Komodo and Flores holiday in Indonesia

Environment

There are a number of organisations on Flores trying to encourage the island to become a responsible eco-tourism destination. They plan to achieve this by encouraging the local government to provide the basic infrastructure to support tourism needs, while at the same time encouraging preservation of indigenous cultural values.

Flores is really away from the main tourist trail and is a relatively unspoilt island in comparison to the Komodo National Park which is popular due to its wildlife and fantastic diving. Accommodation on mainland Flores is still very basic away from Labuan Bajo and we have included a number of locally run guest houses.

The Kelimutu Eco Lodge protects a coffee plantation and its gardens provide a natural habitat to many species of birds and butterflies. The Lodge also utilises solar power as well as using composting and recycling systems. All these initiatives are championed by the local owners of the lodges.

Community

We source local Flores guides and drivers for all of our tours and use local boats for our cruises around the Komodo National Park, which is a driving force in the local community which is heavily based on tourism.

During your trip you will at a local bed and breakfast that is run by nuns from a convent in the area, and much of your accommodation will be with locally owned hotels and guesthouses. Staying in these locally owned properties not only ensures you directly contribute, but also allows for a greater insight into local life.

Much of the itinerary around Flores is overland and you will have the chance to visit local villages and see first-hand many of the local practices used in farming and in making handicrafts on the island.

The Bintang Flores also runs local initiatives and fund raising events to help local villages and under-privileged children, and is a significant employer in the local area.