Labuan Bajo-Bajawa
This trip is 262 km and takes a bit less then 10 hours depending on which form of transportation you take.
Most people visit this region with a hired bemo or car. This costs about 175.000 Rp per day starting from Labuan Bajo (9/98). The usual trip takes about 3 or 4 days.
You can also go to Bajawa by bus and start renting there. Stephane De Becker recommended Micheal, a severely disabled boy who has a friend called Harry who has a Kijang. Everybody knows Michael, so he's a good guide.
Accommodation Ruteng
Hotel Agung 3 is one of the best hotels.
Bajawa
- Edelweis Hotel (opposite Korina Hotel), 20.000 Rp for a double with shower and breakfast.
- Kempang Hotel: hotel is clean, but matrasses are tough.
- Sehati hotel: nothing special at 30.000 Rp including tiny breakfast. they have 1 bigger room, ask for it (2/00).
Riung
Hotel Florida, 8000 Rp for a bed with mosquito net, shared mandi and breakfast.
Restaurants on the way - Ruteng: Merlin (chinese) was OK
- Bajawa Borobudur: don't have vegetable curry here, tastes like dish water.
- Bajawa Carmelia: good steaks
What to do
Bena: nice traditional village at 19 km from Bajawa (1 hour ride). Entrance fee 1500 Rp.Soa hot springs: reaaly hot springs (45°), but clean and not crowded. Entrance fee 2500 Rp, 19 km from Bajawa, 30 minutes ride.
There are also some extinct volcanoes in the neighbourhood.
The trip to Riung takes 2,5 to 3 hours.
"The next day we went to Langa, then Bena, then Luba and then Wogo - all traditional villages near Bajawa. I liked Bena best, because the road there is beautiful and it is situated at the base of Gunung Inerie with a gorgeous view. Go in the morning, because around 11:00 it catches some clouds around its top. Take your time for the villages, try to talk to people, evn if you don't speak Bahasa Indonesia - they are lovely (2/00). |
