Komodo Trip and Land Tour from Labuan Bajo to Maumere - 7 days from/to Bali

Labuan Bajo in the west of Flores Island is the gateway to Komodo National Park. Just two decades ago, Labuan Bajo was little more than a sleepy fishing village. Since then, tourism has transformed the town into a lively hub, with hotels, dive centres and restaurants catering to visitors drawn by the park‘s spectacular underwater world and unique wildlife.

The islands of Komodo and Rinca are home to the world‘s largest lizards, the prehistoric-looking Komodo dragons, roaming freely in their natural habitat. A day trip by boat from Labuan Bajo takes you to the remarkable islands of UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, where you have an excellent chance of encountering these fascinating creatures in the wild.

Beyond Labuan Bajo, Flores Island remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it a paradise for travellers seeking spectacular landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Volcanic peaks, colourful crater lakes, distinctive spiderweb-shaped rice fields, traditional villages, lush jungles and pristine beaches are among the island‘s many highlights. A four-day overland journey offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Flores.

ITINERARY:
✈ Labuan Bajo ➝ Komodo National Park ➝ Ruteng ➝ Bajawa ➝ Volcano Kelimutu ➝ Maumere ✈

Labuan Bajo ➝ Day excursion to Rinca Island ➝ Labuan Bajo

Rinca island has a higher density of the Komodo population and is very likely to see Komodo. After arrival at Rinca we start a 3 hour walk through a landscape dotted with Lonta Palm trees . We will see not only the Komodo but we will see also other animals, such as Timor deer, Buffalo, monkeys, wild boars, and exotic birds. There are breathtaking views of the slopes. Lunch will be served upon return to the boat. In the afternoon there is possibility for snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing on the white beach of Kelor island.

The boat trip can also be arranged on a private speedboat for an additional fee, with an extended itinerary in Komodo National Park covering Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, and Turtle Point. For a truly immersive experience exploring the spectacular underwater world of Komodo National Park, we recommend a multi-day sailing trip aboard a traditional Phinisi boat

Late afternoon we are sailing back to Labuan Bajo. Accommodation in Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo ➝ Ruteng

After breakfast, we drive from Labuan Bajo to Ruteng. Optional and at an additional cost we can make a stop at Melo village, where we can arrange demonstration of the ritual Caci dance . Our first stop is in Todo in South Central Manggarai. It is one of the few ways to see the traditional ceremonial houses Mbaru Niang. In the past, Todo was also the Centre of the Kingdom of Manggaraian and the home of the Royal clan.

Alternative to Todo you can visit Liang Bua (Hobbit cave) . This large cave was the site of a stunning archeological discovery in 2003, when the skeletal remains of a small humanoid were unearthed, the so-called Homo Floresiensis. There is a small museum on site with some displays. Otherwise the cave is indeed empty and the road in poor condition but the scenery is beautiful.

If you spend 2 nights in Ruteng you can visit both sites and make hiking from Hobbit Cave to Tengkulese Watterfall.

Our next stop is in Cancar where we can see the "spider web rice field"(rice fields, which are arranged like a spider's Web) and called also Lingko. In the afternoon we arrive in Ruteng and visit "Adat House". In Ruteng you will spend the night in a beautiful, small country hotel surrounded by a well-tended gardens.

Ruteng ➝ Bajawa

On this day we spend first lot of time driving driving passing rice fields and through mountainous landscape with beautiful views. We stop for view to Lake Rana Mese and make on the way short walks and photo stops. Lunch on the road in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we visit in Aimere an traditional manufacturer of Arak and the Manga Ruda hot springs. Accommodation will be in Bajawa at the foot of the Ineri volcano..

Traditional villages Bena and Luba ➝ Moni

After early breakfast, we take a detour to Bena, one of the most traditional villages in Ngada District. The village consist of two rows of centuries - old high thatched houses along a ridge. In the center you can see cult houses and much older stone monuments formerly used for ritual sacrifices in the ancient local religion. The local Christian people still use this historic protected site for worship. After that we visit the smaller traditional village Luba.

Then we continue driving towards Ende and stop at Penggajawa Beach. The beach is littered with many colored stones. The stones are predominantly blue to turquoise, but also green and red stones are in between. The stones are collected by the local people and sold as building material. Here or in Ende itself there is possibility for lunch. Then we continue towards Moni with stops at the Market in Nduaria and rice fields at Detusoko. Than we visit the Wologai village with well-preserved traditional houses in the for this region formerly typical Lioneser architecture. Accommodation in a bungalow in an Lodge which is remote located surrounded by beautiful natur just outside the Moni village.

The 3-colored Lakes of the Volcano Kelimutu ➝ Maumere

Kelimutu is a volcano near the Moni village in Central Flores in Indonesia. The Volcano Kelimutu consists of three crater Lakes, which have different colors because of minerals. The colors of the Lakes have changed several times dramatically over the last years. The Lunar of crater is a hideout of the spirits according to the beliefs of the locals. The name of Kelimutu itself in the local language means 'keli' = 'mountain' and 'mutu' = 'boiling'.

Today we get up early in the morning for Kelimutu sunrise and after a cup of coffee or tea, we drive to the volcano Kelimutu. After 30 minutes we reach the parking lot, and here a pleasant walk about 1.5 km and 127 stairs leads to the terrace of Mount Kelimutu at 1690 m altitude. From here, you have wonderful views of all three colored crater Lakes of Kelimutu and the surrounding countryside. In the midst of this lunar landscape, the colors of the Lakes look spectacular. It's always a surprise what colors the Kelimutu Lakes will have when we visit.

From Kelimutu, we descend to the Hotel for breakfast, and than continue our trip to Maumere. We stop at Wolowaru, where you can see traditional Lio houses. Enjoy wonderful views of the countryside with plantations and small mountain villages. We stop at Paga Beach (with possibility for lunch) and you have some time to relax on the beautiful Koka Beach.Then we visit the traditional village Sikka on the South coast of Flores. In Sikka you can visit the 150 years old Portuguese Church. Eventually you have still time to visit the Bajo village Wuring before you arrival in your Beach Resort in Maumere Bay. Depending on your choice you will stay in a comfortable and charming beach front bungalow in Amrita Beach Resort on the beautiful Waiara beach or in the stylish and as well comfortable bamboo cottage in Coconut Garden Beach Resort or in our Waiara Village Guest House.

Departure from Flores Island

The tour ends with transfer to airport in Maumere for your flight back to Bali. Is your flight in afternoon so you have the possibility to make half day Village Encounter in the souroundings of Maumere or you enjoy the time relaxing on beautiful volanic beach with good swimming and snorkeling conditions in your beach resort in Maumere Bay.

The tour can be also made in reverse direction means
start in Maumere and end in Labuan Bajo.