Transflores : volcanoes, villages and dragons

Flores, a timeless and unforgettable destination...


You will traverse the island of Flores from east to west, starting from Kelimutu and heading towards the Komodo Islands Archipelago, uncovering its diverse facets: sea, mountains, communities with enduring traditions, volcanoes as a backdrop, intricate ikat weaving, bustling markets, sugar palm trees, and more. Let's not forget the famous 17 islands scattered around the Riung region.


You will discover the majestic volcanoes of Kelimutu and Iya. You will be amazed by the variety of natural sites and the richness of culture on Flores, including the architectural beauty of traditional villages like Bena and Tololea.


This adventure journey is perfect for those who enjoy stepping off the beaten path.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Selamat Datang ! Welcome to Indonesia!

    Selamat Datang ! Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival at the airport of Labuan Bajo, Flores, you will be greeted by your private driver and transferred to your hotel for the night to rest from your journey.

    - Private local transfer from the airport: 45 minutes
    - Night in BINTANG FLORES HOTEL - 4*: Deluxe Room
    - No Meals

  • Day 2 Arrive in Flores Moni

    Arrive in Flores Moni Arrive at the airport of Ende, Flores, then transfer by car to Moni village, located close to Kelimutu volcano. Visit of the traditional village of Wologai on the way, and short walk to waterfall close to Moni if there is enough time before sunset.

    - Domestic Flight from Labuan Bajo to Ende: 1h
    - 1h30 drive
    - Night in Kelimutu Crater Lodge - 3*: Standard Room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 3 Moni - Kelimutu - Ende

    Moni - Kelimutu - Ende You will depart early in the morning, before sunrise, to reach the rim of Kelimutu crater and its three multicoloured lakes. According to local legend, depending on the purity of the souls, they will be poured into one of these lakes. Afterward, you will return to your hotel in Moni for breakfast before heading to the Tiwu Kea canyon for a refreshing hike and river crossing in a rarely visited canyon.
    After lunch, you will continue your journey to Detusoko, where a local guide will take you on a walk to admire the surrounding rice fields and plantations. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Ende and check into your hotel.
    Take advantage of the remaining daylight to stroll near the beach and experience the daily life of the locals in a major Indonesian city that is not accustomed to many visitors.

    - Kelimutu Volcano (Alt. 1639 m): 1.5 hours of hiking
    - Tiwu Kea: 30 minutes of hiking (bring water shoes and spare clothes)
    - 1.5 h drive
    - Night in Ende: Grand Wisata Ende 3* (superior room)
    - Meals: B

  • Day 4 Ende - Riung

    Ende - Riung Early departure (around 5 am) for a hike to Mount lya, overlooking the Savu Sea. Along the way, you will encounter several steam vents. Afterward, you will return to Ende and have some time to stroll through the fish market and explore the house of the first Indonesian president, Soekarno, and learn about his resistance during World War II before coming into power.
    After lunch, you will continue your journey westward, and along the way, you will discover Nangapanda Beach, famous for its blue pebbles. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Riung, located in the northern part of Flores, by the sea, facing the renowned 17 Islands Park.

    - Iya Volcano (Alt. 637 m): 2 hours of hiking
    - 4h30 drive
    - Night in Nirvana Bungalows RIUNG: Standard room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 5 Riung - 17 Islands Park - Bajawa

    Riung - 17 Islands Park - Bajawa Today, you take advantage of this remote region of Flores to head to the small port of Riung, where a local boat awaits to take you into the heart of the 17 Islands Park. A day of exploration above and below the water awaits you. Snorkeling on the beach, encountering sharks, turtles, dolphins, or manta rays— the isolation of these places allows for many surprises. A beach barbecue will even be organised for you to make the most of this day. And it's with sand-filled memories that you will return to dry land and meet your driver in the late afternoon to head back to your hotel in Riung.

    - 4h drive
    - Night in Manulalu Bed & Breakfast 3*: Standard room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 6 Bajawa - Hot spring - Bena, Tololea traditional village

    Bajawa - Hot spring - Bena, Tololea traditional village Today, you will enjoy some well-deserved rest and visit a hot spring to relax. Then you will explore several traditional villages in the Ngada region, including Bena and Tololea, where you can take a leisurely walk through their villages. These villages are renowned for their houses built with wood, bamboo, and thatch, as well as for their warm hospitality. Far from modernity, these people take great pride in their cultural heritage and believe in the existence of protective spirits within their community.
    Finally, go back to your hotel in Bajawa and relax at your own leisure.

    - 2h drive
    - Night in Manulalu Bed & Breakfast 3*: Standard room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 7 Bajawa - Ruteng

    Bajawa - Ruteng After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Diocese of Ruteng, located in the highlands at the heart of Flores. Along the way, there will be several stops to enjoy the panoramic views, including one at Lake Ranamese. You will also visit a small family-owned distillery producing local alcohol called "Arak." Upon arriving in Ruteng, you will have free time for lunch in this misty city. In the afternoon, you will hop on your bicycles to explore the surroundings of the city. Riding through the misty streets, you will come across some of Ruteng's six colorful churches, as well as the cathedral with its red roofs. Your bike excursion will take you into the surrounding countryside, where you can admire several rice fields from the heights and greet the locals living in their charming and equally colorful houses.
    In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to your accommodation. There, you can relax in the spa or participate in yoga sessions in the following days if you wish.

    - 4h drive
    - 2h cycling
    - Night in Ara Garden Inn 2*: standard room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 8 Ruteng'Puu Village - Pangkadari Waterfalls

    Ruteng'Puu Village - Pangkadari Waterfalls As the day breaks, you will visit the local market in Ruteng to discover the products that are part of the daily life of the residents. Then, you will make your way to the original village of Ruteng, known as Ruteng'Puu. This village is composed of traditional cone-shaped houses called "rumah adat." To enter this village, a small prayer and ceremony will be required.
    After enjoying lunch, the afternoon will be dedicated to a green hike in the jungle and rice fields north of Ruteng. This hike will lead you to the magnificent Pangkadari waterfalls, cascading into each other and offering turquoise blue water.
    In the late afternoon, you will return to the hotel and enjoy some well-deserved rest after today's adventure.

    - 2h drive
    - 2h hiking
    - Night in Ara Garden Inn 2*: standard room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 9 Ruteng - Spider-web-shaped rice fields of Cancar - Natural Canyon - Labuan Bajo.

    Ruteng - Spider-web-shaped rice fields of Cancar - Natural Canyon - Labuan Bajo. Today you head towards Labuan Bajo, a port town and the capital of Flores. Along the way, you make a stop to admire the nearly perfect geometric spider-web-shaped rice fields of Cancar. Before your arrival, you will make a stop to visit a natural canyon and the Cunca Wulang waterfall, where you can swim and even perform some acrobatics.
    By late afternoon, you arrive in Labuan Bajo and check in at your beachfront hotel.

    - 5h30 drive
    - Night in BINTANG FLORES HOTEL 4*: deluxe room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 10 Snorkeling in Rangko Cave - Bat Cave visit - Labuan Bajo

    Snorkeling in Rangko Cave - Bat Cave visit - Labuan Bajo Today is quit relax. You will go to explore the secret cave with multiple mirrors called Batu Cermin.Then you board a local boat for a natural curiosity that is worth a visit: the Rangko Cave, discovered just a few years ago. Inside, there is a magnificent natural pool where you can swim and use masks and snorkels to observe the unique underwater scenery.
    On the way back, you can stop at some hills to enjoy the typical Flores island photo session moment. Say goodbye to your English-speaking driver.

    - 2h drive
    - Night in BINTANG FLORES HOTEL - 4*: Deluxe Room
    - Meals: B

  • Day 11 Private Speedboat trip to Komodo islands

    Private Speedboat trip to Komodo islands Today, you will head to the port of Labuan Bajo for an exceptional excursion. You will embark on a private speed boat to the Komodo Islands for a day of exploring the different islands, snorkeling spots, and encountering the famous dragons after which the archipelago is named. The itinerary includes Padar Island, Pink Beach with its pink sandy beach formed by coral reefs, and the renowned Komodo dragons. You will return as the sun sets. With a bit of luck, you may also spot manta rays, turtles, sharks, and dolphins. At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel after enjoying a wonderful day at sea in one of the world's richest marine biodiversity hotspots.

    - 30m drive
    - Night in BINTANG FLORES HOTEL 4*: deluxe room
    - Meals: B, Lunch box

  • Day 12 Farewell Indonesia

    Farewell Indonesia According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred back to Labuan Bajo airport. We hope that this Indonesian journey has captivated you, and we would be delighted to welcome you again to explore another gem of this magnificent archipelago!

    End of our services.

    - 30m drive
    - Meals: B

Important: This itinerary may be subject to changes at the discretion of the guide if the mountain conditions, weather, or participants' physical condition require it, with the primary concern being safety.

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price

From 2070 euros per person ( minimum booking from 2 travelers)

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

  • One domestic flight from Labuan Bajo to Ende
  • Private vehicle with an ALTAI English-speaking driver during your journey in Flores
  • All the private transfers to/from airports with a local driver
  • 11 nights of accommodation with breakfast, including hotels/guesthouses or homestays
  • Local guides as required for activities
  • Full-day private speedboat excursion to the Komodo Islands with snorkeling equipment provided
  • Entrance fees to sites (except for the Komodo Islands, which will be paid on-site)
  • Mineral water throughout the tour
  • 24/7 emergency telephone assistance
  • Electronic travel itinerary provided in digital format
  • Other meals as mentioned: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Diner

Not included

  • Tips (advise: 3-5€/traveler/day)
  • Beverages other than mineral water
  • Lunches and dinners, unless specified in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for the Komodo Islands (approximately 25€ per traveler) to be paid on-site
  • Local rangers fee in Komodo islands (approximately 20€ per traveler) to be paid on-site
  • International flights to/from Labuan Bajo
  • Cancellation, repatriation, and multi-risk insurance
  • Tourist visa fees
  • Travel Insurance

Notes

This itinerary is provided as an indication: depending on the weather and operational conditions, your English- speaking driver or guide can modify this itinerary for your safety.


The Hotels are indicated for information only and subject to availability.


This trip can be 100% customized according to your needs. Pls advise our travel consultant for your tailor-made trip. 

Important: This itinerary may be subject to changes at the discretion of the guide if the mountain conditions, weather, or participants' physical condition require it, with the primary concern being safety.

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altaï Indonesia implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Indonesia reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Indonesia require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
  • Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
  • Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
  • Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Indonesia receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract 

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altaï Indonesia in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Indonesia may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Indonesia as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Food

Dinners, lunches and breakfasts are taken in restaurants or at the hotel. Please be aware that the tap water in Indonesia is not drinkable.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

- In hotels in a double / twin room (standard equivalent to 2 or 3 * French). Private sanitary facilities.

- In losmen some nights (equivalent to hostels or local guest house held by locals), simpler comfort.

- Homestay: basic comfort, sleeping can be common, sanitary to share. These accommodations, although more rustic, allow you to immerse yourself in local life.
 If you wish, to promote the exchange and sharing, you can provide a little attention for our guests (eg local specialty of your region, ...)

* Hot water is sometimes not available in all rooms.

Transportation

You only carry your belongings for the day, your big luggage stays in the bus during the day and your activities.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonisian Rupiah, Rp (IDR)
Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. You can withdraw Indonesian Rupiahs from in-country ATMs or exchange money at the airport/local currency exchange offices. ATMs and exchange desks are only found on bigger islands like Bali (Denpasar, Ubud, Sanur). The cost of an average meal in Java is around 3€ to 8€; in Bali it is 4€ to 11€.

When purchasing souvenirs, we ask that our travellers resist the tempatation to buy traditional items which are part of local families/the countries heritage. We also ask our travellers to respect the Species Protection Agreements (CITES) which aims to protect more than 2,500 species of animals and 30,000 species of threatened plants by prohibiting the trade of hides, ivory, scales, corals, shells, and the import of live exotic animals.

Tips

Tipping is not an obligation and must be left to everyone's discretion.

Nevertheless, in Indonesia it is customary to leave one when you are satisfied with the service rendered. Its amount depends on the appreciation of it and must take into account the local economy.

Tips too important, given the general standard of living of the country visited, destabilize local economic balances. As a reminder, the tip is a supplement and does not replace their remuneration. Indeed, anyone acting on our trips being paid elsewhere.

We recommend a budget of 3€ to 4€ per person per day for tips.

Vital equipment

We recommend packing:
For your head:
  • A cap or sunhat
  • A good pair of sunglasses (level 3 or 4, glacier)
For your core:
  • 1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
  • Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, appropriate for hiking in
  • 1 fleece or equivalent
  • A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
  • A rain cape or protective waterproof bag for your daybag
For your legs:
  • 1 or 2 pairs of long shorts
  • 1 pair of walking trousers
For your feet and hands:
  • Your hiking boots (high-cut, thick soles...)
  • A pair of trainers
  • A pair of sandals for wearing in the sea
  • Thick walking socks
To keep you hydrated:
  • A good water bottle (min. 1.5 l)
For snorkeling:
  • A swimsuit
  • A long-sleeved rash vest to protect you
And do not forget:
  • A good sun-cream (SPF 50+, water resistant, biodegradable...)
  • Insect repellent
  • Towel(s)
  • A wash bag - your personal toiletries

Helpful equipment

You may also want to bring:
  • A camera and spare batteries/portable charger
  • A power plug travel adapter
  • A head torch and spare batteries
  • A pocket knife
  • A fast drying micro-fibre beach towel
  • A bath towel
  • Blister plasters
  • A small personal first aid kit
  • Zip lock bags to protect your important documents and electronics
  • A laundry bag/bin bag for your dirty clothes
  • Tissues
  • Earplugs

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the airplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a rucksack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

To go to Indonesia travellers need a passport which is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and proof of onwards travel is required.

Visa

Travelers staying in Indonesia for less than 30 days do not need to obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip. Malaria prophylaxis is advised if your trip goes to Flores, Komodo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Sundra Islands or Kalimatan. Anti-malaria treatments are not necessary in Bali, Java or Lombok. Avoid contact with mosquitoes as much as possible: apply repellents, wear long trousers/sleeves and sleep with a mosquito net. The World Health Organisation can provide further details of the latest health news and medical advice.

Weather

Indonesia is positioned on both sides of the equator making it subject to a similar climate year round. As a rule the South is generally drier and less hot. The average temperature ranges between 24°C and 35°C (75°F and 95°F). We cannot guarantee no rain but we can suggest that the best season to visit Indonesia is the dry season, from mid-April to October/November.

Electricity

Indonesia uses European-style plugs with two round pins. Voltage is normally 220 V 50 Hz except in a few places where it is 110 V.

Local time

Indonesia is spread across three time zones. The Lesser Sunda Islands use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +8.  Indonesia does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during our trip...

  1. Be prepared
  2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
  3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
  4. Leave it as you find it
  5. Be careful with fire
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
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Adrien

My local agent
Adrien

  • Passionate and eager to travel, meet and discover new experiences.
  • Fond of hiking, meditating, snorkeling and diving.
  • Everything the outdoor, nature and different civilizations have to offer
  • I am at your service to share my passion with you and create with you the best tailored trip possible.
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Region
Flores & Komodo
Activity
Family Vacation Hiking & Outdoor Trips Travel to unknown corners
Duration
12 days
Code
ALINTRAFLA
Price
From €2,070
Level
3/5
Comfort
2/5

Strengths

  • Explore Kelimutu colorful Lakes
  • Chance to get close into unknown local ethnic culture
  • Discover the amazing spider-web ricefields of Cancar
  • Legendary volcano treks to Iya
  • Traditional villages of Bajawa
  • The cave and natural pool of Goa Rangko
  • Exclusive Speedboat Expedition to Encounter Komodo Dragons
Transflores : volcanoes, villages and dragons

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