In Search of the Komodo Dragons

This 15 night/16 day tailor-made tour takes you to the rarely visited island of Flores, one of the most beautiful islands of the Indonesian archipelago. You will spend time exploring the island, including the sleepy coastal town of Maumere, a centre of the local Sikkanese culture, and visit a village famous for the art of ikat weaving. Climb Kelimutu, a now extinct volcano topped by the startling phenomenon of three different coloured lakes.

Visit a local fish market in the waterfront town of Ende and then head to Bajawa, home to a host of fascinating traditional villages scattered around Mount Inerie, a sacred volcano of some 2,200 metres in height. There are hot springs and giant ancestor tombs still used in present day ceremonies. Then before dawn, board a local fisher boat and sail to the home of the Giant Lizard of Komodo. The trip sails through some of the most beautiful sea-scapes in the world. These giants can measure up to 3 metres long, can weigh up to 70kg and are one of the most efficient beasts of prey nature ever created. Enjoy a hike on either Komodo or Rinca in search of these magnificent animals. End the trip with a return flight to Bali and a few days relaxing on a quiet stretch of beach on the west coast of the island.

Day 1: Departure

Depart London Heathrow on a direct flight to Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

Day 2: Land Denpasar, Bali

Land Singapore. Transit and board the flight to Denpasar, Bali.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Ubud and your chosen hotel for the first 3 nights relaxing or exploring the region.

Days 3 - 4: Ubud (B/-/-)

The next 2 days are at leisure.

Day 5: Ubud / Island of Flores (B/-/D)

Today you will take the short flight from Bali to Maumere on the remote island of Flores.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel. In the afternoon your guide will show you the sights of Maumere, including a friendly Bugis village and a walk to a viewpoint over both coasts of Flores.

Day 6: Moni, Flores (B/L/D)

This morning, travel through the hilly countryside with stops en-route at the local weaving villages to see the artisans at work. Spend the night in Moni.

Day 7: Kelimutu, Flores (B/L/D)

Take a transfer to the foot of Kelimutu and trek to the top to see the 3 coloured lakes, caused by the ever changing mineral levels in the water. After your climb, drive onwards to Ende, the biggest town on the island. Overnight here.

Day 8: Ende, Flores (B/L/D)

Early morning today you will visit a local and lively fish market where the locals rush to buy the best of the days catch. Drive onwards to Bajawa for overnight.

Day 9: Bajawa, Flores (B/L/D)

Spend the day exploring the town and local villages - you might be lucky enough to witness a 'caci' fight, vigorously fought between two young men clad in sarong using rattan sticks and wooden shields. Overnight Bajawa.

Day 10: Ruteng, Flores (B/L/D)

A long day today with a drive to Ruteng. Along the way you will be able to watch the spectacular scenery go by. In Ruteng itself, enjoy a visit to the cool and relaxing central market and enjoy some of the coffee the region is famous throughout Indonesia for. Overnight Ruteng.

Day 11: Labuhan Bajo, Flores (B/L/D)

Before leaving Ruteng today you will have the chance to visit a local coffee plantation to see how it is prepared for export. Afterwards drive onwards to the west coast and overnight here.

Day 12: Wild Komodo (B/L/D)

Today you will cruise to Komodo and enjoy a trek with the local Park Ranger to view the Komodo Dragons, the largest member of the monitor family, in their natural habitat. With no competition for food on the islands, they dominate the food chain and can reach gigantic sizes. Enjoy the day on the Island before returning to Flores, stopping at a remote beach en-route for some snorkelling.

Day 13: Flores / Bali (B/-/-)

This morning you will take the short flight back to Denpasar, Bali and then transfer overland to Candidasa and your hotel for the final 3 nights on this quiet stretch of beach.