Walk Bajawa to Ende on Flores' 70 km Camino de Flores, 23–27 October 2026

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is promoting Camino de Flores: The Sacred Journey of Flores, a new walking pilgrimage designed to link religious sites, traditional villages, cultural heritage and natural landscapes on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana presented the initiative in Jakarta on Tuesday, 13 October, as a way to spread tourism beyond Labuan Bajo, the island's main gateway in West Manggarai.

Key facts

• First pilot walk: 23–27 October 2026
• Route: central Flores, from Bajawa through Boawae to Ende, approximately 70 kilometres
• Participants: around 70 people from charitable communities
• Organiser: Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism
• Future sections under consideration: Labuan Bajo–Ruteng and Maumere–Larantuka
• Concept inspired by the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain

What is the Camino de Flores?

It is a walking pilgrimage that combines spiritual reflection, history and meetings with local residents. The Ministry of Tourism says the aim is to distribute tourism benefits more widely and support communities across Flores that are still dealing with poverty and the aftermath of an earthquake.

The route takes its inspiration from the Camino de Santiago in Spain, adapting the idea of walking, reflection and encounter to the religious and cultural landscape of Flores. Mari Elka Pangestu, who originated the initiative, said "Indonesia can have its own Camino, and Flores is the perfect place for it", and expressed hope that visitors would stay longer so economic benefits reach villages along the way.

When and where does the first walk take place?

The pilot journey is scheduled for 23–27 October 2026. It covers about 70 kilometres along the central Flores route from Bajawa through Boawae to Ende, and around 70 participants from charitable communities are expected to take part.

What preparations are in place?

The government has outlined safety measures for the pilot, including route marshals, medical posts, mobile water stations and contingency plans for weather and challenging terrain. Money raised through associated charitable activities is intended to support community needs such as health facilities, churches, cultural infrastructure, sanitation and access to clean water.

Church representatives have urged that the journey stay true to its sacred purpose. Fr. Marco Solo Kewuta, SVD, an official of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican, said the economic dimension should not become the main objective while the sacred character of the journey loses its meaning. He added that participants need preparation to understand and respect the rituals, traditions and cultural values of the communities they meet.

Are more routes planned?

The government hopes the pilot will help establish a model for future pilgrimage routes, including a western section between Labuan Bajo and Ruteng and an eastern section between Maumere and Larantuka. The Diocese of Labuan Bajo has proposed that the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival be included as a meeting point on the developing network. East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena has suggested the concept could inspire similar walking journeys in Timor and Sumba.

What this means for travellers

The first walk is limited to around 70 participants from charitable communities, and the source gives no details on how other travellers can join, what it costs or how to register. Anyone interested in walking the route should check with the Ministry of Tourism for participation details, and be ready to respect local rituals and traditions in the villages along the way.

The pilot results are expected to inform the design of longer routes across Flores. The village of Lewouran in East Flores, home since August 2026 to a relic of Saint Peter the Apostle on loan from the Holy See, is also preparing to develop its site as a national pilgrimage destination.