Depart your home country on your overnight flight to Bali, Indonesia.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
April - October
Larger but less visited than Bali and Lombok, Flores is a lush and diverse Indonesian island with intriguing cultures and striking scenery.
After spending a few days easing into Indonesia in Bali’s leafy countryside, you’ll set off on your Flores adventure. Marvel at a volcanic crater lake, step inside an atmospheric cave and explore tribal villages with your guide.
Round off your holiday by living the dream in neighbouring Komodo National Park, home to legendary dragons and marine life.
Exploring Flores & Komodo
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2 - 4
Sidemen, Bali
On arrival in Bali, you’ll be welcomed to Indonesia by your private driver and taken to your hotel in the picturesque hills of East Bali. Settle into Sidemen, a lovely, off-the-beaten-track spot where you can relax and experience authentic Balinese life.
Revel in the views, the pool or the spa at this retreat at your own pace.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can set off on a trek to nearby Pura Bukit (home to traditional Ikat weavers), go cycling through the foothills of Mount Agung or explore the secluded coast nearby. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be surrounded by startlingly beautiful landscapes, where rice terraces meet volcanic valleys and lush tropical forests.
Day 5
Labuan Bajo, Flores
Today, your driver will take you to Bali airport for your short flight across to Labuan Bajo on Flores. On arrival, check into your beachside resort and enjoy your first night on the island.
Day 6
Ruteng, Flores
Head east to Ruteng, a busy town at the foot of a high mountain range. Surrounded by valleys that produce the island’s largest rice supply, Ruteng has a pleasantly cool climate and a network of coffee plantations. It’s an ideal spot to wander and wonder at the local culture.
You’ll then go on a guided walk to a powerful waterfall and remarkable cave, which gained worldwide attention in 2003 with the fascinating discovery of Homo Floresiensis, nicknamed ‘hobbit man’. The two-tiered waterfall is around an hour’s drive and a short trek from Ruteng, while the cave is 45 minutes from the waterfall.
Day 7
Bajawa, Flores
Next up, you’ll travel east through valleys and mountains towards Bajawa, the regional capital of the traditional Ngada people. En route, visit the extraordinary Ngada village of Belarghi.
The scenic journey includes a road trip followed by a gentle 1.5-hour trek through the hills.
Belarghi is home to 5 clans, and you’ll be warmly welcomed into the community with a refreshing coconut drink as you meet the friendly people. Megalithic traditions and ancestor worship are still alive here, reflected in the architecture and decoration of their houses, which sit under the shadow of the Inerie volcano. Have lunch and a swim at Mbalata before continuing on to Bajawa. Bajawa provides a fascinating insight into the region’s vibrant culture and traditions.
Day 8
Ende, Flores
Today, you’ll continue east towards Ende. Along the way, dig into a picnic lunch on Tanggo Beach, where egg-sized volcanic stones create a musical sound as waves wash over them!
Days 9 - 10
Moni, Flores
Head still further east to the small village of Moni, your base for exploring the sensational Kelimutu volcano.
You’ll stop at a traditional Lionese village on a forested volcanic ridge along the way.
Moni offers a tranquil setting to prepare for the next day’s morning adventure. Rise early to hike up to the top of the crater, where the three volcanic lakes shift colours depending on the pH in the morning light. Take in the magical spectacle as the sun rises, then return to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast.
Days 11
Labuan Bajo
Today, you’ll be driven to Ende airport to catch the short flight back across the island to Labuan Bajo. On arrival, check into your beachfront hotel to relax and recharge.
Day 12 - 15
Komodo National Park
While Flores remains under the radar to most tourists, everyone’s heard of the mighty Komodo Dragons!
Spend the next few days exploring their habitat, the wildly beautiful Komodo National Park. Either take day trips from your resort or join a 3–4-day liveaboard boat cruise around the marine park.
While seeing the dragons themselves is undoubtedly a highlight, there is much more to these islands, including spectacular beaches and exceptional marine life.
Day 16
Fly home
Your driver will drop you off at Labuan Bajo airport for your flight back home. Various connections are available via Kuala Lumpur, Bali, or Java.
Or, if you’d rather stay a little longer in Indonesia, extend your trip and explore other islands…
(It’s worth noting that we have not listed accommodation for the Flores road trip below, as there are limited options and the quality changes frequently. But rest assured, we’ll always book you into the best available).
Temples, Volcanoes and Dragons of Indonesia
A 16 night family holiday with 2 teenage boys. We did enough cultural visits to keep mum happy but with volcano visit, swimming pools, Komodo dragons, snorkelling and seeing Manta rays the boys had a fantastically diverse holiday. I have used Experience Travel Group three times now and would highly recommend them.
Lynne
12 July 2019Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Indonesia Experts
Lola’s love for Indonesia runs deep – and not just for Bali (though she has a soft spot for its magical interior and knows exactly where to find the best warung for lunch). What really excites her is helping travellers uncover the country’s sheer variety – from the smouldering volcanoes of Java to the rich marine areas in far-flung corners like Raja Ampat.
“For curious couples or families looking to venture properly off the beaten track and feel immersed in intruiging tribal cultures in untouched countryside, I really recommend this holiday.”
Lola
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Indonesia, Bali, Sidemen
Surya Shanti Sidemen
Boutique hideaway and authentic Balinese experience in the remote eastern hills.
Highlights
Highlights
Beautiful boutique feel,
Staggering scenery
Best for
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Komodo National Park
Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa
A peaceful island resort near Komodo. Boats on the shore, space to spread out, and dragons just a trip away.
Highlights
Highlights
Spellbinding scenery
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
Gallery
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Indonesia, Komodo National Park
Samara Liveaboard Cruises
Modern phinisi yachts. Cruise around Komodo National Park and more. A proper escape from your everyday.
Highlights
Highlights
Once-in-a-lifetime adventure,
Superb snorkelling & diving
Best for
Couples
Families
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The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Indonesia
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Explore Komodo
Komodo National Park sits right in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. It’s made up of three main islands – Rinca, Komodo and Padar – and a smattering of smaller volcanic islets.
There’s a lot to explore here, both above and below the turquoise water. While the celebrated Komodo dragons found on Rinca and certain islands steal the spotlight, the park is also home to wild deer, buffalo, boars, monkeys, wild horses, sea eagles, sulfur-crested cockatoos and flying foxes.
With ETG, you’ll discover secret coves as well as visit the main highlights like Padar Island, which has arguably the most impressive panorama of the surreal scenery, and the Pink Beach (a wonderful place for snorkelling – snorkels and fins will be provided).
You’ll also have the chance to track the infamous dragons on dry land, looking out for the dens and nests and learning a lot more about this mysterious creature from a guide.
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Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Wildlife Spotting in Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers: over 250 types of plants, 58 species of mammals and 128 types of birds live here.
The UNESCO-protected park covers five main islands – Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode – plus a handful of smaller ones dotted in between.
It’s a very different landscape from the rest of Indonesia. Instead of tropical rainforest, it’s dry, rugged and really hot – more like savannah than jungle. These conditions are actually perfect for reptiles, especially the legendary Komodo dragon, which thrives here.
It’s a unique and wildly beautiful part of the planet – and well worth seeing with a good guide while exploring Indonesia.
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Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Countryside Walk with a Balinese Priest
Ever wondered what daily life in ‘The Island of the Gods’ really feels like? This private walking tour through the Balinese countryside is a wonderful way to find out.
You’ll spend the day wandering through rice paddies and little villages, away from the main tourist trail. But the real magic? It’s in the stories and the unique, local insights you’ll hear along the way…
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Bali, Indonesia
Biking in Bali
With its kaleidoscopic landscape, there is so much more to see in Bali than the beaches. A e-bike tour is a great way to get away from the crowds and see the island in a new and unique light. From the striking volcanic mountains and hills to the lush tropical forests and paddy fields and on to the dramatic coastline and river valleys, Bali has some truly breathtaking scenery to cycle through.
We can arrange various tours throughout the island and can design them to meet every ability, from a gentle downhill cycle or challenging climb. You’ll be picked up by your local guide and provided with excellent quality bikes and safety equipment. A support vehicle can be arranged throughout and the guide will proceed at a pace that suits all.
Some of our favourite tours on the island are around Ubud including the one-way adventures from Wanigiri to Ubud and from Ubud to Sideman. Both are wonderful alternatives to a road transfer. You’ll take small paths, only accessible on bikes with verdant views of rice terraces and forests, mountains and valleys and, depending on the season, you’ll also see farmers planting or harvesting their crops.
Another great cycle ride starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Ubud. You’ll be driven to a beautiful spot overlooking Mount Batur for breakfast before a downhill ride through lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and a tour of a village temple. After a traditional lunch in a local village that provides a wonderful insight into the local Balinese way of life, you will be picked up and dropped back in Ubud.
Please speak to one of our consultants about arranging a cycle tour and how it can fit into your wider holiday in Bali.
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Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all tailored to suit you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely tailored to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
