For those who want to know how to go to Mount Kelimutu, I have come up with an essential guide that will provide you with much-needed information. This mountain is also located on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, near East Timor.
Most travellers have been to Komodo Island, and the mountain is on the other side of Flores. The best way to get here is by flying to one of the smaller towns near the Kelimutu National Park. The closest town to Mount Kelimutu is Ende, where the Bandar Udara H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport is.
How to go to Mount Kelimutu?
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| The view of Mount Kelimutu from the bottom. |
For your added information, the only airlines that fly to Kelimutu are the local Indonesian airlines. No international airlines fly to Labuan Bajo or Kelimutu. This means your connecting city needs to be Jakarta or Bali.
The three main ways to get to Mount Kelimutu are;
1. Flights
2. Ferry
3. Land Transport (with ferry)
Flying from Bali to Mount Kelimutu
The three main ways to get to Mount Kelimutu are;
1. Flights
2. Ferry
3. Land Transport (with ferry)
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| Wings Airlines is the easiest way to fly to Ende and around East Nusa Tenggara. |
The best way is to fly in from Denpasar or Bali, and two leading airlines fly here. Garuda and Wings Abadi Airlines have direct flights to Ende and Labuan Bajo.
The flight from Bali to Ende will take around two and a half to three hours via a propeller plane and will cost you about $USD200.00 per person one way. You should check websites for the best deal, as several local airlines operate this route.
If you are already in Labuan Bajo, you can take a direct flight to Ende with Garuda or Wings Abadi, a 45-minute flight on the same type of plane.
A flight from here will cost you around USD 60 to $70 per person and one way. The journey to Mount Kelimutu will also take 1.5 to 2 hours overland from Ende.
A flight from here will cost you around USD 60 to $70 per person and one way. The journey to Mount Kelimutu will also take 1.5 to 2 hours overland from Ende.
A few local hotels or guest lodges are located around Kelimutu, so these are the best options for lodging.
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| Garuda's propeller planes fly to the smaller islands and places around Indonesia. |
Flying from Jakarta to Mount Kelimutu
If you plan to fly from Jakarta, it will be a long flight with a few stops, which is not recommended. The best way is to fly via Denpasar, Bali.
This is the best way to do so if you have no other option. As mentioned above, smaller local airlines fly to Ende and Maumere, which is a better option.
This is the best way to do so if you have no other option. As mentioned above, smaller local airlines fly to Ende and Maumere, which is a better option.
Travelling Overland to Mount Kelimutu
Some of you may be thinking of a cheaper way to get to Kelimutu, and one of them is via road. However, this is one adventure that you will most likely remember for life.
The overland journey involves around 40-50 hours of travel via road and ferry. This is based on travelling from Bali through the many islands on route east.
You will have to take three different ferries on this journey through Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, before arriving on East Nusa Tenggara. This would be severe travelling, so you must be prepared for it.
The cost involved here will vary depending on the different types of transport used, like buses, ferries, and so on. By saying this, it would be better to take the ferry, as explained below.
Traveling by Ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo, Flores
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| Pelni Ferry was seen docked at Labuan Bajo. |
If you are a backpacker or serious budget traveller, this is your best option: take a massive ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo, Flores. You must take the local bus overland to Ende and then to Mount Kelimutu.
Let us get to the logistics for this incredible journey. From Bali to Labuan Bajo, the Pelni Ferry (https://www.pelni.co.id/) will take 32 to 40 hours of journey. Your departing port will be Benoa in Bali.
This cargo and the human ferry will make the port of call at various towns along the way, and this is a great way to see East Indonesia.
This option is only if you have the luxury of time. The ferry ticket will cost you only USD 18.00 per person, which is excellent.
This option is only if you have the luxury of time. The ferry ticket will cost you only USD 18.00 per person, which is excellent.
Most budget travellers or backpackers would take this option as it is the cheapest way to travel to Komodo Island and Flores.
From Labuan Bajo to Mount Kelimutu
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| The infamous Truk Kayu or Wooden Trucks are actually local buses in Flores. |
For those who take the ferry or land in Labuan Bajo, a local bus is the cheapest way to travel to Mount Kelimutu. This journey will take you at least 13 hours by road.
This would also be one of those epic travelling moments, as you will see the natural, local way of life here.
There are two types of buses available here; one is called 'Truk Kayu' (Wooden Trucks), which are modified diesel trucks with a roof, and you get to sit with the locals on this adventure.
If you are up for a challenge, this would be interesting. I know of some backpackers who actually did this as an experience.
The other is a proper bus company called Gunung Mas Travel (+62 385 21407), which uses big vans as buses. The bus service from Labuan Bajo to Ende makes one stop at the town of Ruteng.
You can change to another bus to Ende with the same company. The price per person is RP260.000, or around $USD20.00.
There are two types of buses available here; one is called 'Truk Kayu' (Wooden Trucks), which are modified diesel trucks with a roof, and you get to sit with the locals on this adventure.
If you are up for a challenge, this would be interesting. I know of some backpackers who actually did this as an experience.
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| The private company buses in Flores are recommended. |
You can change to another bus to Ende with the same company. The price per person is RP260.000, or around $USD20.00.
The fastest way is to engage a private car (Supir) to shuttle you to Ende. This would cost around USD 40 to $50 per car. (2017-2019 prices)
So if you are in a group, this option would be convenient. Again, the price depends on your bargaining skills, so look at the car first.
Overall, the best way is to consult with your hotel or guesthouse in Labuan Bajo, as they know the best options for travel within Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.
So if you are in a group, this option would be convenient. Again, the price depends on your bargaining skills, so look at the car first.
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| The Kayu Trucks are a common sight around Labuan Bajo and Flores. |
Visiting Flores and Things To Do There
Though this is one of those more challenging places to visit than other commercial destinations, you can find many other things to do in Flores.
But if you are a luxury or short-stay traveller, I recommend visiting Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island.
Flores is a large place and offers a different kind of travel and tourism experience, suitable for those who love nature, trekking, outdoors, bird watching and peace of mind.
But if you are a luxury or short-stay traveller, I recommend visiting Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island.
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| When you arrive at Ende airport, this is what greets you. |
For those visiting this part of Indonesia, you can read about what to do in Labuan Bajo, an article I wrote. I visited Labuan Bajo three times from 2015 to late 2016 for my work.
If you plan to see the mighty Komodo Dragon, I have also done an article on how to go to Komodo Island with additional information.
For any traveller, this is one part of the world that is truly amazing and less travelled than your usual overcrowded destinations. You can also check the AirAsia MOVE app for flights and hotel promotions to Labuan Bajo.
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| A panoramic photo of Labuan Bajo Town in Flores. |
Conclusion
If you plan to see the mighty Komodo Dragon, I have also done an article on how to go to Komodo Island with additional information.
For any traveller, this is one part of the world that is truly amazing and less travelled than your usual overcrowded destinations. You can also check the AirAsia MOVE app for flights and hotel promotions to Labuan Bajo.
I recommend visiting Flores, a natural tourism destination with little modernization. And the information on how to go to Mount Kelimutu will be helpful for you.