Dates:June 21 – July 8, 2027

Duration: 18 days / 17 nights

Number of participants: 7 – 12

Cost per person:

• 5 450 USD with 12 participants, or
• 5 690 USD with 11 participants, or
• 5 990 USD with 9 – 10 participants, or
• 6 450 USD with 8 participants, or
• 6 890 USD with 7 participants, based on double occupancy.

10% early booking discount (until November 21, 2026)

Everything is included, except for:
- international flights to Labuan Bajo (Flores Island, Indonesia) and return from Makassar (Sulawesi Island, Indonesia),
- 3 domestic flights,
- international travel medical insurance,
- Indonesian visa (purchased at the airport upon arrival for USD 30. Requirements may change),
- some lunches and dinners.

Estimated cost of flights Moscow – Labuan Bajo and Makassar – Moscow: 1100 – 1400 USD.
Estimated cost of flights Lewoleba – Makassar: 180 USD.
Estimated cost of flights Makassar – Palopo – Makassar: 170 USD.

Single accommodation: 780 USD (applies for the entire itinerary except for the guesthouses in Wae Rebo and in Lamalera).


TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO INDONESIA

Day 1. June 21, 2027 (Monday). ARRIVAL IN LABUAN BAJO (FLORES ISLAND)

At 13:15 or any time on this day arrival in Labuan Bajo, on the island of Flores, Lesser Sunda islands in Central Indonesia.
After meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel.
Labuan Bajo is a picturesque harbour town on the western tip of Flores, known as the main gateway to Komodo National Park and the surrounding islands. Its waterfront offers views over the bay and is a pleasant place to feel the relaxed atmosphere of eastern Indonesia. Laprima Hotel Flores and Bintang Flores Hotel are comfortable 4* hotels in Labuan Bajo, providing a convenient base after the journey.
Overnight in Labuan Bajo in Laprima hotel Flores 4* or Bintang Flores hotel 4*.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: Laprima hotel Flores 4* or Bintang Flores hotel 4*

*Recommended flights from Moscow to Jakarta:
— flight from Moscow to Jakarta with China Southern, departure from Moscow at 23:10 on June 19, with 5 hours 20 minutes stopover in Shenzhen (China), arrival in Jakarta at 23:00 on June 20,
— any other flight to Jakarta from any city arriving no later than 5:00 AM on June 21 and linked to the flight to Labuan Bajo.

*Recommended flights to Labuan Bajo:
— flight from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo with Batik Air Indonesia, departure from Jakarta at 9:50 AM on June 21, arrival in Labuan Bajo at 13:15 PM on June 21,
— any other flight arriving in Labuan Bajo any time on June 21 (from Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar).


Day 2. June 22, 2027 (Tuesday). LABUAN BAJO — KOMODO ISLAND — PINK BEACH ON PADAR ISLAND — LABUAN BAJO

Early in the morning, we depart by private boat to Komodo Island in Komodo National Park. We take the longest trek in order to see the legendary Komodo dragons!
Komodo Island is the largest of the two islands where one can see the famous dragons. Accompanied by one of the rangers, we will go for a walk in the national park, where, if we are lucky, we might also see the rare yellow-crested cockatoo.
In the afternoon, by our private boat we also go for snorkeling at Manta point (not the best time to see mantas though) and other points, also having lunch at Pink beach on amazing Padar island.
Upon coming back to Flores, shower in our hotel and sunset at Sunset Garden in Labuan Bajo.
Overnight in Labuan Bajo in Laprima hotel Flores 4, or Bintang Flores hotel 4.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Laprima hotel Flores 4* or Bintang Flores hotel 4*


Day 3. June 23, 2027 (Wednesday). LABUAN BAJO — CACI CEREMONY IN MELO — WAE REBO TRADITIONAL VILLAGE

Early morning breakfast and check-out.
At 7:30 am, traditional "adat," a welcome ceremony of Manggarai in Melo village, traditional dance and Caci — a ritual whip fight, which is one of the main elements of Manggarai cultural identity.
We will have the opportunity to get acquainted and engage in various traditional activities such as mat and basket weaving and preparing folk medicines.
Driving to the southern cost of Flores Island via Dintor. 20 min by motorbike from Denge and then 2,5 hours trekking to Waerebo traditional village of Manggarai. 6 km to Wae Rebo we will cover on foot: first about 3 km uphill, then about 1 km on flat ground, and the last 2 km downhill to the village. We can take only hand luggage which we would need for 1 night, keeping all the luggage in our buses. Those who need, may rent a porter to help with the luggage.
We will get to know the Manggarai culture more deeply, their daily activities, and the layout of their houses. The Manggarai do not have separate rooms in their houses, and the entire extended family lives together under one roof. A house accommodates about 30-35 people. We will spend the night in one of these traditional houses.
We will sleep on a traditional mattress, with one blanket and pillow per person. The bathroom and toilet are shared. For dinner, we will taste traditional Manggarai food.
Photo session with Manggarai couple in full dress in very beautiful setting in the evening.
Overnight in traditional house in Wae Rebo on the mat (basic conditions).

Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: traditional house in Wae Rebo on the mat (basic conditions)


Day 4. June 24, 2027 (Thursday). WAE REBO — MOLAS ISLAND — TODO — CANCAR SPIDERWEB FIELD — RUTENG

After breakfast, observing the traditional way of life of the Manggarai and morning photography in Waerebo. Start trekking down to the parking (1,5-2 hours).
By motorbike and then by car to Dintor.
Take private fishing boats to Molas island aka Jurassic park of Indonesia, with amazing view and beach.
After 2 hours on Molas island, drive to Todo traditional village of Manggarai.
Lunch in Ruteng and explore unique Spiderweb rice field in Cancar. Here we will learn the reason why the Manggarai make rice fields of this particular shape.
Overnight in Spring Hill Hotel Ruteng.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Spring Hill Hotel Ruteng


Day 5. June 25, 2027 (Friday). RUTENG — LIANG BUA CAVE — RANA MESE CRATER LAKE — BORONG — AIMERE — AVATAR VIEWPOINT — BENA

After breakfast, head to Liang Bua cave where the remains of the Homo Floresiensis, one of the most recent branches of human evolution discovered by science, were found.
Due to their small stature, the Homo Floresiensis is also known as the "hobbit" (by analogy with creatures created by J.R.R. Tolkien). Based on skulls and the most complete skeletons, the height of Flores people is estimated at about 1 meter, and the brain volume at about 400 cm³, which is three times smaller than that of a modern human.
Driving towards Bajawa. En route visit Rana Mese crater lake and Cepi Watu beach shortly.
After lunch in Borong, halte in Aimere for arak traditional alcohol processing.
Drive and hike to Avatar hill viewpoint facing Inerie volcano at sunset.
Overnight nearby Bena village in Manulalu Bungalows or Benabilla Cottage.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Manulalu Bungalows or Benabilla Cottage


Day 6. June 26, 2027 (Saturday). BENA TRADITIONAL VILLAGE — LUBA VILLAGE — BLUE STONE BEACH — WOLOGAI TRADITIONAL VILLAGE — MONI

Before dawn, drive to Wolobobo viewpoint with the foggy clouds and Inerie volcano’s cone.
Those who prefer to sleep longer and stay in the hotel, can watch sunrise from the beautiful viewpoint of Manulalu resort.
After breakfast, early (at 8:00–8:30 am) visit of Bena traditional village of Gurusina people, and then Luba traditional village.
Bena is one of the most iconic Ngada traditional villages, set on a hillside with rows of high thatched houses and megalithic stone formations used for ancestral rituals. Luba is a smaller and quieter traditional village nearby, offering a more intimate glimpse of everyday life and local customs.
Check-out and drive towards Kelimutu.
Visit famous Blue Stone beach enroute and lunch. Blue Stone Beach, or Pantai Batu Biru, is known for its colorful pebbles and dark volcanic sand.
Explore Wologai traditional village of Lio people with conical wooden houses and a strong sense of community.
Overnight in Kelimutu Crater Lakes Eco Lodge in Moni, a small cool highland town at the foot of Mount Kelimutu, serving as the main base for visiting the crater lakes.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Kelimutu Crater Lakes Eco Lodge


Day 7. June 27, 2027 (Sunday). MONI — KELIMUTU CRATER LAKES — KOKA BEACH — SIKKA — IKAT WEAVERS IN NITA — MAUMERE

Before dawn, drive and then hike to the top of Kelimutu volcano in Kelimutu Crater Lakes National Park for sunrise visit.
Kelimutu is a volcanic complex famous for its three crater lakes, which often display different colours — turquoise, green, black or reddish, due to changing mineral content.
Back to the hotel for breakfast. Check-out and leaving Moni.
Using motorbikes for the last 15 min drive, we find ourselves on the beautiful Koka beach that offers white sand and clear water.
Sikka village with old Portuguese church that preserves the memory of Portuguese missionary influence, and a black-sand beach.
Drive towards Maumere and explore Nita village of Ikat weavers (Krowe tribe). Maumere Gulerwaer welcoming ceremony with traditional dance, photography session and full process excursion in famous traditional Ikat weavers’ center Lepo Lorun.
Nita is a center of traditional ikat weaving, where the Krowe people still dye and weave cloth by hand, where the full process from spinning to dyeing and weaving can be observed.
Evening and overnight in Sea World Club hotel in Maumere at the beautiful beachfront.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Sea World Club hotel


Day 8. June 28, 2027 (Monday). MAUMERE — NANGAHALE — MAUMERE BAY ISLANDS NATURE PARK — LARANTUKA — LEWOLEBA (LEMBATA ISLAND) — LAMALERA

After breakfast, drive westward to Nangahale coastal village to snorkel from the boat on the reef of Maumere Bay Islands Natural park, a protected marine area with coral gardens and reef fish.
Drive to Larantuka – a historic port town with a strong Catholic heritage, often called the 'Town of a Thousand Churches' or the 'Santa Maria town of Flores'.
We catch our speed boat to Lembata island. Departure at 2 pm.
On the way stop at the viewpoint to see from the distance Lewotobi volcano, which is very active for the last number of years.
Upon arrival in Lewoleba at 15:30, private 2,5 hours transfer to Lamalera, world’s southern capital of whalers. Drive to Lamalera crosses dry, volcanic landscapes with views of the Savu Sea.
Dinner and overnight in different homestays (like Efata homestay, Abel homestay and others), in the families of traditional whalers (very basic conditions, normally bucket shower and modern toilet, but most probably no AC).
Lamalera is a remote traditional whaling village on the south coast of Lembata, where families still hunt sea mammals and big fish using hand-thrown harpoons from small wooden boats, a practice regulated by custom and subsistence needs.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: homestays like Efata homestay, Abel homestay and similar (very basic conditions)


Days 9 — 10. June 29 — 30, 2027 (Tuesday – Wednesday).  LAMALERA WHALERS IN SAVU SEA

We spend 2 full days in Lamalera, together with traditional whalers.
Lamalera’s whaling is not commercial but a centuries-old subsistence tradition, carried out with sail- and paddle-powered tena boats and hand harpoons. The village has a strong Catholic identity blended with older animist beliefs, and the whaling season is governed by traditional rules. The Savu Sea is one of the richest marine regions in Indonesia, with deep currents that attract large pelagic species. The days are spent observing village life, helping or watching boat preparations, and joining the hunt or scanning the sea for marine life.
Getting into acquaintance with the day-to-day life, culture and religion of Lamalera people. Weather permitting, we plan 2 times go to the sea to witness the traditional hunting for sea mammals (dolphins, pilot whales, orcas and even sperm whales), as well as whale sharks, white sharks, manta rays, marlins, sun fish etc. While nowadays Lamalera residents hunt some 5 – 10 sperm whales a year (during the season from May to September), it is not easy to witness big hunt, however almost every year Lamalera boats bring a lot of other sea mammals and sharks in order to provide the food for the villagers.
Traditional hunting might take 5-8 hours and starts at 7-8 am.
Overnight in different homestays (like Efata homestay, Abel homestay and others), in the families of traditional whalers (very basic conditions, normally bucket shower and modern toilet, but no AC).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: homestays like Efata homestay, Abel homestay and similar (very basic conditions)


Day 11. July 1, 2027 (Thursday). LAMALERA — LEWOLEBA — ILE APE VOLCANO

After breakfast, farewell with our friends in Lamalera and private bus transfer to Lewoleba.
After lunch in Kuma restaurant, at 4 pm start trekking to the top of Ile Ape volcano (with first 30 min part by motorbikes). Ile Ape volcano, also known as Lewotolo, actually appears one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
Ile Ape is a stratovolcano on the northern part of Lembata. Its slopes offer panoramic views over the island and the Savu Sea. The trek passes through farmland and forest before reaching the base camp, and the final pre-dawn ascent leads to the crater rim, where, when conditions allow, the glow of the active crater can be seen from a safe distance.
Starting from 400 meters a.s.l., we hike about 2,5 — 3 hours before we reach the base camp at the elevation of 1150 m.
Dinner in base camp and short night in our tents.  At 1:30 am we start summitting and gain another 200 meters of elevation.
Firework show on the edge of caldera when, weather permitting, we can see the eruption from the distance of 400 meters!

Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: tents in Ile Ape base camp


Day 12. July 2, 2027 (Friday). ILE APE VOLCANO — LEWOLEBA — BLUE WHALES WATCHING IN SAVU SEA — LEWOLEBA

Observing eruption of Ile Ape volcano until sunrise and start descending before 7 am. Breakfast in the base camp.
Way down takes about 1,5–2 hours in total.
Upon coming back to Lewoleba, early check-in to Kuma hotel for quick shower.
At 10:30 we go to the sea by fast motor boat (actually small yacht) for blue whale watching. Late June and early July is the best season for blue whales who stay in these waters at least for 7 months a year. The Savu Sea is a major migration corridor for blue whales, which are attracted by upwellings and abundant food. We have good chances to find and follow the biggest mammal on Earth, reaching 33 meters length and weighing up to 150 tons.
Dinner in Kuma restaurant and overnight in Kuma hotel with the sea view. Full rest after the volcano trek and long day in the sea.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Kuma Hotel


Day 13. July 3, 2027 (Saturday). LEWOLEBA — MAKASSAR (SULAWESI ISLAND)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport of Lewoleba to take flight to Makassar via Kupang (West Timor).

NOTE: due to the activity of Ile Ape volcano on Lembata island and Lewotobi volcano on eastern Flores, the airports of Lewoleba, Larantuka and Maumere can be closed at the particular date. We must be prepared to take flight to Makassar from Larantuka via Kupang or from Maumere via Labuan Bajo and Jakarta.
This may involve our 12th night to be spent in Larantuka (Asa hotel or La Bianca Boutique Guest house) or in Maumere (Sea World Club hotel), or early morning speed boat or ferry from Lembata island to Larantuka (the flight schedule and boat/ferry schedule may change, and our program is subject to these changes).

Late arrival in Makassar, once known as Ujung Pandang, the capital of South Sulawesi province.
This bustling cosmopolitan city is located at the center of the Indonesian archipelago and is now one of Indonesia's largest ports and aviation hubs. The city center boasts many attractions, including numerous shops and restaurants.
Overnight in Makassar in Aston Makassar hotel and convention Center 4*, or similar.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Aston Makassar hotel and Convention Center 4*, or similar

*Recommended flights to Makassar:
— flight from Lewoleba to Makassar with Wings Air, departure from Lewoleba at 9:50 AM on July 3, with 5 hours 20 minutes stopover in Kupang, arrival in Makassar at 17:30 on July 3,
— any other flight from Lewoleba, arriving in Makassar any time on July 3.


Day 14. July 4, 2027 (Sunday). MAKASSAR — PALOPO — RANTEPAO — KE’TE’ KESU’ — LONDA — RANTEPAO

Early morning flight from Makassar to Palopo. Upon arrival in Lagaligo Airport Palopo, meet with our Toraja local guide and immediate transfer to Rantepao, Toraja Utara or Northern Toraja (75 km, 2,5 hours driving).
Arrival in the very center of Sulawesi, to the land of Toraja, the homeland of the mysterious Toraja people.
The mountainous Toraja region is home to several ethnic groups called Toraja (Toraja means "mountain people" or "people of the west"). The Toraja call their traditional religion Aluk to Dolo (the way of the ancestors) and live according to a patron's way of life defined by ancestors and gods. These include impressive rituals accompanying the burial of the deceased. Beautiful carved houses with impressive roofs, the so-called Tongkonan, are also built according to the principles of Aluk to Dolo. Although most Toraja officially profess Christianity, many traditions continue to live on.
Lunch will be served in a restaurant in Rantepao.
After lunch we will start exploring Toraja highlands with their rich culture: the architecture of Tongkonan houses in Ke'te' Kesu' village and Londa, which is a natural cave graves with entombed deceased.
In the afternoon, we go back to Rantepao and check in at Toraja Misiliana Hotel 4* or Heritage Toraja Hotel 4*.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana Hotel 4* or Toraja Heritage hotel 4*, or similar

*Recommended flights to Palopo:
— direct flight from Makassar to Palopo with Wings Air, departure from Makassar at 8:10 AM on July 4, arrival in Palopo at 9:05 am on July 4,
— any other flight from Makassar, arriving in Palopo no later than at 10:00 am on July 4.


Day 15. July 5, 2027 (Monday). RANTEPAO — TANA TORAJA — TORAJA FUNERAL CEREMONIES RAMBU SOLO

After breakfast in our hotel, we dedicate all day to the Toraja funeral ceremonies* and exploring the Southern part of Toraja land called Tana Toraja.
Drive southward visiting Lemo stone graves with its Tau-tau — the wooden effigies on the balconies, then to Kote' where we can find the baby graves on the living trees. From Kote' we continue visiting Tampang Allo — a natural cave graves with its ancient wooden coffins and some effigies.
Continue to Suaya — a Royal family graves on the cliff.
Lunch will be served in Panorama restaurant to taste a traditional Torajan food.
In the afternoon, visiting Burake hill where we can see the statue of Jesus Christ, the statue tallest than the one in Rio de Janeiro, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Late in the afternoon, continue to Tumakke, a Tongkonan house with the unique stone roofs and witness a traditional Torajan dance in a very beautiful setting.
Return to our hotel for overnight stay. Dinner in one of the restaurants at our choice.

NOTE: Today and during two following days we will do our best in order to attend different parts of traditional funeral ceremonies of Toraja.
July is high season for holding such Rambu Solo ceremonies and the best time we may witness as much as possible, both in the Northern part (Toraja Utara) and in the southern part of Toraja (Tana Toraja), where the funeral ceremonies have some significant peculiarities.
Our program would respectively be changed in order to see as much traditional ceremonies as possible, meanwhile squeezing time in order to see the main historical sites as per the program.

The Toraja are known for having some of the most complex and expensive funeral ceremonies in the world – Rambu Solo. The funeral ceremony itself lasts at least 5 days, and years can pass from the moment of death to the burial. Families save for years to afford a worthy funeral. The cost of the most modest funerals starts from $50,000, and for members of the highest caste can reach $1,000,000. The main part of the expenses are sacrificial buffalo, the price of which can reach $40,000.
After death, the person, who is called "to makula" ("sick" or "sleeping"), remains at home. They are embalmed and cared for as if alive: fed, changed, and taken for walks.
When funds are collected, the celebration is organized, and relatives from all corners of the island have gathered in the village to celebrate the departure of a loved one to another world, the multi-day funeral ceremonies begin. According to Toraja beliefs, "real" death occurs only after the completion of the funeral ceremony or Rambu Solok, as it is commonly called. Only then can the soul of the deceased begin its journey to Puya — the final stage of the afterlife, where the soul reincarnates. It is believed that buffalo must transport the soul to the afterlife, so funerals begin with the sacrifice of these animals. The sacrifice is preceded by buffalo fights or "tedong silaga," accompanied by dancing and music.
According to Aluk Todolo, the number of sacrificial buffalo should not be less than 24, although there is no upper limit. The animals must differ from each other, and the uniqueness of their appearance reflects the status of the deceased and their clan. The funeral of a wealthy Toraja can be accompanied by the slaughter of 30 or more buffalo and hundreds of pigs. Often, guests bring additional animals as a gift. In gratitude for this gift, the relatives of the deceased must repay the donors in kind at the next funeral.
After the animals are slaughtered, their meat is distributed among the funeral guests according to their social status. A piece of buffalo meat is set aside for the deceased.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana Hotel 4* or Toraja Heritage hotel 4*, or similar


Day 16. July 6, 2027 (Tuesday). RANTEPAO — TORAJA UTARA — TORAJA FUNERAL CEREMONIES

Full day dedicated to the traditional funeral ceremonies and exploring Toraja Utara.
After breakfast we will visit Palawa, a local beautiful Torajan village in the northern part of Toraja, then to Bori where we can see the ancient stone megaliths or menhirs.
After that heading to the mountains and stop in Tinimbayo where we can see the beautiful rice field terraces. From there we will hike for 1,5 to 2 hours till Batutumonga passing through several small villages, bamboo forests and the rice fields.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant in Batutumonga while enjoying a spectacular panorama surrounding from altitude around 1400 meters above the sea level.
After lunch, visiting Tonga Riu Lo'ko Mata to a burial site on the huge stones with more than 100 cut rock graves.
Then heading to Tongkonan Kale Landorundun to see traditional customs of welcoming guests on certain occasion. Photo session of traditional Toraja people in full dress in a stunning traditional village.
Back to Rantepao for dinner and overnight in our hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana Hotel 4* or Toraja Heritage hotel 4*, or similar

Alex Mzungu  [10:45 AM]
Day 17. July 7, 2027 (Wednesday). RANTEPAO — TANA TORAJA — TORAJA FUNERAL CEREMONIES RAMBU SOLO

Another day dedicated to the traditional funeral ceremonies Rambu Solo in Tana Toraja or Toraja Utara, and exploring culture of Toraja people.
After breakfast at hotel, visiting Bolu market to see a livestock market, which occurs every six days.
Transfer to Bebo village and start hiking to Karuaya village, before going to have lunch in Sallebayu restaurant with the viewpoint to the rice fields and mountains.
After lunch, we may witness traditional cock fighting if there is one held nearby, before going back to our hotel and dinner in Rantepao.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Toraja Misiliana Hotel 4* or Toraja Heritage hotel 4*, or similar


Day 18. July 8, 2027 (Thursday). RANTEPAO — PALOPO — MAKASSAR

After early breakfast, drive back to Palopo airport.
Time permitting, stop on the way to take picture of a forest view or clove plantations and old abandoned Toraja villages with Tongkonan houses.
Return flight to Makassar, Southern Sulawesi, and further international flight back home.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

*Recommended flights to Makassar:
— direct flight from Palopo to Makassar with Wings Air, departure from Palopo at 9:30 AM on July 8, with arrival in Makassar at 10:30 AM on July 8,
— any other flight from Palopo, departing from Palopo any time on July 8 and linked to the return international flight from Makassar.

Recommended flight from Makassar:
— flight from Makassar to Moscow via Jakarta, with Shriwijaya Airlines and with Air China, departure from Makassar at 15:45 on July 8, with 7 hours 45 minutes stopover in Jakarta and 1 hour 15 minutes stopover in Beijing (China), arrival in Moscow at 14:40 on July 9,
— any other flight to Moscow from Makassar departing no earlier than 15:00 on July 8 and linked to the flight from Palopo to Makassar.


*The program schedule may be altered while preserving all main activities. Some activities may be substituted to give priority to attending the ceremonies in the best interests of the participants and reaching the main objectives of the expedition.

** The order of visits and excursions can be modified according to local conditions, i.e. state of roads, weather conditions, volcanic activity, security situation etc. If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.