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Great Creatures Orangutans and Dragons

13 Days 5200 ex Denpasar (Bali)

Accommodation

6 Nights Hotel
2 Nights Camping
2 Night aboard a Klotok
2 Night Boat Cabin

XPD Icons - RiverBoat

Transportation

Mostly by boat.
Some walking & vehicle transfers

Included Meals

12 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
7 Dinners

Trip Grade

Category 2
Balanced Break

As you hold your breath (momentarily, although it often feels like time is standing still), the mother, her young, nestled safely in her arms, looks up, seemingly staring directly into your eyes.

Days earlier, heavy footfalls, a flicking tongue. Flies buzzing around rows of jagged teeth…

This is the trip.

An opportunity to experience such ancient and humbling creatures as the Komodo Dragon and the Orangutan.

With animal welfare and the great outdoors forming its roots, this is one of those trips of a lifetime!

“A primatologist told me you can find love in the eyes of an orangutan.

It’s that old primate gleam that goes back thousands of years and can penetrate the deepest gloom of the jungle.”

Shawn Thompson

Prepare for an adventure, as we’ll be visiting two of Indonesia’s most remote regions in the islands of Nusa Tengarra, and the jungles of Kalimantan.

In doing so, we’ll visit the islands of Komodo and Rinca (on Rinca, there is the highest Komodo population density of anywhere on the planet), and on Borneo (the very name conjures thoughts of exploration and adventure), we’ll venture upriver by Klotok, to Camp Leakey, a scientific Orangutan research station in the jungle, where vital conservation work has been conducted for five decades!

This is a trip that combines the thrill of wildlife spotting, with education, so you have the opportunity to get as much out of the experience as you wish.

Add to the equation the chance to do much of it by the power of your own arms, it’s just that bit more satisfying !

“Then a very large Komodo breaks into view, spooked by our trespass, and scrambles up the vertical face of the bluff, like an alligator scaling a four-story building.”

David Quammen, Science, Nature & Travel Writer

Komodo dragons fighting

The Journey

Upon arrival in Denpasar, you will be met at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on the time of your arrival you will have free time to relax before an evening meeting with a No Roads Representative who will provide you with your domestic etickets and information required for the following day.

Overnight at Hotel.

30km by Boat (approximately)

We’ll fly to Labuan Bajo, where upon arrival at Komodo Airport we will be met by our local No Roads Local Manager and transferred out to meet the rest of your group aboard the No Roads support boat at Bidadari Island for a bit of snorkelling and lunch.

For the afternoon, we’ll sail to the spectacular Goa Rangko caves. Goa Rangko is a grotto with an amazing clear lake ringed with stalactites and stalagmites.

After some time exploring and swimming in the caves, our vessel will sail back to Seture Island, where we’ll camp on the shore and if time permits an evening sunset kayak, which is (we think) the perfect way to finish the day. 

Overnight in Safari style tents on Seture Island. (B,L,D)

12.5km by Kayak (approximately)

With an early rise, which allows the optional of an early morning swim, we’ll board the support boat for breakfast, before starting our first paddle leg to Pungu Pearl Farm.

Ashore the white sandy beach of Pungu, we’ll enjoy a refreshing cold drink, whilst the locals show us how their beautiful products of the sea are grown and sourced at their farm.

If we are lucky and it is harvesting time, there may be the chance to see the workers harvesting their pearls. 

A relaxing paddle through the mangroves follows, until we reach Menjerite where we will stop for lunch and more snorkelling. 

After lunch the kayaking continues past the beautiful surrounding islands, before reaching our overnight campsite on Pungu Island. 

In the late afternoon there’s the  choice to snorkel the crystal clear reef just off the shore, or spend some more time kayaking around this amazing area.

Then it is time to sit back and enjoy the sunset over the sea, before dining on the beach.

Overnight in Safari style tents on Pungu Island. (B,L,D)

7.5km by Kayak & 9km by Boat (approximately)

We start the day with the option for another early morning snorkel,  before breakfast back on the support boat – always a great way to start the day!
 
The first paddle of the morning will either take us to Kukusan Island or Rinca Village and if school is in, we will pay a visit to the students before exploring life on the island.
 
The next leg of kayaking is to Gado, boasting wonderful mangroves and some amazing snorkelling in a spot known for giant table coral, plenty of fish and turtles! 
 
After lunching and the opportunity for more snorkelling, we’ll either paddle or cruise in the support boat to a small mangrove island (Kaaba), which is inhabited by bats. 
 
In the late afternoon they provide a wonderful sight (best enjoyed from our top deck, with a cold drink), as thousands of bats flying into the night sky in search of their evening meal. 
 
Overnight in cabin on support boat inside the National Park. (B,L,D)

10 km by Kayak & 9km by Boat (approximately).

It’s an early morning rise and boat to the Rinca Ranger’s Office to look for Komodo DragonsRinca (pronounced Rin – cha) is the best place in the park to see the Dragons as their numbers and density are larger here than Komodo Island.

We’ll be shown around the Park by a trained Ranger who will explain the eco-system, the Dragon’s habits and the life of other inhabitants on the island such as the Macaque, Buffalo, Deer, Tree snakes etc. 

After your trek and a drink at the Ranger’s Cafe’ you will start heading west on the support boat to Manta Point.

One of the highlights of this trip is snorkelling with the manta rays at Manta Point and hopefully, these gracious animals will delight us with their presence.

After some lunch, we paddle towards Sebayur Kecil, and our last beach camp of the expedition.

Sebayur Kecil has a beautiful beach, boasting great coral reefs and a large fish population, so snorkelling in the late afternoon (or early the next morning) is certainly encouraged.

Overnight in Safari style tents. (B,L,D)

19km by Kayak (approximately).

After a final breakfast in the beautiful Komodo National Park, we’ll begin our days paddling through the mangroves towards Kanawa for one last snorkel and swim, before the last stretch of open water. 

It will be then time to say our goodbyes to the crew before you arrive back at the Puri Sari Beach Hotel by mid afternoon (option to return on the support boat if you prefer). 

Overnight at Hotel. (B,L)

For those taking up the SCUBA Diving option, this is the day that you can dive at some of the best sites in the Komodo National Park. Sites change due to weather and water conditions. The dive Boat will pick you up for 2 dives and then drop you back to the hotel in the late afternoon (lunch provided). Cost $210 per person

In the morning we’ll be transferred to the Komodo Airport for a domestic flight to Bali

Upon arrival in Bali, a driver shall meet us at the airport, and transfer us to our hotel where we shall overnight, before flying to Borneo the following day. (B)

Today you fly from Bali to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo via Surabaya. Arrival will be mid-afternoon (subject to flight schedule times). You will be met at the airport by your local OO guide and be taken to the hotel for check-in. Overnight at the Grand Kecubung Hotel. (B)

This morning you will be taken to the riverside town of Kumai where we will board our klotoks (riverboat) and travel into the National Park. This is the start of your 3 days/2 nights klotok tour. You will cruise slowly along the river looking for orangutans and other wildlife. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the 1st feeding station at Tanjung Harapan. Late afternoon back on the river to search for proboscis monkeys. Overnight on board your klotok (riverboat). (B,L,D)

An early start today sees you back on the klotok and slowly up the Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey, the oldest camp set up for orphaned orangutans. Along the way, you will keep a lookout for wild orangutans, birds, monkeys and other wildlife that may be waiting in the trees along the river. On arrival at Camp Leakey, you will have lunch aboard the klotok before starting the short trek in the surrounding area to visit the information centre. You are likely to see orangutans (or have them see you) near the boat. After enjoying afternoon feeding time and being given a tour of the surrounding forest area, it’s back to the boat and cruising down the Camp Leakey River to Crocodile Lake where you will spend the night. You will most likely see other wildlife of Borneo such as gibbons and proboscis monkeys. Overnight on the klotok. (B,L,D)

This morning we will travel to Pondok Tanggui, the 2nd feeding station to see the orangutans. After lunch, you will take a tour of the local village and in the afternoon you will slowly travel downriver, stopping along the way to watch the proboscis monkeys on the riverbanks. As dusk falls, we will travel back to Kumai harbour and enjoy dinner along the river as we go, hopefully, accompanied by thousands of fireflies. Transfer and overnight in Pangkalan Bun hotel, Grand Kecubung. (B,L,D)

Today after a relaxing morning you will be taken for lunch before heading to the airport to catch your plane back to Bali. On arrival in Bali, you will be transferred to our hotel.

Overnight at Hotel. (B)

Our amazing adventure is at an end, and you are free to continue your travel plans or return home.

Note: This itinerary is indicative and may change due to local conditions and the strength of kayaking team.

For this itinerary, your starting and finishing location is optional (either from Bali or Jakarta), however, you must conclude from your point of origin. 

If this differs from your plans, please contact our office directly.

Journey Extensions

Check out our Journey Extensions for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.

Fresh CoffeeDo you love coffee as much as we do? Forget wine tasting tours, it’s all about coffee appreciation and Indonesia is home to some of the best coffee in the world. Take a guided tour of a local coffee plantation, see how the coffee is harvested, dried, ground and roasted. Return to Labuan Bajo to Cafe Inn Hit for a “Flores” coffee and morning tea. 

Duration: 3 hours (9am-12.00pm)
Price: AUD $75 per person (minimum of 2 guests)

Tour Includes

  • Collection and return to Hotel by air conditioned car

  • Guided Tour of coffee plantation & surrounding area

  • A free packet of ground coffee (packaged)

  • Coffee and morning tea at Cafe Inn Hit

*Please ensure that runners or light hiking boots are worn on this extension.

Flores CookingDo you want to learn how to cook Indonesian food like a local? This half-day tour begins with a visit to the local market with the chef and you can help purchase the ingredients for the food you are about to make (and eat)!

Cook and eat three delicious traditional Indonesian meals, and take the recipes home.

Duration: 3.5-4 hours (9am-12.30pm)
Price: AUD $75 per person (minimum of 2 guests)

Tour Includes

  • Collection and return to Hotel in a air conditioned car.

  • Visit to local market with Chef to purchase food for the cooking class

  • Water/mineral water

  • Cooking instructions & participation in cooking of 3 main meals

  • Copies of recipes

Hobbit Cave Flores

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Price: AUD $850 per person (twin share). Single Traveler $1250 ex Labuan Bajo

For those that have just completed the Komodo Dragon trip, our 5 day 4 night Flores Road Trip is a perfect trip extension. Please note that this itinerary can also be done in reverse to work in with your kayaking itinerary.

Flores is one of the most diverse landscapes on earth with an amazing array of cultures mixed in. Dramatic mountain landscapes, lush fertile valleys, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and more await those that wish to explore the island. To top the trip off we will take you to a volcano (Kelimutu) that has three different colored lakes.

Please note that Flores is a rugged and mountainous island and as such the road trip can be long. Hotels used are the best available. They are usually very basic with hot water. The Eco Lodge in Moni has excellent facilities throughout.

Day 1 Labuan Bajo to Ruteng

After breakfast we will start our road trip to Ruteng. The road will wind its way eastward for a couple of hours before we reach Cancar (pronounced Chanchar). There we will head out to Cara village and climb a small hill that looks over a wide valley. Cara is famous for its spider web rice fields. More technically the agriculture they persist with is known as Lingko in which a field is divided up among the various families of a village from one central location. A wooden pole known as the lodok is placed in the centre of the land. A string is run out to the fields extremities and then divided into moso (meaning hand) forming the wedge like fields. As the lands contours are taking into account across these moso, the field starts to resemble a spiderweb. There are great views of these fields from this hill.

We continue on after lunch to Liang Bua about 1 hour from Ruteng. Liang Bua is the resting place of the Homo Floresiensis, a 106 cm high humanoid that lived in these parts. Discovered in 2003, scientists now speculate why the Hobbit as they are being dubbed, died out. Was it because of Homo Erectus or was it something else. This large grotto cum cave is just off a side road that winds its way through beautiful rice fields and mountain terrain. A local guide will come and show you through the place including a small side cave and the opening to a deep 27 meter hole that leads to another cavern (this is not accessible by non scientists).

From Liang Bua we will head back to Ruteng and the Susteran Maria Berduka Cita convent run by some very nice Sisters. The rooms are very clean and there is even BBC available on the TV. 

Day 2 Ruteng to Bajawa

We continue eastwards into more rugged mountain roads. Along the way we will stop at a small lake called Ranamese with sweeping views of the coastline. From there we continue to the seaside village of Lega Lapu where we will sample some Arak or Palm spirits. While you may have tasted Arak before, this brew is quite good and actually drinkable.

From Lega Lapu we continue back into the mountains for Bajawa. This is a great yet strange town with bare back cowboys and beautiful landscape to boot. In the afternoon we will head to Soa which is a natural hot spring just out of town. This is a great place to relax and sooth aching muscles. Tonight we will dine in a timber restaurant (Lucas) that makes great fried potatoes.

Overnight Bajawa Roo Hotel. (B)

Day 3 Bajawa to Moni via Ende.

This is our last day of driving and possibly the most spectacular of them all. After an early breakfast we will head by car towards an amazingly beautiful valley near the Ngada village of Bena. However Bena is where we will end our 1.5 hour trek from Gurusina down in the valley. Our trek will take us along small paths back up the mountain, through several Ngada villages.

Ngada culture is based around the balance of the male and female. Houses and smaller structures are either characterized by a male or female spirit. Ngada culture is matrilineal, meaning that property ownership and clan names are passed down through the woman’s side. The men however have great influence in day to day functions of the village. Ngada villages are welcoming and are a fascinating and beautiful place to trek through.

We finish our hike in Bena, a large Ngada village overlooking the valley. Keep an eye out for small wooden houses and people sitting atop the homes in these villages.

From Bena, we continue on to Ende and then onto Moni. The road from Ende to Moni would have to be some of the most beautiful on the planet, with sweeping valley views and dozens of waterfalls cascading in the distance. We will arrive in Moni quite late so dinner at the Eco Lodge is suggested.

Overnight Kelimutu Eco Lodge (B)

Day 4 Moni to Kelimutu

We will rise early, around 430am, to walk to the summit of Kelimutu. We can get a small breakfast hamper put together of banana pancakes, water and a boiled egg to have on Kelimutu. The park’s car park is a 30 minute drive from Moni and then from there a fairly easy 30 minute walk to the top. If we are lucky, the cloud will part at sunrise and the beautiful turquoise lakes of Kelimutu will reveal themselves.

Kelimutu are 3 dormant volcanoes that have been filled with water. Due to minerals being dispersed into the water, the lakes exhibit varying colours. The strange thing is that the lakes are so close to each other but the lakes can have different colours such as red, blue and black.

If the summit is shrouded in cloud (which is common) and you don’t see the lakes, don’t worry. We will head back down to Moni with a possibility of a 2 hour walk through the fields to the Eco Lodge. We can shower and get another bite to eat there watching the Kelimutu summit from your room waiting for the the cloud to clear. We can return to the summit in the afternoon or if all else fails, we can go up again the next day.

We suggest dinner at the Eco Lodge and our personal favorite, Mori’s Moni chicken. (B)

Day 5: Moni to Ende to Bali

This morning, assuming you have already seen Kelimutu, we will go for another walk through the valley. We can even arrange for a horse ride through the villages at your own expense. We will also visit the 10000 Rp market where every bunch of vegetables is 10000 Rp. The stall next door will sell for the same price so price is not negotiable. The fruit and vegetables are displayed beautifully and it is a nice place to wonder.

From there, we will head down to Ende for your flight back to Bali. (B)

Included:
– Accommodation between Labuan Bajo and Moni
– Expert No Roads Guide throughout
– Vehicle use throughout trip
– All meals as outlined in Itinerary

Note: If you are adding this extension to a Komodo kayaking trip then your flight to or from Ende before or after your road trip is included in the Komodo Kayaking trip. Please contact us directly to confirm dates if you wish to add this extension on to a Great Creatures Expedition.

Not included:
– Accommodation in Labuan Bajo
– Flight to and from Flores
– All other incidentals including lunches and dinners

Do you want to go beyond the tourist hot spots and experience what life is like in rural Indonesia? Then this half day tour is the perfect experience for you. Come along and join Matias, one of our Kayaking Guides, in his village to see their simple way of life. Accessible from the main road by motor bike only, this only adds to the feeling of remoteness and adventure, where you are unlikely to come across any other tourists on this off the beaten track village.

Duration: 4-6 hours (May-Oct)
Price: AUD $85 per person (2 guests or more)
Price: AUD $115 single guest

Tour Includes

  • Collection a Hotel by airconditioned car

  • Transfer on the back of motorbike from main road along dirt road into village

  • Guided tour of vegetable crops and banana plantations

  • Guided tour of village

  • Lunch in the village

  • 5-20 minute trek through the rice fields to the “pregnant lady rock” and will be told the local story of how the rock formed. Guests will then head back into the village, where once again they will get on the back of a motor bike for a trip to see the fossilised trees and local hot springs. 

Mbeiling Lodge Birds

Mbeiling Eco Lodge is a haven for wildlife and the lodge contributes significantly to the conservation and sustainability of the local communities and species of the area.

Stay overnight at this stunning Eco Lodge, which is 45 minutes from the centre of Labuan Bajo. 

We can arrange activities such as the Mbeliling Trek, Bird Watching, Flores Coffee & Nature Appreciation Tour, Cunca Wulang Waterfalls or Cecer Village Visit all from Mbeliling Eco Lodge.


Price: AUD $130 per room per night twin share

Check in – 2.00pm – check out 12.00pm

Inclusions:

  • Return transfer to and from Labuan Bajo by air-conditioned car.

  • Standard Double/Twin Room accommodation

  • Breakfast

Mt Inerie Trek Flores Indonesia

The highlight of this three day tour is the fully guided climb up Mt Inerie to see the sunrise. Mt Inerie is 2,245 meters above sea level and is also one of the highest volcanoes in Flores, the trek takes six hours and starts at the very early time of 2:30 am. Tour also includes a visit to the local hot springs and a visit to the traditional village of Bena. This trip is a wonderful example of the incredible sights that you can discover when you go off the beaten track and take the road less traveled.

Duration: 3 days
Price: AUD $490 per person (minimum of 2 guests)
Price: AUD $750 – single guest

Tour Includes

  • All transfers to and from airport.

  • Return domestic flights – Labuan Bajo to Bajawa

  • 2 Nights accommodation at Bajawa Roo Hotel including breakfast

  • Town tour of Bajawa

  • Visit local hot springs

  • Sunrise volcano trek up Mt Inerie (start time is 2.30am)

  • Local Guide for Mt Inerie trek

  • Driver in Bajawa

  • Meals – 2 x breakfasts (lunches and dinners at guests own expense)


* Guests must have a good level of fitness to complete the Mt Inerie Volcano Trek. Hiking boots are essential.

Wae Rebo Flores

Flores is a relatively unexplored part of Indonesia. This mountainous island hides beautiful villages from the normal tourist, but with this 2 day trek, you will venture into this wonderland and experience the great hospitality of its’ people. 

Itinerary

Day 1:   We will leave Labuan Bajo at around 8am and head up into the mountains to Dintor Village (approx 4 hours drive). Along the way we will have lunch and witness the ruggedness of the Flores landscape.  Once we have arrived at Dintor Village we will start our trek for Wae Rebo village, which will take us through the amazing open mountain terrain where we will see the fantastic cone shaped houses (approximately 2 hours).  In Wae Rebo we will stay in a traditional home and be the guest of the village. They will show us their way of life high in the mountains. This is a great experience for those who want to witness traditional lives in Flores.  Dinner and Breakfast will be provided in the village. (L,D)

Day 2:  After breakfast you will have some time to immerse yourself in the local village before we start our trek down to Denge Village and then drive to Dintor Village where we will have lunch. From there we will return back to Labuan Bajo in the early evening for you to continue your travels.  (B,L)

Included

Car and driver
Local Guide
Overnight accommodation in Wae Rebo Village

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (as per itinerary)

Exclusion

Accommodation on the night of Day 2 (your return to Labuan Bajo). We can offer accommodation in Labuan Bajo for AUD$95 Twin Share subject to change and availability.

Price

We can run this trip for 1 – 5 Pax

1 Person $650
2 Person $375 per person
3 Person $345 per person
4 Person $315 per person
5 Person $300 per person

Season

March to November

Includes

  • 6 nights of hotel accommodation across Bali, Labuan Bajo and Tanjung Puting
  • Domestic flights as noted in the itinerary
  • 2 nights aboard a Klotok (boat)
  • 1 night on our boat in the Komodo islands and 3 nights in Safari tents on deserted islands
  • Kayak use with all safety gear including vest, paddle 
  • All Ranger, local guide & boat mooring fees
  • National Park Fees
  • All meals as indicated in itinerary (Breakfast – B, Lunch – L and Dinner – D)

Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Airport taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Photography and Video fees within the Komodo National Park
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Any meals not listed as included

A single supplement is available for this trip. However it only applies to the hotels used in Bali, Pangkalanbun and Labuan Bajo not on the boats. We may be able to provide single tents on the beach stays. The price is $700.

Food in Indonesia

It may not be the same as home, but Indonesian cuisine is a fabulous melting pot of indigenous and foreign influence.

Think fresh seafood, mild and spicy curries, fiery Sambal and delicious rice and noodle-based dishes.

If you’re familiar with Malaysian fare, it will all feel very familiar, whilst the influence of Chinese and migrants from the sub-continent are all very apparent.

In a nutshell, it’s quite delicious, and most dietary needs can be accommodated.

Indonesian food

“No Roads Expeditions again impressed us with our Komodo Island and Borneo adventure.

Every detail was taken care of, the boats are fantastic and well setup, the crews friendly and knowledgeable and the food was amazing.

We will be booking our third trip with them as soon as we can choose one of the many destinations and adventures on offer. Couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Jason, No Roads Guest

Getting Around

Your adventure takes you to two quite distinct eco-systems. As such our mode of getting around is different for each destination. In Kalimantan to see the Orangutan, we use a river klotok (boat). These slender vessels are perfect for the narrow waters of the Sekonyer river. Days are spent wildlife watching from the upper deck. We then reach feeding areas by foot.

In the Komodo islands we combine the use of our beautiful boat, Air Dua, with sea kayaks. We will do short paddles from one island to the next. Distances are not huge however paddling can become demanding at times. Remember this is your journey so if this style of travel doesn’t suit you, you simply hop aboard the Air Dua and watch the prehistoric landscape of the Komodo islands pass you by.

Your Guides and Safety

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and paddling experience and a passion for the beautiful flora and fauna of Indonesia.

The guide will ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun, and safe. All guides are trained in Safety First Aid and are connected to our in country team and Melbourne offices by satellite phone.

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