This tour visits some of the most beautiful and culturally interesting islands of Indonesia: Sumba, Flores and Komodo, rich in ancient tribal traditions, ancient villages, which seem to stand still, white beaches, jungle-covered mountains, savannas, and seas rich in marine life. Tours of 2-3 weeks, let you know the best of these islands
Last update: March 3, 2023
SUMBA, FLORES & KOMODO TOUR
4. THE CRUISING INDONESIA EXPERIENCE
1. TOUR OF SUMBA
Sumba, an arid and undulating island, is home to one of the most interesting tribal societies of the Nusa Tenggara Timur, the archipelago of the eastern islands, which revolves around the cult of the Marupu (generic term to define all spiritual forces, deities, spirits and ancestors). Sumba, from the morphological point of view, looks very different from the volcanic islands located further north, with a landscape characterised by the presence of low limestone hills, rice fields and fields of corn and cassava. In the most inaccessible regions, the horse is still used as a means of transport: a symbol of wealth and social prestige, along with the buffalo and the pig, once this animal was part of the dowry to be offered to take a wife. Today most of the islanders are officially protestant, but the cult Marupu resists and the old conflicts are still commemorated annually, with simulated battles between courts of knights armed with speared spears. These battles refer to entrenched tribal tensions that occasionally break out between rival clans. The Bahasa Indonesia is spoken everywhere, but in Sumba there are six main languages. Tourism on the island is almost non-existent.
Usually the traditional village of Sumba is structured in two parallel rows of houses, placed one in front of the other, with a square in the middle. At the center of the square there is a stone surmounted by another flat stone, on which are placed the offerings to the Marupu protectors of the village. These stone structures for the spirits or katoda are used for the offerings to the Marupu of the agriculture during the sowing or the harvest. The village square also contains the tombs of important ancestors, typically finely carved. In former times, the heads of the slain enemies were hung on a spiky pole located in the village square, it is called “the skull tree” and today is still present in some villages, a Sumbanese motif frequently reproduced on the ikat, the typical Sumba fabrics. The characteristic house is a large rectangular structure on stilts that houses an extended family. The thatched roof rises gently from the four sides and ends with a point. Among the rituals that accompany the construction of a house, there is to pay an offer when you plant the first post, to find out if the Marupu endorse the location and one of the methods is to sacrifice a hen and examine the liver. Many houses are adorned with buffalo horns or pig jaws, a reminder of the sacrificial offerings made in the past.
2. TOUR OF FLORES
Flores is a mountainous island with a volcanic morphology that has shaped its destiny for a long time. A chain of volcanoes crosses it, creating a complex system of valleys in the shape of "V" and ridges that have made the territory impenetrable until a few years ago and this is the reason why they developed various ethnic groups, very different between of them. Although today the Catholic religion is predominant, the indigenous traditions are still very strong. Flores owes its name to the Portuguese who called the easternmost promontory of the cape of the Island of Flores (Cape of Flower).
The Ngada communities are characterised by a peculiar form of traditional architecture that has survived until today. The number of houses (sa'o) and the simulacra dedicated to the male and female ancestors (ngadhu and bhaga) in a given village is determined by the number of clans or families (suku) living there, and must remain constant over time. The ngadhu, are vertical structures in the form of an umbrella, covered with straw. Bhaga are small, home-shaped structures. The architecture reflects the traditional beliefs, with elements, decorations and sculptures of buffaloes, hens, horses, humans, weapons and other geometric forms, each with a specific purpose to protect the inhabitants and ensure a sustainable harmony with the environment, the ancestral spirits and natural forces. Sanctuaries and ancestral tombs are an integral part of village life and often children can be seen playing.
The village of Wae Rebo stands isolated in a beautiful mountain scenery. It is an ancient village of the Manggarai ethnic group, formed by seven enormous Mbaru Niang, round houses with a conical roof and unique architecture. The House of Ceremonies is of a different size compared to the others, it houses drums, gongs and memorabilia. It is the common home of 8 families, descended from a common ancestor, rituals and ceremonies take place there. The structure symbolizes the unity of the clan. The sacred drums are considered the means to communicate with the ancestors. A stay in Wae Rebo allows you to learn about the traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants, dedicated to work in the fields, to the collection of coffee, of which they are excellent producers. Some women weave traditional ikats to the loom. The village can only be reached on foot with a 3-hour trek. The walk is in a narrow path between the dense vegetation of the mountain jungle accompanied by the song of thousands of tropical birds. The night sleeps in the Mbaru Niang, on mattresses padded with pandanus leaves, savouring the experience of living in a common house, under a huge starry sky.
3. TOUR OF KOMODO
The Komodo National Park, since 1977 "Biosphere Reserve" and since 1991 "World Heritage Site", is a unique marine sanctuary. The park consists of Komodo and Rinca, the two main islands and many other minor ones, eighty in total and is located between the large islands of Sumbawa and Flores, right in the middle of an obligatory passage for currents and tides that unite the oceans Pacific and Indian. Mangrove forests, grassy backdrops and magnificent coral reefs are the main habitats. Komodo offers tranquil bays ideal for snorkelling. In the Komodo Park, more than a thousand species of corals have been recorded, seventy sponges, with a particularly high number of coral tubipora, the architect of the beautiful pink sand beaches distributed throughout the park. Turtles and marine mammals frequent its waters and there are occasional whale sightings. The islands of the park abound with wild animals, such as buffaloes, wild boars, flying lizards, tropical birds besides, of course, to the famous varanus that take their name from the island.
4. THE CRUISING INDONESIA EXPERIENCIA
Our travel proposal for you to visit and get to know the highlights of the cultures and traditions of Sumba and Flores. And Komodo, like "grand finale". This is a trip specially designed for non-divers, but it has given a lot to talk about among our most cultured and curious divers.
Sumba Flores & Komodo (Tambolaka - Labuan Bajo)
SUMBA, FLORES & KOMODO TOUR - 13 NIGHTS/14 DAYS - GROUP 02 PAX
Tour Sumba Flores & Komodo as in the program ..US$3500
Tickets Bali-Tambolaka-Maumere/Labuanbajo-Bali ..US$480*
TOTAL QUOTATION PER 02 TRAVELLERS: ......US$3980
(*) The reference airfare, it will be recalculated at the time of reservation
Inclusions
- 03 nights in double room with breakfast in hotel in Sumba
- Tour in private car with English speaking guide in Sumba as in the program
- 01 night in superior double room with breakfast in front sea hotel in Maumere
- 01 night in double room with breakfast in hotel near Kelimutu
- 02 nights in VIP double room with breakfast in hotel in Bajawa
- 01 night in double room with breakfast in Ruteng
- 01 night in hut with dinner and breakfast at Wae Rebo village
- 01 night in double room with breakfast in front sea hotel in Labuanbajo
- Tour in private car with English speaking guide as in the program
- Cruise 04 days/03 nights in Komodo National park, full board, water, hot beverages
- All transfers in Indonesia
Exclusions
- Lunches and dinners, unless expressly indicated as "full board" or "half board"
- Entrance to the Komodo national park US15 per pax per day
- All other services not specifically mentioned in the chapter: “The price includes”
Tour Program
Day 1:
Pick-up at hotel in Bali and transfer to domestic airport for the flight to Tambolaka (10:20-12:15) in the island of Sumba. We board our car starting the tour of the island, stop for lunch just outside the airport, then in 1 hour we will reach the area of Waikelo Sawah, where a river come out from a cave, forming many small waterfalls in the middle of rice fields.
Beautiful swim in the clear waters. Later we follow the road to the south for another 30 minutes until we reach the traditional village of Praijing. We will visit the traditional houses of the village, with the ladies still weaving the traditional Ikat clothes. The elder people still with traditional dresses are good target for pictures. We leave the village and in 45 minutes we arrive at beautiful Watubela beach on time for sunset.
Overnight in hotel in Sumba.
Day 2:
This day is dedicated to visit the region of Wanokaka, with the traditional villages of Waigalli and Praigoli. In the middle of the villages the Sumbanese keep the tombs of the most important ancestors. The tombs are of megalithic stones, carved with figures, horses and ethnic design. Later we will reach the beautiful waterfalls of Lapopu, where will be possible to swim in the river. End of the day at Rua beach for relax.
Overnight in hotel in Sumba.
Day 3:
After breakfast we check-out and travel north-west until arrive at the beautiful Ratengaro village, with his home of tall roofs, and the wonderful setting high on a river entering in the Indian Ocean. We will visit the interior of one traditional home, take picture in the village and to the landscape. Many megalithic tombs are lined outside the village. After the village we will visit the beach of Mandorak for a swim. Last visit of the day will be at the Waikuri Lagoon, a small marine lake separated from the sea by a cliff. wonderful swim in the turquoise waters. Travelling through the northern savanna we will reach the beach Kita Mananga Aba.
Overnight in hotel in Sumba.
Day 4:
Early morning wake-up, to see the sunrise, walking on the long-deserted beach. After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Maumere, on the island of Flores. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free for a relax on the beach.
Overnight in hotel in Maumere.
Day 5:
After breakfast departure to the interior of Flores, visit the white beach of Koka, then the road climb to the interior of the island, visiting the Lio villages of Wolbete and Wolowaru. Arriving at Moni in the afternoon.
Overnight in hotel near Kelimutu.
Day 6:
Wake up at 04:00 in the morning, by car to the summit of Kelimutu volcano to see the sunrise over the three lakes of different colours, inside the craters. Back to the lodge for breakfast than start the trip to Bajawa. Visit on the way the villages of Saga, and Wolotopo, arriving before sunset at Wogolama, the Stonehenge of Flores, a peaceful megalithic site surrounded by a bamboo forest.
Overnight in hotel in Bajawa.
Day 7:
Morning dedicated to the visit of the traditional Ngada villages around Bajawa: Bena, Tololela and Gurusina, up on the shore of Inerie volcano. Afternoon relaxing swim in the natural hot spring in the Malange river. Back to Bajawa.
Overnight in hotel in Bajawa.
Day 8:
Day of transfer from Bajawa to Ruteng, the land of Manggarai people. 130 km, 6 hours, included several stops to take pictures at the beautiful landscapes, rice fields, colourful markets, forest of bamboo. Visit of the distillery of Aimere, to learn how to make an alcoholic drink from lontar palm, the small Ranamese lake. At Ruteng visit the old village of Ruteng Puu.
Overnight in hotel in Ruteng.
Day 9:
Leaving early morning, visit the spider rice fields at Cancar, that arrive in Denge around noon. After lunch start the 3 hours trek to Wae Rebo, probably the best village in Flores. Wae Rebo can be reached only by foot, on a path with wonderful views of the ocean and the forest. The village is formed by huge conical huts, around 10 meters on diameter. Guest will sleep in one dedicated hut. Dinner and overnight.
Overnight in hut in Wae Rebo
Day 10:
After breakfast walk back to Denge and by car to Labuanbajo (5 hours). Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free for a relax on the beach.
Overnight in Labuanbajo.
Days 11-12-13:
After breakfast boarding our private boat, that will be our home in the next 4 days.
We will sail immediately to Komodo National Park. Sailing in the Komodo area we will visit beautiful deserted beaches like Kelor, Siaba, Pink beach. We will climb Padar, the most beautiful island of the park, snorkel with gentle mantas, see the eagles fly over us. In the island of Komodo we will trek in the savanna for spot dragons, deers, wild pigs, wild buffaloes. Komodo offer one of the most stunning underwater environments, beautiful hard and soft corals, sponges, barrier fishes, turtles, sharks, pelagic fish, dolphins.
All overnights in the boat.
Day 14:
According to the time of flight we will return to the Labuanbajo harbour.
Disembark, transfer to airport for the flight home.
Your Private Boat
Our private boat has two A/C en-suite cabins, ideal for 2/4 pax.
There is an open-air lounge and sundeck for relax.
Full snorkelling equipment is available onboard.
It is possible to buy, soft drinks, beer, wine and bring onboard without overcharge.
Great local food is served on board: fish, chicken, vegetables, noodles, nasi goreng, etc.
The crew of 4 mariners will deliver an excellent service.
The Cruising Indonesia Experience
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Leisure Cruises and Non Divers Cruises in Komodo National Park
Trip Highlights of our snorkeling cruises in Komodo National Park. Enjoy snorkeling in the spectacular oceans of marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park and fantastic shore excursions in the last Jurassic Park on Earth.
Komodo Jurassic scenery - The Cruising Indonesia Experience - Non divers cruises
Komodo's marine life
Swept by fierce currents rich in nutrients, the waters of Komodo are a unique sanctuary of marine life offering fantastic underwater experiences for divers and snorkelers alike. There is nearly a guarantee to see big pelagic species (manta rays and sharks). Komodo offers world class diving with an amazing variety of sites that include pinnacles, caves, wall diving, coral gardens, and quiet bays ideals for macro photographers looking for rare marine life.
Dragons and wildlife of Rincia &Padar
The islands host a large amount of wild animals including buffalo, deer, wild pigs, flying lizards, tropical birds, sea eagles and of course the famous Komodo dragon (Varanus Komodoensis), the biggest existing lizard on the planet, reaching a staggering 3 meters in length and 200 kilos in weight and looking just like it has just walked straight from the age of the dinosaurs. It is a true sign of the remoteness of Komodo National Park that the Komodo dragon only became known to the western world in 1912. All cruises include a short trek inland to spot the dragons.
Komodo's Flying Fox
Another must is "Komodo's Flying Fox" a phenomenon unusual to add to the extraordinary beauty of the sea water that glowed golden in the evening sunshine in Komodo National Park. At Kalong Island when the sun sinks, the thousands of bats living between the mangroves growing in the island cover the golden sky of Labuanbajo, coming out of their nests and flying to East in search of food. This spectacle occurs at the sunset and you will see thousands giant bats of the fruit, emerging from the mangrove island of Kalong in Flores before flying towards the island of Rinca in the Komodo Archipelago.
Snorkeling with Mantas
Indonesia is a crossroads between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean with thousands of amazing dive sites, among these are three major areas known for their seasonal population of manta rays: Komodo, Bali and Raja Ampat. Particularly Komodo has a number of sites where you can regularly encounter manta rays and even oceanic mantas -manta birostris- all year around, even if the manta season in Komodo runs from October to November. There are 2 known sites where is possible snorkelling with these amazing animals Karang Makassar in Northern Komodo and Manta Alley in Southern Komodo. It is very import follow the guidelines for encounters with mantas, then you can observe and photograph the mantas but without interfere in their regular cleaning ritual. Snorkeling with mantas will be one of the greatest experiences you can have in Komodo.