How to get from Bali to Flores?

Q – I plan to get to Flores and also to the Komodo National Park after my visit in Bali / Lombok. What is my best option to get there? Thanks! – Dana

Bali to Flores

By Air

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Flores from Bali is by taking a domestic flight. There are regular flights from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) to the main airports in Flores, such as Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo or Frans Seda Airport in Maumere. Airlines that operate flights between Bali and Flores include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Wings Air. The flight duration is approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the specific destination in Flores.

By Sea

One option is to join a liveaboard boat trip, a popular choice for travelers who want to combine a sailing adventure with exploring the islands between Bali and Flores. These trips often include stops at various islands, snorkeling and diving opportunities, and visits to remote coastal areas. They typically take several days to complete the journey.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Bali to Lombok and then continue the journey to Flores by another ferry. From Bali, you can take a Pelni boat from Padang Bai, located in the eastern part of the island, to Lembar in Lombok. The ferry journey takes around 4-5 hours.

Lombok to Flores

By Sea

You can combine sea and land transportation if you prefer a more adventurous and scenic route. Once in Lombok, you can continue your journey by taking another ferry from Kayangan or Labuhan Lombok to Labuan Bajo in Flores. This ferry ride takes around 4-5 hours as well. It’s important to note that ferry schedules may vary, so checking the timetables and planning your journey accordingly is advisable.

By Air

There are also flights available from Lombok to Flores. Lombok International Airport (Bandara Internasional Lombok) is the main airport on the island, and it offers domestic flights to various destinations in Indonesia, including Flores.

Overland from Bali and Lombok to Flores

And suppose you are into adventure riding and photography. In that case, you may take the long, tedious (note: very long and tedious) way overland. You will journey from Bali, to Lombok, to Sumbawa then finally arrive at Flores.

It is possible to travel from Lombok to Flores by land, although it involves a combination of land and sea transportation. Here’s a general overview of the route:

• Ferry from Bali to Lombok: From Padangbai, it takes around 4-5 hours.
• Ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa: You can ferry from the Lembar Port to Poto Tano Port in Sumbawa. The ferry journey typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the specific ferry and sea conditions.
• Overland Travel through Sumbawa: Once in Sumbawa, you must travel overland to reach the island’s eastern coast. This journey involves taking a combination of public buses and private transportation. The road conditions vary; the trip can take several hours depending on the distance and your specific route.
• Ferry from Sumbawa to Flores: From the eastern coast of Sumbawa, you can take another ferry to cross the Alas Strait and reach the western part of Flores. The ferry departs from Kayangan or Labuhan Lombok and arrives in Labuan Bajo or other ports in Flores. The duration of this ferry ride is typically around 4-5 hours.