Ngada Villages near Bajawa and Kelimutu Volcano - 4 Days Flores Tour
Even if Flores Island is predominantly Catholic, there are well-preserved traditional villages, especially in the interior of the island, where megalithic cultures are still alive today. These villages are isolated nestled between two volcanoes Gunung Inerie and Gunung Deru. They have a particular form of vernacular architecture with shrines for male and female ancestors (Ngadhu and Bhaga) in the center of these villages. Animistic rituals and ancestor worship characterize daily life to this day.
The villages Bena and Luba are easily visited with an overnight stay in Bajawa. Visiting other more isolated Ngada villages like Desa Gurusina, Desa Belaraghi, Desa Tololela involves trekking from/to Bajawa. Overnight stay in the village of Tololela and Belaraghi is also possible and a unique experience.
TRAVEL-ROUTE
✈ via Labuan Bajo to Bajawa ➝ traditional villages Bena & Luba ➝ Volcano Kelimutu ➝ Maumere
Arrival: ✈ to Bajawa
Bajawa is the largest town in the Ngada district and lies at the foot of the Ineri volcano, with 2300 meter the highest volcano on Flores. Bajawa has an airport with regular flights from/to Labuan Bajo. After pickup from Bajawa airport, visit an original Arak distillery in Aimere and spend time at Manga Ruda hot springs. Overnight is in Bajawa at the foot of the Ineri volcano..
Day 2:
Bajawa ➝ Bena ➝ Luba ➝ Ende ➝ Moni
After breakfast we visit Bena village, one of the best preserved and most important traditional villages in Ngada district. The village consists of two rows of centuries-old grass-covered houses. In the center of the village there are sacrificial stones and cult houses that were formerly used for ritual ceremonies and offerings. The population that lives and works in this listed village today are Christians and yet some of the old traditions and ancestor worship are still alive today. After visiting Bena we will visit the smaller traditional village Luba.
Extension in Bajawa
For visit even more traditional villages like Belaraghi, Tololela, Gurusina your should plan one more night in Bajawa and for trekking Gunung Ineri one more additional night. Bajawa offers hikers and those interested in culture and nature experiences for at least one extra night
Detour to the 17 Islands National Park in Riung
For this you should plan 2 more nights in Riung with a boat trip to the 17 Islands National Park in Riung
From Bajawa we continue towards the town of Ende and stop at Penggajawa Beach, which is dotted with many colorful stones. The stones are predominantly blue to turquoise, but there are also green and red stones in between. The stones are collected by the local population and sold as building material. You can have lunch here or in Ende itself. Then we continue to Moni with stops at the market in Nduaria and rice fields at Detusoko and visit the Wologai village with well-preserved traditional houses in the Lionese architecture typical of the Ende region in the past. Accommodation in a bungalow at Kelimutu Eco Lodge in Moni, idyllically situated just outside the village of Moni.
Day 3:
Tree color lakes of Volcano Kelimutu ➝ Maumere
Kelimutu is a famous active volcano near Moni in Central Flores in Indonesia. Kelimutu Volcano consists of three crater lakes that have different colors due to minerals. The colors of the lakes have changed drastically several times over the years.
The locals believe that the lakes of Kelimutu are a haunt of spirits. Kelimutu means 'keli' = 'mountain' and 'mutu' = 'boiling' in the local language. It is always a surprise what colors the crater lakes of Kelimutu will have during our visit. After visiting Kelimutu, a detour to a small waterfall and hot springs is possible.
On the drive to Maumere you can enjoy wonderful views of the landscape with plantations and small mountain villages. We'll stop at beautiful Koka Beach, where you'll have some time to relax. We then drive through the Sikka village on the south coast of Flores, where there is an interesting 150 year old Portuguese church to visit. You may have time to visit the Bajo village of Wuring before arriving at a beach resort in Maumere Bay.
Day 4:
Departure from Flores ✈ from Maumere
The tour ends with transfer to airport in Maumere for your flight to Bali. If you take the afternoon flight out maumere you have in the morning the possibilities to make half day Village Encounter in the surroundings of Maumere or just relaxe on volcanic beach with good swimming and snorkeling in your beach front resort in Maumere Bay.
