Remote Flores

Whether you arrive at one of Flores’ two main eastern airports, or you’ve been on the beach in Maumere, you’ll be collected by your driver for a journey across beautiful countryside to the picturesque village of Moni. You’ll spend the night in the guest quarters at a local homestay, where you’ll receive a warm welcome. The facilities are pretty basic and you won’t have hot water, but for the experience, we think the tradeoff is completely worth it.

Before dawn, you’ll set off to Kelimutu volcano for a spectacular sunrise. On a clear day, Kelimutu is one of the most amazing sights in the world. The three cater lakes change colour depending on the mineral content in the water, and the local people believe that the lakes are the final resting place of the dead – one lake for the elderly, another for young people and a third for witches.  Next, you’ll continue to Bajawa, visiting a small village with traditional thatched houses along the way to see some local crafts. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, in time to check into your locally run hotel and relax before tomorrow’s adventures.

This morning, you’ll walk along the foot of the mighty Inerie volcano, visiting small villages as you walk in the shade of the towering bamboo forest. One of the best-preserved villages is Bena, where the little houses with straw roofs are built in two rows along a line of megalithic stones, which are occasionally still used for ritual sacrifices.

Before returning to Bajawa for the evening, you’ll visit the hot springs at Soa. For many people, including the guides and drivers, this is the only place on Flores where they can find hot running water. You’ll have plenty of time to take a dip in the water, and watch as the locals make use of nature’s hot tap.

Next, you’ll continue your journey west, crossing through lush isolated areas on the way. You’ll arrive in the town of Ruteng in the afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore and visit the lively market packed with colourful embroidered sarongs. Our first choice accommodation here is a convent in the town, converted for guests but still also home to a number of nuns who’ll be going about their daily chores.

On your final day, you’ll travel downhill towards Labuan Bajo, a beach-side town in a beautiful secluded bay, and the gateway to the Komodo National Park.  From here you can choose to go in search of dragons, or continue your Indonesian journey by air.