Flores is your gateway to adventure – this journey combines tropical beauty with pristine islands and white beaches.
Be in awe as you hike up Kelimutu Volcano and witness its three uniquely coloured crater lakes. Explore ancient Ngada tribal villages and embrace exotic cultures as you stay overnight with local communities.
Discover hidden beaches and swim in natural hot springs, before trekking through lush jungles and rice-fields for an overnight stay in a Catholic convent run by a small team of nuns. Spend a whole day exploring Komodo National Park where you will have the opportunity to track Komodo dragons and snorkel in the crystal waters of the Indonesia’s famous Pink Beach.
Finish your trekking adventure with a rejuvenating two night stay in spectacular Sanur on the island of Bali.
Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival in Bali, you will be met by your local guide who will transfer you to Sanur coastal village.
The day is free for you to explore Sanur and enjoy the pristine waters that surround the picturesque sea side town.
At night, you will be met by your local Balinese guide for an initial briefing before you begin your journey to Flores.
Overnight at Parigata Resort or similar.
An early morning start today as you are met by your driver and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Ende, Flores.
Upon arrival at Ende, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to Moni. On arrival at the Moni Eco Lodge, you’ll have time to shower, relax, or have a snack. After lunch, we will drive to the village of Wolotopo where you will have your first taste of Flores. Return to your hotel and rest before the next day where you will enjoy a sunrise walk to Kelimutu volcano.
Overnight at Moni Eco Lodge or similar. (B,L,D)
An early start today as you prepare for your trek up Mt. Kelimutu. You will be driven for 45-minutes to the trail head leading to Kelimutu Volcano crater. From here, it’s a half an hour walk to the crater rim.
Discover the most amazing natural phenomenon in Flores. Kelimutu consists of three uniquely coloured lakes from brilliant aquamarine, to ochre red and chocolate brown. Over the years, the 3 crater lakes have often changed colours. While a scientific reason for the colour 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 colour being related to a different Karma.
Later on, take a short drive back to your hotel for breakfast and packing.
This afternoon drive to Bajawa, a small and quiet town surrounded by mountains in the middle of Flores. Along the way, enjoy scenic views 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.
2 nights at Silverin Hotel or similar. (B,L,D)
Trek: 1 hour (Easy)
Today will be spent exploring the unique culture of the Ngada people and villages that surround Bajawa. This morning, enjoy a short visit to local bamboo plantations and a brief stop at the picturesque Mt Inarie, known for its beautiful conic shape.
Continue on to Luba, another traditional Ngada village, before a short 15 minute walk brings you to Bena, perhaps the most impressive of all Ngada villages and one of the most beautiful traditional villages in Indonesia.
Bena village was built at the foot of Mt Inerie, and consists of 2 parallel rows of traditional high thatch-roofed house. In the centre of the village are many megalithic formations mean to connect Ngada people with the supernatural realm and to communicate with the ancestors, often by animal sacrifice.
This afternoons trek begins in Bena village, going over the mountainous terrain of Flores and through the Ngada villages of Tololela and Gurusina. From Gurusina you will have the choice to continue by vehicle or keep on walking 1 hour down to the Malanage hotspring for a resourcing bath. (B,L,D)
Trek: 2/3 hours (Medium)
Another full day experiencing a total immersion in the Ngada culture. Today will start with a short transfer to Beiposo village, where you will begin your 4/5 hour trek through the dry savannah to Belaraghi. Along the way you will have beautiful views of the Sewu Sea, surrounding valleys and remote villages.
Your trek will end around lunch time, when you arrive at Belaraghi, a traditional 16th century Ngada village. As you arrive in Belaraghi, the local people will ask you to participate in a unique welcome ceremony, held to ask for the protection from village ancestors.
Over the course of the afternoon, you will be asked to join in traditional dancing, tasting local wines and if you are feeling brave an animal sacrifice. The people of the Belaragi tribe are renowned for the warm hospitality and you will have the unique opportunity to spend the night in a traditional house.
Overnight in a basic traditional homestay in Belaraghi village. (B,L,D)
Trek: 4/5 hours (Difficult)
Wake up this morning to the peaceful atmosphere of Belaragi village, before enjoying breakfast with the locals and saying goodbye to your generous homeowners. This morning involves a short trek from Belaragi to Paukete where your driver awaits.
Leaving behind Paukete, you will be transferred to Ruteng with various stops along the way. Enjoy the cool sea breezes as you near the town of Aimere, and relax with a refreshing swim at the unique black sandy beaches. The people of Seba from nearby Savu Island are renowned arak brewers, and many of them have settled in this area which is abundant in Lontar palm trees. Stop at Jimmy’s Home, a second-generation Seba arak maker. He will treat us to a local lunch paired with a sampling of the different grades of Arak.
This afternoon you will arrive in Ruteng, the capital of the Manggarai district and the largest rice-producing area of Flores. Ruteng is located in the mountainous volcanic highlands of Flores and offers a cooler climate than coastal areas. Tonight you will have the experience of staying in a Catholic convent that is run by a small team of nuns.
Overnight at Santa Maria Convent or similar (B,L,D)
Trek: 1 hour (Easy)
After breakfast, you will be taken on a short excursion to the traditional village of Ruteng Pu’u. From here, it is just a short 20 minute hike to the hilltop for a unique view of the spiderweb rice fields. This is one the few remaining rice fields in Indonesia that are laid out in the shape of a spider web and have significant cultural and spiritual implications; the central point is used for ceremonies celebrating the unity of the male and female and heaven and earth.
This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to Denge village through the dense jungle of Flores as you prepare yourself for a two day trek beginning tomorrow.
Overnight at Blasius Guest House or similar. (B,L,D)
Trek: 20 minutes (Easy)
Today you will have another chance to immerse yourself into the culture of the local villages. You will start the days trek early, to avoid the heat, hiking up the newly built road to the Wae Lomba where you can take a quick dip in the natural pools.
Continuing uphill over mountainous terrain, you will reach Post 2 at Pocoroko, with spectacular panoramic views of the South and Savu Sea. This will also be your last opportunity to use your mobile phone services for two days, as there is no connection in the region surrounding Wae Rebo village.
Arrive in Wae Rebo village in the early afternoon, where lunch will be waiting for you. Spend your whole afternoon in the village and surroundings to experience the local way of life, watching the ikat weaving and playing around with the children.
Overnight in a basic traditional homestay in Wae Rebo village. (B,L,D)
Trek: 2/3 hours (Medium)
Waking up inside the traditional homes of the Wae Rebo people, you will begin to understand what life is like for the villagers who call this place home. Enjoy breakfast with your newly made friends, before saying goodbye and departing for your return trek to Denge.
From Denge you will be transferred to Labuan Bajo, stopping for lunch along the way at a local restaurant. This afternoon, check into your hotel before having the opportunity to go for a swim and enjoy the sunset over Labuan Bajo harbor.
3 nights at Puri Sari Hotel or similar. (B,L,D)
Trek: 2 hours (Easy)
Today is free at your leisure.
Spend your day at the hotel getting some rest after your Flores expedition, relaxing by the pool or at the white sand beach in front of the hotel. (B)
Today enjoy a boat ride and full day dedicated to exploring the Komodo National Park. Founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, the National Park also became a protected marine habitat for other species as part of the Coral Triangle containing some of the richest marine biodiversity on earth. Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a one hour cruise, you arrive at the ranger station of Loh Buaya on Rinca Island. Here you have your first opportunity to encounter the famous Komodo dragons.
After a short briefing, proceed to go for a lovely 1.5 hour trek through the dry and rugged island of Rinca, which is well-known for its diverse wildlife. Aside from the Komodo dragons, you are likely to spot monkeys, wild buffaloes, deer and horses. From the top of the hills, the scenery is spectacular. Return to the boat and continue to Komodo Island while enjoying lunch on the boat.
Once you’ve arrived on Komodo island, take a trek to Banunggulung, the river bed where the dragons used to be fed fresh goats. The trek goes through spectacular scenery and there are many unusual plants and animals that can be seen. Before leaving Komodo, take a swim or go snorkelling at Pink Beach. This pristine cove has clear water and an abundance of coral and sea life. (B,L,D)
Following breakfast at your hotel, you will have the morning free to explore Labuan Bajo for the last time. Leaving behind Flores, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for you connecting flight to Denpasar.
Once landing in Bali, you will be greeted by your local guide who will drive you to your hotel in Sanur. Once you have checked into the hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
2 night stay at Taksu Hotel or similar. (B)
Breakfast will be provided for you at your hotel, with the remainder of the day free for you to explore Bali. (B)
This is where we’ll wish you a happy onward journey. Our guide will help you arrange transport to the airport or to your next hotel. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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