11-day Flores & Komodo National Park tour

Ende - Moni

Day 1: Welcome to Flores!

Welcome to captivating Flores, one of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands. Upon your arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel in Moni - a wonderful region that makes a lovely base for the start of your trip. A true haven for lovers of the great outdoors, it's filled with natural wonders and dotted with traditional villages you'll love exploring. After the long journey, take the time to rest and relax in your accommodation, ahead of an overnight stay.

Moni

Day 2: The mighty landscapes of Kelimutu

Today, start your trip on a high with an awe-inspiring tour of local villages and natural landmarks. Spend some time visiting the small village town of Moni, meeting the locals and learning about their day-to-day way of life and traditions. From here, you'll be well-placed for exploring the grounds of Kelimutu National Park, including its eponymous Lake Kelimutu and Three Crater Lakes, which show off beautiful turquoise, dark red and khaki hues.

Continue on to Wologai, a traditional rural village where 800 years of history come alive before your eyes, as you take in the thatched-roof houses and sprawling mountainous surroundings. After a day packed with incredible sights, return to your accommodation in Moni for an overnight stay.

Moni - Riung

Day 3: Snorkelling paradise in Riung

Be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning, as you'll be setting off on a full-day snorkelling trip to Riung 17 Islands Marine Park.

Across the park's uninhabited islands and beneath the water's surface, you'll find a true paradise on Earth. With few other tourists around, you'll have the place to yourself and plenty of time to soak up your tranquil surroundings, exploring the rich marine life and coral reefs to your heart's content.

Visit Rutong Island to recline for a while on its soft white sands and soak up the rest of the day's sun, before heading on to your overnight accommodation in Riung.

Riung - Bajawa

Day 4: Explore traditional Ngada villages

From Riung you'll travel southbound to Bajawa, capital of the Ngada Regency on Flores, stopping along the way to visit the Soa hot springs and enjoy a relaxing soak. Upon your arrival, take time to explore Bajawa and its surrounding traditional villages, for a chance to experience the local culture and ways of life at your own pace.

Marvel at the thatched-roof architecture, learn about the indigenous animist religion that's still practised in these parts, and dive into day-to-day customs, observing art of ikat dyeing and various traditional ceremonies. Journey past farmlands and forested grounds, and after a day filled with wonder, return to Bajawa for an overnight stay.

Bajawa

Day 5: A deeper dive into local ways of living

Today, continue getting to know the locals as you pay a visit the Ngada tribe and explore their traditional megalithic stones: known as lenggi, these ceremonial structures are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and are where disputes between tribe members were once resolved.

Afterwards, embark on a trek to the Wawo Muda Crater Lakes, along an easy trail with a gentle gradient and pleasant scenery. Return to Bajawa for an overnight stay in a local family's home, giving you even more insight into Ngada traditions and hospitality.

Bajawa - Ruteng

Day 6: The natural charms of Ruteng

Today, say goodby to Bajawa as you journey northwest to Ruteng. Before reaching the town, stop to admire the shimmering surface of Ranamese Lake, a mountainous natural reserve surrounded by lush greenery.

Take some time to discover the charms of Ruteng, a small highlands town that's loved by walking and birding enthusiasts. Seek out incredible vistas from the Golo Curu viewpoint, visit the traditional Ruteng Pu'u village to meet members of the Manggarai community, and return to your accommodation in Ruteng for an overnight stay.

Ruteng - Labuan Bajo

Day 7: A day of immersive landscapes

Before departing Ruteng today, pay a visit to its traditional market to experience the bustle of local daily life, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to woven fabrics and handicrafts.

Today's itinerary also includes a visit to the Spider Web Rice Fields of Cancar village, which have been designed and structured in a unique webbed style, and a tour of the Liang Bua limestone cave that was once used as a religious school and place of worship.

Finally you'll head into Labuan Bajo, a fishing town on the western coast of Flores, and gateway to the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park. Feel the coastal breeze and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere here, as you settle into your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Labuan Bajo - Komodo

Day 8: Cruise to Komodo Island

From your base in Labuan Bajo, prepare for a wonderful boat excursion to Komodo Island to meet its world-famous resident - the eponymous Komodo dragon. Trek to observe these otherworldly reptilian creatures in their natural habitat, and marvel at their sheer size: growing up to 3m long and weighing up to a whopping 70kg, they are the largest lizard species to roam this Earth.

Follow this up with a snorkelling experience in crystal-clear waters, before returning to your vessel for an overnight stay on board.

Komodo

Day 9: Another day of wonder on Komodo

A second day of exploring awaits: disembark your boat to seek out more of the mysteries of Komodo Island and its famous monitor lizards. If you feel like snoozing on soft sands or snorkelling to uncover dazzling marine life, make your way to Pink Beach - famed, as you might imagine, for its stunning pale pink sands. Once you're suitably refreshed and relaxed, return to the boat for an overnight stay on calm and picturesque waters.

Komodo - Labuan Bajo

Day 10: Explore in and around Labuan Bajo

This morning you'll cruise back to Labuan Bajo, soaking up the marvellous views and marine life as you go, before disembarking your ship and bidding the crew farewell.

You've now got the rest of the day to relax and unwind at your leisure, exploring the local sights and sounds. Head back out to sea to discover more of the myriad islands that surround Flores; take a short drive out to Rangko village to explore its ocean cavern (a wonderful spot for swimming and diving); or simply wander the heart of Labuan Bajo in pursuit of flavourful fare. It's your last full day on Flores, so make the most of it!

Labuan Bajo

Day 11: Farewell, Flores!

It's sadly time to say goodbye and end your sojourn on the Indonesian island of Flores. In time for your flight back home, you'll check out of your accommodation and transfer to the airport.