Route: Labuan Bajo – Ruteng – Bajawa – Aimere – Labuan Bajo
Start & End Point: Labuan Bajo
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day overland journey through the highlands and heart of Flores Island.
This tour offers a perfect balance of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and local traditions, taking you from the coastal charm of Labuan Bajo through mountain towns, crater lakes, rice terraces, and ancient villages — all surrounded by stunning landscapes and cool mountain air.
Experience the warm hospitality of the Manggarai and Ngada people, witness centuries-old traditions, and soak in the serene beauty of Flores’ countryside before returning to Labuan Bajo.
Itinerary
Morning:
Pick up from your hotel in Labuan Bajo. Depart toward the highlands, passing scenic hills and villages. Stop at Melo Village, a traditional Manggarai community famous for its panoramic views and warm local hospitality. Learn about local life and traditional customs such as the Caci dance.
Continue to Cancar Village, home to the famous Lingko Spider Web Rice Fields, a unique agricultural design symbolizing unity among Manggarai clans.
Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch en route, then continue to Ruteng, a charming mountain town surrounded by green hills and cool weather. Visit Ruteng Pu’u, one of the oldest traditional Manggarai villages.
Evening:
Dinner and overnight stay at a local hotel in Ruteng.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ruteng
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Morning:
After breakfast, visit Lake Ranamese, a peaceful volcanic crater lake nestled in the forest. Continue your scenic drive to Aimere, a coastal village known for traditional arak (palm wine) distillation, using bamboo pipes and open-fire techniques.
Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch along the way, then proceed to Bajawa, a small mountain town known for its cool climate and well-preserved Ngada culture. On arrival, visit Soa Hot Spring for a relaxing soak in natural warm water surrounded by lush greenery.
Evening:
Dinner and overnight in Bajawa.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bajawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning:
After breakfast, drive to Bena Village, one of the most iconic and ancient traditional villages in Flores. The Ngada people here still live in centuries-old wooden houses arranged around ancestral stone altars. Learn about their beliefs, craftsmanship, and traditional way of life.
Continue to Malanage Hot Spring, a unique spot where hot and cold rivers meet — a perfect place for a natural bath.
Afternoon:
Lunch en route, then begin your journey back toward the western region of Flores. Stop again at Aimere for views of the coastline and traditional distillation process if not seen earlier.
Evening:
Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse or hotel near Aimere or Ruteng.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ruteng or Aimere area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning:
After breakfast, depart for Labuan Bajo. Stop at Lembor, home to the largest rice fields in West Flores, offering expansive green valley views surrounded by rolling hills.
Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch en route, then continue your drive back to Labuan Bajo. Arrive at your hotel by mid to late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of tour.
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