Lombok-Flores boat trip: Everything you need to know

The boat trip from Lombok to Flores was the absolute highlight of our Indonesia trip. Over four days, you'll see the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises. During the day, there's time for sunbathing and snorkeling. The boat trip ends at the various Komodo National Parks on Flores.

Preparation

Before we went to Indonesia, I'd read about the boat trip from Lombok to Flores. During our trip, other backpackers also recommended this trip. After some Google research, we decided to book the 4-day, 3-night tour with Wanua Adventures.

Besides Wanua, there are other providers that offer roughly the same route. With Wanua, you travel with a group, but other providers also offer private or semi-private boat trips. At Wanua, you can choose between a private cabin or a spot on the sleeping deck. Other backpackers told us that it can be very stuffy in the private cabins, so we opted for a spot on the sleeping deck. The boat trip costs IDR 3,200,000 per person (check the Wanua Adventures website for current prices).

What are you bringing?

We took our entire backpack with us, which is stored in the hold during the boat trip. However, it's not very easy to access. So, it's definitely recommended to pack a daypack. Be sure to bring a sweater for the evening, and make sure you have your toiletry bag and a change of clothes handy. What I didn't bring, but would have liked to have, were a blanket and earplugs (for the night).

Do you need to bring food and drinks?

You'll be served incredibly delicious meals three times a day, so you certainly won't go hungry. The boat crew prepared the meals in the small kitchen at the back of the boat. There was plenty of food, including vegetarian options. In the afternoon, we received a piece of fruit and cookies. Coffee, tea, and mineral water are also available on the boat throughout the day.

You can buy beer at Wanua Adventures itself (note: you must pay for this immediately on day one at the meeting point). You can also bring your own beer, but just let the boat crew know you brought your own. All the beer is collected on the boat in a crate with ice, and you can keep track of how much you've taken by tallying it. You can also bring other drinks.

We heard from other backpackers along the way that you should bring snacks for the boat trip. We therefore brought plenty of snacks, but in the end, it was a bit too much (although sharing snacks is always welcome). For the evening, you can bring, for example, non-meltable cookies and chips.

Can I shower on the boat?

The answer to this question is yes, but not always. On our boat, there was one shower available at the front of the deck, but it could only be used when the boat's engine wasn't running. After snorkeling and swimming, there was at least a chance to rinse off. However, there was a line of people wanting to shower as well, so a long shower wasn't an option.

Day 1: start and sunset

The boat trip starts in Senggigi. Don't expect to be on the boat right away, as you'll first be taken to the northeast of Lombok by minivan. You'll disembark near the harbor and arrive at the meeting point. We were divided into three buildings because three boats were leaving simultaneously. In this building, we were given snacks (including spring rolls) and coffee or tea. We also received a handy refillable water bottle to use at the water tap on the boat. The route was explained, and dangerous animals were mentioned. Photos of Komodo dragons and poisonous water snakes, among other things, were shown (yikes!).

A minivan took us to the harbor, where three boats were waiting for us. After finding a place to store our belongings on one of the boats, everyone relaxed on the deck in the sun. After dinner, we took a motorboat to land on an island, where we enjoyed the sunset. After visiting Kenewa Island there was time for music, dancing and stargazing from the highest point of the boat.

Sleep (well)

Because the sleeping deck wasn't wide and the beds were close together, we thought we'd be smart and find a spot in the back of the boat. There was an extra ladder there, so you didn't have to climb over other people to get out of the sleeping area. Don't follow our example if you don't have earplugs! The engine is also located in the back of the boat. It runs at night, too, and makes an irregular noise.

A mattress, a pillow, and a thin blanket are provided for you on the sleeping deck. It's very humid at night, and there's a draft on the boat, so sleeping comfortably is probably not possible.

Day 2: View and manta rays

The fantastic view in the morning more than made up for the sleepless night. The nature here is so beautiful! On day two, we sailed quite a distance. We stopped at Moyo Island and had time to snorkel and swim in the afternoon. You can encounter manta rays while snorkeling! On Moyo Island, we walked to a less spectacular waterfall. What was truly spectacular, however, was the sunset from the boat.

Day 3: A real pink beach and Komodo dragons

On day three, it was time for Pink Beach. While some so-called pink beaches aren't actually that pink, this one is! You can snorkel and relax on the beach, or climb the adjacent hill. Bringing flip-flops is a good idea, as the path up can be very hot. We even saw dolphins swimming next to our boat at Pink Beach!

The highlight of the day was the visit to Komodo Island, home to real Komodo dragons. I found it a thrilling experience, partly due to the stories the park guides shared. Essentially, it's best to stay with the group and not wander around the park on your own. During the hottest part of the day, the Komodo dragons are a bit slower, which makes it a bit less exciting. However, it was very impressive to see these creatures in person.

That evening, contrary to our itinerary, we went to Padar Island to enjoy the sunset from the mountain. Despite having to get up early the next day, our last evening on the boat was thoroughly celebrated.

Day 4: Sunrise and more Komodo dragons

We slept through all the alarms and were lucky someone woke us up. You really don't want to miss this! We arrived at the top of the mountain just in time to see the sunrise. It was truly beautiful and the ultimate highlight of the boat trip (literally, too)! Then it was time for the last stop on the boat trip: Rinca, where we saw even more Komodo dragons than on Komodo Island.

We arrived in Labuan Bajo in the evening. The group and boat crew were so friendly that we decided to have dinner together in Labuan Bajo. Tip: book your hostel before you leave Lombok. Most boat trips arrive in Flores on the same day, so it can be busy that day.

This boat trip from Lombok to Flores is an unforgettable adventure that you absolutely cannot miss when traveling through Indonesia!