Round trip – Highlights Flores & Liveaboard Komodo

Discover Flores’ cultural richness and dive into Komodo’s stunning underwater world. An unforgettable combination of land & sea in Indonesia
Travel period
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Features
Boatdiving
Starting at
20 days vanaf US$ 2.944 p.p.

Dive & Tour Indonesia

A unique 20-day combination trip awaits you. The first half of your vacation you will explore the enchanting island of Flores, located between Sumbawa and the archipelagoes of Solor and Alor. Your tour begins in Maumere, Flores’ largest city, and takes you to the most beautiful sights of central and western Flores. Finally, the round trip ends in Labuan Bajo, where you board the liveaboard for the second adventure; diving in Komodo National Park.

Flores shines with its rich culture and pristine nature. From Maumere’s vibrant atmosphere to the impressive landscapes of West Flores, each day offers a new highlight. Highlights during the tour include the impressive Kilimutu volcano, the fishing village of Wuring, the trek to the village of Wae Rebo and the visit to the 17 Islands National Park.

Your diving adventure begins when you board the Akomo Isseki, a 27-meter wooden schooner. This ship will take you to the underwater paradise of Komodo National Park. With its unique marine ecosystems, ranging from coral reefs to mangroves, diving here is a world-class experience. In addition to manta rays, sharks and turtles, expect lots of color underwater especially!

Rather dive first and then tour? This is also possible, in which case we simply reverse the program!

Best travel time: The diving season extends from April to November and offers perfect conditions with average water temperatures of 27°C and visibility up to 30 meters.

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Average Temperatures

Wetsuit advice for Komodo

In most cases, a 3mm is sufficient. Sometimes a 5mm is more pleasant, especially at 27C. This depends a bit on how quickly you get cold.

What will you experience on this trip?

View itinerary here

Day 1 to 3 - Trip to Flores, Indonesia

The round trip starts on the island of Flores. The best way to reach Flores is via Bali. That’s why your trip starts today with a flight to Bali. Depending on whether it’s a direct flight and possibly with a change in Singapore, you’re about 17-19 hours away. Quite a bit.

Because of the time difference (piece later in and the duration of the flight, you will arrive in Bali during day 2. A connecting flight to Flores is often no longer possible, and so from here you will first be taken to a hotel nearby to recover for a night before flying on to Flores.

On day 3, after breakfast, you will depart from Bali to Maumere on Flores. This domestic flight has a stopover and often takes a total of 5-6 hours. Upon arrival in Maumere on the island of Flores, you will be welcomed by a local representative. You will be taken to Sea World Club or Capa Resort for a 1st night’s stay on Flores.

Day 4 - From Maumere to Moni (+/- 100 km)

After breakfast, visit Wuring, a fishing village nearMaumere. You then proceed to Sikka, which is known for its old 1899 church and the local sale of Ikat-fabrics. At Paga Beach you have the opportunity to relax and, if you want, swim. You stay overnight in Kelimutu Eco Lodge at Moni, where the rooms have no air conditioning because of the cool hill climate. In the evening you can take a stroll through the small village Moni.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Moni, Mt. Kelimutu & Riung (+/- 180 km)

You will start your day early with an alarm clock for the spectacular adventure to Kelimutu Volcano. After a short walk of just 30 minutes, you will reach the viewpoint where you will enjoy the breathtaking sunrise. Kelimutu, also known as the“Mountain of Spirits,” is known worldwide for its unique three colored lakes: Turquoise, Brown and Black. The mesmerizing play of colors is caused by the dissolved minerals in the water. After the sunrise, return to the hotel and enjoy a delicious breakfast. 

Then continue your journey to Riung via Ende. Along the way, you will make several stops, such as at the bustling Ndua Ria Fruit Market and the traditional village of Saga of the Lionese tribe. 

As you travel on, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery along the scenic south coast. A highlight of this ride is a stop at the beautiful green stone beach of Pengga Jawa.

You then travel to the drier north coast of Flores. Keep in mind that the last part of the road may be in inferior condition, but it is worth it for the adventurous traveler.  You will stay today at the accommodation of Pondok SVD or Café Delmar.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 - From Riung to Bajawa (+/- 65 km)

Today a boat trip to the National Park 17 Islands near Riung is scheduled. Here you can go snorkeling at a beautiful coral reef. A snorkeling kit is included with the tour. But before diving into the water, make a stop at the coastal mangrove forests, where hundreds of Flying Foxes (Pteropus bats) hang out.

During the boat ride, enjoy a delicious lunch on one of the remote islands, surrounded by breathtaking views. After lunch, you will depart for Bajawa. Along the way, visit the Soa hotspring, where hot water bubbles up from the ground. If you want, you can take a relaxing bath here.

Once you arrive in Bajawa, check into the Manulalu Villa hotel, where you can enjoy the comfortable accommodation. You will spend the night in a brand new bungalow in Bajawa called Manulalu Villa.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Bajawa - Ruteng (+/- 133 km)

In the morning you will visit the traditional village of Luba & Bena. This village is not only well preserved, with megaliths next to the old houses, but also has a beautiful location overlooking the majestic Mount Inerie. You will be enchanted by the atmosphere and heritage of this special village.

In the afternoon, you will depart for Ruteng. Along the way, make a stop in Aimere, where you can witness the process of processing palm wine. A fascinating glimpse into the local craft tradition. Next, visit Liang Bua Cave, where the bones of the short Homo Floresiensis, also known as the “hobbit,” were recently unearthed by scientists. An intriguing place full of archaeological significance.

You will stay overnight at the comfortable Spring Hill Bungalow or Sindha Hotel in Ruteng, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Day 8 & 9 - Ruteng, Denge & Wae Rebo Trekking.

In the morning you will leave for Denge. Along the way, stop at the beautiful cobweb rice fields in Cancar, which offer breathtaking views. Upon arrival at Denge Village, enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse before starting the trek to Wae Rebo.

To get to Wae Rebo, use an Ojek (motorcycle cab) that will take you to Post 1, called Wae Komba. From there, the hike begins uphill through the rainforest. After about an hour of trekking from Denge, you’ll reach Wae Lomba, a beautiful creek where you can relax in the natural pools before continuing your trek.

You continue uphill to Post 2, called Pocoroko, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the south and the Savu Sea. This is also the last place where you have cell phone connection. The next stop is Nampe Bakok, where you have a full view of the traditional village of Waerebo.

In the late afternoon you will arrive in Waerebo, where you will be warmly welcomed. Dinner will be provided in the village and you will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the village and its surroundings and experience the local way of life. You stay overnight in one of the traditional houses, where you share accommodation with the hospitable locals. Keep in mind that the accommodation is very basic, but it offers a unique cultural experience.

The next morning you will return downhill following the same route until you reach a point where the car is ready to take you to Labuan Bajo. Lunch will be arranged along the way. You will arrive in Labuan Bajo late afternoon or early evening and be dropped off at Hotel Bintang Flores, where you will stay in a Deluxe room (or similar hotel).

Meals included: Breakfast (day 8&9), Lunch (day 8&9), Dinner (day 8)

Day 10 - Cunca Wulang Canyon - Caci performance.

You will depart in the morning for Cunca Wulang Canyon, located 30 km east of Labuan Bajo. This area is surrounded by a tropical rainforest. You will be impressed by the beautiful waterfalls that empty into freshwater pools and then continue as a series of smaller waterfalls and rivers several miles downstream. Among other things, you can hike and swim in the refreshing waters here.

The walk to Cunca Wulang from Wersawe Village is particularly pleasant, lined by rice fields in various stages of their planting and harvesting cycle. Along the way, you will also encounter vanilla, coffee, candlenut and cocoa plants.

Lunch will be provided with a lunch box. On the way back, we make a stop at the village of Melo to witness the impressive whip dance (Tari Caci) famous among the Manggarai people of West Flores. In the afternoon, we return to Labuan Bajo and are taken to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11 - Start of the Komodo liveaboard

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the port of Labuan Bajo. Upon collection at the port side, the crew welcomes you and you board the liveaboard. After a brief tour including an explanation of the ship and your safety on board, are you going to the diveequipment check in and check you into your cabin. Akomo Isseki sets goes by the afternoon course to Sebayur, while enjoying lunch together. You do a check dive at Sebayur Kecil and in the late afternoon beach activities. Take a walk on the sand, take a dip in the shallows or jump in a kayak while looking forward to a delicious fish dinner and the first of many breathtaking sunsets.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - Diving around Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil & Pulau Siaba

After a light breakfast do you two great dives around small islands that are part of the Komodo World Heritage Site. Your exploret dive sites such as Tatawa Besar and Tatawa Kecil, and much more. Enjoy lunch, go kayaking, relax on the beach, take a walk and wait for the late afternoon/night where you can dive into the darkness for one of Komodo’s best night dives on Pulau Siaba. This is a rare opportunity to see, among other things, the Manderijnfish to spot or the ever-changing shape of the Mimic Octopus

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 - Sailing & Manta rays

Start the day with an early morning driftdive along the shores of Siaba, a chance to visit the reef before others do.

After breakfast and with favorable winds, they try them hoist the sails for a short sail past Pulau Mauan, and you make a dive if the current permits. Then we wait for the arrival of the Manta rays which inhabit the reefs of Karang Makassar inhabit.

Diving with the manta rays is definitely one of the highlights of Komodo National Park. They are often present in large numbers and very used to divers! Expect some close encounters.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - Komodo Dragons!

In the early morning enter on foot the Komodo National Park under the guidance of a local Ranger. You got search for the legendary beast, the Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard on the planet. This is the only place in the world where you can see them in their natural habitat and enjoy the fascinating panorama of the island. After lunch you make two dives, perhaps at the underwater seascapes of Loh Namu and Loh Liang, or even at the famous Batu Tiga. Next, go you anchor for the night in one of the incredible bays around Padar island. Do you still have energy left at the end of the day? Then consider the steep but short hill climb to one of the best panoramic views of Komodo. Enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks under a star-filled sky.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 - Hot Rocks

Enjoy sunrise over the vast volcanic seascape as you wait for the perfect tides. You move to Batu Bolong, an incredible rock formation full of vibrant colors and life. It is known as one of the best dive sites in Komodo, where you can dive on the north or south side of this rock formation. After lunch, head to Gili Lawa Darat, where you will explore The Passage, a thrilling drift through the channels of these current-shaped islands. You can also kayak around the mangroves, take a hike up the hill or just relax with a cold beer.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 - Moncong On

After an early breakfast you go to the far Batu Moncong, ready for a day full of deep walls and exposed seamounts.. You dive on the two of the least buried divesites on the border of the National Park, with fantastic sunset views of Gunung Api Sangean in the background. It will be an action-packed day of adventure, followed by a relaxing evening at this superb location. Perhaps these are best dives of these liveaboard.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 - Cauldron, Crystal Rock, Castle Rock

On this day, a three-dive program is scheduled, tailored to the currents that govern the waters of Komodo make a mecca for all diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. You willt visit the sites around Gili Lawa Laut explore and enjoy the abundant underwater splendor. Dive or snorkel at the Cauldron, Crystal Rock and the world-famous Castle Rock, where you are surrounded by more than 1,000 species of fish and 300 different corals. After a day full of adventure, you finish with an incredible tropical sunset. You can also take a secluded kayak trip over the shallow reefs and enjoy a delicious beach barbecue.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 - Last dive in the morning and check out!

Over hot coffee and breakfast, discuss the plan for the final dive, your last together with the crew in the depths of Komodo. After a final meal on board and a slow cruise back to Labuan Bajo, it is time for the final exchange of photos and memories. With a sense of accomplishment, you bid farewell to the crew and Akomo Isseki. After arriving at the port, depart for the Bayview Gardens Hotel or similar for your last night as your no-fly time must be taken into account.

Day 19 & 20 - Return home

After breakfast you will have the first flight back To Bali or possibly Jakarta. This may be in the late morning or early afternoon. From Bali or Jakarta, it is usually an overnight flight back home.

Would you like to stay a few more days in Bali, if necessary? Let us know. It is certainly possible!

Otherwise, fly on back home and land in Europe on day 20.

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The liveaboard

Good to know: This roundtrip can also be combined with another liveaboard upon request.

Akomo Isseki

The Akomo Isseki is a 27-meter wooden schooner, which is very comfortably furnished. The interior reflects Indonesian culture and craft skills. The 4 spacious cabins of Kendoli and teak offer facilities for only 8 guests, including en-suite bathroom and portholes. So this is a small-scale liveaboard.

The sun deck and dive deck with platform provide space for relaxation and guided diving. Enjoy sunrises, sunsets and starry skies on the beanbags and lounges.

Each day is adventurous with land excursions and barbecues. The indoor lounge offers entertainment and a mini-library. A varied buffet-style menu of Western and Indonesian dishes is presented daily. Various snacks, tea, coffee and drinks are available throughout the day. Special dietary needs and medication are taken care of upon request.

Standard cabins can accommodate up to two people. The bedding consists of two single beds, ideal for individual travelers or friends traveling together. Although there is no private bathroom available in the cabins, the well-maintained shared facilities ensure that you can comfortably enjoy your stay. Please note that the cabins are only equipped with fans for cooling. This provides fresh airflow and creates a pleasant environment during your stay.

Travel costs

What is included

This travel package is US$ 2.944 per person based on two people in one room/hut. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.

Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.

Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!

Included in this trip, from US$ 2.944 p.p.
Excluding

✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe.
However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide.
Booking your own flights is of course also possible.

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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation

Diving general
Diving equipment
Activities, Excursions and Wellness

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This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

Accommodation / Resort

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This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

Liveaboard

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This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

This travel package is €1499 per person and can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates.

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