5D4N Overland Flores: Wae Rebo, Nuca Molas, Bena & Kelimutu Sunrise

Highlights

• A night in Wae Rebo and an afternoon at Nuca Molas
• Ranamese Lake, Mausui savanna and Wolobobo Hill facing Mount Inerie
• Bena traditional village below Mount Inerie
• Bung Karno's exile house in Ende
• Sunrise over the three coloured lakes of Kelimutu

Why choose this tour

This journey crosses Flores by road from west to east, from Labuan Bajo to Ende, so guests see the island between the famous ends: mountain villages, lakes, volcanoes and coast.

The first two days cover Wae Rebo, with a night in a Mbaru Niang house, and Nuca Molas, before the drive up to Ruteng. Day three passes Ranamese Lake and the Mausui savanna to Bajawa, where Wolobobo Hill faces Mount Inerie. Day four visits Avatar Hill, Bena traditional village, Batu Biru Beach and Bung Karno's exile house in Ende, ending in Moni.

On the last morning we leave at 04:00 for sunrise over the Kelimutu lakes, then drive to Ende, where the trip ends around 10:00 with an airport drop-off available.

The route also runs in reverse, from Ende to Labuan Bajo, with stops at a woven-fabric centre, Luba village and a traditional palm-wine maker in Aimere.

Itinerary

1. Day 1Labuan Bajo to Wae Rebo

   • 07:30 to 08:30: hotel pick-up; briefing at our office
   • Drive south via Lembor; lunch
   • Denge village and trek up to Wae Rebo
   • Welcome ceremony; dinner and night in a Mbaru Niang

2. Day 2Wae Rebo, Nuca Molas, Ruteng

   • 06:30: breakfast with villagers
   • 08:00: trek down to Denge (about 2 hours); lunch
   • Boat to Nuca Molas: Lowok Beach and the lighthouse
   • Drive to Ruteng; hotel and dinner

3. Day 3Ruteng to Bajawa

   • Ranamese Lake
   • Mausui savanna
   • Lunch in Bajawa
   • Wolobobo Hill with views of Mount Inerie; hotel in Bajawa

4. Day 4Bajawa to Moni

   • Avatar Hill
   • Bena traditional village
   • Batu Biru Beach; lunch
   • Bung Karno's exile house in Ende
   • Continue to Moni; hotel and dinner

5. Day 5Kelimutu and Ende

   • 04:00: drive up to Kelimutu
   • Short walk to the viewpoint for sunrise over the three lakes
   • Light breakfast; drive to Ende (about 1.5 hours)
   • Around 10:00: trip ends in Ende; airport drop-off available

Cabins and options

• Open trip, join a small group
• Private trip, your group only

Choose the option you prefer. We confirm it in writing before you pay, and we never downgrade a confirmed cabin.

Why book with us

• Crosses Flores in one trip and ends at Ende airport, with no need to double back
• Villages, lakes, volcanoes and coast in five days
• Small groups: no more than 5 guests per car
• Locally owned, with a physical office in Labuan Bajo where guests can meet the team

Good to know

• Open trips run 2 to 4 times a month, weather permitting.
• Travel light: a backpack rather than a large suitcase.
• Ruteng and Wae Rebo are cold at night; bring a warm jacket, trekking shoes and a raincoat in the rainy season.
• Dress modestly in traditional villages.
• Day 5 starts at 04:00 for the Kelimutu sunrise.
• Book at least 2 weeks before departure.

Upgrades and add-ons

• Private charterTake the whole boat for your family or group, with the route paced around you.
• Cabin upgradeMove up to an ocean-view, Deluxe or Master cabin where the boat has one.
• Personal documentationA dedicated drone, GoPro and camera operator for your group.
• A day on the Flores mainlandAdd Rangko Cave, Melo village and sunset at Sylvia Hill before or after your sailing.
• Honeymoon and anniversary touchesCabin decoration, a private dinner on deck or a cake on board.