Maumere Travel Guide: The End of the Flores Overland, from Kelimutu to Maumere Bay

There is a special feeling when a group arrives in Maumere after days of crossing Flores. The bus that left Labuan Bajo on the island's western tip now stands on the east coast, facing the wide Flores Sea. Behind you are the spider-web rice fields of Ruteng, the megalithic village of Bena and the three coloured lakes of Kelimutu.

Maumere is the largest town in eastern Flores and the capital of Sikka Regency. It has an airport with flights to Bali and other cities, which makes it a practical end point for a one-way trip — your group does not need to drive back to Labuan Bajo. In this guide we cover what to see in Maumere and the most comfortable overland route to get there.

Labuan Bajo – Maumere overland at a glance

The overland route: Labuan Bajo to Maumere

Driving across Flores from west to east is one of the most beautiful road trips in Indonesia. The Trans-Flores Highway winds through mountains, forests, coffee gardens and the occasional beach. It is paved, but full of bends, so average speeds are modest. That is why we always advise not to rush.

These are the segments we usually drive with groups:

Detailed guides for each town are in our Ruteng travel guide and Bajawa travel guide.

A stop in Ende

Ende is a port town on Flores' south coast with a history that fascinates Indonesian visitors. Sukarno, Indonesia's first president, lived here in exile from 1934 to 1938. His house of exile is well preserved and open to visitors. Nearby is the Bung Karno Contemplation Park, where he is said to have reflected beneath a breadfruit tree — a story often linked to the birth of Pancasila, Indonesia's founding philosophy.

Kelimutu: the high point of the journey

Kelimutu is a group of three crater lakes at the summit of Mount Kelimutu whose colours can change over time — from turquoise to blue to dark brown. For the Lio people, the lakes are the resting place of ancestral spirits.

Groups usually stay in Moni village and leave around 4 am to catch sunrise at Kelimutu. From the car park it is a 20–30 minute walk up steps to the viewpoint. It is cold at the top, so bring a warm jacket.

The road from Moni to the Kelimutu car park is steep and fairly narrow. For the medium bus, the driver will follow road conditions and the national park's regulations at the time. If needed, we can arrange smaller shuttle vehicles.

Things to do in Maumere

Sikka Old Church

In Sikka village, about 25 km from central Maumere, stands an old Catholic church built in the late 19th century. Its architecture blends European style with local motifs, and the interior is decorated with Sikka ikat patterns. It is a long-standing witness to the history of Catholic missions in eastern Flores.

Sikka and Watublapi weaving villages

Sikka Regency is famous for its finely patterned ikat dyed with natural colours. In Sikka village and at the weaving studio in Watublapi, groups can see the whole process: spinning cotton, tying the motifs, dyeing with roots and leaves, and weaving. Many studios welcome guests with dances and explanations of what the patterns mean. Buying directly from the weavers is the best way to support them.

Virgin Mary statue on Nilo hill

On the hills of Nilo, about 30 minutes from town, a Virgin Mary statue tens of metres tall looks out over Maumere Bay. It is both a pilgrimage site and a beautiful viewpoint, especially in the late afternoon.

Koka Beach

Koka Beach has two white-sand bays separated by a rocky headland, about an hour south-west of Maumere. The waves can be strong at times, but the scenery leads many of our guests to call it the most beautiful beach in eastern Flores.

Maumere Bay

Maumere Bay has long been known as a dive destination. Its reefs were damaged by the 1992 earthquake and tsunami, but many sites have recovered. For groups, snorkelling or relaxing on a beach near Maumere is a lovely way to finish before flying home.

Sample 5-day Labuan Bajo – Maumere itinerary

1. Day 1: Labuan Bajo → Cancar lingko rice fields → Ruteng (Liang Bua)
2. Day 2: Ruteng → Lake Ranamese → Bajawa
3. Day 3: Bena village & Malanage hot springs → Ende → Moni
4. Day 4: Kelimutu sunrise → Maumere, late afternoon at Nilo hill
5. Day 5: Sikka Old Church & ikat weaving → Frans Seda Airport

Want some sea time? Add a day at Riung 17 Islands after Bajawa.

How much does a Labuan Bajo – Maumere overland bus cost?

With the 33–35 seat medium bus, the Flores overland rate is IDR 3,500,000 per day, including driver and fuel. For the 5-day itinerary above, the bus costs about IDR 17,500,000, plus the driver's meals and lodging. For one-way trips, ask our team about the cost of returning the bus to Labuan Bajo. See the price list or request a quote on WhatsApp.

Flores overland tips for groups

• Start early every day so most of the driving happens in daylight.
• Pack motion-sickness medicine, ginger sweets and a few bags on the bus.
• Dress in layers. It is hot on the coast and cold in Ruteng, Bajawa and at Kelimutu.
• Book Moni accommodation early. The village has limited rooms, especially in holiday periods.
• Allow buffer time. Roadworks or weather can add to driving times.

Frequently asked questions