Best of Flores

Flores is among Indonesia’s most remote and intriguing islands, forming part of the volcanic ‘Ring of Fire’. Climb the Mount Kelimutu volcano for breathtaking sunrise views across the three stunning multi-coloured lakes that grace the peak, before visiting traditional local villages and plantations. Explore traditional local architecture and monasteries, along with ancient caves where the prehistoric race of Homo Florensis, or ‘Hobbits’, are believed to have inhabited. The trip ends with a boat ride to the islands of Komodo, where ancient dragons still roam the Earth.

Best of Flores: DAY 1 – DENPASAR – ENDE (FLORES) – MONI (D)
Upon your arrival Ende Airport, you will be welcomed by you’re a local Exotissimo Guide and then transferred to Moni at the east of Ende (2 hr drive).
Overnight and Dinner at Kelimutu Ecolodge.
Distances and travel times: Ende – Moni (60 km): 2 hours

Best of Flores: DAY 2 – MONI – KELIMUTU – ENDE – BLUE STONE BEACH – BAJAWA (B,L,D)
After an early wakeup call start today around 4 am from your hotel in Moni and proceed to the mysterious Mt Kelimutu. Discover the most amazing natural phenomenon in Flores. Kelimutu consists of three uniquely colored lakes from brilliant aquamarine, to ochre red and chocolate brown. Over the years, the 3 crater lakes have often changed colors. While a scientific reason for the color changes may be the varying mineral contents of the lakes, local people still strongly believe that the 3 lakes are gathering places of ancestral spirits, each color being related to a different Karma.
Note: Easy access with a 30mn walk form the parking area of the Kelimutu National Park
Drive back to your hotel in Moni for breakfast and time for changing and packing.
After check out, drive back to Ende where former President Soekarno was exiled by the Dutch from 1934-1938, stopping on the way for a visit of Nduria bustling fruit and vegetable market and Saga, a traditional Lionese village.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Ende.
This afternoon drive to Bajawa, a small and quiet town surrounded by mountains in the middle of Flores. Along the way enjoy scenic view over the southern coast of Flores and it beautiful mountainous landscapes dotted with some macadamia nuts trees
We will also stop on the way for a walk along the unique blue pebble beach near Nagapanda.
Late in the afternoon visit your first traditional Ngada village while stopping at Wogo: the village hosts impressive ancestral stones as well as the typical Ngadhu and Bhaga shrines representing the Clan’s ancestors.
Upon arrival in Bajawa check into at your hotel
Dinner this evening is at the hotel or local restaurant.
Overnight in Bajawa at Happy Happy Guesthouse or Silverin Guesthouse.

Distances and travel times:
Moni – Kelimutu (15km): 30 to 45 minutes each way, Moni – Ende (60km): 2 hours Ende – Blue Stone Beach – Bajawa (125km): 4 hours

Best of Flores: DAY 3 – BAJAWA – RUTENG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, we will first visit a bamboo plantation with also some very scenic views over Mt Inarie. Following this we go to Luba, a traditional Ngada village. From here we make a 15 min. walk to Bena, the most impressive of all Ngada villages, still with stone megaliths besides the ancient houses that overlook Mt. Inerie.

Lunch at local restaurant
Proceed to Ruteng in the afternoon. Stop enroute to visit local arak factory near Aimere and see how the people make this typical alcoholic drink. You will also have the chance to get a snapshot of Ranamese Lake and rest in nearby black sandy beach.

Arrive in Ruteng, capital of the Manggarai district and the largest rice-producing area of Flores as well as an important Indonesian coffee-producing area. Ruteng is located around 1100m in the volcanic highlands and offer a cool climate.
Tonight you’ll experience spending a night in a catholic Convent.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Santa Maria Convent.

Distances and travel times: Bajawa – Ruteng (140 km): 5 hours

Best of Flores: DAY 4 – RUTENG – CANCAR – LABUAN BAJO (B,L,D)
After breakfast, start today’s excursion with a short visit to traditional village of Ruteng Pu’u. Continue to Cancar where you will hike for 20 mins to the hilltop for an overview of the unique lingko spiderweb rice fields. With their round, spider-web structure, these unique rice-fields are particular to the Manggarai people: the central point is used for ceremonies celebrating the unity of the male and female and heaven and earth.
Arrive in Labuan Bajo in the afternoon and enjoy a late lunch at Bali Pesona local restaurant overlooking the beautiful bay of Labuhan Bajo and its charming harbor
Check in at your hotel in the mid afternoon.
Remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax by the pool.
Overnight and dinner in your hotel in Labuan Bajo.

Distances and travel times: Ruteng – Labuan Bajo (132 km): 4 hour 30 mins drive

Best of Flores: DAY 5 – LABUAN BAJO – DAY CRUISE TO KOMODO NATIONAL PARK – LABUAN BAJO (B,L,D)
Early wake up call at 4am. Take breakfast before transfer to Labuan Bajo pier.
Embark a local boat which will take you to cruise the Komodo National Park. First, you will go ashore the Rinca Island famous for the population of Komodo dragons. Accompanied by a ranger, you will trek the island and see Komodo as well as wild pigs, buffalos, and birds.
Enjoy lunch on board while heading to Komodo Island for another trek to witness the stunning view of Loh Liang Bay. Descend to the Pink Beach on the island’s east coast for swimming or snorkeling before sail back to Labuan Bajo.
Arrive at the pier late this afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight and dinner in your hotel in Labuan Bajo.
Note: Depending on the condition of navigation visits can be reverse

Best of Flores: DAY 6 – LABUAN BAJO – DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Labuhan Bajo for your return flight to Denpasar on the island of Bali or continuing of your ongoing program.
Recommended flight: Garuda Indonesia from Labuan Bajo to Denpasar (Bali) GA4027, departing at 1420 and arriving at 1540 (airfares not included and quoted separately). Schedules are subject to notice without prior notice.