Indonesia Komodo Motorcycle Tour From Bali to Flores

After collecting our motorcycles, we leave the busy south of Bali and head into the island's green interior. Today's ride takes us past rice terraces, temples and traditional villages. Depending on the route, we ride through the volcanic region around Mount Batur or across the cool highlands of Bedugul. The scenery changes constantly throughout the day before we arrive in Lovina on Bali's peaceful north coast.

Today we discover a quieter side of Bali. We follow small backroads through rural landscapes, passing rice fields, farmland and traditional villages. Along the way, there are regular views of Mount Agung, the island's highest volcano. Our destination is Sidemen, one of Bali's most authentic regions, where traditional village life has changed little over the years.

Early this morning we ride to the harbour for the five hour ferry crossing to Lombok. The ferry is an important part of daily life in Indonesia and offers a first impression of the vast Indonesian archipelago. After arriving on Lombok, the scenery changes immediately. Although we are still travelling through Indonesia, the island has a very different character from Bali. We continue on small roads with a few easy off road sections to Kuta in the south of the island. Kuta on Lombok should not be confused with the town of the same name on Bali. This small coastal town is a pleasant place to end the day. Those who wish can go for a swim or enjoy the sunset by the sea.

In the morning, we leave Kuta and ride to the east coast of Lombok. From there, we take the ferry to Sumbawa, a crossing of approximately two hours. Soon after arriving, the scenery begins to change. The roads become quieter, the villages smaller, and tourism plays only a minor role here. We follow the coast to Sekongkang in the west of the island, gaining a good impression of everyday life in the Indonesian villages along the way. Our accommodation is located near a surfing beach. Those who wish can take a walk along the shore or enjoy the sunset.

Today we set off early as a long riding day lies ahead. Our route follows small roads and gravel tracks through the south of Sumbawa. Along the way, we pass forests, rivers and remote stretches of coastline. The ride also includes a few easy river crossings and sections of loose sand. After around 80 kilometres, we reach the small town of Lunyuk, where daily life still follows a traditional rhythm. As there is no suitable accommodation here, we continue to the next larger town for the night.

Today is free to relax or join one of the optional excursions. Early risers can take a boat trip to Saleh Bay, where there is a chance to see whale sharks in their natural habitat. Another option is a visit to Moyo Island, known for its waterfalls, snorkelling spots and peaceful atmosphere.

Today we cover a longer stage, following the main road east before turning towards Calabai, a small town at the foot of Mount Tambora, whose eruption became one of the most significant volcanic events in history. After leaving the main road, we continue on well maintained gravel roads through an open landscape. Along the way, we see free roaming horses, cattle and water buffalo, while Mount Tambora remains in view for most of the day.

From Calabai, we follow the slopes of Mount Tambora. Today's route combines paved roads and gravel tracks, crossing several wooden bridges and a number of shallow river crossings. Throughout the day, views of the sea alternate with the distinctive volcano rising inland. The region is sparsely populated and we pass only a few small villages before reaching Bima in the afternoon, where we spend the night.

Today we follow a winding road east to Sape, the easternmost town on Sumbawa. Along the way, we pass small villages and open landscapes. Sape is a typical Indonesian town and the departure point for our crossing to Flores. We spend the night here before boarding our boat the following morning.

Instead of taking the long public ferry, we board a private boat and turn the crossing to Flores into a memorable part of the journey. As we travel through the island chain between Sumbawa and Flores, we visit several islands within the famous Komodo National Park. Along the way, there is time to swim, snorkel and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery. One of today's highlights is a visit to one of the Komodo Islands, home to the legendary Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world. These prehistoric looking animals are found only in this part of Indonesia and are among the country's most remarkable natural attractions. In the late afternoon, we arrive in the lively harbour town of Labuan Bajo on Flores.

With our arrival on Flores, a new chapter of the journey begins. Although we are still travelling through Indonesia, the island has a distinctly different culture, religion and way of life from the islands we have visited so far. We leave Labuan Bajo behind and ride through the mountainous interior of Flores. The winding route passes small villages, green valleys and rice terraces. Along the way, we stop at the circular rice fields of Cancar, a traditional farming system unique to this region of Flores. Via Ruteng, we continue towards the coast. If the weather is clear, we make a short stop at the Golo Curu viewpoint. The cathedral in Ruteng is another reminder that Flores is predominantly Catholic. In the afternoon, we arrive at our eco beach resort on Mbolata Beach. Here we learn how the traditional palm spirit Sopi is produced, with the opportunity to taste it if you wish. Afterwards, there is time to swim, take a walk along the beach or simply relax by the sea. We end the day with a fish barbecue together.

From the coast, we ride into the mountains. A narrow road leads us to Belaraghi, one of the traditional villages of the Ngada people, where we gain an insight into a culture that remains very much alive on Flores. We then return to the coast before reaching Aimere, a small fishing village where the climb towards Bajawa begins. With every bend, the scenery changes, offering views of the volcanoes of Flores, the Savu Sea and the coastline. Bajawa lies at an altitude of around 1,200 metres and is regarded as the cultural centre of Flores. Several traditional villages surround the town, where local architecture and customs have been preserved for generations. In the afternoon, we visit the megalithic village of Bena, one of the best preserved traditional villages on the island, located at the foot of Mount Inerie. The local community continues to maintain its traditions and cultural heritage. If time permits, we continue to Gurusina, another historic village overlooking the surrounding mountains. The cooler mountain climate creates a landscape that differs noticeably from the coastal regions, and the evenings can be pleasantly cool.

From Bajawa, we follow a winding road through the highlands of Flores. The route crosses a broad plateau with views of mountains, valleys and small villages. Along the way, we stop at a Catholic seminary that has played an important role on Flores for many years. As we continue east, the landscape changes once again. Before reaching our destination, we visit a beach known for its blue green pebbles, a natural phenomenon found only in a small part of Flores. We then follow a winding road through a river valley to Moni. This small village lies at the foot of Mount Kelimutu and is the ideal base for tomorrow's visit to the famous crater lakes. We stay here for two nights.

For early risers, the day begins at 4:00 am with a ride to Kelimutu National Park. From the car park, a walk of around thirty minutes leads to the viewpoint overlooking the three crater lakes. Depending on the weather and the light, the lakes appear in different colours, a natural phenomenon for which Kelimutu is famous far beyond Flores. After breakfast, we get back on our motorcycles and follow a winding road down to the coast. Our destination is Coca Beach, where we stop for a swim or lunch. In the afternoon, we ride back to Moni. Those who wish can end the day with a swim at the small waterfall on the edge of Kelimutu National Park.

After almost two weeks of travelling east, we reach the turning point of our Indonesia motorcycle tour. But Flores still has much more to offer. We leave the coast and ride through the island's mountainous interior. The road winds downhill through deep valleys and small forested areas before the landscape gradually changes. The lush vegetation gives way to open hills and savannahs that characterise this part of Flores. Away from the main road, we follow smaller roads towards Riung. Today's route alternates between good asphalt and rougher sections, once again showing the variety of riding on Flores. In the afternoon, we arrive in the fishing village of Riung on the edge of the 17 Islands National Park, where we stay for two nights.

Today the motorcycles stay parked as we have planned an optional boat excursion. We travel by boat to the 17 Islands off the coast of Riung, a small archipelago in the north of Flores. The uninhabited islands are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea. Those who wish can swim or snorkel, while others can explore the islands on foot or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. At lunchtime, the boat crew prepares a fresh fish barbecue. In the afternoon, there is more time to relax before we return to Riung in the late afternoon. From there, it is only a few minutes to our accommodation.

From Riung, we first follow the coastline. Along the unpaved sections, views of the sea alternate with views of the small islands offshore. As we ride further inland, the road becomes increasingly winding and the landscape gradually changes, becoming greener and more mountainous. Along the way, we pass several small villages where life still moves at a relaxed pace. During our breaks, there are often opportunities for spontaneous encounters with local people, who are known for their warm hospitality. In the afternoon, we arrive in Ruteng, a small town in the highlands of Flores. Situated at an altitude of around 1,200 metres, it enjoys pleasant temperatures and serves as the centre of the island's mountain region.

On the final riding day across Flores, we return to Labuan Bajo. There are few alternative roads in this part of the island, but the route offers plenty of curves and wide open views. As we get closer to the coast, the islands of the Komodo Archipelago come into view more and more often. Along the way, we make a short stop at a church dating back to the colonial period. In the afternoon, we arrive in Labuan Bajo, where our Indonesia motorcycle tour comes to an end. After arrival, we return the motorcycles and check in to our accommodation.

In the morning, we say goodbye to Flores and fly back to Bali. After many days of riding on small roads through remote islands and rural landscapes, our Indonesia motorcycle tour returns to where it began. The rest of the day is free. You may choose to relax on the beach, take a walk or do some last minute souvenir shopping.

Transfer to Denpasar Airport for your onward journey. Three weeks of volcanoes, tropical islands, remote roads, traditional cultures and unforgettable days of motorcycle riding through Indonesia come to an end.