Trippa

Indonesia: Bali to Flores (Island Hopping East)

Route Overview

East of Bali, Indonesia becomes increasingly raw, remote, and rewarding. This island-hopping route takes you from Bali's well-trodden beaches through Lombok and the Gili Islands, across Sumbawa, and into Flores -- home to the Komodo dragons, volcanic crater lakes, and some of the most stunning landscapes in Southeast Asia. Each island feels like a different country. Transport becomes more adventurous as you head east, shifting from fast boats and flights to local ferries and bumpy buses.

Suggested duration: 2-4 weeks

Best Direction

West to east (Bali → Flores) is the natural flow. You start in the comfort of Bali, gradually move into less-developed islands, and build toward the Komodo National Park and the volcanic landscapes of central Flores as the climax. Many travellers fly back to Bali from Labuan Bajo (Flores) or continue east to Ende/Maumere.

Best Time of Year

  • April to October (dry season) is essential for this route. Seas are calmer for ferries and boat trips, Komodo boat tours run reliably, and roads on Flores and Sumbawa are more passable
  • June-September is peak season with the best conditions but more tourists at Komodo and the Gili Islands
  • November-March (wet season) brings rough seas, ferry cancellations, and difficult overland travel on Flores. Some Komodo liveaboard operators reduce services

    • Stop-by-Stop Breakdown

    1. Bali-Canggu / Bali-Ubud / Bali-Uluwatu (2-5 days)

  • Starting point and acclimatisation
  • See individual destination files for details

    • 2. Bali → Gili-Islands

  • Fast boat from Padang Bai or Serangan (Bali): 1.5-2.5 hours to Gili Trawangan, from 350,000-600,000 IDR (~$22-38 USD). Operators: Bluewater Express, Eka Jaya, Gili Getaway
  • Alternative: Public ferry Bali (Padang Bai) to Lombok (Lembar), 4-5 hours, 46,000 IDR (~$3 USD), then local transport to Bangsal harbour + public boat to Gilis
  • Stay: 2-4 days (Gili Trawangan for parties and diving, Gili Air for chill, Gili Meno for quiet. No motorised vehicles on any island)

    • 3. Gili-Islands → Lombok

  • Public boat: Gili T/Air/Meno to Bangsal harbour, 30 minutes, 35,000-50,000 IDR (~$2-3 USD)
  • Fast boat to Senggigi or Teluk Nare: 15-20 minutes, 100,000-150,000 IDR (~$6-10 USD)
  • Stay: 2-4 days (Mount Rinjani trek -- 2-3 days from $150-250 USD with guide, Kuta Lombok surfing, Tanjung Aan beach, Selong Belanak)

    • 4. Lombok → Sumbawa

  • Ferry from Labuhan Lombok to Poto Tano: 1.5-2 hours, 25,000 IDR (~$1.50 USD). Runs every 1-2 hours throughout the day
  • Sumbawa transit: Most backpackers transit Sumbawa rather than lingering. The island is large, less touristy, and transport is slow
  • Bus across Sumbawa: Poto Tano to Sape (for the ferry to Flores), roughly 10-12 hours on rough roads, 100,000-200,000 IDR (~$6-13 USD). Can be broken up with a stop in Sumbawa Besar or the Hu'u surf break
  • Note: Sumbawa is conservative and Islamic. Dress modestly, especially in towns

    • 5. Sumbawa → Flores-Komodo (Labuan Bajo)

  • Ferry from Sape to Labuan Bajo: ASDP ferry, roughly 7-8 hours, from 60,000 IDR (~$4 USD). Schedules can be unreliable; check locally
  • Multi-day boat trip (Lombok/Sumbawa to Flores): 3-4 day liveaboard trips from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, stopping at Komodo and Rinca islands, snorkelling with manta rays, and visiting deserted beaches. From $150-350 USD. This is the most popular backpacker option for reaching Flores
  • Flight: Bali (Denpasar) to Labuan Bajo direct, 1-1.5 hours, from 500,000-1,500,000 IDR (~$32-95 USD) with Wings Air, Batik Air, or Citilink. The simplest option if you want to skip Sumbawa entirely

    • 6. Flores-Komodo / Labuan Bajo (2-4 days)

  • Komodo National Park day trip: Boat trip to Komodo and/or Rinca islands for dragon viewing, Pink Beach snorkelling, Padar Island viewpoint. Day trips from 500,000-1,500,000 IDR (~$32-95 USD) per person depending on group size and boat quality
  • Multi-day Komodo liveaboard: 2-3 days, from $150-350 USD. Best value for seeing everything
  • Park entry fee: 150,000 IDR (~$10 USD) for foreign tourists on weekdays, more on weekends
  • Manta ray snorkelling at Manta Point: Often included in Komodo trips

    • 7. Labuan Bajo → Ruteng → Bajawa → Ende (Central Flores)

  • Overland route across Flores: This is the adventure. Flores has one main road running east-west, winding through mountains, spider-web rice paddies, and traditional villages
  • Labuan Bajo to Ruteng: Bus/minivan, 4-5 hours, 50,000-100,000 IDR (~$3-6 USD). Stop at Cancar spider-web rice fields
  • Ruteng to Bajawa: Bus, 5-6 hours, 60,000-100,000 IDR (~$4-6 USD). Traditional Ngada villages near Bajawa (Bena, Gurusina)
  • Bajawa to Ende: Bus, 6-7 hours, 60,000-100,000 IDR (~$4-6 USD)
  • Stay: 1-2 days at each stop if time allows; otherwise transit through

    • 8. Ende → Kelimutu (Moni)

  • Distance: 65 km
  • Local bus/ojek: 2 hours, 30,000-50,000 IDR (~$2-3 USD)
  • Kelimutu Crater Lakes: Three volcanic lakes that change colour (turquoise, green, red/brown). Arrive for sunrise (4:00am departure from Moni). Entry 150,000 IDR (~$10 USD)
  • Stay: 1-2 nights in Moni village (basic guesthouses)

    • 9. Moni → Maumere (End of Flores)

  • Distance: 100 km
  • Bus: 3-4 hours, 40,000-60,000 IDR (~$3-4 USD)
  • Flight back to Bali: Maumere to Denpasar, 1.5 hours, from 600,000-1,200,000 IDR (~$38-76 USD)
  • Alternative exit: Ende to Denpasar flights also available

    • Transport Options Compared

    Multi-Day Boat Trip (Lombok → Flores)

  • Duration: 3-4 days
  • Cost: $150-350 USD
  • Includes: Meals, sleeping on deck or cabin, Komodo/Rinca visits, snorkelling, Pink Beach
  • Operators: Book through hostels in Lombok or Bali; Perama Tours and local operators in Senggigi/Kuta Lombok
  • Pros: Incredible experience, social, combines transport with activities, Komodo included
  • Cons: Basic conditions (sleeping on deck), sea can be rough, food quality varies, occasional safety concerns on cheaper boats

    • Flights (Bali to Labuan Bajo)

  • Cost: 500,000-1,500,000 IDR (~$32-95 USD)
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Airlines: Wings Air, Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda
  • Pros: Fast, reliable, skip Sumbawa entirely
  • Cons: Miss the overland/boat adventure, book 4-6 weeks ahead in dry season

    • Public Ferries + Overland

  • Total cost Bali → Ende: Roughly 300,000-600,000 IDR (~$19-38 USD) in ferry and bus fares
  • Total time: 3-5 days of actual travel
  • Pros: Cheapest option, authentic, you see everything
  • Cons: Slow, uncomfortable, unreliable schedules, exhausting

    • Budget Comparison (Bali to Ende/Maumere)

    MethodApproximate Cost (USD)Time Public ferries + buses$19-383-5 days Boat trip (Lombok→Flores) + bus east$180-4005-8 days Flight Bali→Labuan Bajo + bus east$50-1203-5 days Flight Bali→Labuan Bajo + flight→Bali$65-1901-2 days

    Tips & Warnings

  • Book Komodo boats carefully -- check safety reviews before booking cheap liveaboard trips. Ensure the boat has life jackets, a working radio, and a competent captain. Several incidents have occurred on budget boats
  • Flores roads -- the trans-Flores highway is paved but narrow, winding, and slow. A journey of 200 km can take 6-8 hours by bus. Factor in extra time and bring motion sickness medication
  • Cash is king east of Bali -- ATMs are scarce and unreliable on Sumbawa and in smaller Flores towns. Withdraw enough cash in Bali, Mataram (Lombok), or Labuan Bajo to last. Carry smaller denominations
  • Accommodation on Flores -- basic guesthouses (homestays) from 100,000-250,000 IDR (~$6-16 USD) per night. Do not expect hostel-level facilities outside Labuan Bajo
  • Kelimutu sunrise -- the truck/ojek from Moni leaves around 4:00am. Bring warm layers; it is cold at the summit (1,639m) before dawn
  • Malaria risk -- exists on Flores and Sumbawa. Consult a travel doctor about prophylaxis. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets
  • Visa -- Indonesia offers 30-day visa on arrival for $35 USD (extendable to 60 days at immigration offices) or visa-free 30-day entry for some nationalities (not extendable)
  • Respectful dress -- Flores is predominantly Catholic and Sumbawa is Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages and religious sites

    • Related Routes

  • Banana-Pancake-Trail -- the broader SE Asia circuit
  • Philippines-Island-Hopping -- alternative island-hopping route