FLORES OVERLAND TRIP
A road journey across Flores: volcanoes, traditional villages and Komodo National Park
Flores Island Itinerary – 9 Days from Maumere to Komodo
Flores had been on my travel wish list for many years. After exploring several Indonesian islands before, this journey finally took me across Flores from Maumere in the east to Labuan Bajo in the west.
The island offers one of the most varied travel experiences in Indonesia. Volcanic mountains, traditional villages, crater lakes and remote landscapes follow each other across the island, creating an ideal route for an overland journey through Flores.
This nine-day itinerary combines some of the island’s most remarkable destinations, including Kelimutu’s three coloured crater lakes, the traditional mountain village of Wae Rebo, the Ngada villages near Bajawa, and Komodo National Park.
9-Day Flores Overland Route
Travelling across Flores is best experienced as a road journey from east to west. Distances are relatively short, but mountain roads make travel slower, allowing time to explore villages, landscapes and local culture along the way.
Day 1: Denpasar – Maumere
Arrival in Maumere, the largest town in eastern Flores.
Day 2: Maumere – Moni
Visit Wuring fishing village and continue via Koka Beach toward the mountain village of Moni, the gateway to Kelimutu volcano.
Day 3: Kelimutu – Bajawa
Sunrise at Kelimutu’s three coloured crater lakes, followed by a scenic drive through the central mountains of Flores toward Bajawa.
Day 4: Ngada Villages
Exploring traditional villages of the Ngada region, including Luba, Bena, Tololela and Gurusina.
Day 5: Bajawa – Ruteng
Journey west through the mountains toward Ruteng, stopping at traditional settlements such as Belaraghi and Ruteng Pu’u.
Day 6: Ruteng – Wae Rebo
Drive through the Manggarai highlands past the famous Lingko spiderweb rice fields, before trekking into the remote mountain village of Wae Rebo.
Day 7: Wae Rebo – Labuan Bajo
Return from Wae Rebo and continue toward the western harbour town of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park.
Day 8: Komodo National Park
Boat journey through Komodo National Park, visiting the islands of Komodo and Rinca, home to the Komodo dragon.
Day 9: Return to Bali from Labuan Bajo.
ACCOMMODATION:
Maumere: Sylvia Hotel – Moni: Angi Lodge – Bajawa: Nusantara 2 – Ruteng: Hotel Sinda – Wae Rebo: traditional house – Labuan Bajo: live-aboard boat
We did this Flores itinerary in July 2016.
Highlights of Flores
Several destinations make Flores one of Indonesia’s most rewarding travel routes.
Kelimutu Volcano
The three crater lakes of Kelimutu are among Indonesia’s most famous volcanic landscapes.
Bajawa and the Ngada Villages
Traditional villages such as Bena and Gurusina preserve unique architecture and ceremonial traditions.
Wae Rebo
The remote mountain village of Wae Rebo is known for its distinctive conical houses and dramatic setting in the mountains of western Flores.
Komodo National Park
The journey across Flores often ends with a visit to Komodo National Park, where the famous Komodo dragon lives.
About Flores Island
Flores belongs to the province of East Nusa Tenggara, the chain of islands stretching east of Bali. The island is approximately 360 kilometres long, yet contains an impressive variety of landscapes.
Volcanoes dominate much of the island’s terrain. Mountains such as Mount Egon near Maumere, Mount Inerie near Bajawa, and Kelimutu have shaped both the landscapes and agricultural valleys of Flores.
At the western end of the island lies Labuan Bajo, the main gateway to Komodo National Park and the dry savannah islands of Komodo and Rinca.
In 1544 a Portuguese ship reached the eastern cape of Flores Island and named it Cabo de Flores — the “Cape of Flowers.” Today, Flores is known less for flowers than for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and rugged mountain scenery.
Why Travel Across Flores
Compared with Bali or Lombok, tourism on Flores remains relatively small-scale. Travelling across the island by road allows visitors to experience a wide range of landscapes and cultures within a relatively short distance.
For travellers who enjoy volcanoes, traditional villages and remote landscapes, Flores offers one of the most rewarding journeys in Indonesia.
Practical Organisation
We organised the trip by renting a car with driver, which is the most practical way to travel across Flores. Accommodation was booked in advance, as options along the route are limited, particularly during high season.
For the visit to Komodo National Park, we arranged a private boat in order to explore the islands more freely.
