Forgotten Trail of Flores to Komodo

An early morning starts 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 (93km, 2.5 hrs). On arrival at the Moni Eco Lodge, you’ll have time to shower, relax, or have a snack. After lunch, 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. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Kelimutu Eco Lodge – Bungalow or similar

After breakfast, depart for Riung. Along the way, make a stop at the Nduria Fruit Market. The Nduria Fruit Market offers a glimpse into local agricultural practices and the abundance of tropical fruits in the region.  Explore and indulge in a variety of fresh produce.

Afterwards, visit the Traditional Village of Wologai. This village preserves traditional ways of life, including unique housing structures and cultural practices. As you wander through the village, you’ll encounter traditional houses built with intricate designs and craftsmanship, reflecting the cultural heritage of the community. These houses often feature traditional materials such as bamboo, palm leaves, and wood, showcasing the architectural expertise passed down through generations. Engage with the locals and gain insights into their daily lives, customs, and rituals.

Following the village visit, explore the Wolopaku Coffee Plantation. Here you will witness the journey of coffee from bean to cup. Surrounded by verdant coffee fields, this plantation offers insights into the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of coffee beans. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee while taking in the scenic beauty of the plantation surroundings.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Ende.  You’ll then continue to the Blue Pebble Beach near Nagapanda, with an estimated arrival in Riung in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Omah Erma or similar

After breakfast, embark on a full-day boat trip to the 17 islands. This trip will take you to Nangamese Harbor, Pulau Rutong, and Pulau Bukit Tiga, where you can explore pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.  You’ll also visit Kalong at the mangrove nearby, offering the chance to witness thousands of flying foxes returning to their roosting sites at sunset.  Later in the afternoon, return to Riung. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Omah Erma or similar

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bajawa. Along the way, make a stop at So’a Hot Springs. Here, you’ll have the chance to take a relaxing bath.  Then continue to Bajawa, with lunch served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Ogi Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled amidst lush greenery in the heart of Flores.  Here, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant flora and fauna, featuring lush greenery and colourful blooms, all enhancing the enchanting beauty of this natural haven. Following this, head to Wolobobo Hill to witness the breathtaking sunset over the picturesque landscape.  Afterwards, return to your hotel. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Manulalu Guesthouse – New Bungalow or similar

After breakfast, start your day with a refreshing bamboo plantation walk, offering panoramic views of Mount Inarie from a scenic viewpoint. Following this, continue with a visit to the traditional villages of Luba and Bena.

Luba Village is renowned for its traditional Ngada architecture, characterized by its distinctive circular houses with peaked thatched roofs. These houses, known as “Ngadhu” and “Bhaga,” are sacred symbols representing male and female ancestors, respectively. Witness these unique structures, along with the surrounding communal spaces where villagers gather for ceremonies and social activities. Luba Village provides a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs, social structure, and daily rituals of the Ngada people.

Bena Village is known for its well-preserved traditional houses and a strong sense of community. Like Luba, Bena Village features Ngada-style circular houses adorned with symbolic carvings and decorations. However, what sets Bena apart is its larger size and the presence of ancestral shrines, stone altars, and megalithic structures scattered throughout the village. Here, Interact with local villagers, learn about their customs and traditions, and witness age-old rituals that have been passed down through generations. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Bajawa.

After lunch, depart for Ruteng. Along the way, make a stop at an Arak factory near Aimere. The Arak factory provides an immersive experience of the traditional production of Arak, a local alcoholic beverage.  Witness skilled artisans using ancient methods to ferment and distil palm sap or rice, observing each step of the process firsthand. Engage with the craftsmen and gain insights into the cultural significance of arak in the region, its role in social gatherings, and its importance in local customs and traditions.

Next you will visit Ranamese Lake, a picturesque spot surrounded by lush forests and serene waters, offering a tranquil respite amidst nature’s beauty. Enjoy a scenic walk along its shores, surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant birdlife. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Spring Hill Bungalow or similar

After breakfast, embark on a journey via Iteng to Dintor. Lunch will be served at a lodge either in Dintor or Denge.

Today you will have another chance to immerse yourself into the culture of the local villages, starting with a 2-3 hour (easy to medium grade) trek to Wae Rebo. You will start the day’s 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.

Next, visit Nampe Bakok, a vantage point offering a complete view of the traditional village of Wae Rebo. Wae Rebo is a village renowned for its iconic Mbaru Niang houses, featuring conical thatched roofs made of bamboo and palm leaves, preserved by the locals. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from villagers eager to share their customs, traditions, and spiritual practices. Spend your afternoon in the village and surroundings to experience the local way of life, watching the ikat weaving and playing around with the children. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Tribe’s House

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 an easy return trek to Denge (approx. 2 hrs).

From Denge you will be transferred to Labuan Bajo (150km / 2hrs), 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 harbour. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Bintang Flores or similar

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)

Overnight – Puri Sari Hotel or similar

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the harbour of Labuan Bajo. From there, you’ll board a boat to cruise to the islands of Rinca.

Lunch will be served on the boat as you cruise towards Rinca Island. Rinca is renowned for its population of Komodo dragons, as well as wild pigs, buffalos, and birds. Upon arrival, you’ll disembark and join an island ranger for a trek to observe these magnificent lizards in their natural environment. Take a leisurely trek to further observe the dragons and appreciate their habitat.

In the afternoon, the boat will sail and anchor near Kalong Island, a small island boasting a vast mangrove forest. Here, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama, and as dusk falls, the skies come alive with thousands of bats emerging from their nests in the trees to forage for fruits on surrounding islands. You’ll spend the night on board the local boat, where dinner will be served. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Overnight on a Local Houseboat

Today enjoy a boat ride and a 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.

On Komodo Island, take a trek to Banunggulung, the historic riverbed where dragons were once fed fresh goats. The trek takes you through spectacular scenery and opportunities to encounter many unusual plants and animals along the way. With an estimated population of around 2,000 dragons on the island, as well as a diverse array of wildlife including wild boar, deer, and buffalo, Komodo Island offers a captivating glimpse into nature’s diversity. The island is also excellent for bird watchers, with cockatoos and gosong birds (megapodius reindwardti), among others.

The terrain on Komodo Island is flat and the flora changes with the seasons, going from dry and dusty with thin vegetation, to lush and green with the scent of wild basil in the air during the wet season.  Lunch will be on board, before arriving at Pantai Merah also known as Pink Beach because the red coral on the seabed breaks off with the tidal changes and mixes with the sand, causing it to turn a pale pink.

Afterwards, jump overboard and snorkel in the clear waters, where you’ll be greeted by a dazzling array of marine life, from colourful parrotfish to playful clownfish, and if you’re fortunate, you might even spot majestic sea turtles and other fascinating sea creatures.  Relax on the beach before spending the night on the boat.

Then, head to Manta Point, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel alongside giant Manta Rays. Later this afternoon, embark on the final leg of your adventure as you sail to Gili Laba Island. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Local Houseboat

This morning, there’s an optional early wake-up call to reach the Laba Island viewpoint and witness the sunrise, offering a panoramic view of the Komodo National Park.

Enjoy snorkelling on Laba Island before returning to Labuan Bajo. If time permits, make a stop along the way at Kanawa Island. Afterwards, disembark in Labuan Bajo and, depending on the flight schedule, transfer directly to the airport for your onward flight. (B)