Flores Indonesia Itinerary: Top Destinations & Travel Tips
Looking for an epic Flores Indonesia Itinerary? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Flores isn’t just another destination; it’s a jaw-dropping paradise where one minute you’re face-to-face with a Komodo dragon and the next, you’re hiking an active volcano to see three giant crater lakes that change colour!!
We had the pleasure of spending three incredible weeks roaming this awesome island and completely fell in love! Imagine the chill, backpacker vibes of Southeast Asia with the dramatic landscapes of Hawaii!
So, if you’re after the perfect Flores Indonesia itinerary—one that has you exploring the wilds of Komodo Island, diving into those sparkling blue waters with manta rays, and still leaves time to unwind on your own private slice of paradise—then buckle up!
This guide has everything you need to experience Flores at its very best, from thrilling adventures to pure relaxation. Let’s get into your ultimate Flores Itinerary!
Flores, Indonesia Mini Guide
How to travel Flores, Indonesia in bite-sized form to help you plan less and travel more!
Want to watch instead of read? Watch our Flores Travel Guide Here
Where to Stay
TOP ATTRACTIONS
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*prices shown are accurate at the time of writing and unless otherwise stated are in USD.
Flores Indonesia Itinerary (everything to see, eat and do)
How to Get to Flores Indonesia
Before we get into the good stuff, you’re going to need to get to Flores.
The easiest way of getting to Flores from Bali, is to fly.
From Bali to Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ), flights are frequent and only take around an hour!
💡 Note: It is, however, worth noting that flight cancellations are common so make sure you have backup plans and trip coverage.
Now you’ve arrived at Labuan Bajo Flores, the town is only a 10-minute taxi ride away!
How to get around Flores
If I’m being honest, getting around the island was one thing we were quite nervous about before getting to Flores Indonesia.
There is limited information online about how to book transport let alone when and where it goes to and from!
While I can’t give you all of the information above, I can say, we had ZERO issues getting where we wanted, when we wanted.
It is one of those travel places that it just works out.
Things to know
Here are a few things to know about booking transportation in Flores Indonesia.
- Whatsapp: Have it downloaded and to go before you leave for your vacation!
- Hotels: We booked all of our shared taxis through our hotels if they do not offer such service directly, they will have a contact for a driver
- Haggle: If you think the price is too high, try reaching out to a closeby hotel and see if they have a different contact (and a better price!)
- Cash: Cash is still king, so you will need enough to pay for your trip!
Travel Options
As far as travel options go, you have a couple to choose from:
- 🏍️ Motorbike: You can rent a motorbike for around 100,000 IDR ($6.36) per day
- 🚐 Bemo: These are more like the local buses, picture a minivan with the seats removed and benches in place. The cheapest of the options but the hardest to book.
- 🚕 Shared Taxi: This is what we opted for, still budget-friendly, and gets you from hotel to hotel but isn’t private.
- 🚖 Private Taxi: With this option, you will spend a bit more on average but you can make stops along the way if you need!
- 🚗 Road Trip: We would encourage you to look into other options. The roads are winding, tight and full of potholes so unless you are a very confident driver we would not recommend a DIY Flores Road Trip
- ✈️ Flights: Make the most of your Flores Indonesia Itinerary by getting around quicker!
Best Time to Visit Flores
Okay, so now you’ve got to decide what time of year you want to visit Flores Indonesia.
Now there are a lot of factors to consider when making this decision – are you purely wanting the best weather? Are diving conditions important to you? Or if you’re like us, maybe you want to try and avoid the crowds!
Our favourite time to travel is the shoulder season, between the peak times, so there are generally fewer crowds but still great weather. For Flores, Indonesia this is March-April or July-August!
⏰ Best Time: April to June is the best time to visit Flores, Indonesia. With the rainy season ending the temperatures begin warming up!
☀️ Dry Season: Between September to December, this can be a great option but be ready for the heat.
🌊 High Season: From July to August is peak season, so be prepared for more tourists. If you want to book a tour in person when you arrive, be ready to wait a few days for availability.
🚨 Note: They are planning on implementing “conservation cool-offs” in 2025, meaning the National Park will be closed for certain periods during the year! Make sure you take this into account when planning your Flores Indonesia Itinerary!
Map of Flores Island
As a visual learner, I thought it would be helpful to quickly break down where we are covering in this blog post on a map. This Google map of Flores has all of the stops we will talk about in this Flores Travel Blog!
Flores is one of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands and stretches a massive 13,540 km2.
Here is a brief overview of our epic Flores Indonesia Itinerary:
🏝️ Labuan Bajo: Komodo Dragons, Pink Beaches, Island Hopping & Private Islands!
🍃 Ruteng: Spider rice fields, history of real-life hobbits
🧖♀️ Banjawa: Cultural experiences, natural beauty & hot springs.
⛰️ Moni: Hike an active volcano with colour-changing crater lakes!
🌊 Maumere: Relax by the beach
How many days do you need in Flores, Indonesia?
Okay, I hate to be that guy but this does depend on what you are looking for from the trip.
For context, we spent three weeks(!!) adventuring on this gorgeous island and got to see everything we wanted to while also travelling slowly.
To try and help you calculate how long you will need to use the table below:
- I just want to see the Komodo Dragons: +2-3 days
- I want to do a liveaboard cruise: +4 days
- I want a few days relaxing: +2-3 days
- I want to go diving: +3-4 days
- I want to see the whole island: +6-8 days
Add together all the things you want to do and you’ll have a good guide of how long your Flores Indonesia Itinerary should be!
For a Flores Itinerary 1 week, you may opt to fly around the island to save time!
Where to stay in Flores Indonesia
There are plenty of options for where to stay on Flores Island here are our favourites!
Seaesta Komodo Hostel – A beautiful hotel with a bar and restaurant to boot! (book here)
Le Pirate Island – Relax on a private island! (read more here) (book here)
Coconut Garden Beach Resort – Fresh food, beach huts & kayaking! (book here)
WATCH OUR JOURNEY
Since the beginning we have been filming our travels in vlogs and making travel guides to help you plan less and travel more!
10-Day Itinerary Flores Indonesia Itinerary
Okay, time to get into the good stuff.
Here we will break down every day of your Flores Trip, with tips on where to go, what to do and where to stay!
Day 1: Arrive in Labuan Bajo
Welcome to the gateway to the Komodo Dragons!
To get from the airport to the town centre, you can get a 10-minute taxi.
💸 It should cost around 40,000 IDR ($3.75)
Fair warning, there will be lots of people waiting to help you once you collect your luggage.
If you are like us, and would rather skip the haggling process, you can pre-book your transfer here.
Unfortunately, there are no regular local bus services that we are aware of.
Afternoon: Walking Tour of Labuan Bajo
If you arrive early enough, drop your bags at the hotel and get out and stretch your legs.
There is no need for a walking tour here, the town is small and easily accessible on foot.
We would recommend booking your Komodo Islands Tour in advance (book here), especially if you are travelling in peak season or have a shortened time in Flores!
If you haven’t booked your Komodo Islands Tour, this is a great time to bounce around from vendor to vendor getting the best prices. Be prepared to haggle your cute butt off!!
💡 Top Tip: If you are doing a liveaboard, ask for photos of the boat as the quality can differ.
Evening: Sunset at Amelia Hill Viewpoint
Time to get a view of the city, and there is no better place to see it than Amelia HIll Viewpoint.
I’m not going to lie to you, the track to get there is a little steep BUT I promise, these tough 15 minutes will be worth the view!
With 360° panoramic views of Labuan Bajo, this makes for a picture-perfect sunset spot.
Otherwise, for those wanting the view without the sweat – head straight to grab a drink at Unique Rooftop Bar.
Fair warning, this place does come with a higher price tag than our favourite (Senja Eatery) BUT the atmosphere and views cannot be beat!
Given it’s your first day on your Flores Island Itinerary, why not celebrate your upcoming adventure in style!!
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Green Hill Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Seasta Komodo Hostel
- Luxury: Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo
Day 2: Komodo National Park
Today is going to be a mammoth of a day but I can almost guarantee it will be 100% worth it! This is an absolute MUST for any Flores Indonesia Itinerary!
Now, you are going to need to start your prep for today, the day before.
Get some cash-out, the entrance fee for Komodo National Park at the time of writing is 500,000 IDR (about $31). This is a charge on top of your boat tour price so make sure you are prepared!
Let’s also get a small backpack ready for your day, I’d recommend bringing:
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the reefs & your skin!
- Water: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
- A Hat & Sunglasses: The sun is no joke out here.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do some walking, so sandals or lightweight sneakers are a good idea.
- Camera: Because how else are you going to brag about seeing dragons?
- Towel: No one wants to hop out of the water with no towel
- Bug Repellent: Don’t get covered in bug bites
All Day: Boat Tour
The boat tours to Komodo Island call for an early morning. Make sure to set your alarms, and if need be, ask your hotel to provide a wake-up call as well!
No Flores trip would be complete without a Komodo Itinerary!
There are many options when you book your boat tour, as budget-conscious travellers we went with the cheapest. The Slow Boat.
The Slow Boat Tour will take you to four stops throughout Komodo National Park
- Padar Island
- Komodo Island
- Pink Beach
- Manta Point
If you opt to splurge and get The Speed Boat (what we wish we did), you will get to make an extra two stops!
On the Speed Boat Tour, you will go to all four above-mentioned places PLUS
- Kanawa Island
- Taka Makassar Island
If you want more detailed information on what the boat tour of Komodo National Park is like, check it out here.
Evening: Dinner
If you are anything like us, the boat tour and a day of fun in the sun is going to take it out of you!
Head back to your hotel to shower and freshen up in time for a delicious dinner, in the heart of town at Senja Eatery (get the Nasi Goreng!)
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Green Hill Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Seasta Komodo Hostel
- Luxury: Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo
Day 3: Labuan Bajo Day Trips
Today, we are going on a few trips from Labuan Bajo.
Nothing as big and long as yesterday, in fact, we recommend booking in town for a half-day tour!
Morning: The Local Fishing Market
Take a lovely morning stroll down the coastline to the Labuan Bajo fishing market.
Here you will find a large open-air fish market. Go early in the morning to get the most out of this experience and see all of the locals hustling with the daily catches.
I know what you’re thinking, time for another coffee – right?
Toddle back through town to Mimamori Bajo for a delicious coffee and maybe even a bite to eat before you head back to the hotel and get ready for your day trip!
Afternoon: Mirror Stone Cave & Rangko Cave
🚗 How to Get There: You can arrange transport through your hotel or hire a motorbike for the day.
To kick off your day trip from Labuan Bajo, head 15 minutes outside of town to one of the most popular nature preserves in Flores, Indonesia.
Batu Cermin Cave (Mirror Rock) is famous for its unique formations when the sunlight hits just right like bounces creating a, you-guessed-it, mirror-like effect!
💸 Entrance fee: is 50,000 IDR ($3.15)
Next, head to Rangko Cave, a hidden gem about an hour outside Labuan Bajo.
Once you reach Rangko Village, a local boat will take you to the cave entrance for around 100,000 IDR ($6.31) per person round trip.
This saltwater cave is known for its clear blue water and wild rock formations.
This makes for the perfect spot to cool down with a refreshing swim as the day is starting to heat up!
If you can, get here around midday – this is when the sunlight shines into the cave lighting up the crystal-clear water to make for an otherworldly experience!
💸 Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR ($3.15).
Evening: Sunset drinks & Dinner
Tonight if your last night in Labuan Bajo and there is no better way to cap off your time than indulging in some of the freshest seafood & watching a beautiful sunset!
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from!
Kisik Seafood and Grill is located about 8 minutes from the heart of Labuan Bajo but the views and food make it well worth the trip.
Bonus points if you are there for sunset!
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Green Hill Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Seasta Komodo Hostel
- Luxury: Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo
Day 4: Labuan Bajo to Ruteng
🚐 Transport: Shared Taxi
💸 Cost: 160k IDR ($10)
⏰ Duration: 4(ish) hours
📲 How to Book: Ask your hotel for a contact
Most travellers add Ruteng to their itinerary as a convenient stopover en route to Kelimutu, but this quaint mountainous town has a surprising amount to offer!
Afternoon: Spider Web Rice Fields
Once you’ve arrived in Ruteng, take some time to stretch out and settle into your accommodation.
Time to head about 30 minutes away to the town of Cancar.
This may seem like a bit of a detour but we think the view is worth it!
Cancar, is home to the iconic spider web rice fields. To get to the viewpoint there is a short (but steep) walk.
The intricate and unique pattern is part of the local culture and represents a communal land ownership system.
Spend some time here, watching the light shift across the green landscape before finding somewhere for dinner and getting a good night’s rest.
💸 Entrance Fee: Around 50,000 IDR ($3.20)
Where To Stay:
- Budget: FX 42 Ruteng Hotel
- Mid-Range: Hobbit Hill Homestay
- Luxury: Kopa HillTop Family Guest Home
Day 5: Ruteng to Bajawa
🚐 Transport: Shared Taxi
💸 Cost: 160k IDR ($10)
⏰ Duration: 4(ish) hours
📲 How to Book: Ask your hotel for a contact
Morning: Hobbit Cave & Local Market
Before heading out from Ruteng, make a stop at Liang Bua, known as the “Hobbit Cave”.
This is where archaeologists discovered the remains of Homo floresiensis, (a tiny human species) aka, real-life hobbits!!
Not only can you explore the cave system when the remains were found, but a short minute walk down the road is a small museum.
Once you’ve soaked up all the archeological facts you can, it’s time for a change of pace.
Ruteng’s local market is a vibrant spot to immerse yourself in the local daily life.
Why not try some fresh fruits, wander the many laneways and maybe even grab a few souvenirs?
Afternoon: Banjawa
Once you arrive in Bajawa, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the cooler mountain air of this charming town.
Take some time to explore your surrounding small shops or relax at a local café.
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Cinnamon Guest House
- Mid-Range: Silverin Resto and Hotel Bajawa
- Luxury: Manulalu Jungle
Day 6: Banjawa
Bajawa is a highland town, nestled in the heart of Flores, known for its traditional villages, and hot springs making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in culture and relax in nature’s spa bath!
Morning: Hot Springs
Firstly, start your morning with a relaxing visit to Soa Hot Springs, located just a short drive from Bajawa.
Arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you have a meditative, rejuvenating experience!
These hot springs are surrounded by lush scenery and make for the perfect place to unwind after all the quick travel you’ve been doing!
💸 Entrance Fee: Around 20,000 IDR (approx. $1.25).
Afternoon: Bena Village
Next, you are headed to Bena Village.
While there are plenty of traditional villages throughout Flores, Indonesia to check out. The most famous of which is the Wae Rebo Village (check it out here).
Bena village is known for its unique architecture, featuring thatched-roof houses!
While Wae Rebo Village may be the most popular, Bena Village offers a less-touristy option.
Walk around the megalithic structures as long as you want! Maybe even pick up a souvenir or two!
💸 Entrance Fee: 25,000 IDR (approx. $1.25).
Evening: Dinner
For dinner why not try a local, family-run warungs – here you can try some delicious Indonesian cuisine.
- Warung Makan Happy Happy for an authentic and budget-friendly meal
- Lucas Café, which serves a mix of Indonesian and Western styles
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Cinnamon Guest House
- Mid-Range: Silverin Resto and Hotel Bajawa
- Luxury: Manulalu Jungle
Day 7: Banjawa to Moni
🚐 Transport: Shared Taxi
💸 Cost: 200k IDR ($13)
⏰ Duration: 5-6 hours
📲 How to Book: Ask your hotel to arrange a shared taxi
Morning: Malanage Hot Springs
After all of your exploring of Flores (and the many hours of shared taxis), it’s hard to say no to another relaxing soak.
This time check out the unique Malanage Hot Springs, located 30 minutes from town.
Here, you’ll find natural pools where both hot and cold streams meet creating a one-of-a-kind relaxing soak.
💸 Entrance Fee: Typically around 10,000 IDR (approx. $0.65).
Afternoon: Arrive to Moni
Once you arrive in Moni, you’ll likely want to rest and recharge for the early morning trek up Mount Kelimutu.
Spend the afternoon exploring the tiny town or visiting some of the small local shops.
If you are hiring a driver, organise it with your hotel for tomorrow morning. Make sure to pack your essentials, and get an early night’s sleep.
Top Tip: If your hotel’s contact price seems steep, reach out to other hotels in the area!
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Joseph Guest House
- Mid-Range: Kelimutu Eco Lodge
- Luxury: Jaya Hill Garden Guest House
Day 8: Moni to Maumere
🚐 Transport: Shared Taxi
💸 Cost: 200k IDR ($13)
⏰ Duration: 3-4 hours
📲 How to Book: Ask your hotel for a contact
Morning: Sunrise on an active volcano!
I know, I know – you’re on holiday, early mornings should be outlawed!
I promise – watching the sunrise over Mount Kelimutu will change your mind.
Though the drive from Moni to the Kelimutu trailhead is about an hour so you’ll have to set that alarm for ungodly hours (sorry!).
Surprisingly, it is an easy, leisurely, 20-minute walk to the crater lakes through Kelimutu National Park.
These crater lakes are iconic in Flores, Indonesia because they are known for their ability to change colour. Thanks to some fancy chemical reactions and science that I’m not even going to try to understand, these lakes have been green, blue and even RED, WHITE and BROWN!!
This would make a beautiful stop for a picnic, however, the area is home to cheeky monkeys who will not shy away from joining you.
So sit back, watch the mist roll in around this natural wonder and take one (or 50) photos!
Once you’ve had your fill, head back to Moni, grab breakfast, and prepare for your trip to Maumere.
Afternoon: Arrive in Maumere
That was our last shared taxi experience and I think it’s time to celebrate in style.
Head straight to your accommodation in Maumere for some well-deserved R&R!
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Hotel Wailiti
- Mid-Range: Coconut Garden Beach Resort
- Luxury: Capa Maumere Resort
Day 9-10: Maumere
There is nothing worse than coming home from a vacation feeling more exhausted, so today and tomorrow are dedicated to you doing as little as possible!
Maumere is known for its excellent snorkelling and diving spots, so why not spend some time exploring the underwater world?
Some popular diving spots include Pangabatang Island and the Babi Island reefs.
Or, if you are anything like us, spend these days at Coconut Garden Beach Resort.
So all you have to think about is what delicious food you are going to order for lunch and dinner, and what cocktail you are going to try!
Spend these days reading your book with your toes in the sand, enjoying a cocktail (or three) and truly relaxing before your flight home.
We’ll just say it, this is the perfect way to end your Flores Indonesia Itinerary!
Where To Stay:
- Budget: Hotel Wailiti
- Mid-Range: Coconut Garden Beach Resort
- Luxury: Capa Maumere Resort
*Optional: Instead of Maumere, head back to Labuan Bajo and spend your relaxing days on a private Island (read more here!)
Backpacking Flores: Additional Tips
- Daily Budget: $30-50+ per day if you stick to budget accommodations and local meals.
- Language: Basic Indonesian is helpful, and have Indonesian downloaded for offline use on Google Translate!
- Packing Essentials: A reusable water bottle, a dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash (ATMs can be hard to find in remote areas).
Other Places to Visit in Flores, Indonesia
Why not extend your trip for a Indonesia 2 week itinerary?
If you are thinking of extending your stay, one place we would highly recommend is Le Pirate Island (book here). It is definitely one to add to your Flores Indonesia Itinerary if you have the time!
When people ask us where to stay in Flores island this is the place that comes to mind!
Other amazing things to do in Flores Indonesia are:
- Wae Rebo Village: This traditional village, is nestled in the mountains. Getting there involves a three-hour hike!
- Ende: Home to the unique blue stone beach!
- Liveaboard Komodo Island Tour: Spend 2-4 nights slowly exploring Komodo National Park!
What to Pack for Flores, Indonesia
🥾 Shoes: Lightweight shoes/sandals that you are comfortable doing short but steep hikes in!
💦 Waterproof: For the rainy season a rain jacket and a waterproof cover for your backpack are a must.
🧢 Extras: A power bank, insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat!
Further Reading for Indonesia
- Komodo National Park Guide: Tips for visiting the famous Komodo dragons.
- Flores, Indonesia Ultimate Travel Guide: Flores Travel guide with all the details!
- Where to Stay: Get the must stay hotels for your Flores Indonesia Itinerary!
Flores Indonesia Travel FAQ:
Is Flores, Indonesia expensive?
Yes and no, you can travel on a budget but overall it is more expensive than places like Bali.
Most menus will show prices and you need to add 000 idr
Bali to Flores Island Indonesia?
Undoubtedly, the easiest (and quickest) way to get from Bali to Flores in to fly. Flights are reasonably priced and only take an hour(ish)!
There are also cruises that go from Bali to Flores – like this one!
Can you tour Flores Indonesia?
Yes, there are some cruise companies and tour companies that tour this region!
Is Flores worth visiting?
While there are pros and cons to every destination we do think Flores is worth visiting!
Is Flores better than Bali?
Honestly, it depends on what you are looking for. Bali is very Instagram-able, easy to travel and filled with lots of digital nomads (and Aussies)
Flores, on the other hand, is a bit more rustic and nature-focused. Can be more challanging to travel but has some insane scenry to take in!
Travel Safer & Easier
Final Thoughts – is it worth going to Flores, Indonesia?
Whether you are a luxury traveller or backpacker Flores Indonesia has something for you.
I hope this Indonesia trip itinerary was helpful for you planning your, no doubt epic, adventure to the unique and beautiful islands of Flores, Indonesia.
