Discovering Flores

A delight for the eyes, in a complete tour of western Indonesia

Discovering Flores

Price from : Price on request €
Ideal duration : 6 days –
5 nights

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Discover the best of Flores, from the lakes to the sacred-colored craters of Mount Kelimutu, its bustling markets, its famous lingko or spiderweb rice fields, and the wildlife of Komodo National Park. Cruise, hike, snorkel and relax on this complete tour of western Indonesia.

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  • Take an early morning hike up Mount Kelimutu to discover the most amazing natural phenomenon of colorful crater lakes.
  • Get a glimpse and experience of the daily life, farming and traditions of remote villagers.
  • Cruise through Komodo National Park to explore native Komodo dragons and other wildlife.

Day 1: Denpasar – Ende (FLORES) – Monimal Waters

Ende – Moni (60 km): 2 hours

On arrival at Ende airport, a local EXO guide will meet guests and take them to Moni, east of Ende.

Recommended flights (not included and indicated separately – Fares and timetables subject to change without notice): Garuda Indonesia from Denpasar (Bali) to Ende GA7026, departing at 07:30 and arriving at 09:05

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Moni.

Day 2: Moni – Kelimutu – Ende – Blue Stone Beach – Bajawa

Moni – Kelimutu (15 km): 30 to 45 minutes one way Moni – Ende (60 km): 2 hours Ende – Blue Stone Beach – Bajawa (125 km): 4 hours

After an early wake-up call around 4:00 am, head for the mysterious Mount Kelimutu to discover Flores’ most astonishing natural phenomenon. Kelimutu is made up of three lakes with unique colors: from brilliant aquamarine to red ochre and chocolate brown. Over the years, the lakes in the 3 craters have often changed color. Although variations in the mineral content of the lakes may be a scientific reason, locals still believe that the 3 lakes are gathering places for ancestral spirits, with each color linked to a different karma.

Note: easy 30-minute walk from Kelimutu National Park parking lot.

Back to the hotel in Moni for breakfast and time to change and pack.

After check-out, return to Ende, where ex-president Soekarno was exiled by the Dutch from 1934 to 1938, with a visit to the bustling Nduria fruit and vegetable market and Saga, a traditional Lionese village.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Ende.

Off to Bajawa this afternoon, a quiet town surrounded by mountains in the middle of Flores. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Flores’ south coast and its magnificent mountain scenery dotted with macadamia nuts. Stop along the way for a stroll along the unique blue pebble beach near Nagapanda.

Late afternoon, visit the traditional village of Ngada, stopping off at Wogo. The village is home to impressive ancestral stones and the typical Ngadhu and Bhaga shrines, representing the clan’s ancestors.

On arrival in Bajawa, check into hotel. Dinner this evening will be served at the hotel or at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Bajawa.

Day 3: Bajawa – Ruteng

Bajawa – Ruteng (140 km): 5 hours

Breakfast at the hotelIn the morning, you’ll visit a bamboo plantation offering a panoramic view of Mount Inerie. Continue to Luba, another traditional Ngada village, and from here take a 15-minute walk to Bena. This is the most impressive of all Ngada villages, with stone megaliths and ancient houses overlooking Mount Inerie.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Pass through Ruteng in the afternoon. Stop off en route to visit the local Arak factory near Aimere and find out how people make this typical alcoholic beverage. You’ll have the chance to get a snapshot of Lake Ranamese and relax on the nearby black sand beach.

Arrival in Ruteng, capital of the Manggarai district and Flores’ largest rice-growing area, as well as a major Indonesian coffee-growing zone. Ruteng is located at an altitude of around 1,100m in the volcanic highlands and offers a cool climate.

Spend the evening in a Catholic convent and dinner will be served in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Ruteng.

Day 4: Ruteng – Cancar – Labuan Bajo

Ruteng – Labuan Bajo (132 km): 4h30 drive

After breakfast, start the day’s excursion with a short visit to the traditional village of Ruteng Pu’u. Continue to Cancar, where a 20-minute hike to the top of the hill is required to get a glimpse of the unique lingko spiderweb rice fields. With their round, spider-web structure, these unique rice paddies are particular to the Manggarai people: the central point is used for ceremonies celebrating the unity of men and women and heaven and earth.

Arrive in Labuan Bajo in the afternoon and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the magnificent bay of Labuan Bajo and its charming port.

Arrive at hotel mid-afternoon.

The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight in Labuan Bajo.

Day 5: Labuan Bajo – Komodo National Park – Labuan Bajo

Pick-up time (approx.): Standard & First Class Hotel (by car): 05: 00 Superior Hotel (by boat): from 05: 30 Disembarkation time (approx.): 18: 00 * Pick-up time: Standard & First Class Hotel (by car): 07: 00Superior Hotel (by boat): from 07: 30 Disembarkation time (approx.): 18: 00 * Pick-up time (approx.): Standard & First Class Hotel (by car): 06: 45Superior Hotel (by boat): 07: 00Disembarkation time (approx.): 18: 00 *

Wake up early this morning for a full day of boating in Komodo National Park. It was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, and has also become a protected marine habitat for other species as part of the Coral Triangle containing the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet. Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a full day exploring Komodo National Park, with visits to the Rinca dragons and Komodo Island, and a snorkeling excursion to the famous Pink Beach.

Board a local motorboat for Rinca, a small island near Komodo. The island is famous for its population of Komodo dragons, as well as wild pigs, buffalo and birds. Go ashore and see these magnificent lizards in their natural environment.

Continue on to Komodo Island while enjoying lunch on the boat. On the island, hike to Banunggulung, the riverbed where dragons were fed fresh goats. The hike takes in some spectacular scenery, with the chance to see many unusual plants and animals. Before leaving Komodo, swim or snorkel at Pink Beach. This pristine cove has clear water and an abundance of coral and marine life.

Return to Labuan Bajo by boat and dinner at the local restaurant or hotel before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Labuan Bajo.

Day 6: Labuan Bajo – Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Labuhan Bajo for the return flight to Denpasar on the island of Bali.

Recommended flights with Garuda Indonesia from Labuan Bajo to Denpasar (Bali) GA7027, departure at 4:00 p.m., arrival at 5:30 p.m.

Further information

From €1,300 per person based on 2 participants. This price includes flights, airport taxes, visits and transfers mentioned, entrance fees, meals mentioned.

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