Highlights
- Swim in the otherworldly Rangko Cave
- Hike to the village of Wae Rebo and stay in a local home
- Observe Komodo dragons in their natural habitat
- Snorkel with manta rays in the Savu Sea
- Sleep in a traditional cone-shaped hut
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Flores & Explore Gua Rangko | Labuan Bajo, Flores |
| Day 2 | Hike to Wulang Canyon & Drive to Pusut | Pusut, Flores |
| Day 3 | Explore Pusut & Trek to Wae Rebo | Wae Rebo, Flores |
| Day 4 | Return to Labuan Bajo | Labuan Bajo, Flores |
| Day 5 | Snorkel the Komodo Archipelago | Komodo Island |
| Day 6 | Get to Know Rinca & Komodo Islands | Komodo Island |
| Day 7 | Snorkel Manta Point, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Flores & Explore Gua Rangko
Welcome to Indonesia! You'll start your trip on Flores Island. Take a short trip along the coast to Labuan Bajo, where you will board a boat to explore Rangko Cave (commonly referred to as the Secret Cave). Spend some time swimming in the cave's turquoise waters, taking in colorful coral and the otherworldly environs, before eating lunch on the boat. Return to Labuan Bajo in the late afternoon, stopping along the way to visit another cave, Batu Cermin. Dine on grilled seafood on the harborfront after heading to your hotel and getting some rest.
Day 2: Hike to Wulang Canyon & Drive to Pusut
This morning you will head inland to Cunca Wulang for some trekking. With a local guide, you'll hike to the limestone chasm of Liang Rodak, then onward to Wulang Canyon. Cool off with a refreshing swim before enjoying a picnic lunch. Afterward, you'll drive further east to the village of Pusut and your homestay. You will meet your hosts and enjoy a simple meal before going to sleep in their guest quarters.
Day 3: Explore Pusut & Trek to Wae Rebo
This morning, hike up the hill just outside of Pusut for breathtaking views over the "spiderweb" rice fields below. Then switch gears and drive to Ruteng, picking up your local guide before trekking to the small village of Wae Rebo. In the heart of Mangarai, you will meet the village chief and learn about local rituals and traditions. You will spend the night sharing a traditional cone-shaped hut with a local family.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Return to Labuan Bajo
Share an early breakfast with your host family before gearing up for the hike back to the road outside of Wae Rebo. You'll make the return journey to Labuan Bajo, which takes about five hours. You'll arrive at your hotel in the early evening and have some free time to relax or sample regional cuisine in a local restaurant.
Day 5: Snorkel the Komodo Archipelago
This morning, travel a short distance to Labuan Bajo's port to board a boat—your home base for the next few days. Enjoy the seaside views as you navigate your way through the Savu Sea and Komodo National Park. Along the way, there will be opportunities to snorkel. At sunset, from the vantage point of your "floating hotel," you'll get to see thousands of giant black bats make their nightly migration from their home in the mangroves to hunt on the island of Flores.
Day 6: Get to Know Rinca & Komodo Islands
After breakfast on board, you'll transfer 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. Afterward, you will return to Komodo Island to explore the famous Pink Beach, so named for the color of its sand: the hue is created by a mixture of crushed red and white corals. In the afternoon, accompanied by another ranger, you will go on a nature walk to discover other wildlife on the island, including lizards, wild pigs, and parrots.
Day 7: Snorkel Manta Point, Depart
Take the morning to snorkel, beginning in Manta Point. If you're lucky, you'll swim with rays, turtles, and harmless coral sharks. Continue to Kanawa for additional snorkeling to see if you can spot scorpionfish, parrotfish, and rays before returning to Labuan Bajo in the early afternoon. You'll transfer to the airport for your onward journey home. Safe travels!
More Great 7-Day Indonesia Itineraries
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