Labuan Banjo to Ruteng

70,000RP for a bus to Ruteng in cyclonic weather (tropical cyclone Narelle was about 550km away) the 4 hour trip took 5 due to downed trees and washed out roads. There was supposed to be an onward journey to bajawa but that stretch of road was completely closed so a quick tour of Ruteng there is only really a few attractions and I'm heading back to Labuan Banjo.

I also neglected to ensure I had a memory card in my camera so no photos.... Massive Fail.

2 bus trips 70,000RP each
Lunch 40,000RP
Breakfast was included in my accommodation from the previous night
Dinner of swordfish carpaccio, iced coffee, water, creme brulee, and an entree was 220,000
Accommodation in the same place as last night was 100,000

$51 roughly for the day

Labuan Bajo

What do you do in Labuan Bajo when Tropical Cyclone Janelle causes rough seas and rain?

Go and visit mirror rock cave.

The Bemo (2000RP for locals, 5000RP for foreigners). Just ask the driver for "Batu" and they should be able to drop you close and point you in the right direction, they may want to wait for you, which will be more expensive.

Admission was 30,000RP, and came with hard hat (for falling rocks), and torches but I would recommend you bring your own. The lonely planet guide claims it should be 10,000RP, either way the guy wouldn't budge.

Our guide was hilarious, and the caves were worth it was our only real option for something to do regardless. We did spot a heap of bats (harmless fruit bats) a couple of spiders, and a few crickets.

Kuta Lombok to Labuan Bajo (Flores) the jumping off point for Komodo Island

This post has been updated and posted on www.nomadsblogs.com (A site for sharing your tales of adventure).

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Due to my travelling companion's time constraints and my laziness we decided to fly (4 Hours, 1,400,000RP via DPS with Merpati) to Labuan Bajo instead of taking:

• Public ferry, See http://fourfootprints.com/2012/06/how-get-bali-labuan-bajo-flores-cheap-way/ and http://www.theeverydaymagic.com/2012/06/18/the-pelni-boat-getting-from-lombok-to-labuan-bajo/
• One of the tourist sightseeing boats which were allegedly all cancelled due to high seas but usually 3-4 days stopping at attractions on the way. Search for Parama Tours
• The overland option of ferry's and cars (400,000RP - 27 hours)

Labuan Bajo is a small village and the flight in had some spectacular photo's. A motor (car) to the centre of town was 40,000 for 3 people.

Accommodation options are plentiful from 50,000RP sharing a room up to some new monstrosity resorts with pools.

Organising trips to Komodo, and Rinca for 2 days with 1 night sleeping on the boat we negotiated it down to 600,000RP with all meals included, and sleeping on the deck, you should expect to pay a little bit more for a boat with a cabin, and substantially more if you want a dive boat.