Tailor-Made Tours

Flores Overland: Indonesia's Wild Frontier

Maumere I Moni I Riung I Bajawa I Ruteng I Komodo

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Highlights

Flores is a perfect getaway to your real adventure – a superb place for those who seek for a wildlife experience. An island which attracts an ever-greater number of travelers due to its natural wonders, exotic cultures, active volcanoes, prehistoric riddles, hidden beaches, and underwater beauties. Flores presents the sense of excitements combined with true serenity.

For 12 days, you will discover the culture and diverse-stunning vista with a strong ‘taste’ of Indonesia. A three-lake on a mountain which has three different colors within the summit of the craters at 1.690 m will present you a memorable scenery. Here, never miss exploring the picturesque vista of the underworld beauty of marine park that consists of more than 17 islands, visit remote villages of Bena and Ngada Tribe, discover Flores heritage of weaving "tenun ikat," and soak in a unique natural spa hot spring. Flores surely has endless charms of its natural beauty as you’ll also relish the pleasant view of unique spiderweb rice fields and mingle with the locals who will warmly greet you in their secluded village. An immersive into this Indonesia's wild frontier offers more astonishments for there are still so much more to discover.

Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVAL MAUMERE

Welcome to Maumere! Upon arriving at Frans Xavier Seda Airport, our local guide will meet you and transfer you to your resort. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at your leisure and prepare for the adventure on the next day. Meals included: No meals included on this day.

DAY 2
MAUMERE

Today, your adventure begins with snorkeling or scuba diving at Maumere Bay, an international dive contest venue. The area is also known for a lot of endemic species. The next spot is Pangabatang Island that populated less than 100 people - a great place to find peace and serenity. If you love diving, you will relish the magic spot of blue view Tosca sea water. Afterward, you will visit Babi Island which has a natural landscape full of sandy beach, the expanse of granite rock, and green grassland with palm trees over the area. The most tempting spot of the island is its spectacular underwater beauty, which truly well worth a visit as it is one of the must-go spots for divers. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 3
MAUMERE - MONI

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we will take you to watch a demonstration of the weaving of Ikat tenun. You will see the process of weaving — each step starts from spinning and dyeing of cotton up to the finished Ikat are vividly explained by the local people in Watublapi traditional village. Then, we visit the traditional village of Sikka on the South coast of Flores to unwind the beautiful sceneries of the countryside with plantations and small mountain villages. In Sikka, you will discover a fascinating 150 years old Portuguese Church. Afterward, we head to Moni Village at the foot of Kelimutu Mountain and visit Koka Beach which boasts a wonderful natural beauty to relax and unwind. Its white sands, coral reefs, and blue-turquoise ocean engrave an idyllic scene to freeze your moments here. Next up, we continue to Moni to stop by Wolowaru, where you can find traditional Lio houses. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 4
MONI - RIUNG

In the early morning, we will drive to pursue the sunrise moment in Kelimutu. At the summit of Mount Kelimutu, there are three crater lakes with three different colors that range in hues from aquamarine to ochre red and chocolate brown. The colors of the lake change over the years although scientific reasons cite mineral content for the change in colors; the locals believe that the lakes are inhabited by ancestral spirits, giving off different colors according to the spirits' karma and wisdom. However, it becomes a naturally occurring phenomenon tailored to traveler's dreams. Afterward, you will transfer back to Moni for breakfast, check-out, and continue the trip to Riung which consists of many magical spots. After check-in, you can spend the day at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 5
RIUNG

Savor a hearty breakfast in the hotel, and then we immediately do island hopping and snorkeling at Riung 17 Marine Park. This national park consists of 20 small islands that have a stunning underwater beauty which inhabited by various exotic species, e.g., the Timor deer, hedgehogs, monkeys, ferrets, the Timor monitor lizard, marsupials, and partridges. The large variety of birds, such as eagles, white herons, black storks, partridges, and many other more make the area an excellent spot for bird watching. Some of the islands that most travelers visit are Rutong Island and Ontoloe Island. Rutong Island has crystal clear sea water; you can see the coral reefs clearly from the surface. After you are satisfied enjoying the island, we will return to the hotel and take a rest. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 6
RIUNG - BAJAWA

End your day in Riung after breakfast, and then a scenic drive will take you to Bajawa. Bajawa is a small charming town located in the middle of the Florinese highlands. As the regional center of the Ngada people – who still keep their long-standing culture firmly anchored in communities – Bajawa is a perfect starting point to explore the past and present Ngada way of life. After 2 hours trip from Riung to Bajawa, you will enjoy a long soak in warm water at Mengeruda Hot Spring or Malanage Hot Spring. This hot spring is unique as it has two streams, where hot and cold springs meet together creating perfect spa conditions. The spring water also believed to cure various diseases such as skin disease because it contains sulfur and other volcanic substances. With the cold and hot water coming together at this point, you really feel the cold and hot stream. Afterward, you'll transfer for checking in into your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 7
BAJAWA - RUTENG

Today, you have option to trekking to Wawo Muda Crater on Mount Inarie, commonly referred to as “Mini Kelimutu.” The epithet is given as there you can witness the natural phenomenon of color change depending on the season, which similar to three-colored crater lakes in Kelimutu. If you prefer something more enjoyable, you can skip Wawo Muda Crater and start your morning to visit one of the oldest traditional villages in East Nusa Tenggara — Bena Village and Wogo Village. The village consist of two rows of centuries - old high thatched houses along a ridge. In the center you can see cult houses and much older stone monuments formerly used for ritual sacrifices in the ancient local religion. The local Christian people still use this historic protected site for worship. Then, we continue driving to Ruteng. On the way to Ruteng, we will visit Aimere to see people brewing arak in very traditional way and Ranamese Lake which has a perfect landscape for taking great photos. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 8
RUTENG - LABUAN BAJO

After breakfast, we drive from Ruteng to Labuan Bajo. Our first stop is in Cancar to see the "spider web rice field" called Lingko. Lingko is a typical farmer land in the group or clan belong to Manggaraian (west part ethnic group) when they divide land. Then we continue to Todo Village in South Central Manggarai. It is one of the few possibilities to see the traditional ceremonial houses Mbaru Niang. In the past, Todo was also the Centre of the Kingdom of Manggaraian and the home of the Royal clan. Then, you have option to visit Liang Bua (Hobbit Cave), a limestone cave where the archeologists found a fossil of homo floresiensis, known as the 'hobbits from Flores.' After some of these incredible experiences, we will head to Labuan Bajo and check in to the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 9
KOMODO ARCHIPELAGO

Today's adventure will transfer you to the harbor and set off to Komodo Archipelago by the luxury phinisi boat. Ready to start our adventure, the cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedure. Our first voyage is to get to Rinca Island, one of the habitats of the majestic Komodo dragons. There we will be led by an experienced ranger to trek on the island while spotting the Komodo dragons. If you want to freeze the moment here, you can take a picture with them in a safe distance! In the afternoon, you may choose to end your day at Wainilu Island for a twilight dive, and spot mandarin fish glow in the dark, harlequin shrimps of every color you can imagine, numerous species of nudibranchs, octopus, the bobtail squid, and much more. Or, go to Kalong Island to witness the phenomenon of thousands of bats fly in the twilight. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 10
KOMODO ARCHIPELAGO

We will begin our trip today with a morning trek to the top of Padar Island, where we catch the sunrise and unwind a picturesque vista of the island and its surroundings. After trekking, the boat will be anchored off the famous Komodo Island, one of approximately 80 islands that make up the Komodo National Park. We will go ashore at the ranger station in Loh Liang for an early morning ranger-led trek through the park searching for Komodo dragons – Indonesia’s living dinosaurs – from a safe distance, as well as spotting sulfur-crested cockatoos, rare orchids, and jungle chickens. Afterward, we will continue our journey to one of the seven pink beaches in Indonesia at Pink Beach. You can do what you like here! Swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking in the tropical sun over its sandy pink beaches. Then, we will sail across the sea toward Kalong Island, where you can witness the phenomenon of thousands of bats fly in the twilight. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 11
KOMODO ARCHIPELAGO

We will disembark at Gili Lawa Darat. The island nearly looks like a savannah which wholly covered by grass. As this place is famous as the greatest spot for sunrise, we will do a sunrise trekking for catching a spectacular view. We will moor on Manta Point at Makassar Reef, where you can spot a flock of Manta Rays swimming from a close distance. Then, we head to Siaba Besar Island, one of the dive sites in Komodo Archipelago that famous for its colorful coral reefs. Hence, water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving are the best things to do to unwind the beauty of the coral reefs. If you dive here, you will spot black tip sharks, barracuda, and turtles at a depth of 18-25 meters. Afterward, we will set off to Sebayur Island which located near to Rinca Island for catching another magical sunset. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 12
DEPARTURE

On our final morning, we sail to Kanawa Island and Bidadari Island. You may prefer to do some last water sports here like swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. However, if you want something more relaxing, you can simply bask in the sun over the white sandy beaches overlooking the blue-turquoise ocean — a perfect way to unwind after four days of adventure! Afterward, we will be back on board, and cruise to Labuan Bajo. Now it is time to say goodbye — our guide will transfer you in private to the airport. We hope your journey with us is creating unforgettable memories, and we will be glad to see you again in another remarkable place in Indonesia! Meals included: Breakfast.

Include
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels and phinisi boat cruise.
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary, except for alcoholic drinks.
  • Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Service of a private driver and air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Entrance fees for all the mentioned sights.
  • Professional english speaking guides.
  • Personal travel insurance (domestic insurance).
  • Service charges and goverment VAT tax.
Exclude
  • Domestic & international airfares to and from our start and end points + departure taxes if applicable (Notes: The price of this tour does not include any domestic & international airfares to and from our start and end points; however, our reservations specialists are more than happy to help arrange domestic & international flights on your behalf and advise on scheduling. We book hundreds of flights each year on behalf of our guests, and we know the best routes to take to ensure you arrive on time. We only book with IATA-approved airlines that have met with international standards of safety and dependability).
  • Personal expenses (mini bar, laundry, room services, additional food & drink at the hotel/restaurant, etc).
  • Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
  • Visa fees.
  • Tipping to guides, drivers, captain & crew (on the final day of your tour, you will have an opportunity to contribute in giving tip fund discretionarily. We believe that between US$ 5-10 per day is an appropriate amount. However, this is just a suggestion and remains entirely up to the judgment and discretion of the guests. We do ask that you kindly refrain from offering tips to guides or drivers at any time, except during cases of exceptional service, when it should be arranged through the office. Tipping of your travel specialists for their hard work is also welcome, and is at your discretion).
Price & Additional Information
  • Tour prices are a guideline only, and are based on two persons traveling together, sharing a double or twin room. Each tour price can be adjusted depending on budgets, activities included, and standards of accommodation desired.
  • Tour prices include all applicable taxes and are subject to change without prior notice until services are booked.
  • You, your holiday and booking direct: Adventure Archipelago is on the ground year-round in Indonesia, which means you are booking direct with a local travel company, allowing you to save on the cost of your holiday. Our tailor-made tours are designed by our travel specialists and local experts who investigate every aspect of the trip themselves, giving you a unique view of each destination.
     

WHAT TO BRING

  • Clothing - The tropical climate means you can safely leave all of your warm weather gear at home. Bring cool pieces of cotton, T-shirts, and shorts. Likewise, a lightweight fleece could be useful for pre-dawn trekking or if there is a cold wind on the mountain  – even if you don’t need it, it will be helpful for the plane. Adventure Archipelago is respectful of the local cultures and customs; bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for villages or temples visits. Finally, you might want to bring at least one smart-casual outfit for sunset cocktails and evening meals. Ladies: beach throw-overs, kaftans and sarongs are always useful; choose fabrics that dry easily. Also, bring a lightweight sundress or two – several destinations offers an excellent setting for a photo shoot, live it up.
  • Bags - A day backpack is essential on day hikes to carry things such as your water bottle, camera, binoculars, and rain jacket. A waterproof wet/dry bag is a good idea for your phone, camera, etc.
  • Footwear - Pack comfortable trainers, trekking sandals, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for hikes and walks. Bring socks to wear inside your walking shoes to avoid getting blisters. Many travelers appreciate the added stability of a walking stick or hiking pole; lightweight telescopic poles are easy to pack. You might also want waterproof sandals or reef shoes for wet landings and water activities. Flip-flops are great for the beach. Note: Standard practice is to go barefoot on the boat.
  • Sun Protection - You’ll be spending plenty of time out in the scorching tropical sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen with a high enough SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, which are stronger in the water, and some sun-protective clothing as well. Cover-ups, sarongs, sun shirts, and other such clothing will ensure that you come back from your trip with just happy memories and photographs – and not sunburn. A good hat is essential; a wide-brimmed hat or cap will keep the strong equatorial sun off your face and neck. Sunglasses keep your eyes protected and add a little glam to your photos. A strap to hold your glasses can be a good idea on more active adventures. Just in case you fail to avoid getting sunburnt, bring an aloe-based lotion to soothe burned skin.
  • Swimwear - Don’t forget your swimsuit/bikini/shorts/trunks/Speedos —and preferably more than just one swimsuit, so that one or two can be drying while you are wearing another. Luckily, swimsuits and/or swim trunks don’t take up too much space in your luggage. The water is warm but a rash guard (or a wetsuit) will protect you from the sun, abrasions and stings.
  • Skin & Hair Protection - Ladies, it’s important that you take good care of your skin and hair. The sun, seawater, and salty air may be beautiful to experience but it can be tough on your body and will wreak havoc on your locks. Bring moisturizing lotion to soothe skin parched by the sun and the saltwater; bring a leave-in conditioner to de-tangle your hair with ease because the water, mask, and hair-ties will leave it in knots. Also consider bringing a scarf or headband to hold back unruly hair, or hair-ties/pins to keep your hair off your face and therefore prevent water seeping into your mask.
  • Camera Equipment - If you are a photo enthusiast, bring all of the camera and video equipment that you will use as you can expect exceptional opportunities for photography. If you prefer the ease of a point and shoot, bring that. If you want to take underwater photos, you might want to invest in a waterproof camera/GoPro or waterproof housing to capture pictures of the incredible marine life. It’s also a good idea to bring a spare memory card.

Unforgettable experiences you’ll get:

  • Unwind picturesque vista of tri-colored crater lakes in Kelimutu.
  • Discover Flores heritage of weaving "tenun ikat" and visit the oldest as well as most authentic villages of East Nusa Tenggara.
  • Exploring the underworld beauty which inhabited by various exotic species at Riung 17 Islands Marine Park and relish the magic spot of blue view tosca sea water at Maumere.
  • Relish the pleasant view of the Ranamese Lake and behold the unique spiderweb rice fields in Ruteng.
  • Liveaboard experience with the luxury phinisi boat through the majestic Komodo National Park.
  • Encounter the giant lizards – komodo dragons, spot the manta rays, discover one of seven pink beaches on the planet, and relish picture perfect sunsets.
  • Snorkel or dive in one of the best dive spots and the coral reef sights in Komodo Island.

TRIP OVERVIEW

Maumere I Moni I Riung I Bajawa I Ruteng I Komodo

Active & Adventurous

12 Days

from IDR 32,625,000 per person

Each of our itineraries are here to inspire you. We use them as a foundation for your bespoke trip, or design your trip completely from scratch based on your requirements. Contact us with your holidays ideas, no matter how big or small, our travel specialists will start planning a unique and personalized trip just for you.

Adventure Archipelago Team

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