Flores - topside?

[billt4sf]

I am taking a LOB trip that begins in early December from MAUMERE (which I gather is on the island of Flores, a.k.a. East Nusa Tenggara?) and I wonder about taking a few days (more?) to travel around Flores. I have the time if it's "worth it".

I used to love to backpack around -- don't do things that way any more. Need comforts, I'm afraid. I can (and will) look at the details myself, but I know some of you have specific experience you might be willing to share.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

 

[Luko]

Very nice island, Needs 3 days minimum to get from Maumere (North East) to Labuan Bajo on the western coast of Flores just in front of Komodo.
Highlights are Kelimutu colored lakes, the landscape between Moni and Ende, Bajawa region with local villages.
You can ask Seaworld at Maumere to organize the trip with a private car +driver and book the accoms (you'll probably sleep in a convent in Ruteng).
This is deep indonesia, store a few snacks in Maumere, I've never eaten such bad and rustic nasi gorengs, might have lost a few kgs during the crossing.

 

[Adelaar Cruises]

If you are doing an overland trek, stop by the village of Ruteng and visit Liang Bua, the cave where "hobbits" or Flores man were originally discovered. Read Nat Geo's The People Time Forgot: Flores Find."...the remains discovered of H. floresiensis may have lived from as early as 95,000 years ago..."

I addition to Liang Bua where their skelatal remains were discovered, the village of Wae Rebo is very cultural and the Lingko Spider Web rice fields are worth a visit. It's also rumored that you can still find "hobbits", that they hide in the trees and steal children. That part sounds like local legend, but either way there are some really small locals in the area.

Luko's correct on the snacks you may also want to bring something for motion sickness, there can be quite a few twist and turns (and bumps).

Enjoy!

 

[mattia_v]

3 days is a little (very!) short; we spent 5 days getting from Ende to Labuan Bajo, and it was still quite a lot of driving. All cars are rented with drivers, do a bit of searching to find someone, and don't pay in advance, cash in hand for a few days at a time is how we did it. Well worth the add-on stay for me.

 

[lamarpaulski]

A trip to see Dragons ?

 

[Dan]

If you are doing an overland trek, stop by the village of Ruteng and visit Liang Bua, the cave where "hobbits" or Flores man were originally discovered. Read Nat Geo's The People Time Forgot: Flores Find."...the remains discovered of H. floresiensis may have lived from as early as 95,000 years ago..."

I addition to Liang Bua where their skelatal remains were discovered, the village of Wae Rebo is very cultural and the Lingko Spider Web rice fields are worth a visit. It's also rumored that you can still find "hobbits", that they hide in the trees and steal children. That part sounds like local legend, but either way there are some really small locals in the area.

Luko's correct on the snacks you may also want to bring something for motion sickness, there can be quite a few twist and turns (and bumps).

Enjoy!

Good info! Thanks!

I've been thinking of doing this (Maumere to Labuan Bajo) with the 16-day biodiversity liveaboard from Sorong to Maumere. It sounds like it'll be a long trip, at least 3 weeks (16 +5 days) + flight time.

 

[Dan]

A trip to see Dragons ?

The Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park to the west of Labuan Bajo, you mean?

 

[lamarpaulski]

Yep. Not sure if its technically Flores but close enough for day trip. I would think seeing Komodo dragons would be a must-see. I found it fascinating. Did the longer hike offered. Hot. Bring water.

Also a bat (flying fox) island with a gazillion large bats leaving at dusk to feed. Viewed from boat.

 

[billt4sf]

If you are doing an overland trek, stop by the village of Ruteng and visit Liang Bua, the cave where "hobbits" or Flores man were originally discovered. Read Nat Geo's The People Time Forgot: Flores Find."...the remains discovered of H. floresiensis may have lived from as early as 95,000 years ago..."

I addition to Liang Bua where their skelatal remains were discovered, the village of Wae Rebo is very cultural and the Lingko Spider Web rice fields are worth a visit. It's also rumored that you can still find "hobbits", that they hide in the trees and steal children. That part sounds like local legend, but either way there are some really small locals in the area.

Luko's correct on the snacks you may also want to bring something for motion sickness, there can be quite a few twist and turns (and bumps).

Enjoy!

Have been following the whole Hobbit find! Will definitely do this. Thanks for posting.

- Bill

 

[billt4sf]

Very nice island, Needs 3 days minimum to get from Maumere (North East) to Labuan Bajo on the western coast of Flores just in front of Komodo.
Highlights are Kelimutu colored lakes, the landscape between Moni and Ende, Bajawa region with local villages.
You can ask Seaworld at Maumere to organize the trip with a private car +driver and book the accoms (you'll probably sleep in a convent in Ruteng).
This is deep indonesia, store a few snacks in Maumere, I've never eaten such bad and rustic nasi gorengs, might have lost a few kgs during the crossing.

Great info as usual, Luko! Thanks for posting.

- Bill