Ultimate Flores and Sumba Nature, Culture, Tribes and Dragons

For much of this journey, you’ll explore the highlands between 1,100-1,500m altitude, where the climate is cool and amid towering mountains, are cities that retain their cultural way of life. You'll also visit remote Sumba, famous world-wide for its traditional hand-weaving.  

Sample itinerary

Day 1: Bali - Waingapu (L,D)

Upon arrive at Mau Hau Airport of Waingapu, you are welcomed by your guide representative then transfer to your preferred hotel for check in.  Afternoon city tour to visit Prailiu / Kallu village as the centre of traditional ikat hand weaving and stone graving of the Prailiu King. 

Day 2: Waingapu - Anakalang - Waikabubak (B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive overland to Waikabubak - West Sumba, a distance of 137 km (4 hours). On the way we stop at Waibakul and Pasunga (Anakalang area) see the greatest stone graves and traditional houses of West Sumbanese. On arrival at Waikabubak we check-in direct at the hotel. After having lunch we visit villages which are located on small hills nearby the city of Waikabubak such as Puunaga, Tarung and Tabar, then to the local market to see the activities of local people in selling and buying their daily needs and hand-weaving.

Day 3: Waikabubak - Kodi - Waikabubak (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. We start to explore the west part of Sumba, drive to Kodi for 2 hours to visit Bondo Kodi and Ratenggaro for the traditional thatched roof and highest towering (10 metres) houses and megalithic tombs. Then we walk along the beautiful and quite beaches of Tossi where picnic lunch is served. In the afternoon visit Bondo Kawangu to meet the Pasola priester. Continue drive to Waikabubak for 3 hours (around 65 km) with several stops.

Day 4: Waikabubak - Tambolaka - Ende (B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for flight to Ende. Upon arrival you are welcomed by your personal guide then transferred to your hotel. Afternoon we do the city tour by visiting the exhile house of Soekarno, the marine museum and the local harbour. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Ende - Moni (B,L,D)

After breakfast we visit Nuabosi and Wolo village. Then return to Ende for lunch. Afterwards drive to Moni with stops at Wologai village and several stops according to what happens along the way to Moni. Dinner and overnight at hotel. 

Day 6: Moni - Kelimutu - Bajawa (B,L,D)

Early morning drive up to Kelimutu to see the three colored lakes. Upon arrival, walk 1.5km to view the spectacular of the dark red, light blue and black color of the Kelimutu lake. Down to Moni, proceed to Bajawa with stop at Kowanara village. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 7: Bajawa - Belaragi village (B/L/D)

Breakfast at Hotel, then drive to visit Bena village where people do preserve their ancestral spirits believed and way of life which can be seen in their 'Ngadhu' and 'Bhaga,' conical thatched roof huts symbolized their male and female ancestral spirits, continue to the hot spring and afternoon drive to Belaragi village, Dinner and overnight in the village (or optionally you can walk these sections guided).

Day 8: Belaragi - Ruteng (B,L,D)

Breakfast in the village and drive to Aimere, stop to  to see the local making palm wine and visit Ranamese lake. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Ruteng. 

Day 9: Ruteng - Labuan Bajo (B,L,D)

Birding in Ruteng to search for the famed Flores Nightingale (Bare-throated Whistler). Afternoon drive to Labuan Bajo. overnight in Labuan bajo

Day 10: Labuan Bajo-Rinca Island - Komodo. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at Hotel and transfer to the pier. Continue by boat to Rinca island, takes about 2 hours, when you can relax and enjoy the passing scenery. Arrive in Rinca and start a short trek. Treks on Rinca Island start from the ticket office at Loh Buaya to Waewaso, it takes about two hours, the best opportunity to see dragons and their prey, passes the dragon nests and out into the sunshine across an exposed savannah that is studded with lontar palms. and a permanent waterhole in Waewaso, across exposed slopes that offer breathtaking views. Afternoon cruise to Komodo island. Dinner and Overnight on boat. Night birding in Komodo is a time when all the animals come out and something most guests don't get to see!

Day 11 : Komodo island - Labuan Bajo, (B/L/D)

Morning wildlife and birds in Komodo, before most tourists arrive.  Return to the boat and proceed to a pink beach. This peculiar beach gets its color from red coral fragments. It is definitely a great place to spend some time by just laying back or enjoying the underwater world with your snorkeling equipment (provided). Lunch on board and afternoon back to Labuan Bajo. Overnight at Bintang Flores Hotel or similar. 

Day 12: Labuan Bajo - Bali (B)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for catching flight to Bali (for afternoon flight, the guide will take you to visit the local market and Batu Cermin cave before transferring to the airport).

Inclusions

• Accommodation with full board meals
• AC car for Transfer and tours
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fee and donation
• Boat to Komodo National Park

Excludes

• Personal expenses
• Tips (discretionary)
• Travel insurance.

Style of travel

This trip is suitable for people with a medium to high level of basic fitness.