Exploring Flores and Komodo

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Indonesia.

Day 2- 4 Sidemen (Bali)

On arrival, meet your guide for your private transfer to the picturesque hills of East Bali. Settle into Sidemen, a lovely, off-the-beaten-track spot where you can relax and get a feel for authentic Balinese life.

Enjoy 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 (which is 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 Moni (Flores)

Now you're feeling refreshed from your Balinese retreat, fly east to Flores. On arrival in Ende, you’ll meet your local guide and go to Moni. This small village is the perfect base for exploring the staggering Kelimutu volcano, one of Indonesia's most impressive natural wonders.

Day 6 Three Coloured Lake and Ende (Flores)

Today begins with an early start as you head 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.

Afterwards, you’ll travel back towards Ende, stopping at a traditional Lionese village, which sits on a forested volcanic ridge.

Day 7 Bajawa (Flores)

Next, head west through valleys and mountains towards Bajawa, the regional capital of the traditional Ngada people. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch on Tanggo Beach. This is a special beach as it's strewn with egg-sized volcanic stones, which create a musical sound as the waves wash over them.

Day 8 Bajawa to Ruteng (Flores)

It's time to go to 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 very much alive here, reflected in the architecture and decoration of their houses, which sit under the shadow of the Inerie volcano.

After your visit, stroll to Mbalata beach for lunch and a refreshing swim before continuing on to Ruteng.

Day 9 Ruteng (Flores)

Ruteng is a busy town at the western end of Flores, nestled at the foot of a high mountain range and surrounded by a complicated network of valleys that feed the island's largest rice-producing area. The pleasantly cool climate and high altitude also make it ideal for coffee production. It's a lovely place to wander around.

Feel at one with nature by visiting a picturesque waterfall and a remarkable cave that gained worldwide attention in 2003 with the fascinating discovery of Homo Floresiensis, nicknamed ‘hobbit man’. The powerful 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 10 & 11 Komodo National Park

With your guide, you’ll hop in a car to go to Komodo National Park. You'll pass beautiful paddyfields that look like spider webs, and then switch to a boat to reach your next retreat, which is right by some of Komodo’s best underwater spots.

Komodo National Park is the place to see the legendary Komodo dragon. The park covers three islands—Komodo, Rinca, and Padar—and on Day 11, you’ll head to Rinca to search for the famous lizards.

The park is also home to some of the richest marine life in the world, so you absolutely must explore underwater and go snorkelling or diving here.

Day 12 – 15 Bali

After your incredible adventures in Flores and Komodo, you’ll take a short flight from Labuan Bajo to Bali for four leisurely days of relaxation. Alternatively, you might choose to delve deeper into Bali or opt for a blissful beach stay on Lombok.

Day 16 Fly Home

Wave goodbye to Bali and catch your flight back to the UK.

(Or, if you’re not ready to head home, why not extend your holiday with a wider exploration of Bali or visit one of Indonesia’s other incredible islands?).