We do have special offer if you dont like to stay on one of our boat and the option is stay on Komodo Resort and Dive Center on Sebayur Island which located just  a few miles away from the Park.

While visiting and exploring the Dragon Island, you can also explore our Sebayur Island both above or underwater paradise.

Discover Komodo National Park (3 days – 2 nights)
Day 01 : Meet at Komodo Airport – visit Batu Cermin cave and transfer to the port. With our private Boat in one hour we’ll land on the beautiful Sebayur island right in the heart of the archipelago. Afternoon snorkeling our home reef. Meals and overnight at the resort.

Day 02 : Full day tour with our private boat to *Komodo Island for trekking and spotting the famous komodo dragons. On the way back stop at Pink Beach for snorkeling and relax under the sun. Late afternoon back to the resort for a tasty Italian dinner.
Overnight at the resort.

Day 03 : After breakfast transfer back to Labuan Bajo and to the airport to catch the afternoon flight back to Bali.
End of services

If the customers prefer to explore the wilder Rinca Island, The Komodo Day tour can be changed with Rinca Day tour with snorkeling in Siaba kecil or Tatawa Besar. The price doesn’t change.

Prices:
Per person based on twin share : Rp. 3.000.000
Supplement deluxe room : Rp. 500.000
Single supplemet in standard : Rp. 500.000

Additional night in Full Board Accomodation at the resort Rp. 1.000.000/person

The package is inclusive of:
• All transfers
• Two nights at komodo resort in standard room with breakfast and complimentary bottle of water
(Based on twin share)
• All the meals at the resort* (lunch** and dinner in day 1 – lunch box and dinner in day 2)
* mineral water during the meals is included
** lunch in day 1 will be served after check in at the resort
• Park fee – snorkeling fee – guide fee and National Park local taxes
• One full day tour to Komodo Island.
• Snorkeling gears

The package is NOT inclusive of:
• Drinks if not mineral water during meals and complimentary in the room
• Tips
• Flights to and from Komodo

La Prima Hotel Flores of Labuan bajo is one of the newest hotel located in Pede beach of Labuan Bajo, its located just 1.5 Km from the center of the town and beautiful location with white sand beach and perfect sunset over Komodo National Park Indonesia.

Labuan Bajo is a small young town preferable called a village as a center of Komodo National Park Access. It is located in west part of Flores, east part of Indonesia Archipelagos. This area is a new growing tourist place featured by hotels, domestic airport and pier for boat docking. This town set on the rocky hill with stunning view of the ocean in particular the Labuan Bajo Pier. Labuan bajo, also spelled Labuhan bajo, is a city at the tip of Flores Island in Indonesia.

It is the launching point for trips to Komodo Island and Rinca Island to see Komodo dragons and the surrounding sea is idyllic for diving and snorkeling. Nearby Seraya Island is a great opportunity to do some diving and snorkeling and every evening at Kalong Island thousands of flying fox bats put on an amazing display. Labuan bajo can be accessed by ferry from Sumbawa or by public bus from Ende and Maumere. There are also daily flights between Labuan Bajo – Denpasar and Labuan Bajo – Kupang.

HOTEL DESCRIPTION:
LAPRIMA Hotel was constructed as a Four Star Hotel to meet the demand for a truly luxury hotel on Labuan Bajo the fast growing exotic tourist destination. Surrounded by beautiful sea and amazing Hill scenery. Just about 15 minute from Komodo Airport, 10 minute from The Port of Labuan Bajo and Bus Station. The Hotel provides 88 Luxury Room included Superior Hill View, Superior Beach View, Deluxe Room and LAPRIMA Suite Room.

All Guestrooms are equipped with either 2 Single Bed (Twin Bed) or Queen/King size Bed and features Remote Control Colored LCD TV with satellite channels, IDD telephones, Individual Air Condition, Bath Tub (Only for Deluxe Room and Laprima Suite Room), Shower Included Hot and Cold Water, Mini Bar, Hair Dryer (Only for Laprima Suite Room, Free Daily 2 Bottle Mineral Water, Individual Coffee and Tea Maker Facilities.

Each room is well maintenance with modern decoration. You can also choose either Room with Private Balcony Facing the Pool, Beach, Hills View and Connecting Door Room available for Small Group or Family Guest. The rooms service is operational throughout the day as a result of which the guests feel at ease.
The Rooms of LAPRIMA Hotel Labuan Bajo is Luxurious, Comfortable and known for its warm hospitality and is dedicated to making your stay here a wonderful experience. So let’s stay with us at LAPRIMA Hotel – Labuan Bajo.

HOTEL FACILITIES:
The Restaurant is open for 24 hours, offers Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room Service. The Restaurant is located on the ground floor next to the open air Main Pool, guests could enjoy the view of Hills and Flores Sea, there are also pool bar and children’s pool. The size and facilities of the hotel enable us to offer you the best service and facilities to make your holiday truly memorable without compromising on the friendly and individual welcome.

Spend your day on our private beach with white sandy beaches, simple relaxing by the pool or enjoying our other facilities which including a fully equipped gymnasium. Beside that we may also arrange you for your diving program or Komodo Island Tour. There is more our other facilities i.e. Laundry service, Safe Deposit Box (In Reception), Drug Store, Doctor on Call, Rental Car, Travel Agent Desk, Shuttle Bus and Airport Transfer In/Out Service.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE:
The restaurant produces fantastic local and international cuisine with Ala Carte and Buffet included appetizer and dessert. Alcoholic, soft drink and snack menu is also available. All menus we served with high taste as you wish. Set menu for meeting or seminar package.

MEETING ROOM & BUSINESS CENTER:
Our Meeting Rooms are Elegant, Comfortable and fully-equipped with capacity up to 100 Guest is available for any type of meeting or seminar ranging from 10 – 150 people. The high quality equipment will guarantee a successful of your Seminar or Meeting. We supported also a Business Center offering a range of secretarial services including fax, typing, photo copying and internet access.

ROOM RATES:
Superior Hill View    : Rp. 650.000/night/single or double including breakfast
Superior Sea View   : Rp. 850.000/night/single or double including breakfast
Deluxe Room    : Rp. 1.100.000/night/single or double including breakfast
Suite Room        : Rp. 1.500.000/night/single or double including breakfast

High and peak season apply from July 01 till September 15 and December 01 till January 15

The trip return to Lombok from Labuan Bajo is the same places to visit during this sailing adventures trip, below is the itineraries:

Day 01: LABUAN BAJO-KANAWA ISLAND-RINCA ISLAND-KOMODO ISLAND
Leave from Labuan Bajo around 10.00 Am, we take you on sailing to Kanawa island for great snorkeling or just beach combing, by lunch time we take you to Rinca Island for hiking to search for Komodo Dragons and also other wildlife.

After trekking, return to your boat and sail to Kalong island to see Fruit Bats, after sunset sail to Komodo Island and overnight onboard. ( Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 02: KOMODO ISLAND-RED BEACH-GILI LAWA-WERA BEACH
After breakfast, leave your boat and trek in Banu Nggulung to search for Komodo Dragon and its wildlife, after trek return to your boat and sail to Red Beach ( Pantai Merah ) for spectacular snorkeling experience, after lunch sail to Gili Lawa Darat for another great snorkeling or climb up the hill for beautiful panorama of Komodo National Park. Sunset Cruise to Wera beach and overnight. ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 03: WERA BEACH AND VILLAGE-SATONDA ISLAND
Arrive in Wera beach in early morning, visit the village and see traditional hand woven and also boats building yard. Return to your boat and sail to Satonda island. Overnight. ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard ).

Day 04. SATONDA ISLAND-TANJUNG PASIR-MOYO ISLAND-GILI KERAMAT.
Arrive in Satonda island in early morning, visit the Saltwater lake and snorkeling at east beach for best snorkeling on the area. before lunch sail to Tanjung Pasir for another snorkeling adventures. in the afternoon sail to Labuan Haji for Moyo waterfall trek. in the afternoon sail to Keramat island. Overnight ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 05. KERAMAT ISLAND-GILI KONDO-GILI AIR
Arrive in Gili Keramat in the morning, snorkeling or just beach combing at this beautiful island. before lunch sail to Gili Kondo for spectacular snorkeling experience. late afternoon sail to Gili Air. ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard ).

Day 06. GILI AIR-GILI TRAWANGAN-SENGGIGI
Arrive in Gili Air in the morning, snorkeling or just walk around the island, lunch time sail to Gili Trawangan for another snorkeling. afternoon sail to Senggigi and end of Services
Transfer to your hotel around Senggigi. ( Breakfast and Lunch onboard )

SCHEDULE FROM FLORES TO LOMBOK VIA RINCA AND KOMODO IN 06 DAYS 05 NIGHTS 2012
Flores Rinca Komodo Lombok Sailing:
June 22-27, 2012

Flores Rinca Komodo Lombok Sailing:
July 06-11, 2012

Flores Rinca Komodo Lombok Sailing:
July 20-25, 2012

Flores Rinca Komodo Lombok Sailing:
August 03-08, 2012

Flores Rinca Komodo Lombok Sailing:
August 17-22, 2012

Flores Rinca Komodo Lombok Sailing:
September 01-06, 2012

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Price / Rate ( Direct Booking Only ):
Bunk Class : Euro 600/person/twin share
Master Cabin : Euro 750/person/twin share
Single Supplement : Euro 350 ( don’t want to share cabin )

Minimum 02 person for guarantee departure and max 12 person onboard

Price included:
All meals, Soda ( Sprite and Fanta ) snorkeling gear, all land tours and trekking, mineral drinking water, entrance fees, guide fees on the island, ranger fees, pick up and transfer in Lombok and Labuan Bajo, English speaking guide, conservation fees in Gili Island, Satonda Island and Komodo National Park in total is : USD 75/person ( included )

Price excluded:
Alcoholic drinks, return air tickets, Crew Tipping, Camera taxes, gratuities for crews, accommodation on land.

RESERVATION AND CONTACT:
PT. INDONESIA TROPIC HOLIDAYS AND CRUISES
Jl. Raya Pantai Senggigi
Senggigi Plaza Block A3 No 06
Senggigi – Batu Layar 83355
West Lombok-NTB
INDONESIA
Phone & Fax : +62 (0)370 692 179 / 693 949
Cell : +62 (0)813 4080 9079
Email : info@lombokkomodosailing.com

Website Network:
www.lombokkomodosailing.com
www.lombokcruises.com
www.indonesiacruising.com
www.indonesiacastawaysailing.com
www.lombokmarine.com

From our home port of Senggigi Beach of West Lombok and Teluk Kode North of Lombok Smy. Tropic Princess Phinisi traditional Schooner Sailing Boat. The vessel has been extensively customised and refitted to suit long range live aboard sailing expeditions.

Smy.Tropic Princess is our proud and comfortable vessel with a length of 22 meters, a beam of 5 meters, width 4-5 meters, rig 1,75 meters and 4 double bed bunks with sharing AC and 01 master cabin for 04 people and all for maximum 12 persons offers total comfort . Completed by 2 sharing bathroom, dining living room, freezer – refrigerator, wooden covered sun deck, tender life raft, kitchen mini bar and lazy chairs.

She will be doing all cruises to explore the Last Komodo Dragon around the National Park of Komodo to see Komodo activities in Rinca and Komodo island, Sumbawa Island, Satonda and Moyo and Lombok and Gili Islands. Also suitable for private charter with your group or family.

Constructed with quality and strong waterproof iron wood, teak and some local wood, 3 masteds junk regged schoneer and main engine Nissan 350 Hp, Smy. Tropic Princess gives you plenty of space to lose oneself; whether it is in the air-conditioned comfort of the large saloon or on the decks under the shade of one of the ship’s huge sails.The the bunks and master cabins are cleaned once a day with a very high staff to guest ratio on board service is excellent.

Itinerary:
Day 01, SENGGIGI BEACH-GILI ISLANDS-GILI KONDO
Pick up and transfer services to Teluk Kode harbor north of Lombok, Aboard on MS. Sojourn and short tours onboard.

Sail to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air for swimming, snorkeling or beach combing ( Diving is an optional ), spend your time on beautiful island of Gili Air.

Afternoon sail to Gili Kondo Islands in East of Lombok ( Lunch and Dinner onboard )
( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 02. GILI KONDO-KERAMAT ISLAND-MOYO ISLAND
Arrive in Gili Kondo in early morning, Enjoy the beautiful underwater of Gili Kondo, swimming or just beach combing, By lunch time we continue sail to Keramat Island for another beautiful island for relaxing and BBQ Dinner, Late afternoon by Sunset sail to Moyo Island. ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 03: MOYO ISLAND-TANJUNG PASIR-SATONDA ISLAND
Arrive in Moyo island in the morning at Labuan Haji harbor, Soft trekking to Moyo Aik Manis waterfalls and enjoy the nature and rainforest of Moyo island, return to your boat and sail to Tanjung Pasir for snorkeling or just beach combing. Afternoon sail to Satonda Island and overnight night. ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 04.SATONDA ISLAND – SANGIANG WERA BEACH OF SUMBAWA-GILI LAWA ISLAND
Walk up by the sunrise, swimming or snorkeling in Satonda Sunken Island, enjoy the white beaches of Satonda, Visit the Saltwater lake of Satonda, by Lunch time sail to Wera Sangiang beach and visit the village of Sangiang and also the Wooden boat building yards. Late afternoon sail to Gili Lawa, Overnight
( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 05. GILI LAWA-RED BEACH-KOMODO ISLAND
Arrive in Gili Lawa in the morning, enjoy your swimming or snorkeling of Komodo island reefs, You can also hike to the island top hill to sea the spectacular view of Komodo National Park Marine,

Lunch on the way to Red Beach for another spectacular coral reefs and fishes. After lunch sail to Komodo Island and trek to see Komodo Dragons and it’s wildlife. late afternoon sail to Rinca island and overnight at Loh Buaya Crocodile Bay.
( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard )

Day 06, RINCA ISLAND-SABOLON ISLAND-LABUAN BAJO
Early morning Sailing to Rinca Island., Walk to Rinca Island park for trekking, search for Komodo dragons, wild horses, wild water buffaloes, wild boars, Deer, crab eating macaques and birds. Return to your boat and sail to Kanawa island for your last spectacular snorkeling before heading to Labuan Bajo. ( Breakfast and Lunch )

Upon arrive in Labuan bajo in the afternoon, we will transfer you to your hotel.
End of services.

Join in Sechedule 2012, 06 Days 05 Nights Lombok-Flores Sailing Adventures
Starting Senggigi Beach Lombok and Ending in Labuan Bajo West Flores and Vise Versa in 06 Days 05 Nights:

Lombok Komodo Rinca Flores Sailing:
June 15-20, 2012

Lombok Komodo Rinca Flores Sailing:
June 29-July 04

Lombok Komodo Rinca Flores Sailing:
July 13-18, 2012

Lombok Komodo Rinca Flores Sailing:
July 27-August 01

Lombok Komodo Rinca Flores Sailing:
August 10-15, 2012

Lombok Komodo Rinca Flores Sailing:
August 24-29, 2012

Lombok Komodo Rinca Flores Sailing:
September 08-13, 2012

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Price / Rate ( Direct Booking Only ):
Bunk Class : Euro 600/person/twin share
Master Cabin : Euro 750/person/twin share
Single Supplement : Euro 350 ( don’t want to share cabin )

Minimum 02 person for guarantee departure and max 12 person onboard

Price included:
All meals, Soda ( Sprite and Fanta ) snorkeling gear, all land tours and trekking, mineral drinking water, entrance fees, guide fees on the island, ranger fees, pick up and transfer in Lombok and Labuan Bajo, English speaking guide, conservation fees in Gili Island, Satonda Island and Komodo National Park in total is : USD 75/person ( included )

Price excluded:
Alcoholic drinks, return air tickets, Camera taxes, gratuities for crews, accommodation on land.

RESERVATION AND CONTACT:
PT. INDONESIA TROPIC HOLIDAYS AND CRUISES
Jl. Raya Pantai Senggigi
Senggigi Plaza Block A3 No 06
Senggigi – Batu Layar 83355
West Lombok-NTB
INDONESIA
Phone & Fax : +62 (0)370 692 179 / 693 949
Cell : +62 (0)813 4080 9079
Email : info@lombokkomodosailing.com

Website Network:
www.lombokkomodosailing.com
www.lombokcruises.com
www.indonesiacruising.com
www.indonesiacastawaysailing.com
www.lombokmarine.com

Sebayur Island Besar ( There is 02 island of Sebayur, Little-Small and big one-besar ) located just on the border of Komodo National Park. Its known as one of the best dive sites in Komodo Indonesia.

Our resort is classified 3 stars and has all the facilities that a tourist or a diver may need. We have 13 luxury cottages on the beach facing sunset. Each unit is more than 40 square meters large and made with teak wood and marble and all the best imported materials.

We have hot water, air condition (de lux only, 8 cottages), fan, and large terrace on the beach in all the cottages. We are on Sebayur island that is a desert island but we provide 24 hours electricity and fresh water. We are close to all the best dive spots of north and central komodo and we have a beautiful home reef suitable for snorkeling and diving from the beach.

We have our own fleet of two 14 mt double decked dive boats, one 9 mt local boat and 2 speed boats to better serve our customers divers or not. We have daily dive trips, snorkeling trips, and beaches exploring trips.
Tours to Rinca and Komodo to see the famous Komodo Dragons are available on demand any time.

Our restaurant is a gourmet high level experience. We have Italian and Indonesian cooks and we serve 100 % home made Italian and Indonesian food. Home made pasta, bread, focaccia, pizza, cakes, ice cream and so on. Our dive staff is very professional and experienced with thousands of dives in komodo national park. We speak Indonesian, Italian, English and French and in all these languages we can organize PADI dive courses with our resident instructors from beginners to professionals.

PT Komodo Dragon is an Italian company based in komodo, Indonesia and we have just opened a diving resort (padi dive resort) on Sebayur island, a desert island right in the heart of komodo archipelago.

Our resort is classified 3 stars and has all the facilities that a tourist or a diver may need. We  have 10 luxury bungalows and plan to have another 6 bungalows on the beach facing sunset. Each unit is more than 40 square meters large and made with teak wook and marble and all the best imported materials.

We have hot water, air condition (deluxe only), fan, and large terrace on the beach in all the cottages. We are on Sebayur island that is a desert island but we provide 24 hours electricity and fresh water. We are close to all the best dive spots of north and central komodo and we have a beautiful home reef suitable for snorkeling and diving from the beach.

We have our own fleet of two 14 mt double decked dive boats, one 9 mt local boat and 2 speed boats to better serve our customers divers or not. We have daily dive trips, snorkeling trips, and beaches exploring trips.

Tours to Rinca and Komodo to see the famous Komodo Dragons are available on demand any time.

Our restaurant  is a gourmet high level experience. We have Italian and Indonesian  cooks and we serve 100 % home made Italian and Indonesian food. Home made pasta, bread, focaccia, pizza, cakes, ice cream and so on.

Our dive staff is very professional and experienced with thousands of dives in komodo national park. We speak Indonesian and Malay, Italian, English and French and in all these languages we can organize PADI dive courses with our resident instructors from beginners to professionals.

Sebayur Island Besar is unhabitat island, it has white sand beaches, beautiful hill with stunning view and wonderful underwater paradise with Mantas, Rays, Napaleons and Sharks.

Komodo Resort & Diving Club is Just open, with now only 10 bungalows  and 06 bungalows coming very soon on stilts all facing to the sea, great sunrise, beachfront bungalows wit specious facilities in room and resort facilities makes Komodo Resort is the best offshore Labuan Bajo resort.

All the snorkeling area is just few paddling out from your bungalows, untouched coral reefs, a lot of fishes and of course its safe to swimming.

Komodo Resort just open recently, they owner plan to make more bungalows with 06 more in coming months which make only 32 people to stay maximum on the island to protect the island and its great underwater from humans.

Resort Facilities:

- Restaurant

- Diving Club with PADI Dive Courses

- Room Services

- Snorkeling Equipment Rentals

- Pick up and transfer from Airport and Labuan Bajo

Room Rates and Dive Packages:

Room Rate and PackageDouble Room Standard Bed and Breakfast    : Euro  90
Double Room Deluxe Bed and Breakfast    : Euro 110

Single Room Standard Bed and Breakfast    : Euro 75
Single Room Deluxe Bed and Breakfast    : Euro 95

Additional Third Bed in Standard    : Euro 25
Addtiional Third Bed in Deluxe        : Euro 30

DIVERS PACKAGES (price per person per day)  full board accomodation + boat trip with 2 dives
bungalow STANDARD in double        : Euro 130
bungalow DELUXE  in double        : Euro 145
bungalow STANDARD in single        : Euro 165
bungalow  DELUXE in single        : Euro 175
additional third bed in STANDARD     : Euro 100
additional third bed in  DELUXE        : Euro 115

NOT DIVERS PACKAGES (price per person per day) full board accommodation
bungalow STANDARD in double        : Euro 100
bungalow DELUXE  in double        : Euro 115
bungalow STANDARD in single        : Euro 125
bungalow  DELUXE in single        : Euro 140
additional third bed in STANDARD     : Euro 75
additional third bed in  DELUXE        : Euro 85

CHILDREN REDUCTION
01 to 6 years in double room DELUXE or STANDARD    : Free sharing bed with parent and without breakfast.

7 to 12 years in double room DELUXE or STANDARD    : 50% from adult price

DIVING PRICES
1 day  -  2 dives    : Euro  55
2 days – 4 dives    : Euro 105
3 days – 6 dives    : Euro 145
4 days – 8 dives    : Euro 180
5 days – 10 dives    : Euro 205
6 days – 12 dives    : Euro 235
7 days – 14 dives    : Euro 270
8 days – 16 dives    : Euro 300
* 2 DIVES PER DAY WITH BOAT – equipment not included

- snorkeling trip with snorkeling guide per person and min 02 person : Euro 50
- Additional Dive        : Euro 20
- Night Dive            : Euro 30
_ Additional for Private Guide    : Euro 40
- Single dive with boat & Guide    : Euro 50

Dive Equipment Rental
- Full Equipments ( Not Included Computer and Torch )    : Eur0 25
Snorkeling Equipments                     : Euro 5
Torch                             : Euro 7
Fins                                : Euro 3
Mask and Snorkel     : Euro 3
Wet Suit                        : Euro 6
Regulator                     : Euro 7
BCD                                : Euro 7
Computer                     : Euro 8

Location :

Komodo Resort located on the northern part of Sebayur Island with  over 1 Km long white private beaches. Its just few miles away from the Park border and closer to all world class diving sites of Komodo National Park Indonesia.

Liang Bua Ancient Cave of Flores Hobbits Found:
Liang Bua is a natural cave where the archeologists excavate fossil later named as Homo Floresiensis – who believed to be a missing link – which sought by the scientist for long. There are stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. In olden days, the cave used to be a dwelling place to the local people as well as the school for the neighboring villages. The cave is located at Bere Village of Ruteng sub-district, 12 km northwest of Ruteng. It is easy to get there by motorbike and truck.

Excavations in Liang Bua cave near Ruteng have unearthed fossilized bones of a human species the adults of which reached a height of only 105 cm on average. The excavations took place in 2003 and subsequent years, the remains of at least 7 individuals have been discovered. The scientific name of the species is homo floresiensis, but the nickname “Flores hobbit” has become more popular.

The fossils were found under layers of about 6 m volcanic ash and mud, and were associated with stone tools and fossils of animals, a.o. komodo lizards and small-sized stegodon (kind of elephants). They were dated between 30,000 and 18,000 years ago.

The debate is still ongoing where to place these mini-humans on the evolutionary tree, but the prevalent explanation is that they are homo sapiens whose size had gradually diminished. This is known as dwarfism and not uncommon among animal species living on an island.

The wide cave is half open facing a river valley, and it is easy to see that it was an attractive dwelling place to prehistoric man. But to be honest, there is not much to see inside the cave, some marked holes and a locked crate with tools of the archaeologists who will return to continue their research.

Yet there is a surprise! If you are willing to spend another Rp 50,000 apart from the voluntary donation in the guest book, a ‘real’ hobbit man will present himself. It is affirmed that there is a village in the mountains with many more people like him, who supposedly are descendants of homo florienses or perhaps genetically mixed with homo sapiens. The village can’t be visited, because that necessitates elaborate ceremonies.

Well, only DNA comparison can prove or disprove the genetic link of these contemporary hobbits with the prehistoric ones, but we are inclined not to believe it. Look at the picture of Theo (who is 1,72 m) with the little man. His torso and arms are of normal homo sapiens size, only his legs are small and malformed. The skeleton of homo floresienses FB1, which was found almost complete, shows that he was proportioned like a normal homo sapiens, only smaller. So it seems to us that this modern little man and his co-villagers must suffer from an inherited deformation.

Despite its famous archaeological findings, no replica or information about these findings is located in Liang Bua.  Visitors can only see the massive cave with stalagmite stones, imaginating that ancient elephants, komodo and short humans (Homo floresiensis) once lived here thousands of years ago. Near Liang Bua, there are other caves such as Gua Galang (with bathing stones) and Gua Tanah.  You can walk to these caves.

Directions:
You could come with a guide, but can also find the location on your own. From Jalan Komodo (the road to Labuan Bajo) follow the road north direction Reo for 2,5 km. There take the sealed road on your left, through Lalong village. After 14 km on this road you reach the entrance porch; the cave is 1 km beyond the porch.

If you get infected with ‘ikat-passion’ during your Flores trip, Lewokluok is a place that will fill a collector’s heart with awe. Tiny Lamaholot Village is famed for its ikat, or kwatek kinge in the local language. What makes their ikat unique and therefore a sought-after handicraft, are the small, sewn-in seashells, which are collected by the villagers on a shore nearby the village.

Kwatek kinge is not an ordinary cloth that is worn every day. Used as part of marriage transactions, it has a ceremonial function, and is of special meaning and value to the Lewokluok people. Kwatek kinge is made out of natural, local ingredients –  including the cotton and the dye. Even though there is a local association of weavers called Sanggar Uto Wata, there are not many women left who possess the extensive skill and knowledge that it takes to manufacture kwatek kinge. All these facts considered, the price tag for such an object of desire is accordingly high.

Facilities
The closest city to Lewokluok is Larantuka, where you can find some accommodation and restaurants.

How to get there
There is no public transportation that passes through Lewokluok. By car or motorbike it takes about 26km from Larantuka and 114km from Maumere. The road off the Transflores ‘highway’ that leads you to Lewokluok takes another 2km.

Source: www.florestourism.com

If you want to get a glimpse of Florenese cultural and natural history, prehistory, as well as browse through unique and sometimes curious objects of art and daily life, Maumere’s Blikon Blewut Museum is the place visit.

Blikon Blewut Museum is situated on the campus of Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Katholik Ledalero, which is a well-known Roman Catholic seminary. The museum’s origins are strongly linked to the activities of the international order of SVD (Societas Verbi Divini) missionaries in the early 20th century. As many SVD missionaries were experts in the fields of history, linguistics, and anthropology, they started to explore the hidden treasures of Flores’ cultural past.

As for Blikon Blewut, Theodor Verhoeven SVD from the Netherlands was the starting point. Arriving in Flores in 1949, the missionary and linguist with strong interests not only in contemporary culture but also in prehistoric issues, conducted numerous excavations as well as anthropological fieldwork on the island. His local expedition team, consisting of several seminary students, supported him with enthusiasm. A diligent collector, he stored the constantly accumulating fruits of his efforts in Seminary Todabelu in the Ngada district, where at that time the objects got relatively little attention.

By the mid 1970s, the objects were moved to Ledalero Seminary in Maumere, but it was not until 1983 that Blikon Blewut Museum gained significance: one of Verhoeven’s former expedition members, Piet Petu SVD, had in the meantime become a lecturer in cultural history at Ledalero Seminary. Thanks to his initiative, the objects gathered over the years by different SVD missionaries were presented and exhibited in a small building in the Ledalero Seminary in a structured way so that the collection could finally be called a museum. It was also Piet Petu SVD who suggested naming the museum Blikon Blewut. The name is derived from an ancient verse of the Sikka ritual language about the creation of the universe. As many of the museum’s exhibited objects reach back deep into history, the name fits the museum perfectly.

The exhibition, spread out over only 99m², hosts innumerable testimonies to Florenese history, not only originating from the island itself, but from all over the world: rare ikat, stone age tools, local pottery and carvings, musical instruments, ceramics originating from China, as well as traditional weapons and black-and-white photos taken by missionaries during the early decades of the 20th century.

Whilst exploring the exhibition, don’t miss the bronze kris, a special dagger found by Father Mommersteg SVD in 1952 in the Naru area, Ngada, where it was used for traditional ceremonies. Originating from the Vietnam-centered Dong Son culture that lasted from about 1,000 to 1 BC, this dagger is unique to Indonesia. To this day it is a mystery how it made its way to Naru.

Unfortunately the space of the museum is very limited; so only parts of the collection are exhibited, and many objects are still waiting for the museum to expand so they can be exhibited.

How to get there
The museum is located only about 8km from Maumere on the Ledalero Seminary Campus and is easily accessible by motorbike, car or minibus from Maumere. After passing Nita Village, the seminary is indicated with a signpost on the right. Pass a security guard before entering the parking lot in front of the big church. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday morning from 7am – 1pm.

Source: www.florestourism.com

If you happen to be in central Flores do not miss to stop at Cunca Rede Waterfall. Situated in Sano Lokom village, Borong sub-disctrict, East Manggarai district, this approximately 30 meters high waterfall flowing fresh spring water and offers you spectacular view that will refresh your soul. This place can be reached by 2 hours drive from Borong city.

The local people call it Cunca Rede as the descending stones are quite looking similar to stairway. This spring water has been watering around eight Lingkos, locally called for traditional farming area. Blowing wind delivers humid vapors to the surrounding rocky walls as the huge drops of the splashing water falling in to the ground. The massive water flows from time to time, is almost unchanged even though during the dry season where it flows downstream to the southern coast.

Diplazium-esculentum Swartz are common vegetation found around this waterfall, and the local people consume them as vegetable dish. The forest around the waterfall is also a home for various tropical trees and other floras, including wild orchids. Some familiar bird sounds like Helmeted Friarbird or Philemon Buceroides is also easily heard from distance.

Amazing scenery of rice terrace will welcome you soon as you arrive at the crossing of Wae Musur and Wae Pagel rivers. Make a stop here to breathe the freshness of the atmosphere. There is another waterfall quite near to Cunca Rede. Cunca Ncuar, a bigger debit of water waterfall but way shorter by its altitude coming from Wae Musur Spring.

On your way back dare yourself to take river ‘shower’ in the little river Wae Musur. Just be careful as the river stream goes a bit strong, and make sure you find a right safe spot near the river’s bank. After refresh yourself, you will be ready to stroll down the street with your backpack again!

Article and images by Annaas Firmanto

Source: www.florestourism.com

The village of Sikka (natar means ‘village’ in the local language), with its pleasant sea view on the south coast, is one of the first places of Portuguese influence and Catholic missionary activity in Flores. Therefore this is a place to take a leap into the past and learn about Sikkanese history, such as the colonial era.

The former center of the Kingdom of Sikka features a big church, which was built with the support of Jesuit priests in 1899. Its inside walls are nicely decorated with local ikat motifs. During the rule of the Sikkanese royal palace, the church was not only a place to hold Holy Communion, but was also used for the inauguration of new kings.

If by any chance you happen to be in Sikka Village at Christmas, you may witness a lasting example of Portuguese influence in the church: Toja Bobu, a dance-drama which was brought to Sikka by the Portuguese, and that is traditionally performed on the 26th of December. In brief, the story is about a beautiful, young princess being courted by many men with all kinds of occupational backgrounds who all eagerly want to marry her. For the luxury loving, spoiled princess, however, these wooers are not wealthy enough; so she finally marries a rich nobleman. Unfortunately, the performances are rarely held nowadays. The Sikkanese Sanggar Gere Bue, a cultural workshop group, tries to fight the loss of this old cultural tradition by reviving Toja Bobu and interpreting the performance in a modern way, without losing its originality.

Sikka Village has been, and still is, one of East Flores’ most important and famous weaving centers. Be prepared to be beleaguered by women who, of course, would like you to acquire a piece of their artwork. As in other villages, visitors to Sikka also have the opportunity to see – by pre-arrangement and for a fee – the complete steps of ikat-weaving, including the dyeing of the threads with natural colors.

Facilities
From Sikka village, the closest accommodation and restaurants are located in Maumere.

How to get there
You can get to Sikka Village by car, motorbike or minibus. From Maumere, take the road to Ende. After about 23km you will see a signpost with ‘Kampung Sikka’ written on it on the left of the road. Head in the direction of the signpost about 7km until you finally reach the village.

Source: www.florestourism.com