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 experience 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 (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)

Depart Bali for the flight across to Labuan Bajo on Flores. On arrival, check into a beachside resort for your first night on the island.

Day 6 Ruteng (Flores)

Depart from Labuan Bajo and 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 boasts a pleasantly cool climate and a network of coffee plantations. It’s an ideal spot to wander and soak in the local culture.

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 7 Ruteng to Bajawa (Flores)

Travel through valleys and mountains as you head east 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. Take lunch and enjoy a swim at Mbalata before continuing to Bajawa

Day 8 Bajawa to Ende (Flores)

Today, you continue the journey east towards Ende. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch on Tanggo Beach, where egg-sized volcanic stones create a musical sound as waves wash over them. Bajawa provides a fascinating insight into the region’s vibrant culture and traditions.

Day 9 & 10 Moni (Flores)

Head further east to the small village of Moni, your base for exploring the stunning Kelimutu volcano. 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 early adventure. Day 9 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.

Day 11 - Ende to Labuan Bajo

Today, you transfer back to Ende airport to catch the short flight back across the island to Labuan Bajo. On arrival, check into your beachfront hotel.

Day 12-15 Komodo National Park

Whilst Flores is mainly unknown to tourists, everyone has heard of Komodo Dragons! Spend the next few days exploring their habitat - Komodo National Park. Either on day trips from your resort or by joining a 3–4-day live-aboard 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

You can stay a little longer or extend your trip to other islands in Indonesia. Otherwise, you depart Labuan Bajo for your flight back to the UK today. Various connections are available via Kuala Lumpur, Bali, or Java.

NB - We have not listed accommodation for the Flores road trip below; there are limited options and the quality changes frequently; we will always book the best available at the time of travel.