Lots of questions for a trip to Flores and Komodo

Hi there!

Phew, this feels really strange—it’s my very first post after the forum’s long closure... like stepping back into that carefree pre-COVID time...

I’m trying to plan a short trip (just under two weeks) to Flores at the end of March, beginning of April, and I’ve got *so* many questions... - **Transport**: From what I’ve gathered, the only flights to Maumere are from Denpasar (or Labuan Bajo), right? Did I get that right? And for getting around the island, I was thinking of hiring a car with a driver for the main routes (we don’t ride motorbikes...). Any idea what the going rate is? And do you have any trusted contacts to recommend? - **Timing**: Even though the best season is later, is the weather still manageable at that time—especially for snorkeling with calm seas and good visibility? - **Komodo archipelago cruise**: I was considering a 3-day, 2-night cruise at the end of the trip, from Labuan Bajo to Komodo. Something comfortable (cabin with private facilities). I saw what Captain Komodo offers on the Alcira—has anyone tried it? Otherwise, any other recommendations?

Yeah, I know it’s a lot of questions! Usually, I travel a bit more spontaneously, but the transport logistics are making me a little nervous—we only have two weeks, so if it takes 5 flights and 3 days of travel just to get to Maumere, we might have to pick a more accessible destination...

Thanks in advance!

Cyrille

Hi there,

- transports: if I understood correctly, the only flights to Maumere are from Denpasar (or Labuan Bajo). Am I right?

Partially. Maumere is only served from Labuan Bajo (3x/week on days 1, 3, and 5 with Wings Air) and Kupang (daily with Wings Air and 4x/week on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 with Nam Air). The fastest option from Denpasar takes 3h20 total, including a 50-minute layover in Labuan Bajo (simulated for 03/26) and is obviously only available 3x/week (see above).

Thanks! So we won’t skip the domestic flight after all... At least it flies on Monday, which fits pretty well with our schedule. How do you run your simulation? I’ve been trying on the Lion Air site, but it won’t show me the results...

I book through this reservation site: https://en.tiket.com/pesawat because unlike some small Indonesian airline sites, it works well, doesn’t lag, offers all direct and indirect flight options, and lets you pay with a non-Indonesian credit card. It might well be a new version of the old and very handy Ticket To Indonesia site, which no longer exists.

Awesome, thanks! I’ll check it out.

Hi Cyrille, Did you take this beautiful trip to Flores? I’m also thinking of going in March 2026 with my two kids. Is the monsoon not too much of a hassle? For outings and snorkeling? Did you do the cruise? I’d love any info you have. Thanks and have a great day! Violette

Yeah, I'm interested too! :) I have some of the same questions (like about that domestic flight... how was it? Did the transfer work out?)

And the trip? And the cruise? Hope everything went well! I'm planning for July and I'm a bit worried about the crowds...

Yeah, I'm interested too :). I have some of the same questions (typically about that internal flight... how was it? did the transfer work?)

and the trip? and the cruise? Hope everything went well! I'm planning for July and I'm a bit worried about the crowds...

Viopouette is only leaving in March 2026, CyrilleG went in March 2025, so I think you should ask her your question... hoping this time she won't be MIA like she was for Viopouette.

Hi Cyrille, I’m revisiting the messages above to see if you had any updates to share from your trip. There are two of us eagerly waiting for news since we’re planning similar trips!

Hope it was amazing—I can’t wait to hear from you!