7-Day Scooter Road Trip

7 Days of Exploration, Sunshine & Two-Wheeled Vibes

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published on 26/01/2025

(updated on 11/04/2025)

🌟 Trip Overview

This is a 7-day scooter adventure across Flores Island, Indonesia, starting in Maumere and ending in Labuan Bajo. Think of it as a mix of scenic rides, hidden beaches, cultural stops, and spontaneous detours – all while soaking in the raw beauty of Flores. We’ll ride through lush landscapes, swim in turquoise waters, and explore local villages, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the journey.

This trip is for those who love adventure but don’t need luxury. It’s about embracing the unexpected, bonding with a small group, and experiencing Flores in a way most travelers never do. If you’re up for dusty roads, epic sunsets, and a few laughs along the way, this is for you.

💶 Trip Costs

Item Cost, per person
Flights ~150€ (from Bali, booked early)
Base Camp (Lena House) 2 nights at 17€ per night, including breakfast
Hotels ~10-25€ per night, including breakfast
Scooter Rental 8€ per day
Activities ~10€ per day
Meals ~2-5€ per meal
Organisational Fees 30€ per person (scooter transport back fee)
Scooter Deposit 25€ per person (returned at trip’s end)
Total ~400-500€ for the whole trip

For couples who share accommodations & the scooter, you can expect around 350-400€ per person for the whole trip

📅 Trip Timeline

Activities beyond Sept 25 are being finalized, but here’s a rough itinerary:

Date Day Plan Overnight
Sept 24 Arrive in Maumere, settle at Lena House Lena House
Sept 25 Group activities (snorkeling/boat ride) + prep Lena House
Sept 26 Ride 130km, Beach + Mountain Koanara (Moni)
Sept 27 Ride 85km, Volcano + Local activities Ende
Sept 28 Ride 125km, Cultural Visits Hotel (Bajawa)
Sept 29 Ride 73km, Villages & Volcano Hotel (Ruteng)
Sept 30 Ride 135km, Rice Fields & Farewell Hotel (Labuan Bajo)
Oct 1 Short ride to Labuan Bajo, farewell! ✈️ Departures

September 24 – Arrival in Maumere

  • Flight: Depart Bali at 7:55 AM (arrive at Maumere Airport).
  • Evening: Settle into Lena House, group dinner, and briefing.

September 25 – Prep & Play Day

  • Morning: Scooter checks, route briefing, practice ride.
  • Afternoon: Snorkeling/boat trip.
  • Evening: Packing session and Q&A.

September 26 – The Journey Begins

  • From: Lena House
  • To: Koanara (Moni)
  • Total Distance: 130km
  • Wake Up: 8:00

Trek I: Maumere to Koka Beach

  • Distance: 80km
  • Duration: 2hrs
  • Departure: 9:00
  • Activity: Visit Alok Market, Ledalero Museum, and Koka Beach. Lunch at a local warung.

Trek II: Koka Beach to Moni

  • Distance: 50km
  • Duration: 1.5hrs
  • Departure: 15:00
  • Activity: Scenic mountain ride. Evening relaxation in Moni.

September 27 – Volcano Sunrise & Coffee

  • From: Koanara (Moni)
  • To: Ende
  • Total Distance: 85km
  • Wake Up: 3:30 AM

Trek I: Moni to Kelimutu

  • Distance: 15km
  • Duration: 30min
  • Departure: 4:00 AM
  • Activity: Sunrise at Kelimutu’s tri-colored lakes.

Following the sunrise, we return to Moni for breakfast and preparations for the rest of the day.

Trek II: Kelimutu to Detusoko

  • Distance: 40km
  • Duration: 1hr
  • Departure: 8:00
  • Activity: Detusoko hot springs, rice terraces, and coffee processing tour.

Trek III: Detusoko to Ende

  • Distance: 30km
  • Duration: 45min
  • Departure: 15:00
  • Activity: Check into Ende hotel. Free evening.

September 28 – Blue Stone Beach & Traditional Village

  • From: Ende
  • To: Bajawa
  • Total Distance: 125km
  • Wake Up: 9:00 AM

Trek I: Ende to Blue Stone Beach

  • Distance: 30km
  • Duration: 45min
  • Departure: 9:30
  • Activity: Quick break, snack, and swim at Blue Stone Beach.

Trek II: Blue Stone Beach to Desa Bena

  • Distance: 100km
  • Duration: 3hrs
  • Departure: 13:00

Trek III: Desa Bena to Bajawa

  • Distance: 20km
  • Duration: 30min
  • Departure: 18:00
  • Activity: Check into the hotel.

September 29 – Twists & Turns

  • From: Bajawa
  • To: Ruteng
  • Distance: 140km
  • Duration: 4hrs
  • Departure: 8:00
  • Activity: Ride through curvy roads, Ngada villages, Inierie volcano, and Satarmese forest.

This is among the most scenic rides of the trip, but also the one of the longest.

September 30 – Final Ride to Labuan Bajo

  • From: Ruteng
  • To: Labuan Bajo
  • Distance: 135km
  • Duration: 4-5hrs
  • Departure: 7:30
  • Activity: Explore Liang Bua cave, Spiderweb rice fields, and lunch in Lembor.

October 1 – Farewell in Labuan Bajo

  • Arrive by midday or early evening.
  • This is where we say goodbye (Sandra & I continue on our honeymoon from here!).

RSVP Deadline: April 30

🎒 Packing Guide

Must-Haves

  • Backpack: 20L max (waterproof or with a cover – scooters have limited storage).
  • Clothing:
    • 3–4 quick-dry outfits (lightweight shirts, hiking pants/shorts).
    • Swimwear + microfiber towel.
    • Light rain jacket + sarong (for temple visits).
  • Footwear: Hiking shoes + sandals (for water/evenings).
  • Tech: Power bank (2x), phone charger, waterproof phone pouch.
  • Safety: Reusable water bottle (1L+), sunscreen (SPF 50+), basic meds (painkillers, bandaids).

Optional Extras

  • Snacks (trail mix, protein bars).
  • Dry bag for electronics.
  • Earplugs (some hotels may be near roosters/dogs).
  • A lightweight book/cards for downtime.

⚠️ Important Notes

This trip will not be a stroll in the park. It will be physically demanding, and we’ll be on the road for long stretches. If you’re not comfortable with that, this might not be the trip for you.

Physical Expectations

  • Daily Riding: 2–4 hours on mixed roads (some paved, some bumpy).
  • Heat/Dust: Flores is hot and dry – hydration and sunscreen are non-negotiable.

Group Rules

  • Stick Together: We ride as a group – no splitting off.
  • No Suitcases: Backpacks only. But! We’re exploring luggage-forwarding by bus.

Scooter Logistics

  • Provided: 125cc scooters (serviced pre-trip) + helmets.
  • Repairs: Most towns have small garages. Major breakdowns = replacement scooter from Maumere (could take 14+ hours).

FAQs

Q: How remote is this trip?
A: We’ll pass through small towns daily – think basic shops, warungs (local eateries), and occasional cell service.

Q: What about meals?
A: Breakfast/dinner at hotels. Lunch = quick stops at warungs (budget ~$3–5/meal).

Q: Can I do laundry?
A: Most hotels offer laundry (24-hour turnaround). Pack light!

Q: What if I’ve never ridden a scooter?
A: Practice beforehand! Sept 25 includes a refresher session, but confidence is key.

Q: Payment tips?
A: Bring cash (IDR) – ATMs are scarce outside towns.

🛠️ Logistics

  • Hotels: All booked in advance (simple, clean, private rooms). Exact names TBA.
  • Communication: WhatsApp group for real-time updates.
  • Health: Bring anti-diarrheal meds/mosquito repellent. We’ll have a group first-aid kit.

🌟 Why Join?

  • Authentic Flores: Discover spots most tourists miss.
  • Small Group: Max 10–12 people – no crowded tour vibes.
  • Bragging Rights: “I crossed an Indonesian island on a scooter!”

Ready? Let us know by April 30.
Questions? Message us directly on WhatsApp – we’re here to help!

P.S. Adventure is what happens when plans meet spontaneity. Let’s roll! 🛵💨