Paul local Driver Guide Flores - knowledge and passion for Flores

Day 1: Ultimate 3-Day Flores Komodo Tour {Optional Komodo Tour}

1. Kelor Island
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   Join us for a breathtaking adventure through the pristine waters of Flores, Indonesia, aboard our luxurious Phinisi Yacht. Get ready for an unforgettable journey where you'll enjoy AC cabin ensuite comfort, delicious full-board meals, and jaw-dropping destinations!
   
   Arrival in Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park You arrive in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, and check in to your hotel. You are eager to see the famous Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards in the world.
   
   Komodo National Park, located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is composed of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and numerous smaller ones, all of them of volcanic origin

Day 2: Breathtaking Padar Island {Optional Komodo Tour}

1. Padar Island
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   Prepare to be awestruck as you hike to the summit of Padar Island and witness a mesmerizing sunset that paints the sky with shades of orange and pink. Don't forget your camera – this is a view worth capturing!
   
   After Rinca Island, you visit Padar Island, where you hike up to a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and bays. You see different shades of blue and green in the water, contrasting with the brown and black hills. You feel like you are in a paradise. You enjoy a picnic lunch at the top and take some selfies with the scenery.
2. Pink Beach
   4h · Admission ticket not included
   Next, you head to Pink Beach, one of the few beaches in the world that has pink sand. The sand is pink because of the red coral fragments that mix with the white sand. You swim and snorkel in the clear water and marvel at the colorful coral reefs and fish. You also relax on the soft sand and soak up the sun.
   
   You return to Labuan Bajo in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant. You try some delicious seafood dishes and local specialties. You chat with your fellow travelers and share your experiences of the day.
3. Komodo Island
   4h · Admission ticket not included
   Komodo Island: Witness the prehistoric Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizard, in their natural habitat.
   
   The most remarkable inhabitant of Komodo National Park is the Komodo Lizard, Varanus komodoensis. These giant lizards, existing no-where else in the world, are of great scientific interest, especially for their evolutionary implications. Most commonly known as 'Komodo Dragons', due to its appearance and aggressive behavior, the Komodo Lizard, is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 meters.

Day 3: Island Paradise Await {Optional Komodo Tour}

1. Kanawa Island
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   Kanawa Island: Bask in the beauty of this small, serene island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs.
   
   Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the colorful marine life with snorkeling and swimming.
2. Labuan Bajo
   1 day
   Back to Labuan Bajo: As your adventure comes to an end, reminisce about your incredible journey as we sail back to Labuan Bajo.

Day 4: The Spider Web: A Journey into the Manggarai Culture {Labuan Bajo to Ruteng}

1. Labuan Bajo
   1h
   You arrive in Labuan Bajo by boat, the gateway to the Komodo National Park, and meet your guide and driver
2. Todo Traditional Village
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Along the way, you stop at Todo traditional house, a cone-shaped building made of bamboo and palm leaves
3. 2h · Admission ticket included
   You also see the spider rice field, a unique circular pattern of rice paddies that resembles a spider web. You take some photos and admire the view of the green valley.
4. Ruteng
   2h
   You continue your drive to Ruteng and check in at your hotel. You have some time to rest before exploring Ruteng traditional market, where you can see various local products such as fruits, vegetables, spices, coffee, and handicrafts. You also try some delicious street food such as nasi goreng (fried rice), bakso (meatball soup), and pisang goreng (fried banana). You enjoy the lively atmosphere and the friendly people.

Day 5: The Spirit of Arak: A Taste of the Ngada Tradition {Ruteng to Bajawa}

1. 2h · Admission ticket included
   You wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel. You pack your bags and get ready for another day of adventure. You leave Ruteng and head to Bajawa, the capital of Ngada district. On the way, you stop at Ranemese lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by lush forest and misty mountains. You take a short walk around the lake and breathe in the fresh air.
2. 2h
   You resume your drive and pass by Aimere village, the place of local Arak distillation. Arak is a traditional alcoholic drink made from palm sap. You see how the villagers make Arak using simple tools and techniques. You also have a chance to taste some Arak if you are brave enough.
3. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit Belaraghi traditional village, one of the oldest and most isolated villages in Flores. You see their traditional houses that are built on stilts and have thatched roofs. You learn about their culture and beliefs.
4. Bajawa
   2h
   You arrive in Bajawa and check in at your hotel. You have lunch at a local restaurant
5. Wolobobo Hill
   Pass by
   Spectacular position to view the shifting clouds revealing rugged peaks and valleys breathe the silence

Day 6: The Fire and Water of Inerie: A Trek to the Volcanic Wonderland {Bajawa Surroundings}

1. Mount Inerie Peak
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   You wake up early 01:00. You put on your hiking shoes and get ready for an exciting trek to Mount Inerie, one of the most active volcanoes in Flores. You drive to the starting point of the trek and meet your local guide. He gives you some instructions and safety tips before you begin your ascent.
   
   You follow a steep trail that goes through grassland, and rocky terrain. You see various flora and fauna along the way, such as ferns, birds, and lizards. You also see some sulfur vents that emit steam and gas from the volcano. You reach the summit after about three hours of hiking. You are rewarded with a stunning view of the crater lake, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean. You feel a sense of achievement and awe.
2. Malanage Hot Springs
   4h · Admission ticket not included
   You descend from the mountain and drive back to your hotel for breakfast and then head to the Malanage hot river, a natural hot spring that flows from Mount Inerie. You soak in the warm water and relax your muscles after the trek. You enjoy the scenery of the river valley and the green hills
3. Bena Traditional Village
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   You then visit Bena and Luba villages, two of the most famous traditional villages in Flores. They are located on the slopes of Mount Inerie and have a spectacular view of the volcano. They are known for their megalithic culture, which is reflected in their stone monuments, ancestral shrines, altars, tombs, and statues. They also have unique architecture, with their houses having conical roofs that symbolize male and female principles. They have a strong sense of community and tradition, which they preserve through ceremonies, rituals, dances, and songs. You interact with the villagers and learn about their way of life.
   
   You have dinner at a local restaurant and savor some more Ngada delicacies

Day 7: The Rainbow Stones of Flores: A Discovery of the Hidden Gems {Bajawa to Moni village}

1. Blue Stone Beach
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   You wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel. You pack your bags and get ready for your next destination: Moni village, the gateway to Mount Kelimutu. You leave Bajawa and drive along the scenic Trans-Flores Highway, which connects the west and east parts of the island. You stop at Blue Stone Beach, a unique beach that is covered with colorful stones that are washed ashore by the waves. You see different shades of blue, green, red, yellow, and white stones that create a beautiful contrast with the sand and the sea. You walk along the beach and collect some stones as souvenirs.
2. Ende
   1h
   You continue your drive and walk across a Hanging Bamboo Bridge, a suspension bridge that is made of bamboo and ropes. It spans over a river that flows from Mount Kelimutu. You feel the thrill of crossing the bridge as it sways and creaks with every step. You also enjoy the view of the river and the forest.
3. Wologai Traditional Village
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Wologai traditional village, another example of the megalithic culture in Flores. You see their stone structures that are used for various purposes, such as storing rice, holding meetings, performing rituals, and burying the dead. You also see their houses that have wooden walls. You learn about their customs and beliefs, which are influenced by both animism and Christianity.
4. Moni
   1h
   You arrive in Moni and check in at your hotel.
   You have dinner at a local restaurant and try some Moni specialties such as Moni cake . You go back to your hotel and prepare for your early morning trek to Mount Kelimutu.

Day 8: The Magic Lakes of Kelimutu: A Sunrise to Remember {Moni to Maumere or Ende Airport}

1. Kelimutu Lake (Tri-Color Lake)
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   You wake up before dawn, you drive to the entrance of Mount Kelimutu National Park. Your guide leads you to a trail that goes up to the top of Mount Kelimutu, one of the most famous attractions in Flores. Mount Kelimutu is known for its three crater lakes that have different colors due to the minerals and gases in the water. The colors change over time depending on the weather and the volcanic activity.
   You reach the top of Mount Kelimutu just in time for a beautiful sunrise. You see the three lakes glowing in different colors: turquoise, brown, and green. You are amazed by the natural phenomenon and the breathtaking view. You take some photos and videos to capture the moment.

Day 9: A Day of Magic: Exploring the 17 Islands Marine Park in Flores {Optional Boat Tour}

1. 2h
   You wake up early in the morning, excited for your day trip to the 17 Islands of Riung Marine Park. You have heard amazing things about this hidden paradise in Flores, Indonesia, and you can’t wait to see it for yourself. You pack your snorkeling gear, sun cream, water bottle, and camera, and head to the pier where your boat is waiting.
   
   This island is covered with mangrove trees and home to a large colony of flying foxes, which are giant bats that feed on fruits and nectar. You can watch them hanging from the branches or flying out at sunset. This island also has some Komodo dragons, (not open to the public) the largest living lizards in the world. You can also snorkel around the island and see colorful coral reefs and fish
2. 2h · Admission ticket not included
   This is a small island with a white sandy beach. It is a perfect place to relax, enjoy the sun, and admire the view. You can swim in the clear water.
3. 2h
   The trail leads you to a viewpoint where you can see the whole 17 Islands Marine Park from above. You can also see some dolphins jumping in the distance (vary rare). On the other side of the island, there is another beach where you can swim, snorkel, or relax
4. 2h
   Indulge in a BBQ lunch on the beach, Your guide has prepared a BBQ lunch for you, with fresh fish, rice, vegetables, and fruits

Day 10: Step into the clouds and discover the hidden magic of Wae Rebo Village, where ancient traditions thrive! {optional}

1. Wae Rebo Village
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   Discover the hidden gem of Wae Rebo Village, a mystical village nestled high in the clouds of Flores, Indonesia! Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Manggarai people, where ancient cone-shaped houses and time-honored traditions create a magical experience. Journey through lush forests to reach this remote paradise, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a shared accommodation stay overnight in one of the iconic traditional houses. Experience the warmth of community living, sharing stories and meals with fellow travelers and locals alike. If you're seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Wae Rebo Village is the ultimate hidden treasure waiting to be explored!

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness