Komodo & Flores Adventure
Trip Code: TISK
Why we love it
Explore the Indonesian island of Flores and immerse yourself in the local culture and stunning natural surroundings., Hike to the Mt Kelimutu viewpoint at sunrise and watch its dazzling red, blue and green crater lakes shift colour as the sun crests the horizon., Walk through lush rainforests to the isolated village Wae Rebo. Spend a night in a traditional conical hut with the local community and experience their warm hospitality and traditional village life., Sail and island hop across the Komodo National Park islands, snorkelling, swimming, island hiking and watching stunning sunsets – the perfect sailing experience., Journey across Komodo Island in search of Komodo dragons – keep your eyes peeled for these prehistoric creatures wandering the landscape., By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation. Donations help expand their coral restoration project and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Is this trip right for me?
There are some long travel days on this trip. We will be driving by private transport (as there are no suitable public transport options available). Some of the roads can be quite bumpy as local infrastructure development is limited. We will make stops to break up the trip and it is a good idea to read or listen to music along the way, and to bring some medication if you are prone to carsickness.
Accommodation in general in Flores is more basic than you would experience in Bali as tourism is still developing. There are some nights there hot shower is not available and the rooms will be multi-share. This is, of course, a small price to pay for the chance to venture off the well-beaten tourist path.
You will need to be a confident swimmer to participate in this trip’s included snorkelling activity. Those who don't wish to snorkel can choose to spend time on the boat or beach instead.
There are some included treks so good fitness and suitable footwear is required. See the itinerary for more detail.
Important information
1. A complimentary arrival transfer is included from Ende airport to the start point hotel in Mt. Kelimutu National Park. Please make sure you provide your flight details no later than 2 weeks prior to travel. You may share the transfer with other group members depending on the time of arrival. The transfer time to your hotel will be about 1.5 hours.
2. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Due to the basic infrastructure and limited facilities on the island, it's only available for Day 3 and Day 6&8. Please speak to your booking agent if you need more information.
What to bring/pack
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.
Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).
If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.
You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.
Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list
Physical rating
Joining your group
Kelimutu Ecolodge, Koanara, Kelimutu,, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Mt. Kelimutu National Park, INDONESIA, Phone: 0361 722775
Kelimutu Ecolodge is comprised of 21 clean, comfortable private rooms each with stunning mountain views and the constant soothing sounds of the rambling river.
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
The airport transfer is complementary if you arrive on day 1 of the trip. If you arrive prior to the start, Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport. Please inquire with your booking agent. Please advise your arrival flight details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
If you have booked an airport transfer please proceed to arrival hall and our driver will wait you with your name on the signboard. If you have trouble finding your driver, please contact our local emergency number.
Alternatively, taxis are available, but they’ll be expensive and difficult to negotiate as it’ll take about 1.5 hours to drive from Ende airport to Kelimutu National Park.
Finishing your trip
Komodo Lodge, Jalan Mutiara, Kampung Ujung, Labuan Bajo, Labuan Bajo, INDONESIA
Located within a walking distance to Labuan Bajo Harbour, Komodo Lodge offers cosy accommodation right in the heart of town. The property is within walking distance to many restaurants in the surrounding area. All rooms come with air conditioning and private bathroom.
Alternate Finish Point
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
If you have booked a departure transfer to the airport you will be collected 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure. If there are any problems locating your driver for your departure transfer please speak with the staff at the reception desk of Komodo Lodge Hotel.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 8
Lunches included: 5
Dinners included: 2
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
INDONESIAN FOOD:
Here are 10 quintessential dishes you have to try while travelling in Indonesia: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-eat-in-indonesia/
VEGETARIANS & VEGANS:
Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. Although there are many vegetarian options available, please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs. If you are travelling to Ubud, see our guide to vegan and vegetarian eats: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/vegan-vegetarian-guide-to-ubud/
Climate & seasonal information
FLOODS & MUDSLIDES:
Floods and mudslides can occur during the wet season (October - March). Heavy rains during this time can result in areas of the Jakarta region being affected by flood waters. Key services, such as emergency and medical care, telecommunications, transport, and the supply of food and water are often disrupted during floods and mudslides. Should our trips be affected by floods during this time we may need to reroute our itineraries and travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover additional costs.
VOLCANOES:
Indonesia has many active volcanoes that can erupt at any time and cause widespread disruption. Alert levels may be raised and evacuations ordered at short notice. Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. In the event of or following an eruption you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the volcanic activity. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent eruptions have been:
- Mt Agung, East Bali. Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late-September 2017. Ash from the volcano has disrupted flights. There is currently an exclusion zone around the crater, which may change at short notice.
- Mount Merapi (near Yogyakarta). Following an eruption in May 2018, people in the area were evacuated by local authorities.
EARTHQUAKES:
Indonesia is in an active earthquake region with a high level of earthquake activity, sometimes triggering tsunamis. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of or following an earthquake you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the event. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent earthquakes have been:
- Lombok & the Gili Islands. A series of powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage and loss of life in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands in July and August 2018. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants that temporarily closed as a result of the earthquakes are progressively reopening and ferry services are operating.
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Always celebrated on August 17, this is Indonesia's national day and marks Indonesia's declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945. Around this time you may experience some delays to transport due to events, or alternative accommodation may be need to be sourced due to it being a peak time.
NYEPI - BALINESE NEW YEAR :
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali. Custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence and do not leave their homes. Flights to/from Denpasar airport will be suspended for this day and majority of services and businesses do not operate. It is expected that travellers will respect the traditions of the Balinese people during Nyepi and stay within their accommodation at this time. Dates for Nyepi may change, but are currently: 11th March 2024, and 29th March 2025
RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +62 822 3553 2507