Escape the ordinary: Witness Kelimutu's tri-colored spiritual lakes and stand face-to-face with the ancient Komodo Dragon. Your six-day quest across Flores's raw, cultural heartland begins now.
Flores is truly one of Indonesia’s last frontiers for travelers. For example, the island is famous for its massive volcanic mountain range. This range creates much of its dramatic, unique landscape. Indeed, this region offers stunning mountain views and fertile valleys that visitors love at every turn.
Furthermore, beyond its natural beauty, Flores has a rich, ancient culture. Consequently, the island’s traditions stay closely connected to its natural surroundings. This allows visitors to experience a way of life that has lasted for centuries. Local communities still practice old rituals and crafts, thereby adding deep cultural meaning to every journey across Flores.
What ultimately defines the island, however, is its largely untouched and rugged terrain. Exploring the island can be challenging, but it remains an exceptionally rewarding experience for adventurous souls seeking authenticity and wonder.
We designed this full 6-day trip carefully. The goal was to help you see the island’s many different attractions. Therefore, the tour follows a direct route from East to West. It starts near Ende or Maumere. It crosses the central mountains, and then it finishes in Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is the main gateway to Komodo National Park.
This trip is for active, adventurous people. In essence, they will like that discovery means seeing hard but beautiful places. However, the plan carefully balances long mountain drives. Indeed, it adds good stops at important cultural sites. As a result, travelers learn a lot about the island’s unique geology and history. Afterward, the journey ends with a great wildlife encounter at sea. Therefore, to get this balance, the tour follows a smart East-to-West route…
Tour Highlights
Geological Power at Kelimutu:
The tour starts before dawn. You drive and trek up Mount Kelimutu. You get to watch the beautiful sunrise over its three famous crater lakes. For example, these lakes change colors in ways you can’t predict. They often turn turquoise, green, red, or black. Due to this, the color changes are linked to both spiritual beliefs and the moving mineral content below the surface.
Ancient Cultural Heritage of Bajawa:
The central highlands introduce you to the island’s oldest traditions. Specifically, travelers visit Ngadha villages like Bena. In Bena, ancient shrines and large stone altars are key parts of village life. In fact, these sites act as living museums. They give unique looks into Flores’s long history. In addition, the traditional houses feature buffalo horns. These horns show the family’s status and history of important ceremonial sacrifices.
Marine Biodiversity in the Riung 17 Islands:
The northern coast is a key contrast to the volcanic inland areas. As part of this, travelers spend a full half-day exploring the Riung 17 Islands Sea Garden. This protected spot is perfect for snorkeling. You can see beautiful corals and marine life here. In fact, the ecosystem includes large groups of flying foxes and sea turtles.
The Iconic Dragon Trek:
Finally, the trip ends at Komodo National Park. Here, you get a professionally guided and safe chance to see the famous Komodo Dragon . This is the largest lizard species in the world. More importantly, official park rangers must closely watch this trek. This rule ensures safety and keeps an ethical distance.
Iconic Vistas of Padar Island:
Subsequently, travelers take a short morning trek on Padar Island. During this climb, they go up to capture one of Indonesia’s most famous views. Specifically, this wide view shows many curving bays. Ultimately, each bay shows a unique color contrast.
6-Day Flores Overland & Komodo Itinerary
The set route begins at Ende… maritime portion. Specifically, the drive from Ruteng to Labuan Bajo is the longest section. Indeed, in total, this drive takes up to six hours. Furthermore, this fast East-to-West route means four days in a row with long vehicle travel. Consequently, driving is often 3 to 6 hours daily on winding mountain roads. Therefore, the plan includes cultural stops for needed breaks and focus changes, not long visits. Ultimately, this strategy maximizes time at Kelimutu and Komodo. All in all, this careful plan lets us cross the island in just six days.
Day 1: Arrival in Ende (ENE) & Transfer to Moni Village (The Kelimutu Gateway)
Travelers arrive at Ende’s Airport (ENE). They can also choose to start at Maumere (3 hours). Following this, we stop at a local market to buy supplies for the drive. Furthermore, the shorter drive allows for an important early check-in and rest at the Moni hotel. This prepares travelers for the demanding, early start needed on Day 2. An evening meeting with the guide reviews the plan for the next few days.
Day 2: Kelimutu’s Tri-Colored Lakes & Journey to Riung (Geology & Transfer)
The day starts early before dawn. We drive and trek up to the Kelimutu summit. We go up to see the sunrise over the three crater lakes.
Afterward, we return to the hotel for breakfast. The trip continues with a cultural stop at the Wologai traditional village. From there, the drive goes through Ende to the northern coast.
Blue Stone Beach (Penggajawa) near Ende offers a good break. You can relax and take photos before the route turns north toward Riung. In total, the drive from Ende to Riung takes about 4–5 hours. Ultimately, the tour secures a hotel in Riung.
Day 3: Riung’s 17 Islands Marine Garden & Cultural Heartland of Bajawa (Marine & Highland)
Travelers spend the morning on a half-day boat trip. They explore the Riung 17 Islands Marine Garden. This spot is known as one of the best places for snorkeling on Flores’s northern coast. Specifically, this time is focused on seeing diverse marine life and the clean coast.
Following lunch, the trip moves quickly away from the coast. We drive south into the central highlands, which is the home of the Ngadha culture. Consequently, the drive from Riung to Bajawa takes about 3–4 hours. This marks a clear change in scenery, weather, and cultural focus.
Day 4: Bajawa Culture (Bena/Aimere) & Transfer to Ruteng (Cultural Deep Dive)
The morning is spent on a deep cultural visit to Bena Traditional Village. For example, this well-kept site has amazing stone altars and ancestor houses. During the visit, guides teach travelers about proper local manners. Specifically, they stress the importance of modest dress in these sacred spots.
After this cultural stop, the drive from Bajawa to Ruteng is one of the longer travel sections. Indeed, it requires about 5 hours. Ultimately, for that reason, the group stays in Ruteng for the night.
Day 5: Ruteng Landscapes, Cancar Fields, & Marathon Transfer to Labuan Bajo (The Long Haul)
The morning includes stops at key local spots. These include Lake Ranamese and the unique Lingko rice fields . The Lingko fields are also known as the “Cancar spider-web rice fields.” They clearly show the old methods for dividing land in the community.
Following these stops, the trip begins its longest and toughest drive. This drive heads to Labuan Bajo, the western tip of Flores. In fact, this section requires about 6 hours of continuous driving on winding roads. We will pause for breaks, like stopping in the Lembor area to see the wide rice fields.
Therefore, this long travel day is required. It gets the group ready in Labuan Bajo for the early marine trip to Komodo National Park on Day 6. Consequently, the plan includes a necessary rest night in Labuan Bajo.
Day 6: Komodo National Park Climax & Departure (Wildlife Focus)
The tour’s biggest moment starts with an early departure. We travel via a private, chartered boat with AC. First, the boat heads to Padar Island. We trek there for the must-see sunrise view. Afterward, the boat moves directly to Komodo Island.
Here, you take a guided trek to see the Komodo Dragon. Crucially, an official park ranger must closely watch all trekking. Moreover, the park sticks to morning schedules. Why? Because the dragons are most active during this time.
Following the wildlife viewing, the trip moves to water activities. This part includes snorkeling and relaxing at the famous Pink Beach . This is then followed by searching for Manta Rays at Manta Point and looking for sea turtles near Siaba Island. Meanwhile, the crew serves lunch on the boat.
The boat returns to Labuan Bajo harbor in the late afternoon. As a result, travelers have enough time to transfer straight to Komodo Airport (LBJ). From there, they can catch flights to Bali, Jakarta, or other destinations.
Tour Inclusions
The package includes five nights of lodging. These are in hotels or guesthouses in Moni, Riung, Bajawa, Ruteng, and Labuan Bajo.
For travel, we provide a private vehicle with AC for the main Flores drive. A professional driver manages this. Subsequently, the final Komodo part is done by a private boat charter with AC.
For support, a professional English-speaking guide provides full help over the 6 days.
For costs, the price covers all local fees and permits you need. This includes Kelimutu, Bena, Cancar, and the boat charter for the Riung 17 Islands Sea Garden.
Furthermore, we provide basic supplies. These include snorkeling gear, water, snacks, coffee, and tea. This is especially true while you are on the boat on Day 6. Finally, the trip includes all meals on the boat (Day 6 Lunch/Dinner), plus daily breakfast at your hotels.
Tour Exclusions
The price does not cover International or Domestic Flights. This specifically includes the arrival flight to ENE/MOF and the departure flight from LBJ.
Regarding insurance, full Travel Insurance is required. It is very important that the traveler is responsible for getting this.
Furthermore, the price excludes:
Required Komodo National Park Fees.
Alcoholic drinks.
And finally, all personal spending or tips.
What to Bring
Here is a list of important items to pack for the tour:
First, for Clothing:
- Light, quick-dry clothes (use layers).
- Furthermore, modest clothes (must cover knees and shoulders for village visits).
- Finally, a light jacket or sweater.
Next, for Footwear:
- Strong trekking shoes (closed-toe).
- In addition, water shoes or sandals (for reef and beach areas).
- Flip-flops.
Regarding Health & Safety:
- Motion Sickness Medicine (take it before you travel).
- Also, a Basic First Aid Kit.
- Rehydration Salts.
- Insect Repellent.
- Lastly, for Gear:
- Sun protection (High SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses).
- Don’t forget your Camera and Power bank.
- Enough Cash (Indonesian Rupiah).
How to Get to Flores
- ENE, Ende (H. Hasan Aroeboesman) Recommended Start Point (Closest to Moni/Kelimutu, 1.5–2 hours drive). Labuan Bajo, Kupang, Bali (via transit).
- MOF, Maumere (Frans Seda), Alternative Start Point (3 hours drive to Moni). Denpasar (Bali), Makassar, Kupang.
- LBJ, Labuan Bajo (Komodo), Essential End Point (Gateway to Komodo National Park). Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta (Direct flights).
Expert Travel Tips for Flores & Komodo
Komodo Dragon Safety Protocols
Mandatory Guide and Distance:
Visitors must always trek with an official park ranger. This rule is non-negotiable.
- You must keep a minimum safe distance. This distance is 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) from a Komodo dragon.
- Avoid sudden movements. These movements can make a dragon react aggressively.
Crucial Health Alert:
The Komodo dragon can smell blood from far away. This increases the risk of an attack.
- If you are a female traveler and are menstruating, you must tell your guide immediately.
- If you have any open wounds, you must also tell your guide immediately.
Please do this discreetly before starting the trek.
Timing:
The safest and most active viewing hours are during the cooler morning or late afternoon. Why? Because the dragons tend to rest during the midday heat.
Managing the Overland Challenge
Proactive Motion Sickness Management:
Travelers should take pills like Promethazine or Cyclizine to prevent motion sickness. Take them a few hours before the long drives (e.g., Day 4 or 5).
- While driving, look at the road ahead, not at screens or books.
- Also, keep the air conditioning cold or the windows open.
- This helps you avoid feeling sick.
Hydration and Health:
Staying hydrated is vital because of the heat and the risk of motion sickness.
- Travelers must only drink bottled, boiled, or purified water.
- We suggest carrying rehydration salts. They can quickly help if you become dehydrated.
Cultural Etiquette & Respect in the Highlands
Modest Attire:
When you visit cultural or rural areas, you should dress modestly. Cover both your shoulders and your knees. This simple action shows respect for the local people and their traditions.
Interactions:
Approach locals and elders with respect. In the local culture, hosts appreciate small actions, like bringing snacks when you visit a home.
- In rural areas, please be mindful of your behavior.
- We advise discretion about showing public affection or drinking alcohol.
Money and Connectivity
Labuan Bajo is becoming modern. However, the central and eastern areas of Flores still rely on cash. Travelers must ensure they carry enough Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). This cash will cover personal expenses, souvenirs, and the mandatory Komodo National Park fees.
Furthermore, phone and internet service can be unreliable. Travelers should expect service to be weak or intermittent during the long drives (Days 1–4).
Conclusions
The 6-day Flores and Komodo Expedition is carefully planned. It balances exploring Flores’s geology and culture. It also includes the famous wildlife trip to Komodo National Park. For this trip to succeed, we use a smart route from East to West. We start at Ende (ENE) and leave from Labuan Bajo (LBJ). This route makes the best use of your travel time and makes the trip easy.
The 6-day journey offers great experiences. First, you see Kelimutu’s three-colored lakes. Then, you explore Bena’s ancient culture. You will also see the rich sea life of Riung. Finally, you take the essential trek to see the Komodo Dragon.
We know the long drives (up to 6 hours) are hard on the body. Because of this, detailed safety rules are key. These rules cover how to manage motion sickness. They also require you to strictly follow park ranger instructions. This makes sure we meet your expectations. Most importantly, it ensures a safe trip.
We are clear that the mandatory Komodo National Park fees are not included. Consequently, this fact helps travelers plan their final spending easily and accurately.
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