's easier to show than to explain the everyday life at The Geckos.
About the name. I almost called this place something else. But while I was building, geckos showed up everywhere, on the wood, on the walls, all over the place. So I figured, okay, that's the name then!
Where you'll sleep
Smile, Happy, Joy and Love — four wooden bungalows I built myself, each with a private terrace looking out over the garden. Local wood, a good bed, mosquito canopy, a hot shower, fresh linen and towels. Simple, comfortable and clean.
Reserve your stay
We'd love to welcome you directly. No Booking.com in between, so every rupiah goes where it should. Just a message straight to us. It makes a real difference for our family.
From IDR 600.000 (~€29 / ~$33) per bungalow, per night. Breakfast included.
Pick your dates in the calendar below to see the exact price for your stay.
Why stay in Moni
Moni is a small mountain village, about 30 minutes from Kelimutu. Most people come here for the volcano, but the real travellers stay for the real village life: the people who smile at you, wave from the road and try to strike up a chat. It sounds small, but it will put a smile on your face, every single time.
This is what travel should feel like and I'm proud to say that in Moni it still does. Tourism hasn't changed everything here (yet) and I'll do anything to keep it that way. This is not a second Bali, but just a village that welcomes people the way it always has.
I grew up here and I still think it's one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. I know every path, every good spot. So if you want to see a part of Flores most travellers miss, not just the highlights, but the real thing, this is the place to be!
Just up the road
A sunrise trip from your doorstep, about 30 minutes to the rim. We'll help you sort the transport and tell you exactly when to leave.
Guest stories
From Lopez
Come and visit us in Moni. Sleep in a bungalow I built myself, have dinner with me, ask me anything and listen to some of my stories.
My door is always open, and I can't wait to meet you.
— Lopez
Find your way
