Overland trip Wae Rebo to Kelimutu 5 days

Overland trip from Wae Rebo to Kelimutu 5 days. The overland trip starts from Labuan Bajo and finishes in Ende. The route involves several stops at key cultural and natural attractions across Flores

The primary goals of an overland trip from Wae Rebo to Kelimutu over 5 days are to experience the diverse cultural and natural highlights of the island of Flores, Indonesia, while traveling across its rugged and scenic landscape.

Wae Rebo village - Overland trip Wae Rebo to Kelimutu

Key goals typically include:

1. Cultural Immersion

Experience Traditional Lifestyles:

Visiting the authentic Manggaraian village of Wae Rebo and participating in their traditional welcome ceremony (Waelu’u), staying overnight in a Mbaru Niang (traditional conical house), and learning about their unique community structure and traditions.

Discover Ngada Culture:

Exploring Bena Traditional Village near Bajawa to see the unique stone age ancestral shrines (ngadhu and bhaga) and traditional houses, learning about the local Ngada ethnic group’s customs.

Historical Context:

Visiting the historical sites in Ende, particularly the exile house of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, to understand a key part of the country’s independence history.

2. Natural Exploration & Scenery

Witness Kelimutu Sunrise:

The main natural objective of the second half of the trip is to experience the spectacular sunrise and view the three crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu, which famously change color.

Explore Unique Landscapes:

Traversing the mountainous terrain of Flores, experiencing various natural sights along the way, such as the unique “spiderweb” rice fields (Cancor) in Ruteng, and potentially visiting the blue stone beach at Penggajawa.

Scenic Overland Journey:

The journey itself is a primary goal, as the Trans-Flores Highway offers breathtaking views of volcanic mountains, terraced rice paddies, and coastal vistas.

3. Logistical & Personal Goals

Efficient Travel:

Covering the significant distance between the western and eastern parts of Flores (from Labuan Bajo/Wae Rebo area to Ende/Kelimutu area) within a structured 5-day timeframe.

Adventure and Trekking: Engaging in the physical challenge of the 3-4 hour trek to and from Wae Rebo village.

Connecting Major Attractions:

Linking the two most famous natural and cultural landmarks in Flores (Wae Rebo and Kelimutu) into one comprehensive and cohesive travel itinerary.

Travel itinerary of the Overland trip from Wae Rebo to Kelimutu

Day 01. Labuan Bajo – Wae Rebo village

  • 7:30 – 08:30 – Pick up at your hotel in Labuan Bajo.
  • 08:30 – 09:00 – Get a short briefing about the trip.
  • 09:00 – 11:15 – Driver to Lembor, stop at the Minimarket where you can buy your extra snack.
  • 12:15 – 13:00 – Lunch at Lembor (30-60 minutes)
  • 13:00 – 14:00 – Drive to Denge, get a scooter to drive us to Pos1
  • 15:55 – 16:35 – From Pos 1, Hike to the village, pass the rain forest. Greeting by the leader of the Wae Rebo village
  • 16:35 – 17:00 – Enjoy around. You have time to take a bath in the village. Dinner in the village.

Day 02. Wae Rebo – Spider rice field – Liang Buang Cave – Ruteng

  • 06.00 – Enjoy the view around the village and see local activities.
  • 06.30 – Breakfast together
  • 08.00 – Prepare our walk down to Denge village. It takes around 2 hours
  • 10.00 – From Denge, we will continue the trip by car to the Spidr rice field. Take a 2-hour drive
  • 12.00 – Enjoy the Spider rice field from the hill. Available to take a photo.
  • 12.30 – Lunch around the Cancar area.
  • 13.30 – Next destination is Liang Bua Cave. Takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Lanjut perjalanan ke Liang Bua Cave (± 1,5 hours), an archaeological site where Homo floresiensis (ancient humans known as ‘The Hobbit’) were discovered
  • 16.30 – Drive to Ruteng city for around 1 hour
  • 17.30 – 18.00 – Check in at hotel Ruteng (Spring Hills)
  • 19.00 – Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03. Ranamese lake – Savanna Mausui – Wolobobo

  • 06.30 – Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 07.30 – Drive to Ranamese, it takes 45 minutes. Enjoy the lake in the forest
  • 09.00 – From Ranamese, we will continue the trip to Savana Mausui. Continue to Bajawa.
  • 12.00 – 13.30 Enjoy your lunch in Bajawa.
  • 14.30 – 16.00 We will visit a beautiful view at Wolobobo hill. Enjoy the beautiful view of Inenrie mountain.
  • 17.00 – 18.00 – Check in at the hotel (MANULALU)

Day 04. Avatar Hill – Traditional Bena village – Green Stone beach – Soekarno Museum – Moni

  • 07.00. Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 07.30 – 08.30 Visit Avatar Hill.
  • 08.30 – 09.00 Continue the trip to Bena village.
  • 09.00 – 10.00 We will visit Bena and see the local culture.
  • 10.00 – 12.00 From Bena village, we will continue to Green Stone Beach
  • 12.00 – 12.30 See the unique Green Stone Beach
  • 12.30 – 13.30 Enjoy your Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Ende
  • 13.30 – 15.30 In Ende, we will visit a historical place. Visiting the Bung Karno exile house (the first Indonesian President ).
  • 15.30 – 17.00 Continue to Moni.
  • 17.00. Check in hotel Moni (
  • 19.00. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 05. Kelimutu – Ende

  • 04.00 – Wake up early and drive to Kelimutu. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 05.00 – We will arrive at the Parking area, prepare for a short hike.
  • 05.30 – Enjoy Sunrise at Kelimutu Lake ( 3 color lake )
  • 07.00 – Return to the parking area, light breakfast around Kelimutu, or back to the hotel.
  • 08.30 – Drive to Ende (± 1,5 jam)
  • 10.00 – The trip will be done in Ende.

Note:

  1. If you have your own accommodation, we will drop you off at your hotel
  2. Available transfer to the Ende airport after the trip is done.

Additional information you should know:

  • This trip is only available 2–4 times a month, depending on weather and field conditions.
  • Open trip with a minimum of 2 participants required for departure.
  • Booking at least 2 weeks prior to departure is recommended.

What to Bring:

  • Lightweight & practical rucksack (avoid large suitcases)
  • Warm jacket/windbreaker (the weather in Ruteng and Waerebo can be quite cold)
  • Trekking shoes or comfortable, non-slip walking shoes
  • Raincoat or plastic poncho (if it is the rainy season)
  • Sufficient change of clothes + modest clothing for entering traditional villages
  • Personal toiletries & personal medication
  • Torch/headlamp (for the early morning trip to Kelimutu)
  • Power bank (signal & electricity are limited in Waerebo)

Include

  • Airport Shuttle
  • AC Transportation (max 6 pax/car)
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • AC Hotel (2 pax/room)
  • Tour Tickets (Tourist – Domestic)
  • Guide/Tour Leader
  • Mineral Water

Exclude

  • Round-trip Airline Ticket
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tip Driver/Guide
  • WNA (Foreign National) Ticket

Term of Payment:

  • You can make a deposit payment using our bank account or PayPal.
  • We are not responsible for any taxes.
  • You must pay the balance in cash upon arrival.

Cancellation policy:

  • A full refund for cancellations made up to 7 days.
  • A 50% charge applies for cancellations within 5 days.
  • A full charge is applicable for cancellations within 48 hours.