Finally arrived at Labuanbajo, we are looking for a hotel when a tourist on a scooter approaches us. His name is Marcus and is an avid traveller himself. Currently he and his family are travelling around SEA for six months. He hopes one day to make an overland trip to India on his motorbike. He invites us to his house for a cup of coffee. Here we meet his wife Rahel and their four children. After some talking they suggest to stay in one of their rooms. Since there are many mosquitoes we decide to set up our tent in the room. Sharing a house with four kids (Aaron-9 years, Joshua -7 years, Moana-3 years and Enea-9 months) is a whole new experience, but we loved it.

Labuanbajo

The second day in Labuanbajo we look for a travel agent to go to Rinca Island so we can see the Komodo Dragons. The price for a boat to the island is very high and on top of that we also have to pay an entrance fee to the national park, taxes, a guide and a camera fee. It would be about 70 euros in total, so we decide to let it be. We spend some time with the family in the house. If Moana discovers the chips in our luggage she would like to eat them but we tell her to wait until the evening. We lock our suitcase and she decides to take guard. You should have seen her face when it was finally time for the chips.

Guarding the Chips

The next day Marcus and his family leave for Ende, from which they will fly to Borneo. We join them on the first part of the journey and visit the Cunca Wulang waterfall where we need a guide. On the hike to the waterfall, the whole village comes out to see the family. At the waterfall, we must swim a bit to see it. The waterfall seems to fall into a downward spiral, something we haven’t seen yet.
At the river, you can make a 7 meters high jump. Kevin and Marcus go first, followed by the boys. Kitty wants to take the leap but it takes about half an hour before she finds the courage. Encouraged by Kevin and some bystanders she finally dares to go for it and also Rahel follows. Kitty and Rahel accompany the guide to view the falls from above and take some pictures.

Cunca Wulang Waterfall

Then it's time to return to our bikes. We are invited into the home of the guide for a cup of coffee and before we know it, we are surrounded by the whole village. The villagers ask the family to spend the night there and they accept the invitation. We return to Labuanbajo since we already have a hotel there, but decide to meet the family the next day.

Welcomed by the Villagers

Thank You Marcus and Rahel for the Hospitality and the Great Times

More info on www.wijzijnweg.org