Indonesia · Tribal Experiences

7-Day Flores Road Trip with Kelimutu Lakes and Tribal Villages

7 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the diverse tribal cultures of Flores, including the Bajawa, Sikka, Lio, and Manggarai
02 Visit Bena, a megalithic thatched-hut village that preserves ancestral traditions and tribal life
03 See the coloured lakes of Kelimutu volcano after an early morning climb of 127 steps
04 Enjoy Bajawa dance performances and a 'suling' bamboo flute concert
05 Relax in the hot springs of Mengeruda and take in sensational valley views along the route
06 Discover ikat hand weaving in Onekore village and hand-woven clothes in Moni village

Drive across Flores from Labuan Bajo to Maumere, discovering the island's diverse tribes, traditional villages, volcanic landscapes, coloured lakes, beaches, and agricultural fields along the way. This road trip combines local culture, scenic valley views, megalithic heritage, hot springs, and hand-woven textile traditions with time to enjoy the cuisine and everyday life of the island. From Ruteng and Bajawa to Riung, Moni, and Kelimutu, each stop reveals a different side of this remarkable Indonesian island.

Drive across Flores from Labuan Bajo to Maumere, discovering the island's diverse tribes, traditional villages, volcanic landscapes, coloured lakes, beaches, and agricultural fields along the way.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Cities Labuan Bajo, Maumere, 17 Islands Riung Marine Park, Ruteng, Kelimutu National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Guided Tour of Labuan Bajo

Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Take a guided tour of Labuan Bajo.

Day 02

From Labuan Bajo to Ruteng via Lembor and Cancar

Have breakfast at the Golo hilltop hotel.
Explore the unique tribes of Flores, including the Bajawa, Sikka, Lio, and Manggarai.
Take a short journey to Ruteng, the small, quiet capital city of Manggarai Regency and the home of the Manggarainese tribe, the island's main tribe.
Explore Lembor and Cancar on the way, enjoying fantastic panoramic views of the beautiful landscapes of this paradise-like location.
Stay at Hotel Dahlia (or equivalent), where you can experience a traditional Manggarainese village and observe the beautiful and interesting culture and architecture of the area before retiring overnight at the hotel.

Day 03

Ruteng to Bajawa with Lake and Volcano Views

Drive from Ruteng to Bajawa after breakfast.
Visit Ranamese Lake and enjoy an incredible view of the active volcano Mount Inerie.
Enjoy lunch.
Attend Bajawa dance performances and the 'suling' bamboo flute concert.
Return to the hotel.

Day 04

Bena Village, Soa, and Mengeruda Hot Springs

Explore Bena, a megalithic thatched-hut village frozen in time that exhibits ancestral spirits and the traditional way of tribal life.
Head north to Soa, where more traditional and unique villages await.
Proceed to Mengeruda to experience the amazing hot springs before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 05

Riung to Moni through Valleys and Villages

Cruise up to Detusoko and enjoy more sensational valley views.
Make stops at Wogo and Boawae.
Have lunch and visit Onekore village, where ikat hand weaving is displayed.
Continue to missionary guesthouses after witnessing these diverse cultures and landscapes.

Day 06

Kelimutu Coloured Lakes and Journey to Maumere

Begin the journey to Kelimutu volcano at 5:30 am and see the coloured lakes.
Climb 127 steps to reach the green, blue, and black lakes.
Descend to Moni village, where clothes are hand-woven.
Have lunch on Paga Beach before proceeding to Maumere.
Stop to witness any gatherings or interesting events.
Accommodation for this night is provided at Floressao Resort or Sea World Club.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07

Flores Highlights and Departure from Maumere

Pass through some of the most interesting areas of Flores, including volcanoes, the coloured lakes, and a number of notable diverse villages.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Land transport to the destinations.
Meals during the tour.
A day boat to 17 Islands.
Snorkelling gear.
Airport transfers in and out.
Mineral water.
All permits, donations, and entrance fees.
An English-speaking guide.

What's Not Included

Domestic airfares, extra baggage, and airport porter services.
Accommodation during the tour.
All services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Laundry and telecommunication services.
Extra meals and beverages, alcohol, and soft drinks.
Tips.
Travel insurance.
All kinds of expenditures due to flight cancellations, delays, or other causes beyond our control.