This unique trip takes you to an unchartered world, rarely visited by tourists. You will have a memorable experience and gain a deep insight into some unique cultural aspects of this region. Ikat weaving, an integral part of traditional life in villages throughout Southeast Indonesia, is most prominently present on Flores, one of the most beautiful islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Explore the wonderful different coloured crater lakes on Kelimutu, where local legend has it that they are the home of the souls of their deceased. Visit the fascinating traditional villages scattered around the sacred volcano of Mt Inerie. Sample some of the best Indonesian coffee and visit a local coffee factory and end with a visit to the famous island of Komodo to see the giant lizards.

 

Day 1: Departure

Today you will take the direct flight to Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

Day 2: Arrive Denpasar, Bali

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

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel in Sanur. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 3: Sanur at leisure (B/-/-)

Today is entirely at leisure to relax on the beach at Sanur.

Day 4: Maumere, Flores (B/L/D)

Transfer from your hotel in Sanur to the airport for the short flight to Maumere. You will be met on arrival at Maumere, a sleepy town on the northeast coast of Flores, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon, we explore Maumere and the vicinity. The city is a major centre of Sikkanese culture, predominant in east Flores and one of the many vying for attention on this wonderful island. The surrounding are strewn with today's proof of Catholic missions, that first came some 400 years ago, together with the Portuguese Dominicans. Visit an old but extremely friendly Bugis village. Then it is on to some interesting villages where ikat weaving has been transformed into true art. A little further on, you can enjoy an easy walk to enjoy a magnificent view over both coasts of Flores.

Day 5: Maumere / Moni (B/L/D)

Travel through the hilly landscape and narrow valleys, passing by charming villages where weaving is still done by hand. Stop at any of them and you'll be able to observe the artisans at work. Spend the night close to the mountain slope among the lush rice paddies. Moni is home to the Lio people, who speak a dialect of the Ende language. Their ikat weaving is branded by long pieces adorned by bands of blue and rusty-red.

Day 6: Kelimutu (B/L/D)

Transfer to Moni and onwards by foot to the top of Kelimutu, a remarkable extinct volcano topped by three different colored lakes. This startling phenomenon is caused by the ever changing level of minerals in the still waters. Continue to Ende, the biggest town on the island. The population of this town is evenly split between Muslims and Christians, with a mix of Melanesian and Malay features.

Day 7: Ende / Bajawa (B/L/D)

Before leaving Ende, you'll visit a lively fish market on the waterfront. In the early morning you can observe how the fishermen display their nightly catch on the beach with the first rays of the sun - the locals rush to the scene to buy the best of the catch! Before leaving this area, you'll have a last view over the splendid surroundings of the Ende peninsula, bordered by Gunung Meja and Gunung Iya to the south. Along black beaches bordering the Indian Ocean, steep valleys and pristine rainforest, the road leads to your next destination, Bajawa.

Day 8: Bajawa (B/L/D)

In Bajawa there is magic around every corner. The area is home to some fascinating traditional villages, all dominated by Mt Inerie, a mighty, sacred volcano of some 2,200 m. Ancient priests guard over old, animistic beliefs, symbolized by ngadhu and bhaga, totem pole-like figurines dedicated to male and female ancestors. There are hot springs and giant ancestor tombs still used in present day ceremonies. If you are lucky you might witness a caci fight, vigorously fought between two young men clad in sarong using rattan sticks and wooden shields. It is definitely worth spending a day in this magical area.

Day 9: Bajawa / Ruteng (B/L/D)

After a full day drive along the beautiful landscape, we reach the next transit point. The plantations of the Manggarai district grow some of the best coffee in Indonesia! It is a pleasant walk through the spacious and spotless streets to the market of Ruteng, a cool and relaxing place. Ruteng is the capital city of Manggarai hill people, one of the better known ethnic groups in Flores, wearing their signature black sarongs and going on with their daily life in a shy but friendly manner.

Day 10: Ruteng / Labuan Bajo (B/L/D)

Before leaving Ruteng, we visit a local coffee factory, where fine Indonesian coffee is prepared for export to the other islands. Past several traditional villages, drive onwards through the much drier western part of Flores until you reach the west coast.

Day 11: Komodo Island (B/L/D)

Before dawn board a local fisherboat and sail to the home base of one of the most fascinating living creatures on earth, the Giant Lizard of Komodo. The trip sails past some of the most beautiful sea-scapes in the world. Komodo island and Rinca are home to the Varanus Komodoensis, the scientific name for this fantastic creatures. Most specimens of this native lizard species look very heavy -they can measure 3 metres long and weigh up to 150 kg but appearances are deceptive. With its disjointed jaws, poisonous bites and the vicious way in which it kills its prey, the omnivorous ora is one of the most efficient beasts of prey nature has ever created. During a hike on either Komodo or Rinca, under guidance of a park ranger, a meeting with these fantastic beasts, is most probable! After this expedition, you can rinse off all excitement on one of the many semi-deserted beaches, teeming with coral gardens. Return to Labuhan Bajo for overnight.

Day 12: Flores / Denpasar (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer to Labuan Bajo airport and fly back to Denpasar. Transfer to your hotel in Sanur for overnight.

Day 13: Departure (B/-/-)

Today you will be transferred back to Denpasar airport for the return flight to the UK, via Singapore.

Please note: Whilst we have selected the best available accommodation throughout this trip, the hotels on Flores remain simple and basic.