Salam! Welcome to the Indonesian island of Flores – translating to ‘the island of flowers.’ You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Mt Kelimutu National Park. If you arrive early, why not take some time to explore your lush surroundings on foot. Tonight, you’ll meet your trip leader and travel group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe head out for dinner and get to know each other. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Ende is the gateway to eastern Flores, so you’ll need to fly into Ende to meet your arrival airport transfer to Mt Kelimutu National Park. The Ende airport only services domestic flights – one of the best connections would be to fly to Ende via Labuan Bajo.

Wake up bright and early and strap on your walking shoes. This morning, you’ll head out on a sunrise trek to Mt Kelimutu. Make your way up the mountain to the viewpoint, where you’ll be greeted with spectacular views over the bright green, blue and red crater lakes below. Head back down the mountain, then take a picturesque drive along the coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at Padhawatu Waterfall for a refreshing dip before reaching the hiking point to Tololela Village. Hike through forest and farmlands while learning about local vegetation and maybe catch a glimpse of small wildlife indigenous to the region. When you arrive, be welcomed in and take a short walk in this village of 32 houses. Then, maybe head to Malanage Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. This evening, sit down to a hearty home-cooked dinner and enjoy the quiet of the village. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your morning hiking time will be approximately a half-hour walking up to the crater lake viewpoint. Your afternoon hike to the village will be approximately 1 hour and 3 km (1.8 mi) through local agricultural land and forests. You’ll leave your big luggage with your minivan and need an overnight pack with your valuables and essentials for your stay tonight, including a towel. The group will be split into different houses tonight, with 2 people sharing one household. The conditions will be basic and humble, and the experience authentic with warm local hospitality. Mattresses are set up on the floor with sheets and pillows provided. Bathing facilities are cold-water bucket showers, and there is an outdoor squat toilet - all shared at the household. Dinner will be served in the house tonight – expect true local food, shared together while sitting on the floor.

This morning, you’ll hike out of the village and travel on to the town of Bena – known for its megalithic formations and traditional huts. Wander through the streets as your trip leader takes you on a guided walk through the village, admiring the intricate handiwork of the thatched hut roofs, impressive stone formations and ancestral shrines. Take a quick walk up Wolobobo Hill for a great view, then enjoy a local lunch in town. After, continue to Bajawa and enjoy some free time to relax and recharge. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.  Your hike from the village will be approximately 1 hour and 3 km (1.8 mi) through local agricultural land and forests.

Today, you’ll continue your journey to Ruteng. On the way, stop at Aimere and see how local palm wine is made in the traditional way. Arrive in Ruteng in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore the town – your trip leader will have some excellent insider recommendations for dinner spots. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 to 5 hours.

This morning, head to Cara Village where you’ll see the Lingko – rice fields planted in an intricate spiderweb pattern. Then continue to Liang Bua Cave, where the skull of a short human called Homo floresiensis was found at a depth of 6 m (19.6 ft). The original skull has been moved to a museum in Java, but it’s fascinating to learn about the story of this ‘human relative’ where it was discovered. After, return to Ruteng for some free time. If you’re feeling active, maybe join a cycling tour in Ruteng. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, continue west to Labuan Bajo. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time in the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. On the west coast of Flores, Labuan Bajo sits right on the beach with expansive views across the Flores Sea and to the islands on the horizon. Grab some dinner in town before returning to your hotel for some rest and relaxation for the evening.

Your sailing adventure begins this morning! After breakfast, make your way to the harbour where you’ll board your customary phinisi sailing boat for the night. These tall-masted ships echo the Indonesian seafaring spirit and shipbuilding traditions – and look pretty cool, too! When you arrive, enjoy a welcome drink and introduction to the boat while you set off to your first destination – Kelor Island. Famous for its serenity, unspoiled scenery and hiking opportunities, Kelor Island is the perfect spot to seek out some gorgeous panoramic views. Head up to the top of the island this afternoon and take in the surrounding beaches and rolling hills. Jump back on board and head to Manjarite Island, where you’ll spend your time snorkelling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Later this afternoon, cruise to Kalong Island – a small mangrove inhabited by thousands of fruit bats – and watch the sunset over the horizon as the locals take flight for the evening. You’ll need to pack an overnight bag with your essentials for the night on board the boat. The rest of your luggage will be stored in Labuan Bajo. The boat company that we work with can use different boats with different configurations, so the group may stay in twin-share rooms or bunk-bed rooms depending on the boat used. The facilities will be shared while on board.

This morning, make landfall on the Komodo National Park’s third-largest island – Padar Island. Hike up to the top and look out over the verdant landscape, covered in green hills that stretch right down to the shoreline, meeting the blue waters of the Savu Sea. Head back down the mountain where you can cool off at Pink Beach and join the local sea life with some snorkelling. After, sail to Komodo Island, where you’ll be trekking alongside the mighty Komodo dragons. Keep on the lookout for these ancient-looking reptiles, catching them up close and personal in their natural habitat. Make your way back to the harbour, cruising back to Labuan Bajo for a final night on the island. Why not have a dinner together to celebrate this great adventure.

After breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end. Bid your fellow travellers farewell and check out of your hotel. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to extend your stay in Labuan Bajo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. To leave the trip, you’ll need to fly out via Labuan Bajo airport, which has direct flights to Jakarta and Bali and some direct international connections to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.