Indonesian adventure 2024. The Island of Flores, Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park = Paradise

22nd June 2024

The Grab taxi to Bali Airport  took just over 1 hour due to the constantly gridlocked Bali traffic. 

We were flying to Labuan Bajo on Flores with Air Aisa.  The airport is called Komodo Airport. 

The aircraft was full and the seats very close together, but it was OK for the flight of 1 hour. 

Komodo Airport looked new, it has an extended runway and had a new 'international customs desk', so it looks like Flores is getting ready to have international flight to it. 

Komodo Airport 

Komodo Airport 

Komodo Airport 

I had booked the Sudamala Hotel as it offered free airport transfers, however, despite me following the instruction given by the hotel, there was no airport transport waiting / or available for us, so we got a taxi - it was a very short 15 minute ride to the hotel. 

The hotel reception was packed, two large tour groups had just arrived via the hotel transport and were being checked in. We had a long wait. 

Finally, checked in, we were shown to our room. Up a flight of steep stairs, no lifts. The room was large, clean, had a large bed, the layout was odd with the sinks in the bedroom and the bathroom split on both sides of the room. But the shower was a good one. The grounds of the hotel were lovely and the restaurant turned out to be good. So overall the Sudamala was OK. BUT- all of the 'extras' advertised by the hotel, shuttle, sister island, yoga on the beach, excursions etc are not available- so the hotel seemed a bit mean!

23rd  June 2024

I booked an afternoon tour to see the Flying Foxes, but got a message to meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 10.30. We were taken to the harbour where we got on a wooden boat and made our way to the first stop -  a small island where we walked up to the top of the hill for the view and then swam in the sea. We then had a very nice lunch on board the boat and had three more island / snorkelling stops before we got to the spot where at 18.00 the large fruit bats emerge from the mangroves to find food. It was a great experience, even though the wooden boat was very noisy - ear plugs were needed! 

24th June 2024

Today we got a scooter from a shop opposite the hotel and went out and explored the peninsular north of Labuan Bajo. It is absolutely beautiful, with views that must rank as some of the best in the world and soon to be capitalised on as a lot of luxury resorts and hotels are under construction. 

Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia 

Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia 

25th June 2024

Today we were doing the 'classic' Komodo trip. Leaving the harbour on a very large, modern, clean and safe speedboat, The Gold Orca. 

Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia 

First stop was Padar Island, with a long walk to the top. 

Pink Beach was next

Then Komodo Island 

A quick stop at a sandbank and snorkelling to see Manta Rays.

Kanawa Island was the last stop. 

It was such a good day, one I will remember forever, The crew were fabulous, the lunch and many snacks and drinks we received were great.

26th June 2024

Just a day of lazing by the pool and the beach.

27th June 2024

It was an early flight with Air Asia back to Bali. 

we were just staying two nights in Bali, so went back to the hotel in Seninyak and enjoyed two days of total relaxation and a delicious meal at Sardine restaurant with its lit up rice fields. 

😊😊😊