I've got a bit of a dilemna...I'll be in Flores in July with my family (2a & 2c) and we're planning to travel overland from Maumere to Labuan Bajo, following the standard route Maumere - Moni - Kelimutu - Ruing - Bajawa - Ruteng - Denge - Wae Rebu - Labuan Bajo. Considering we're starting in Maumere where there are less guides (apparently) and July is high season, I thought it prudent to organise guide services in advance, but I've been getting some quotes in and to be honest they are ranging from very expensive to outrageous in my view US$2,000-4,000 for a 6D/5N trip. In truth we'd actually like to spend 8D/7N crossing but I can only imagine the price with go up accordingly.
1) So after extensive research here on TA and elsewhere, I'm starting to wonder about feasibility of doing the trip independantly with a driver only and using local guides at each stop. My concerns are:
2) Am I likely to find an english speaking driver?
3) How difficult will it be to find local guides (I'm assuming our guesthouses will be able to help out here) and what likelihood they will speak english?
4) Is my estimate of accommodation costs 200.000-300.000 per night, twin share for clean accommodation reasonable?
Just to give you a bit of background, I speak a little basic bahasa Indonesian but not conversational level and we're fairly well travelled around SE Asia so have no expectations for anything other than basic amenities during this overland trip. Has anyone done the overland trip independantly? If so how did it go? All comments welcome.




