Most of Tantepao's attraction lie within half and hour's drivr by car or public bemo, providing delightful walks trough the sorrounding countryside. Many places of interest are close on to another, which mean you can visit several in a day. It is best to set off for the more distang villages in the early morning, while it ia still cold and the light good for photography, returning to Rantepao for lunch. If you are not to tired, nearby villages ca nthen be visited in th e afternoon.

Most obyek wisata (official "tourist sites") charga an admission fee, usually around US$2 (US$1=Rp9.500,-), with additional charges for such things as "offerings" of flower petals ($0.50 - a costum imported recently from Bali), a guide ($2.00), the rental of a storm lantern for caves ($ 2.00), and so on. At several of the sites there is an admission fee for cameras (another $1.00). At the mote populer sites, such as Londa and Lemo, you will be lucky to get change back from your Rp10.000,- note.

During the tourist season, you will be pestered continuously by children (and occasionally adults) asking for money and sweets. Children will pose for photographs (at $1.00 per head), and try to sell you handicrafts from Flores and Bali.

Several villages are building walls to keep out visitors who find it all too expensive and insist on looking without paying. There is no point in getting offended by all of this - after all, you've paid a lot of money to airlines and travel agents to get you here, and there is no reason that the local residents should not receive something too.

Visiting sites during the off season is a complete different experience. Often the villages are deserted and you are on your way to the next place by the time the admission book has been located. People have time to chat in between sales, and even children are reasonably behaved.

Food is not generally available at these sites, though small warungs and restaurants are starting to appears. You will usually have to return to Rantepao for lunch, or take food with you. Most of the sites in the area around Rantepao can be visited in about four days, provided you have the stamina.