Highlights
- See Komodo dragons on their namesake island
- Snorkel and swim in the Komodo National Park
- Trek through the lush landscapes of Flores Island
- Stay in a village homestay in Wae Rebo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Labuan Bajo, Board Cruise | Komodo Island |
| Day 2 | Spot Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park | Komodo Island |
| Day 3 | Wildlife Spotting in Komodo, Optional Activities | Komodo Island |
| Day 4 | Morning Snorkeling, Disembark Cruise, Transfer Overland to Denge | Denge |
| Day 5 | Hike to Wae Rebo Village, Night in Homestay | Wae Rebo |
| Day 6 | Return to Labuan Bajo | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 7 | Depart Labuan Bajo |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Labuan Bajo, Board Cruise
Welcome to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Indonesia's Flores Island and East Nusa Tenggara region, as well as the starting point for many trips to the Komodo National Park and nearby Komodo Island. You and your family will be met at the airport and transferred to the port. There, your crew will be waiting to welcome you onto the cruise ship and will brief you on the adventures to come.
Settle into your cabin while the onboard chef prepares lunch. Your captain will lift the anchor and sail through the clear topaz waters before stopping to kick off your week-long tour with a snorkeling stop. The kids will love donning a mask and fins and delving beneath the ocean's surface to see the world-famous coral reefs, which teem with colorful marine life. Return to the boat for dinner and a relaxing first evening on the water.Day 2: Spot Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park
Today starts with a sunrise hike to the summit of Padar Island for dramatic views over the archipelago. This is worth getting the kids out of bed early for! After breakfast on the boat, embark upon a guided trek in Komodo National Park. If there's one thing Komodo Island is known for, it's Komodo dragons. Your guide will look out for these amazing reptiles along the way, describing how they hunt with their long tails, fangs, and toxic saliva. These dinosaur-like animals can reach up to 10 feet (3 m) long, making them the largest lizards in the world.
After your walk, cruise into a crystal-clear bay where you'll drop anchor for a lavish lunch spread. Spend the afternoon at your next snorkeling spot, Manta Ray Alley, in the southern part of Komodo National Park. This sandy-bottomed area acts as a cleaning station for elegant manta rays, which you and the kids can swim alongside.Day 3: Wildlife Spotting in Komodo, Optional Activities
The third day of your cruise is all about learning more about the other wildlife to be found in the area, from the birds to the underwater marine life. Every day sailing around the island and the national park offers something new as the landscapes and weather conditions present unique sights and experiences. Today, kids can rest after an active couple of days or keep going with more optional outdoor adventures.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Morning Snorkeling, Disembark Cruise, Transfer Overland to Denge
This morning your cruise continues, following a program that varies according to the tides. If luck smiles on you, you'll cross the paths of manta rays by the dozen and sometimes even by the hundreds. Snorkel in the water for a closer look. The crew is there to help you, and there is a rope in the water that you or your kids can grab onto as the currents pull you along. At another stop, you see brightly-colored corals inhabited by a multitude of fish underwater.
Next, you'll cruise back to the port at Labuan Bajo and disembark, saying your goodbyes to your captain and crew. Then your adventures continue by land as you're picked up for a three to four-hour journey through the heart of Flores Island and its traditional villages and lush rice fields. Stop along the way to let the kids stretch their legs and explore some scenic spots before reaching your base for the night in Denge.Day 5: Hike to Wae Rebo Village, Night in Homestay
Wake your kids early this morning to start the hike from Denge to Wae Rebo, a trek of between four and six hours— depending on the speed and ages of your little ones and how often you want to stop along the way. Upon arrival at this remote mountain village, you'll be met by your friendly local hostess, who will welcome the whole family into her home. You'll spend the night in basic homestay accommodation, which is an ideal way for the children to see how people live in this part of Indonesia.
Wae Rebo is a traditional place, mostly untouched by technology, where people live in round huts that signify the unity of their village. These distinctive, conical mbaru niang houses are surrounded by hillsides and dense Todo forest, nestled in the heart of a biodiverse paradise. Curious kids will love finding orchids and ferns and listening to the songs of exotic birdlife as they explore this remarkable place before returning to their hut for a memorable dinner.
Day 6: Return to Labuan Bajo
After breakfast, say goodbye to your homestay hosts and head back to Labuan Bajo with your private driver. Admire the scenery along the way, as the landscape in this part of Flores is renowned for its beauty. You'll see rice fields and drive through traditional villages, where local people will greet you with a wave.
After arriving in Labuan Bajo, check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Don't miss a visit to the SO Bajo Night Market, where the family can fill their tummies with a final Indonesian seafood dinner. Many of the vendors sell the same, or similar, fish and squid dishes, so head to a spot that's busy with locals because that's always a sign that the food is top-notch and fresh.
Day 7: Depart Labuan Bajo
It's time to say goodbye to Labuan Bajo and to Indonesia. You may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping this morning before your driver picks you up and takes you to the airport in good time for your flight. Selamat tinggal!
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