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Air Travel to Flores

Air Travel to Flores

Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Airport & Flight Details

Main Airports in Flores

Flores has several airports serving different regions, with Komodo Airport being the main gateway for most tourists.

Airport Overview

  • Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo: Main entry for Komodo National Park.
  • Frans Seda Airport (MOF) in Maumere: Alternative entry/exit for overland journeys.
  • Hasan Aroeboesman Airport (ENE) in Ende: Access point for Mount Kelimutu.

Airlines and Popular Routes

The most common flights connect Flores to Bali or Jakarta. Inter-island flights within Flores are limited.

Flight Connections

  • From Bali (Denpasar, DPS): Frequent flights to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air.
  • From Jakarta (CGK): Direct flights to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) by Garuda, Batik Air, Citilink (approx. 2.5 hours).
  • Inter-island Flights: Wings Air operates limited flights connecting Flores towns; schedules can be irregular.

Labuan Bajo Transfers

From Komodo Airport (LBJ), taxis or ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab transport you to town. Many accommodations offer pick-up services.

Other Airport Transfers

For Maumere, Ende, Bajawa, or Ruteng airports, taxis or pre-arranged hotel transfers are generally the main options. Public transport is very limited.

Airport Facilities

Komodo Airport (LBJ) is modern with basic cafes, souvenir shops, and ATMs. Smaller Flores airports offer very limited amenities.

Flight Availability and Pricing

International Flights

  • Flores has no direct international flights.
  • All international travelers connect through Jakarta (CGK) or Denpasar (DPS) in Bali.
  • Bali offers an extensive international flight network, serving as a convenient connection point.
  • Many international airlines fly directly to Denpasar.

Seasonal Fluctuations

  • Flight frequency increases during peak tourist season (July-August, Dec-Jan).
  • Prices for flights to Labuan Bajo rise significantly during peak periods and holidays.
  • Booking 2-3 months in advance is advisable for best prices and availability.
  • Flights during the wet season (Nov-Mar) often have lower prices and fewer passengers.

Departure Essentials

Exit Fees

Currently, no specific exit fees are charged separately at Indonesian airports; they are included in airfare.

Airport Arrival Times

For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. Check flight status before heading to the airport.

Ferry Departure

If departing by public ferry, arrive at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure. Be ready for schedule changes.

Overland Travel

Local Bus & Van Services

Public buses, often called "bemos" or "travel" vans, connect Flores's major towns. These offer a local experience.

Service Details

  • Bemos operate on fixed routes, picking up and dropping off passengers.
  • They can be crowded, often older, and without air conditioning.
  • Depart when full, leading to unpredictable waiting times.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car for self-driving is possible but not generally advised for most tourists due to local road conditions.

Important Notes

  • Road conditions vary from paved with potholes to rough, unpaved, and steep.
  • Local driving styles can be aggressive, and traffic rules are loosely followed.
  • Hiring a car with a local driver is a safer and less stressful option.

Road Conditions

Roads differ across the island. The Trans-Flores Highway has improved but includes challenging sections.

What to Expect

  • Potholes, rough patches, and narrow, winding stretches are common.
  • Roads to remote villages can be unpaved, muddy, and very steep.
  • Landslides can occur during the wet season, affecting road access.

Safety on Roads

General caution is advised. Traffic rules are often loosely followed. Drive defensively and stay aware.

Safety Reminders

  • Night driving is strongly discouraged due to poor lighting and obstacles.
  • Watch for pedestrians, animals, and broken-down vehicles on the road.
  • Motorcycles and their passengers must wear helmets.

Driving Laws & Requirements

  • Vehicles operate on the left side of the road in Indonesia.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally mandatory with your national license.
  • Without an IDP, you risk fines and invalidation of insurance in case of an accident.
  • Road conditions vary significantly; be prepared for uneven and winding paths.
  • Signage can be minimal, making navigation a challenge without local knowledge.
  • Local drivers know the roads and can navigate them with ease.

Sea Journeys

Ferry & Cruise Services

Sea travel provides a distinct way to connect to other Indonesian islands or embark on immersive tours.

Available Options

  • Public Ferries (PELNI): Connect Flores to Lombok, Sumbawa, Sulawesi, or Java. Slow but affordable.
  • Private Ferries/Liveaboards: Popular for multi-day trips from Lombok/Bali to Komodo National Park.
  • Cruise Ports: Labuan Bajo welcomes smaller cruise ships and expedition vessels.

Immigration & Connections

Immigration procedures apply for international cruise arrivals. Domestic ferry journeys have standard ID checks.

Arrival Process

  • International cruise immigration typically processed on board or at the port terminal.
  • Domestic ferries have no specific immigration, only ID checks for boarding.
  • Local taxis or ojek are available at major ferry ports for transfers to accommodation.

Liveaboard Logistics

Private liveaboard tours typically include transfers from the port to your hotel in Labuan Bajo, pre-arranged by your tour operator.

Private Boat Charters

For exclusive island access or personalized itineraries, private boat charters are available, mainly from Labuan Bajo. Fares are negotiated directly.

River Transport

Flores does not have major navigable rivers for transportation; river travel is not a feature of the island's transport network.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

Ensuring a smooth departure from Flores is as important as a well-planned arrival. Arrive early for domestic flights.

Timing & Facilities

  • For Komodo Airport (LBJ), arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight departure.
  • Check-in can be slow for regional flights; security might have small queues.
  • LBJ has basic cafes and souvenir shops. Smaller airports offer very limited amenities.

Ferry Departure

For public ferries, prepare for potential delays and chaotic boarding. Liveaboard tours manage your departure logistics.

Ferry Logistics

  • Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before scheduled departure for public ferries.
  • Schedules are subject to delays or changes; always confirm your trip status.
  • Liveaboard tour operators provide specific departure instructions for trips ending in Lombok or Bali.

Important Considerations

Flight Status

Always confirm your flight status before heading to the airport.

International Departures

No specific exit fees are charged separately at airports in Indonesia for international departures, as these are usually included in the airfare.

Pre-Book Transfers

For smaller airports, it is wise to pre-book transfers with your hotel.

Smooth Departure

Planning your departure with these logistics makes your journey from Flores confident.