1

For me the answer is very easy...Flores all the way!

For the volcanoes you got the Gunung Inerie in Bajawa. A very rewarding trek, and wonderful view. The Kelimutu in Moni is just wonderful. Snorkeling in the Komodo park a must. Florès is still wild and lush...Java is the most crowded island on earth...Easy choice!

Francois

2

Also for the transport it's not so difficult on Flores. You always have the option of a private driver. Or public buses. But, if you want to do it cheaper and met the locals there's plenty of Bemo on the main road...you can just stand beside the road and you will not wait long to jump in a transport, not always comfortable but always authentic!

3

I agree on Flores. Basically you are choosing between the more urbanize, touristy areas of Java and Bali vs. the rural and still more culturally-rich, authentic islands of Sulawesi and Flores. These eastern islands are still close to what I would call "true tropical islands". The dark-skin girls wear more clothes than when Westerners first started visiting these islands, but they are still beautiful and friendly. You can see the local women carrying a baby wrapped in a piece of cloth tied behind her neck... while at the same time they are carrying a huge load of fruits or vegetables on their heads.

However, don't expect tourist bars with a party at night, or intricate temples dating from thousands of years ago. If that is what you want, then choose Option B.

4

I also vote for Flores.
It offers traditional "tribal" cultures not seen in Java, and more rustic than that of Tanatoraja.

East Java would offer nice ancient temples, but unless you are a temple fan, those you see on Bali should be enough.

5

Thanks you all! Flores here we come!

6

quick question: the most logic route would be first to fly from Jakarta to makassar, from there to Maumere and than from Lubuanbajo to Denpassar I guess (and back to Jakarta)? Or is it also possobli to head to flores first. Don't seem to find any direct flights and it seems more expensive that way.

Is anyone familiar with this website for booking domestic flights? It seems to be no problem there to book and pay from outside infonesia. Prices seems also more or less the same compared to those on the websites of Lion Air, Merpati, ... itself.
http://ticketindonesia.info/en/index.php

Thanks;

Edited by: Sil_

7

Dear Friend,
Here my trip suggestion for Flores :
Day 1 Denpasar - Maumere East of Flores gate way
Day 2 Maumere - Wuring- Fishermen village on the stilt - Maumere Daily Market, Ledalero Museum, Sikka weaving village & an old Portuguese church, Paga Beach and Lio Villages such Jopu and Moni for overnight
Day 3 Moni - Kelimutu 3 colored Lakes, Ndua Ria Fruit Market, Wologai Village, Ende daily Makrket, blue Pebble Beach - Riung overngiht
Day 4 Riung Exploration ; Bat Island and snorkeling activities
Day 5 Riung - Bajawa
Day 6 Bajawa Tour : hiking to the Ngada villages
Day 7 Bajawa - Ruteng : Arak distillation, Ranamese Lake, ruteng Puu
Day 8 Ruteng -Labuan Bajo - Rinca island
Day 9 Rinca - Komodo - Kanawa island - best snorkeling spot
Day 10 Kanawa - Labuan Bajo - Denpasar

8

Did a forum-search on ticketindonesia.info and got my answers. Probably a little bit more expensive (going trough a local agent) but reliable and convenient.

9

I myself am a Flores fan and agree with the other posters.
But...If this is your first time in Indonesia and you have 4 weeks I would choose for an East Java - Bali - Flores experience. Fly to ...say...Singapore and buy a ticket (via Air Asia) to Yogyakarta.
To save time drop Jakarta. Jakarta is high-end shops and stores, a bunch of tourists shopping around, hardly any tourist spots in Jakarta. So go directly via plane from Singapore to Yogyakarta.
I think the temples near Yogyakarta, the Borobudur and Prambanan are a must see, as is Yogyakarta. This is easily 2-3 days.
If you want to climb a volcano or two and NOT share the experience with big groups of tourists go Flores. Mount Egon near Maumere, Mount Kelimutu near Moni and Mount Inerie in Bajawa. Drop Bromo and Ijen (I just read on this forum that Ijen may not be fully accessible at the moment).
Fly from Yogyakarta to Bali (via Air Asia). You can decide to explore Bali before or after your visit to Flores. Fly from Bali to Maumere. Start exploring Flores from Maumere to Labuanbajo. Fly back from Labuanbajo to Bali. I think Flores requires easily a week and is best explored with a private car. To save time in Flores you could think about not visiting Riung and Komodo. It will save you at least 2-3 nights. Snorkeling around Labuanbajo is superior to Riung (see also Youtube for compare and to get a feel). Rinca is nearer Labuanbajo and does not require an overnight stay. Maumere also has nice snorkeling spots just in front of Sea World Club and Ankermi and Pulau Babi (an hour drive by boat). Return to Singapore (via Air Asia) from Denpasar.

If you need the number of an English speaking driver in Flores there was just one mentioned today by a poster. Otherwise pm me as I have two other names. The link provided has some detailed maps of parts of Flores. Also the website is kept updated

http://www.florestourism.com/page/about-us

10

I think many people say Java is a must-do because its' what they know..and have probably never been to Flores.

Flores is a great place.,..you will definitely love it. btw, Sikka village with the old Portuguese church is now a complete tourist trap. The women now stand outside with their weavings hung on stands, just waiting for tourists to come in. The textiles ARE probably woven by the individual women themselves, but you will do better to stop in around the markets or better yet, stop when you see a woman weaving in their yard and ask if she has anything for sale. Chances are her neighbors will come out as well to show you their stuff. (like what Sikka USED to be like)

Geliting market on Friday in Maumere is better...people bring their own weavings and at good prices..

11

You have to choose: Flores- A bit of Paradise vs East Java: The real Indonesia of today with all its beauty and ugly face at the same time. If u wanna learn something I would go for Java