Flores Island -- Tips on Booking Your Tours / Adventures

And now…. the more important topic regarding your tour activities and trips: 

How to book for your Flores adventure tours (Komodo dragons, snorkeling, diving) without breaking the bank and which agencies are good and trustworthy??

1)    It’s all about the money, money, money… 

As I’ve mentioned in the previous article, activities regarding the dragons, snorkeling, and diving aren’t cheap. And I understand that You want value for your money and not feel like you’re being ripped off, especially at a very touristy spot.

Know that tours are expensive. This is because of the agency fees and park fees and donations. 

To not break the bank, you will need to join a group going on the tour you want. Otherwise, you will need to pay for the boat and crew yourself. Diving tours are even more expensive and this is why agencies always need a certain amount of divers per trip (apart from snorkelers) to make profit.

Agencies often put up signs regarding what they’re looking for or needing for a certain tour trip outside their shops, look out for those and see if it fits your plan.

During the high-season, with plenty of visitors, finding a group to join is easier.

2)    Consider the Geography

Know that trips to the islands are a journey. They aren’t near. For example, to get to Komodo Island is about 4.5 hours, from Labuan Bajo. Getting to the Manta Rays is another half an hour or so from Komodo, then some more to Pink Beach. 

Boats often do the regular 8 hour a day shift, so consider your way there, time spent doing the activity, plus the trip back. Agencies have set packages having taken the geography and distance in consideration. Unless you rented a boat to yourself, there isn't much freedom in sailing about.

If someone agrees and says they can hit all the tour islands and spots in one day, do not believe. If this were possible, it would mean you'd be spending probably no more than 10 minutes at each location.

Also important to note that the Harbor Port closes at 5pm which is why the boats need to return by then.

3)    Consider the Season

December is considered low-season on the island due to the rain and foreigners don’t normally celebrate the Christmas holidays there. We planned to stay only 4 days in Flores and even considered the ‘sleep on boats’ tours but were advised against it due to the unpredictable rainy weather.

We arrived on the 21^st and immediately got to booking our tours for the next day. It wasn’t difficult for us to book the Rinca Dragon + Kanawa Snorkel day trip because the agency (Kencana Tour and Travel) we went to already had a group we can join for the tour. 

Booking the 1 day snorkeling trip we wanted was a challenge. There just weren’t many people doing the trip we wanted to do and the only available time was not until the 24^th. 

So we had to alter our plans - doing land trips in between, and celebrating Christmas eve and day in town.

For the snorkeling, we sent half a day canvassing for the best prices among the agencies and that’s when we found Flores Komodo Expedition.

It is recommendable to go during the dry season (May – October)  also known as “high season”. The weather is consistently nice, no rain and always sunny, so you can opt for ‘sleep-on-boats’ trips.

The downside to high-season though is that hotels are often booked out. Best to make reservations prior to coming.

4)    Be Flexible. 

Be lenient with your schedule. Be ready for changes or availabilities. 
It’s also wise to spend at least 5 days on the island anyway.

Agencies we have tried and recommend:

All agencies have their tour packages, promos and deals. They also allow you to create your own adventure as long as it’s doable and within season.

always get a receipt!

Flores Komodo Expedition

http://www.floreskomodoexpedition.com/

Michael talking to the owner of FKE

When other agencies or locals would advise us on ridiculous, knowingly risky trips just to make a buck, FKE was easy to talk to and the owner gave us honest tips on what to do and where to go snorkeling based on our skill level and the season's unpredictable weather. 

We heeded his advise and we had such a great time! (More on this in a separate article). 

Cost was Rp 370,000 (~$35) per person with lunch and we had our own boat!

Kencana Tour and Travel

Figo the funny guy

This agency was beside the hostel we were staying at and since they already had a group we could join (affordable rates), we used them for our Rinca + Kanawa Snorkeling Trip. We paid Rp 350,000 (~$35) per person for the day with lunch included.

Dive Komodo

Our friend who frequents Flores for diving trips highly recommends this agency for diving and snorkeling activities. They also do island trips.

Some TIPS after you've booked your tour:

- The lunch they serve is very basic -- rice with a bit of egg. Better bring some food and water. 

- Leave your valuables at your hotel. Just bring swimming/snorkelling/diving/ trekking essentials.

- It gets very hot so slab on some sunscreen or zinc.

- for the Komodo trekking, it's a long walk in the heat and dust so best wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

- Travel to and from the islands are far. Luckily, the landscapes are spectacular.Take a camera for some great scenic shots. You may even see the dolphins!

- Sometimes the water gets a bit rough in the season so take your meds beforehand.

The TOURS and ADVENTURES we did:

1)    Rinca+ Kanawa Snorkelling Tour

2)    Batu Cermin + Waicicu Beach

3)    Cunca Wulang Hike

4)    1 Day Snorkeling Trip  (article coming soon...)