Itinerary in brief:
- 1 night Moni
- 1 night Bajawa
- 1 night Belaragi
- 1 night Ruteng
- 2 nights Labuan Bajo
Day 1: Arrive Flores
On arrival at Ende Airport you will be greeted and taken to Moni, located at the east of Ende on Flores Island.
After checking into your hotel in Moni, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure and we’ve included dinner tonight.
Day 2: Moni to Bajawa
There’s an early start this morning at 4am as you make your way to the mysterious Mount Kelimutu.
Get ready to discover the most amazing natural phenomenon in Flores! Kelimutu is made up of 3 coloured lakes which range from aquamarine to ochre red. You’ll how the lakes have changed colour, leading locals to believe they are the gathering place of ancestral spirits.
After breakfast you will be driven to Ende, stopping on the way at a bustling fruit and veg market.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Bajawa, a small, quiet town surrounded by mountains. Look forward to scenic views over the southern coast of Flores and stop for a walk along a unique blue pebble beach.
Dinner this evening is included either at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Day 3: Bajawa to Belaragi
After breakfast at your hotel, we’ve included a half day excursion around Bajawa. First you’ll visit a bamboo plantation before heading to Luba, a traditional Ngada village and one of the most beautiful in Indonesia.
After lunch at a local restaurant you will make the hour long drive to Belaragi, another traditional Ngada village. Here you’ll gain a unique insight into local life and hospitality with a traditional homestay experience with local villagers, plus you’ll participate in a welcoming ceremony, meet the village leader.
Day 4: Belaragi to Ruteng
The peaceful atmosphere in Belaragi will guarantee you a good night’s sleep so after breakfast at your homestay, head down to meet your driver.
This morning you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Sawu Sea at a black sand beach before visiting a local ‘arak’ factory to learn how this local alcoholic drink is made.
After lunch in a local restaurant you will make the final journey to Ruteng, stopping on the way at the picturesque, emerald crater lake of Ranamese. You’ll spend tonight in Ruteng, capital of the Manggarai district an important coffee-producing area. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before spending the night in a local catholic convent.
Day 5: Ruteng to Labuan Bajo
Enjoy a simple, early breakfast at the convent before setting out on your journey to Labuan Bajo, located on the westernmost tip of Flores.
On route, you’ll stop in the countryside at Cancar Village, where you can stroll to a viewpoint offering amazing views over the lingko (rice) fields.
After checking into your hotel the rest of the day is at leisure, so you’ll have time to relax by the pool before enjoying dinner at your hotel.
Day 6: Day trip to Komodo Island
Today, we’ve included a visit to the protected marine habitat of Komodo Island, founded to protect the Komodo Dragon.
Board the boat on the nearby island of Rinca, known for its population of Komodo dragons as well as wild pigs, buffalos and birds and enjoy lunch on board as you sail towards Komodo. When you arrive, make a trek to Banunggulung through spectacular scenery to the river bed where the dragons used to be fed fresh goats. Next, head to Pink Beach for a refreshing swim or a snorkel amidst clear waters with an abundance of coral and sea life - the perfect end to your day!
Overnight back in Labuan Bajo.
Day 7: Depart Labuan Bajo
After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
