Highlights
- Snorkel through Tulamben Bay to see the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck
- Hike to the trio of differently colored crater lakes on the side of Mount Kelimutu
- Lounge on Padar Island's famous Pink Beach deep in Komodo National Park
- Join a nature walk lwith a local expert to spot Komodo dragons on Rinca Island
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Amed | Amed, Bali |
| Day 2 | Snorkeling in Tulamben Bay | Amed, Bali |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Trunyan Village | Amed, Bali |
| Day 4 | Fly to Flores Island, Transfer to Moni via Ende | Moni |
| Day 5 | Trek to Kelimutu Lakes, Transfer to Bajawa, Free Time | Bajawa |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Ruteng via Bena Village & Aimere | Ruteng |
| Day 7 | Trekking to Wae Rebo via Dintor & Denge | Wae Rebo |
| Day 8 | Visit Spiderweb Rice Terraces, Transfer to Labuan Bajo | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 9 | Discover Rangko Cave & Mirror Cave, Hike To Amelia Sea View | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 10 | Island Hopping & Snorkeling in Komodo National Park, Boat to Seraya | Seraya |
| Day 11 | Snorkeling, Trekking & Sunset Cruising in the Komodo Archipelago | Seraya |
| Day 12 | Snorkeling Tour of Sebayur & Kambing Islands | Seraya |
| Day 13 | Return to Labuan Bajo, Fly to Bali, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Amed
Welcome to Bali! You'll arrive at Denpasar International Airport, meet your driver, and then transfer to your hotel in Amed. Take time to recover from your flight, or spend the rest of the day exploring this undiscovered corner of the famed Indonesian island. Located on the island's eastern shore, Amed is known for its laid-back beaches, lack of crowds, fresh seafood, and easy access to world-class diving. Take in the views of Mount Agung from the black-sand Amed Beach, snorkel right off the shore of Jemeluk Beach, or catch a sunset from Sunset Point.
Venture farther afield by renting a scooter, and head to the famous Lahangan Sweet for sweeping views of the shoreline from a sky-high tree platform. Head back into town to work out those travel kinks with a traditional Balinese massage or grab a smoothie before a swim to the Underwater Temple. As you snorkel, keep an eye out for sea turtles, which are a common sight in the surrounding Amed Reef.
Day 2: Snorkeling in Tulamben Bay
Day 3: Day Trip to Trunyan Village
Dive deeper into Bali's diverse traditions and culture with a visit to the small village of Trunyan, located on the eastern shore of Lake Batur. More commonly known as "Skull Island," this community is home to the Bali Aga people, a local Indigenous group known for their distinctive burial practices. Unlike other places in Bali, funerals are based on an ancient custom, mepasah, where bodies are placed under a sacred tree without being buried or cremated, leaving only the skulls and bones as a memorial.
Trunyan is also known for its natural beauty, which is well-preserved thanks to its remote location. Apart from visiting the sacred tree and witnessing the community's burial rituals, you'll take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, which has a magnificent view of the ancient Mount Batur caldera. Meet the local villagers, learn about their everyday lives, and taste traditional kopi luwak, the world's most expensive and exclusive coffee (made from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive system of an Asian palm civet).
Day 4: Fly to Flores Island, Transfer to Moni via Ende
Check out early this morning and take a transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport, where you'll board a flight to the island of Flores. Upon arrival, catch a connecting flight to the town of Ende, then meet your guide and set off on a two-hour journey to Moni, a small traditional village near the shores of Kelimutu Lake. On the way, you'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
You'll reach Moni in the afternoon and check into your ecolodge accommodations, then head out to explore the small yet charming town. Have a coffee at a café overlooking the picturesque Detusoko Rice Terraces, peruse local fruit and handicrafts at the Moni Village Market, or go bird-watching in the nearby Wolojita Forest.
Day 5: Trek to Kelimutu Lakes, Transfer to Bajawa, Free Time
Today starts before dawn with an early morning transfer from your lodge to the slopes of the mysterious Mount Kelimutu. Here, you'll set out on foot to discover the most amazing natural phenomenon in Flores, the three crater lakes of Kelimutu. These uniquely colored lakes, from brilliant aquamarine to ocher red and chocolate brown, have often changed colors, sometimes up to six times a year. While scientific reasons point to varying mineral content, local people still strongly believe that the lakes are gathering places for ancestral spirits, with each color related to different karma.
After your scenic hike, return to Moni for breakfast and some time to pack. Check out and begin your transfer to Bajawa, a charming town in the highlands of Flores. On the way, visit the former resident of Indonesia's first president during his exile and stop for local fare in a small restaurant. Continue for about five more hours until Soa, where you'll soak in the famous Soa Hot Springs. Rest and rejuvenate in the warm waters under coconut trees, then finish your journey in Bajawa, where you'll spend the night.
Day 6: Transfer to Ruteng via Bena Village & Aimere
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the rich Ngada culture around Bajawa. After a visit to a local bamboo plantation, you'll stop for sweeping views across the 7,365-foot (2,245 m) Mount Inerie, one of the highest volcanoes in Flores. Continue to the Ngada village of Luba, then set out on a short, 15-minute walk to reach Bena, one of Indonesia's most beautiful traditional villages.
Built at the foot of Mount Inerie, Bena consists of two rows of traditional thatched houses. In the village's center, you'll find ancestors' shrines alongside many megalithic formations meant to connect the Ngada people with the supernatural realm and to communicate with their ancestors. After heading back to Bajawa, make your way west along the coast, stopping for a refreshing swim in the Sewu Sea and visiting the coastal village of Aimere to tour a local arak factory and see how this popular Indonesian alcoholic drink is made.
Turn inland from the coast and head north into the highlands and the western district of Manggarai. After stops for lunch and a view over the picturesque emerald crater lake of Ranamese, you'll arrive in Ruteng, the capital of the Manggarai district, and your base for the night. The largest rice-producing area of Flores and an important Indonesian coffee-producing region, Ruteng sits at an altitude of 3,608 feet (1,100 m).
Day 7: Trekking to Wae Rebo via Dintor & Denge
Wake up early this morning to start the long journey to one of Indonesia's most beautiful villages, Wae Rebo. Meet your driver for a three-hour drive to Dintor, and after lunch, continue to Denge. Switch to a motorbike for a quick ride to Waelomba, where your four-hour trek to the remote mountain village begins. Upon arrival at this pristine corner of the world, you'll be met by your friendly local host, who will welcome you into her home. You'll spend the night in basic homestay accommodation, a great way 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 forests, nestled in the heart of a biodiverse paradise. Listen to the birdsong, look out for rare orchids in the surrounding forest, and disconnect from modern life.
Day 8: Visit Spiderweb Rice Terraces, Transfer to Labuan Bajo
After breakfast, say goodbye to your homestay hosts and make the two-hour trek back down to Waelomba, where you'll catch another motorbike down to Denge. Here you'll meet your driver for the five-hour trip to Labuan Bajo. Along the way, stop in the village of Cara for spectacular views of its famous rice field. Situated on a small hill 10 miles (17 km) west of Ruteng, the spiderweb structure of the fields (known as lingko to the locals) makes for an eye-catching addition to the landscape.
After a stop for lunch in Lembor, with a beautiful panorama of rice fields and hills, you'll arrive at Labuan Bajo, a fishing village on the island's westernmost tip. This small but bustling town is the gateway to the famous Komodo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned as the home to the largest lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon.
Use the rest of the day to explore Labuan Bajo and its immediate area. Take in the views from one of the rooftop pools, wander the boulevard along the beach, catch the sunset at the nearby Bukit Cinta (also known as the "Staircase to Heaven"), or try fresh fish at one of the many stalls of the Night Market.
Day 9: Discover Rangko Cave & Mirror Cave, Hike To Amelia Sea View
Today, you'll set out on an adventurous excursion to Goa Rangko, a hidden gem about 30 minutes from Labuan Bajo. This sunlit seaside cavern is reachable only by boat. Once you arrive, you'll be able to swim in the turquoise waters illuminated by sunlight filtering through a hole in the ceiling, all surrounded by otherworldly geological rock formations and the sound of the sea.
Continue your cave explorations at the Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave), a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers with seemingly endless corridors featuring ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Thanks to the high concentration of salt, these natural formations sparkle under the light of your flashlight—hence the reason for the name "mirror." The term also comes from a hole in the cave's roof, which mirrors the sunlight at certain times of the year.
End the day at Amelia Sea View, a scenic viewpoint perched atop a hill that provides a perfect vantage point of the lush green islands dotting the clear blue waters of the Flores Sea. The hike to the top is short, although challenging, but the views are worth it. If you time it right, you'll catch a spectacular sunset before your descent.
Day 10: Island Hopping & Snorkeling in Komodo National Park, Boat to Seraya
Today, you'll hop aboard your private charter boat, and your friendly guide will sail you to the various islands that make up Komodo National Park, beginning at Padar Island. Padar is famous for its picturesque hikes, providing incredible panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Once you arrive, trek across the magnificent landscape to reach the island's highest point to marvel at the beaches of three different colors you can see: black, pink, and white. Next, trek down to the famous Pink Beach, which gets its rosy hue from ground seashells.
Relax on the beach, snap a few photos, and gear up for the next adventure: Komodo Island. This is the best place in the archipelago to spot the one and only Komodo dragons, which live nowhere else on Earth. These huge lizards can grow up to 9.8 feet (3 m) and average 150 pounds (70 kg). Then, you'll hop in the water to snorkel at the famous Manta Point, known for its large population of resident manta rays. Strap on your mask and fins, then swim among these gentle, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Continue to Kanawa Island, known for its crystal-clear waters, home to diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. The calm waters surrounding the island are ideal for both beginning and experienced snorkelers, and the island also has diving shops that provide lessons and tours. End the day on the tiny, beautiful Taka Makassar, a spit of sand surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Relax in the sand and spot ocean creatures like black-tip reef sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish before boarding your boat for a transfer to the small island of Seraya to stay in a peaceful beachfront villa.
Day 11: Snorkeling, Trekking & Sunset Cruising in the Komodo Archipelago
Today, hop aboard your daily charter and sail first to the island of Pulau Kelo, a tiny piece of paradise known for its white-sand beach—a prime spot for relaxing, snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. A short, steep, 10-minute hike to the high point of the island rewards you with views of the surrounding landscape.
Your next stop will be Manjarite Island, known for some of the archipelago's best snorkeling. While snorkeling in the shallow, clear water, watch for marine species like angel fish, baby sharks, and barracuda. Then, get back on the boat for a trip to Rinca Island to join a local ranger who will take you to panoramic viewpoints over the archipelago, teach you about native wildlife, and point out Komodo dragons in the wild.
End the day with a picture-perfect sunset at Kalong Island, also known as "Flying Foxes Island," due to the large population of bats that inhabit the mangrove-covered islet. Arrive at dusk to witness the memorable moment where around 300,000 of these bats take flight into the setting sun for their nightly hunt.
Day 12: Snorkeling Tour of Sebayur & Kambing Islands
Continue your island-hopping tour of the Flores Sea and the Komodo archipelago by snorkeling above the colorful coral reefs surrounding Sebayur Island, a favorite spot for underwater photography, thanks to its visibility. Then, sail to Kambing Island, another small island reachable only via boat. It's one of the best spots in the national park for snorkeling, thanks to its clear waters, vibrant reefs, and relative quiet. The calm, shallow water is ideal for beginners, although more experienced snorkelers will find plenty to explore in the lively underwater world.
Day 13: Return to Labuan Bajo, Fly to Bali, Depart
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