Trip to Flores, Indonesia

The round trip starts on the island of Flores. The best way to reach Flores is via Bali. That’s why your trip starts today with a flight to Bali. Depending on whether it’s a direct flight and possibly with a change in Singapore, you’re about 17-19 hours away. Quite a bit. Because of the time difference and the duration of the flight, you will arrive in Bali during day 2. A connecting flight to Flores is often no longer possible, and so from here you will first be taken to a hotel nearby to recover for a night before flying on to Flores.

On day 3, after breakfast, you will depart from Bali to Maumere on Flores. This domestic flight has a stopover and often takes a total of 5-6 hours. Upon arrival in Maumere on the island of Flores, you will be welcomed by a local representative. You will be taken to Sea World Club or Capa Resort for a 1st night’s stay on Flores.

From Maumere to Moni (+/- 100 km)

After breakfast, visit Wuring, a fishing village near Maumere. You then proceed to Sikka, which is known for its old 1899 church and the local sale of Ikat-fabrics. At Paga Beach you have the opportunity to relax and, if you want, swim. You stay overnight in Kelimutu Eco Lodge at Moni, where the rooms have no air conditioning because of the cool hill climate. In the evening you can take a stroll through the small village Moni.

Meals included: Breakfast

Moni, Mt. Kelimutu & Riung (+/- 180 km)

You will start your day early with an alarm clock for the spectacular adventure to Kelimutu Volcano. After a short walk of just 30 minutes, you will reach the viewpoint where you will enjoy the breathtaking sunrise. Kelimutu, also known as the “Mountain of Spirits,” is known worldwide for its unique three colored lakes: Turquoise, Brown and Black. The mesmerizing play of colors is caused by the dissolved minerals in the water. After the sunrise, return to the hotel and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Then continue your journey to Riung via Ende. Along the way, you will make several stops, such as at the bustling Ndua Ria Fruit Market and the traditional village of Saga of the Lionese tribe. As you travel on, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery along the scenic south coast. A highlight of this ride is a stop at the beautiful green stone beach of Pengga Jawa. You then travel to the drier north coast of Flores. Keep in mind that the last part of the road may be in inferior condition, but it is worth it for the adventurous traveler. You will stay today at the accommodation of Pondok SVD or Café Delmar.

Meals included: Breakfast

From Riung to Bajawa (+/- 65 km)

Today a boat trip to the National Park 17 Islands near Riung is scheduled. Here you can go snorkeling at a beautiful coral reef. A snorkeling kit is included with the tour. But before diving into the water, make a stop at the coastal mangrove forests, where hundreds of Flying Foxes (Pteropus bats) hang out. During the boat ride, enjoy a delicious lunch on one of the remote islands, surrounded by breathtaking views. After lunch, you will depart for Bajawa. Along the way, visit the Soa hotspring, where hot water bubbles up from the ground. If you want, you can take a relaxing bath here. Once you arrive in Bajawa, check into the Manulalu Villa hotel, where you can enjoy the comfortable accommodation. You will spend the night in a brand new bungalow in Bajawa called Manulalu Villa.

Meals included: Breakfast

Bajawa - Ruteng (+/- 133 km)

In the morning you will visit the traditional village of Luba & Bena. This village is not only well preserved, with megaliths next to the old houses, but also has a beautiful location overlooking the majestic Mount Inerie. You will be enchanted by the atmosphere and heritage of this special village. In the afternoon, you will depart for Ruteng. Along the way, make a stop in Aimere, where you can witness the process of processing palm wine. A fascinating glimpse into the local craft tradition. Next, visit Liang Bua Cave, where the bones of the short Homo Floresiensis, also known as the “hobbit,” were recently unearthed by scientists. An intriguing place full of archaeological significance. You will stay overnight at the comfortable Spring Hill Bungalow or Sindha Hotel in Ruteng, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Ruteng, Denge & Wae Rebo Trekking

In the morning you will leave for Denge. Along the way, stop at the beautiful cobweb rice fields in Cancar, which offer breathtaking views. Upon arrival at Denge Village, enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse before starting the trek to Wae Rebo. To get to Wae Rebo, use an Ojek (motorcycle cab) that will take you to Post 1, called Wae Komba. From there, the hike begins uphill through the rainforest. After about an hour of trekking from Denge, you’ll reach Wae Lomba, a beautiful creek where you can relax in the natural pools before continuing your trek. You continue uphill to Post 2, called Pocoroko, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the south and the Savu Sea. This is also the last place where you have cell phone connection. The next stop is Nampe Bakok, where you have a full view of the traditional village of Waerebo. In the late afternoon you will arrive in Waerebo, where you will be warmly welcomed. Dinner will be provided in the village and you will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the village and its surroundings and experience the local way of life. You stay overnight in one of the traditional houses, where you share accommodation with the hospitable locals. Keep in mind that the accommodation is very basic, but it offers a unique cultural experience.

The next morning you will return downhill following the same route until you reach a point where the car is ready to take you to Labuan Bajo. Lunch will be arranged along the way. You will arrive in Labuan Bajo late afternoon or early evening and be dropped off at Hotel Bintang Flores, where you will stay in a Deluxe room (or similar hotel).

Meals included: Breakfast (day 8&9), Lunch (day 8&9), Dinner (day 8)

Cunca Wulang Canyon - Caci performance

You will depart in the morning for Cunca Wulang Canyon, located 30 km east of Labuan Bajo. This area is surrounded by a tropical rainforest. You will be impressed by the beautiful waterfalls that empty into freshwater pools and then continue as a series of smaller waterfalls and rivers several miles downstream. Among other things, you can hike and swim in the refreshing waters here. The walk to Cunca Wulang from Wersawe Village is particularly pleasant, lined by rice fields in various stages of their planting and harvesting cycle. Along the way, you will also encounter vanilla, coffee, candlenut and cocoa plants. Lunch will be provided with a lunch box. On the way back, we make a stop at the village of Melo to witness the impressive whip dance (Tari Caci) famous among the Manggarai people of West Flores. In the afternoon, we return to Labuan Bajo and are taken to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Start of the Komodo liveaboard

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the port of Labuan Bajo.