INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES DURING TOURS AND TREKS TO VILLAGES IN FLORES

Information you should know when you are in the villages

The beauty of the villages in which we work in and assist are off the typical beaten tourist path, so it’s unlikely that you’ll see another tourist during your time in village. This is what makes the villages so special.

The essence of the form of tourism that we are helping the villagers to participate in is one that doesn’t sacrifice their traditional way of life or culture for the sake of mass tourism. We have used our experience in village to create hands on activities and support materials to allow you to really connect with the villagers that you meet. You feel like a member of the family, not an anonymous ‘tourist.’ You’ll be accompanied by a guide so that you can ask questions to villagers throughout your trip.

Staying in village will allow you to experience how other people live, work, relax and even perceive the world. Awareness of cultural differences allows you to understand and appreciate the villagers’ way of life. We have worked closely with the villagers to create some in village guidelines to help you know what to expect during your time in village. By respecting the local culture you will have a more enriching cultural experience.

Important points you have to know

Flores is an island with many different language, culture and customs. Please take note of the following guidelines in order to respect the villagers who are welcoming you into their homes and helping us preserve our unique environment and culture of our community: 

• It is customary in Flores to remove shoes before entering a house.

• In Flores culture, women dress modestly. When visiting villages women should keep shoulders covered and avoid wearing short shorts/skirts, singlet, tight, dirty or transparent clothes. It is acceptable to wear swimsuits on the hot springs but we recommend wearing a t-shirt as well.

• Please respect the villagers and privacy. And remember not to treat them as simple subject matter for your holiday pictures. Please ask before taking photographs especially if they are in ceremonial costumes.

• Please do not display amorous relation in public. Avoid hand holding, cuddling, hugging, and kissing while visiting the villages.

• Flores food tends to be quite spicy. Let us know of any dietary requirements in advance, but also be willing to try new things.

• Villagers will make the utmost effort to ensure your comfort. However they do live in a more traditional way and are not used to the levels of comfort to which many people are accustomed. In the traditional house you can expect to be given a foam mat with under sheet, a mosquito net, blanket and pillow as sleeping arrangement.

• Please do not tip individuals or give presents (e.g. toys, candy) to the children. This can lead to an expectation from the children each time they see a visitor that can encourage "begging" behavior which their parents dislike. Children love to draw and be creative, so think about some picture books and coloring pencils or pens for the children in the village you visit or giving to the family the house that you stay overnight. Making a donation to the community fund is recommended. Ask a guide for more details.

• During the jungle trek, plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment-taking cuttings, seeds and roots are illegal in our community.

• You will be accepted and welcomed if you follow local customs. Use only your right hand when greeting or eating. Its also polite to use both hands while giving or receiving gifts.

• In case of anything that is unusual to you, ask your guide for interpretation, it might mean something important. 
• Lunch could be in the halfway of trekking (in the forest, bamboo bush) or on the bank  of hot spring. Accommodation and dinner could be in the village that we stay overnight together with local people or at hotel and restaurant. All based on our tours or treks program agreement.
• Villagers welcome tourists to attend rituals and actively invite tourists (often via guides) to participate. If you want to be welcomed, take a contribution, as all local people do, and give it to the hosts of ritual. For example a kilogram of rice or sugar per tourist would be appropriate.
• Rituals often take a long time, be prepared to wait around. it is offensive to attend a ritual and not partake in ritual meals. Always accept ritual food that is offered to you (it is not necessary to eat it all, but please taste a tiny amount).
• Some rituals involve dancing. If you would like to dance, you must be in costume. It is possible to hire a costume (your guide can help you)
• When we arrive in remote villages, children always follow tourists, congregate and touching tourists bags. It does not mean they want to steal your STUFF but they want to steal your HEART. It means, children and villagers like to play and talking with tourists. Always respond to greetings, including smiles. Use your guide to facilitate communication.

What to bring during tours and treks

• A pair of trekking or hiking shoes
• A pair of sandals
• Sunscreen/sunblock
• Anti mosquito lotion
• Towel and swimming suit
• Sarong, light clothing, preferably cotton with long sleeved shirts and pants