So, fasten your seatbelts and embark on an unforgettable expedition to the heart of Flores. Together, we'll set foot on pristine white-sand beaches, explore the rainforests echoing with the songs of exotic birds, and stare at the mysterious spider web rice fields that decorate the slopes of the mountains.
How to get there?
Coming from Lombok, we booked a plane to Flores. This is the fastest way to go to the island. Flights from other destinations in Indonesia are also available. A more fun option is to go by boat. You can book a 4-day/3-night boat tour that will bring you around all the highlights. Find more information here. (this boat trip is from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, but you can also book it the other way around).
DAY 1 - 3: L A BU A N B A J O
Diving or learning how to dive in the waters around Komodo island
The world below the waves is a breathtaking landscape of colors, filled with diverse marine life. Diving—my adrenaline junkie husband's top priority on our Indonesian holiday. For me, an activity I was terrified of. With good help from the instructors, I was able to feel relaxed.
Mantarhei diving courses are excellent & I recommend it. I booked this two weeks before we left on our Indonesian vacation. It's important because they have limited space, and you must finish a theoretical exam before diving in the open waters. If you're an experienced diver, this company is also great for you. They have all levels of diving and a nice boat to relax when you're not in the water. Belgian people own this diving club, so we vibed immediately.
After three days of learning how to dive in the most beautiful area in the world, we got our PADI license. (I don't have any underwater pictures because our go-pro died).
Where to stay?
The hostel 'Seasta' is a lovely place to stay if you can book a room because they're sold out quickly. Green hill boutique is a cheap hotel only a few steps from the diving center. Don't expect too much; it's basic but doable and only 30 euros for two people, including breakfast.
Where to eat?
Our favorites: Happy Banana, Copper Bonnet, and La Cucina.
We've heard that Senja Eatery, Pizza Haus Bajo, and Lighthouse Bajo are good, but we didn't try.
DAY 4 - 6: T H E C O U N T R Y S I D E
Explore the untouched nature of Flores.
Hire a scooter and drive through the beautiful landscapes of Flores. You'll meet lovely people, and see lots of extraordinary scenery. The first stop on your list should be: 'Rangko Cave.' This is a sea cave that opens directly into the ocean. It is renowned for its crystal clear, turquoise water, resulting from seawater and freshwater springs. The cave is surrounded by limestone cliffs, adding to its picturesque and unique appearance.
It's a 30-minute drive from Labuan Bajo to the cave. This location is only accessible by boat, and it will take 15 minutes to get there. The best time to arrive is around 1 pm because the sunlight enters the cave around that time. You'll have to pay a small fee to get in.
On your way, you'll pass the Cunca Rami Waterfall. This is a stunning natural wonder. You'll have to embark on a trail through lush forests, crossing rivers and streams to reach the waterfall. It's an adventure in itself. We didn't do this, but it looks pristine.
Our second stop is the spider web rice field. It's a long ride, 122 kilometers through the tropical rainforest of Flores, and it will take you 3 - 4 hours to drive. Don't you worry, the roads are good. Before entering the rice field, you'll have to pay a small fee to get in. The last stop of the day will be your hotel. We loved our stay at the Ara Garden Inn. This is an 18 km drive further from the spider web rice field. Order food, get a massage, and get a good night's sleep for the next day.
Wake up, do yoga, enjoy breakfast, and adventure to an unknown waterfall, 'Air Terjun Tengkulese.' We came across a cool dude. His Name is Arya_nera on Instagram, and he guided us to his favorite waterfall in his hometown. You can always message him to ensure how to get there.
After we visited the waterfall, we went to the hobbit cave. This cave was discovered in 2003. Homo floresiensis is an extinct species that lived in this cave on Flores Island around 100,000 to 60,000 years ago. They were relatively small in stature, with an average height of about 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) and a brain size significantly smaller than modern humans. This is not a must-do on your itinerary, but I married a geeky man, so we had to go. (; There's also a little museum for extra information.
Todo Village was the last stop of our itinerary. This is a traditional village of the Manggarai tribe. This felt like a tourist trap, but it will do the job if you want to see an old town. The village 'Wae Rebo' must be a better option, although you've to drive further and I heard that this old, traditional center surrounded by panoramic mountains feels a bit touristy too.
We returned to Labuan Bajo the next day to bring back the motorcycle and relax hard for the last two days of our vacation.
Another thing that was high on my to-do list is Kelimutu Crater. Unfortunately, it was too far for the time we had left. To reach this place you better take a plane or hire a car.
If you have the time, go and explore the inland of Flores. It's fantastic to wander around. You can do this by hiring a scooter, a car, a car with a driver, or by plane. This island has waterfalls, green surroundings, mountains, rice fields, etc. It will not disappoint you, I promise.
We love to get around with a scooter, but if you don't have any experience with a motorbike, don't start this trip. It's a long drive with many turns; you also have to drive on the left side of the road ( which is the other way for my Belgium friends (; ), and there's a chance of rainfall. We had many showers cause of the rainy season, so it's crucial when you hire a scooter you know how to handle one.
DAY 8 - 10: T H E I S L A N D S O F F L O R E S
Relax hard
Find yourself a lovely retreat to unwind. We spent our last days at the Seraya. Flores has many islands, and this hotel is situated on one of them. It's a 1-hour boat ride to the location from Labuan Bajo. This is a beautiful resort where you can see the corals from the pier. Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddling are all-inclusive in price. If this isn't enough for you, you can book a boat tour that will guide you through the highlights of Komodo (Pink Beach, Padar Island, watch the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, snorkeling with sea turtles on turtle beach, and go swimming with the mantra rays).
Mimi's tips:
1. Don't go to Rinca to see the dragons. Our guide told us this island is more like a zoo. 2. The best time to see the Komodo dragons is between March-May & November-December. July & August are the worst months. 3. Our guide told us that the entrance fee would increase enormously in January 2023. The new price is IDR3.750.000 (more or less €225). We visited in November 2022 and only had to pay €30. I read articles online that the new price of €225 is inactive (July 2023), and the government probably broke off the whole price-increase idea. 4. You can't sleep on Komodo Island; you must stay in Flores to visit it. You have two options: book a boat trip online in advance or in Labuan Bajo itself. There are lots of tourism agencies who are offering all kinds of boat trips to see the highlights of Komodo. The alternative is to let your hotel arrange everything. We did the last option because we were on a small island of Flores. But you'll probably pay more.
If you have more questions, don't be afraid to ask. (;
Love,
Mimi
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