In Reply to: first time Bali, Flores - few questions posted by Fina on Friday, 20. July 2007 at 09:14 Bali Time:
I've been to Labuanbajo a couple of times. I've been flying with Merpati and GTair. Both were fine. Try to keep your independence at the airport and not commit yourself to any hotel.
Compared to Bali, the hotels are really lowbrow, but you will get a double room for around 80 000 rupiah in the low season.
We have stayed at a couple of different hotels.
Chez Felix.
+a bit away from the Imam who starts his day at 5 a.m. with the loudest most
distorted p.a.-system in the world.
+nice, family owned, really friendly staff, speaks good english.
+great views
-a bit away from the town center
Hotel Gardena
+In the middle of town
+good food
+nice views
-the aforementioned Imam wakes you up at 5 a.m.
Kanawa Beach
+your own cottage at the beach.
+fantastic snorkling
+ if you like fish
-1 hour from town (free boat service 2(?) times a day).
-if you don't like fish.
We had one night at Golo Hilltop that was disasterus, but others have had a
good time there, so we were probably unlucky.
If you love snorkeling and isolation (I had a close encounter with a large black tip reef
shark - wonderful) I would go for Kanawa Beach.
Otherways I would recommend Chez Felix.
Diving:
We have been using Reefseekers
http://www.angelisleflores.com/dive_angel.html
They focus on environmental issues, have good equipment, good staff and very good food (if you like
curry).
Diving in Komodo is world class, I especially enjoyed Batu Bolong, Cannibal Rock and Yellow wall.
Do go to Rinca to see the dragons while you are in the neighbourhood.