Flores and Komodo Itinerary: A 10-Day Travel Guide

This 10-day Flores and Komodo itinerary was designed for travelers with limited time who want to explore the highlights without rushing.

Flores and Komodo Itinerary: A 10-Day Travel Guide

Start of Our Flores and Komodo Itinerary (And Planning Challenges)

Let’s face it, we all wish we had unlimited time (and money) to travel slowly and truly enjoy every place to the fullest. That wasn’t possible for our Flores and Komodo itinerary — we had just under two weeks and had to make some tough choices. At first, we planned to explore Sulawesi and the Togians (maybe even Banggai—there’s just so much to see!). But we soon realized that the distances between places are huge, and with limited infrastructure, getting from A to B would take forever.

After some thinking—and thanks to the recommendation of our German friends Sebas and Pia, who we met last year in Raja Ampat—we decided to go to Flores instead. The Komodo Islands and Flores had been on my travel wish list for a while, and on the map, the main spots seemed much closer together.

But as compact as it looked, I quickly ran into a familiar issue while planning (something I should have expected from previous trips to Indonesia): things never move as fast as they look on the map. Unlike East Java, where traffic jams are the problem, in Flores it’s the crazy number of curves in the roads. The road quality is actually good, but because it’s so mountainous, traveling between places takes way longer than you’d expect. For example, the two farthest points we wanted to visit—Maumere and Labuan Bajo—are only about 260 kilometers apart in a straight line, but following the road, it’s over 610 kilometers. That drive takes around 14 hours without any stops or traffic.

The original idea was to travel overland from Labuan Bajo (the port to the Komodo Islands) all the way to Maumere, then fly back from Maumere to Labuan Bajo to start a three-day boat trip around Komodo. But I quickly realized we’d be spending half our time in the car every day. So instead of trying to see every place along the way, we decided to skip a part of the island and focus more on two specific spots before the boat trip: Moni and Maumere.

Kelimutu sunrise drone view. — Watching the sunrise at the Kelimutu volcano.

Why Visit Flores and Komodo?

One reason we chose this Flores and Komodo itinerary was the mix of adventure and comfort. From volcanic landscapes and traditional villages to waterfalls and pristine beaches, the island is ideal for those looking to explore nature while still having time to unwind. It’s also quite easy to reach: flights from Bali To Labuan Bajo takes less than an hour.

For me, Komodo National Park was the main draw. Komodo National Park was something I’d wanted to visit for a while: stunning beaches, rich marine life, and of course, the famous Komodo dragons. But I was also a bit concerned about crowds—Komodo has grown in popularity over the years. That’s why combining it with the quieter, less-visited island of Flores itself made perfect sense.

While we didn’t have time to hike to Wae Rebo village, we did explore other traditional villages, as well as Pulau Babi (Pig’s island) and visited the famous Kelimutu volcano with its surreal three-colored crater lakes.

Compared to more developed Indonesian destinations like Bali and the Gilis, Flores felt more raw, authentic, and peaceful—yet it offered just as much variety in a relatively compact area.

Pink beach Padar Island — Pink beach in Padar island really is pink, and surprisingly quiet.

Getting to Flores – And Why a Flexible Itinerary Matters

Flores has several airports, with Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo being the busiest. It has direct flights from Bali, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as several domestic connections operated by Wings Air using small propeller planes.

We decided to start our journey on the eastern side of the island, in Moni. The nearest airport is Ende, which we reached from Bali with a short layover in Labuan Bajo. Later in our trip, we flew from Maumere back to Labuan Bajo. It’s also worth noting that Kupang in West Timor is connected to multiple airports in Flores by domestic flights.

Allow At Least One Full Day to Reach Flores

No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll need at least a full day to get to Flores. We flew Emirates from Dubai to Denpasar (Bali), arriving in the late afternoon — too late to catch a connecting flight to Flores. Since the Novotel Bali Airport (connected directly to the terminal) was fully booked, we stayed at the nearby Harris Hotel, which offers a free 24/7 shuttle.

The next morning, we flew from Bali to Ende via Labuan Bajo. From there, it was about a 1.5-hour drive to our homestay in Moni.

Tip: we usually book our domestic flights in Asia on Trip.com, it works very convenient with all e-tickets in one app. Every booking you automatically save membership points and rewards, such as free airport lounge access.

Airport Lounge Tip for Bali

If you have time to spare at Bali Airport, I highly recommend the Concordia Lounge in the Domestic Terminal. It’s clean, quiet, and has a great breakfast buffet. The international terminal lounge, unfortunately, was not nearly as pleasant.

Indonesian food in Moni, Flores. — Enjoying a delicious meal in Moni.

Expect the Unexpected

If there’s one thing to keep in mind when traveling through Indonesia, it’s this: always have a backup plan. Or two.

We learned this the hard way last year, when a ferry meant to take us overnight from Sorong to Misool broke down — we woke up still docked in the harbor, with no clear departure time.

This time around, we built in buffer days at the end of our trip to account for potential delays or cancellations — and it turned out to be a smart move.

On the day of our departure, the Lewotobi volcano erupted, forcing the closure of most airports in Flores due to volcanic ash in the air. While our flight to Bali was one of the few that still operated that day, Labuan Bajo and other airports across the island shut down.

Tip: you can monitor volcanic activity and its impact on airspace using Flightradar24, which has an option to display volcano-related closures on the map.

The next morning, Labuan Bajo and Ende reopened, and our flights operated as scheduled — but Maumere remained closed.

During our stay in Moni, we kept on debating whether we should still go to Maumere, as our flight back to Labuan Bajo was from there. The airport remained closed for a couple of days, without much information. In 2024 Maumere airport had closed for 6 months due to the nearby volcanic activity. We decided to hope for the best and luckily our second day in Maumere the airport had reopened. Two weeks after we returned home, another eruption caused another closure.

So again: don’t plan your Indonesia itinerary too tightly. Delays happen, and flexibility is key to enjoying your trip without stress.

Kayak on secluded beach in Pulau Babi, also known as "Pigs Island". — Secluded beach at Pulau Babi, also known as “Pigs Island”.

Where to go and where to stay in Flores?

Due to the limited time we had, we focused on four main places in Flores:

Moni: Gateway to Kelimutu’s Crater Lakes

Gateway to Kelimutu’s Crater Lakes, Moni the first stop in our Flores and Komodo Itinerary.

A small, peaceful town nestled at the foot of the Kelimutu Volcano, that’s Moni. It’s the perfect base if you’re planning to visit the famous three-colored crater lakes at sunrise — one of Flores’ most iconic sights.

But Moni has more to offer than just the volcano. You’ll find scenic rice terraces (some with natural hot springs in the middle!), lush waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities for short hikes and village walks. The town also has a handful of charming restaurants and cafés to unwind in after a day of exploring. There’s also Wologai Heritage Village offering an insight in the traditional way of living on Flores.

We recommend spending two nights in Moni to fully enjoy the area without rushing.

We stayed at The Geckos Homestay, which we highly recommend. It offers cozy bungalows with outdoor bathrooms, a laid-back vibe, and delicious family-style dinners each evening — a great way to meet other travelers.

For a full list of things to do in and around Moni, check out our Moni travel guide.

Encountering cows while hiking in Moni, Flores.

Koka Beach: A Perfect Stop Between Moni and Maumere

Koka Beach is a hidden gem on the south coast of Flores, which we visited on our way from Moni to Maumere. Its two crescent-shaped bays, separated by a rocky headland, create a dramatic and photogenic setting. With soft white sand, turquoise water, and barely any visitors, it felt like a private paradise. If you have a drone, this is the spot to fly it — the aerial view of the twin bays and untouched coastline is simply spectacular.

Koka beach Flores drone view. — Koka Beach, one of the best beaches in Flores is the perfect spot to fly your drone.

Maumere: Volcanic beaches and snorkeling heaven

Once a major tourism hub in eastern Indonesia, Maumere was to Flores what Labuan Bajo is today—a thriving entry point for travelers, especially divers drawn to the rich marine life of Maumere Bay. But everything changed on December 12, 1992, when a powerful earthquake and tsunami destroyed much of the town and its surrounding reefs. While Maumere never fully regained its place on the tourist map, what remains is a peaceful stretch of coastline with raw beauty and far fewer visitors.

Some offshore reefs have regenerated, and Maumere’s charm now lies in its simplicity. Just outside the town, you’ll find a few quiet beach resorts, far removed from mass tourism. No five-star hotels or mega-developments—just comfortable cottages, sea breezes, and barefoot tranquility.

We stayed at Coconut Garden Beach Resort, a beautifully designed spot right on the sand. The cottages are built in local style, decorated with shells and driftwood collected nearby, and furnished using regional materials. Every evening, we enjoyed fresh seafood dinners under the stars.

From here, we also made a memorable snorkeling day trip to Pulau Babi (Pig Island). Not only did we swim over vibrant coral reefs and visited a village untouched by tourism, but we also snorkeled directly over the visible fault line of the 1992 earthquake—a dramatic reminder of the island’s geological history.

Tropical beach in Maumere, Flores. — Tropical beach at the Coconut Garden Beach Resort in Maumere.

Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park absolutely deserves its own page — and it has one! It is a must to be part of your Flores and Komodo Itinerary. In short: surreal island landscapes, vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, snorkeling with manta rays and reef sharks, close encounters with the rare Komodo dragons, and watching thousands of flying foxes soar into the sunset. These were just a few of the unforgettable experiences we had here. It’s the main reason many travelers, including us, choose to visit Flores.

Labuan Bajo is the gateway to the Komodo Islands. After spending three days and two nights on a boat exploring the park, it was also the perfect place to relax for a few days in a comfortable beach resort before heading home. The town has a growing selection of great restaurants and cafés — more about that in our Labuan Bajo travel guide.

We spent our first night in Labuan Bajo at the Bintang Hotel before departing on our boat trip. After returning from the islands, we treated ourselves to two nights at the Sudamala Resort, and honestly — after sleeping on a boat (which was an amazing experience!), that bed, those pillows, and the lush comfortable bathroom felt like pure heaven. Add in the cocktails by the pool and beanbags to watch the sunset, and it was the perfect way to end our trip.

Want to know how to book a Komodo boat trip, which operator we recommend, and what to expect? Check out our detailed article: Three Days Sailing Around Komodo.

Watching the flying foxes from the deck of our boat in Komodo National Park.

Our 10-Day Itinerary to Flores and the Komodo Islands (route in a nutshell)

Here’s our detailed Flores and Komodo itinerary broken down day by day.

Day	Where we stayed	Activities

1 – Moni	The Geckos Homestay	Arrival in Ende Airport, transfer to Moni.
2 – Moni	The Geckos Homestay	Kelimutu Volcano & exploring Moni’s surroundings
3 – Maumere	Coconut Garden Beach Resort	Visit Koka beach on the way from Moni to Maumere.
4 – Maumere	Coconut Garden Beach Resort	Relax at the beach
5 – Maumere	Coconut Garden Beach Resort	Snorkeling day trip to Pulau Babi
6 – Labuan Bajo	Bintang Hotel	Fly from Maumere to Labuan Bajo, dinner in Labuan Bajo
7 – Komodo	Sikapatau Boat	Start 3 day / 2 nights Komodo boat trip
8 – Komodo	Sikapatau Boat	3 day / 2 nights Komodo boat trip
9 – Labuan Bajo	Sudamala Resort	End 3 day / 2 nights Komodo boat trip
10 – Labuan Bajo	Sudamala Resort	Relax

Transportation: How To Get Around in Flores

Flores has just one main road running along the island—actually two, a northern and a southern route. Buses and small vans run regularly, but schedules aren’t very clear and they can get quite crowded.

If you’re doing a fully overland trip, hiring a private driver is highly recommended for convenience and comfort. Since we preferred to spend more time in each place instead of being stuck in the car every day, we combined domestic flights with arranged drivers between accommodations.

Many homestays and hotels can easily arrange drivers for you. For example, our trip to Pulau Babi was smoothly organized by Coconut Grove Beach Resort.

Domestic flights are simple to book online via sites like Trip.com, and accommodations through Booking.com or Agoda. Just a heads-up: if you want to do a Komodo boat trip, book well in advance—when we booked just two weeks before, many boats were already fully booked.

Final Thoughts on Our Flores and Komodo Itinerary

Flores and Komodo are full of surprises—stunning nature, unique wildlife, and warm local culture. Sure, travel here can be a bit unpredictable at times, but that’s part of the adventure. If you go with an open mind and a bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with memories that stick with you forever.

Want to dive deeper into our journey? We’ve shared detailed guides from start to finish—explore our posts on Moni, Maumere (including the amazing Pulau Babi), Labuan Bajo, and the unforgettable Komodo boat trip. Reading them in order will give you the full picture and help you plan your own trip with ease.

We hope our Flores and Komodo itinerary helps you plan a memorable trip. Feel free to reach out or drop a comment if you have questions—we love hearing from fellow travelers!

Interested in exploring more of Flores and Komodo? Check out our other travel guides:

FAQ About Your Flores and Komodo Itinerary

How many days do I need for Flores and Komodo?

At least 10 days is recommended if recommended if you want to see both Flores and the Komodo Islands. Spend 6–7 days exploring Flores (Moni, Maumere, beaches and villages) and 2–3 days in Komodo National Park on a liveaboard or island-hopping boat trip. Two weeks or more would be ideal if you want to make your way from Labuan Bajo to Maumere overland and visit traditional villages on your way.

How do you get from Bali to Flores?

There are daily flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo, connecting to Ende and (not everyday) Maumere. Most visitors arrive via Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park.

Can I see Komodo dragons on a day trip?

Yes, day trips from Labuan Bajo go to Rinca or Komodo Island. However, a multi-day boat trip lets you explore more islands, snorkel with manta rays, and visit more remote areas.

Is it safe to travel in Flores?

Yes, Flores is safe and welcoming. However, infrastructure is basic in many parts. Be prepared for flight delays and unpredictable weather. Flexibility is key.

Is Flores suitable for beginner travelers?

It’s better suited to semi-experienced travelers. Roads are winding and things don’t always go as planned. That said, it’s an incredible adventure if you travel with an open mind.

What’s the best time to visit Flores and Komodo?

April to October is dry season and ideal for travel. Weather is unpredictable nevertheless, and even in June we did encounter some rain here and there.

How can I book a Komodo boat trip?

Many agencies in Labuan Bajo offer boat tours, but it’s best to book in advance online — especially in high season. We’ve shared our recommendations in our [Komodo Boat Guide].

Do I need to worry about volcanic eruptions in Flores?

Flores has active volcanoes like Lewotobi and Kelimutu. Eruptions can disrupt flights. Always check local advisories and have a flexible itinerary with buffer days.