Bali, Flores & Komodo Discovery - 17 Days

Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud, Bali's largest Hindu town and cultural heart. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, you might like to wander the traditional market stalls near the centre of town, pop into a local café or stretch out your muscles after your flight with a spot of yoga at one of the Zen studios in town. After your meeting, maybe head out for a group meal at one of the delicious local restaurants.

Start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader. Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields and an alang-alang valley (a type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings), then stop by a Balinese home for coffee and experience the traditional Balinese offering. The walk ends in central Ubud, where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening, sit down and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Accompanied by chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is sure to be a highlight of the trip.

Today you’ll explore the area from a different angle – from the saddle of a bike. Head out on a tour through backstreets, villages and rice fields. It’s a relatively easy ride – much of the route is downhill – and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a brief rest. You’ll also stop to check out some small, intricately carved temples, before finishing your bike tour back in Ubud. After refuelling with lunch, head for the hills to the village of Undisan. Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, this peaceful village is lesser known compared to Bali’s more popular spots, making it the perfect place to unwind away from the crowds.

Take a morning walk around Undisan's rice terraces, visiting the craftspeople of the trade and the village temples, then have a traditional 'bungkus' lunch. Take in the beautiful scenery before you make tracks to the village of Sibetan. You’ll be given a special welcome by the chief of the village, then check into your homestay accommodation before enjoying some free time in the afternoon. You might like to explore the traditional village a little or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Alternatively, you could take an optional cooking class and learn the secret ingredients and spices of the local cuisine. This evening, you’ll spend some time with the locals and be treated to a typical dinner of salak (snake fruit), prepared for you by the villagers.

This morning, take a guided walk through an ancient salak plantation with the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here, you’ll see some culturally significant plants – the remains of a white mango tree which was first planted in Sibetan in the 16th century and a jaka moding plant (a type of palm tree). For lunch, tuck into tipat blayag (rice wrapped in young coconut leaves), paired with side dishes of chicken and vegetables. After exploring the village, you’ll journey higher into the mountains by car, driving along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur. Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 m) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera, and with Lake Batur below, it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. You’ll be glamping tonight, with sweeping views of Kintamani and Mt Batur.

Wake up bright and early at around 3 am this morning to begin the walk to the summit of Mt Batur in order to reach the top before sunrise. The views will make it well worth the effort! On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. The view of the gorgeous sunrise over the valleys of Bali may well be the most memorable part of your trip. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in the hot springs with fantastic views over the lake and caldera. Then, make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina, made famous by its dolphins that patrol the coast. It's also a great spot for tasty food, traditional massages and yoga – just what the doctor ordered after today’s epic mountain climb.

Explore a local market in the morning, then head out for a day of snorkelling among Menjangan Island’s coral reef, which is part of the Bali Barat National Park. On the way back from your underwater adventure, you’ll stop for a soak at Banjar Hot Springs – a small spring popular with the locals. In the afternoon, stop for a cup of coffee at Global Village Kafe – a diner whose profits support the Global Village Foundation, providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for people with disabilities and assisting those with illnesses with their medical costs. Tonight, head to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cuisine before sitting down to a home-cooked meal.

Wave goodbye to Lovina and continue to Sanur. Along the way, visit Gitgit Waterfall and Lake Bratan before continuing to Sanur, where you’ll have a free afternoon. Maybe go for a stroll along Bali's first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible, just a short distance away from the beach.

Today, you'll travel from Bali to Flores. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Mt Kelimutu National Park on arrival at Ende Airport. Tonight, you’ll meet your new local leader and the new travellers joining your group at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe head out for dinner and get excited for the adventure ahead.

Wake up bright and early and strap on your walking shoes. This morning, you’ll head out on a sunrise trek to Mt Kelimutu. Make your way up the mountain to the viewpoint, where you’ll be greeted with spectacular views over the bright green, blue and red crater lakes below. Head back down the mountain, then take a picturesque drive along the coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at Padhawatu Waterfall for a refreshing dip before reaching the hiking point to Tololela Village. Hike through forest and farmlands while learning about local vegetation and maybe catch a glimpse of small wildlife indigenous to the region. When you arrive, be welcomed in and take a short walk in this village of 32 houses. Then, maybe head to Malanage Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. This evening, sit down to a hearty home-cooked dinner and enjoy the quiet of the village.

This morning, you’ll hike out of the village and travel on to the town of Bena – known for its megalithic formations and traditional huts. Wander through the streets as your trip leader takes you on a guided walk through the village, admiring the intricate handiwork of the thatched hut roofs, impressive stone formations and ancestral shrines. Take a quick walk up Wolobobo Hill for a great view, then enjoy a local lunch in town. After, continue to Bajawa and enjoy some free time to relax and recharge.

Today, you’ll continue your journey to Ruteng. On the way, stop at Aimere and see how local palm wine is made in the traditional way. Arrive in Ruteng in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore the town – your trip leader will have some excellent insider recommendations for dinner spots.

This morning, head to Cara Village where you’ll see the Lingko – rice fields planted in an intricate spiderweb pattern. Then continue to Liang Bua Cave, where the skull of a short human called Homo floresiensis was found at a depth of 6 m (19.6 ft). The original skull has been moved to a museum in Java, but it’s fascinating to learn about the story of this ‘human relative’ where it was discovered. After, return to Ruteng for some free time. If you’re feeling active, maybe join a cycling tour in Ruteng.

After breakfast, continue west to Labuan Bajo. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time in the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. On the west coast of Flores, Labuan Bajo sits right on the beach with expansive views across the Flores Sea and to the islands on the horizon. Grab some dinner in town before returning to your hotel for some rest and relaxation for the evening.

Your sailing adventure begins this morning! After breakfast, make your way to the harbour where you’ll board your customary phinisi sailing boat for the night. These tall-masted ships echo the Indonesian seafaring spirit and shipbuilding traditions – and look pretty cool, too! When you arrive, enjoy a welcome drink and introduction to the boat while you set off to your first destination – Kelor Island. Famous for its serenity, unspoiled scenery and hiking opportunities, Kelor Island is the perfect spot to seek out some gorgeous panoramic views. Head up to the top of the island this afternoon and take in the surrounding beaches and rolling hills. Jump back on board and head to Manjarite Island, where you’ll spend your time snorkelling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Later this afternoon, cruise to Kalong Island – a small mangrove inhabited by thousands of fruit bats – and watch the sunset over the horizon as the locals take flight for the evening.

This morning, make landfall on the Komodo National Park’s third-largest island – Padar Island. Hike up to the top and look out over the verdant landscape, covered in green hills that stretch right down to the shoreline, meeting the blue waters of the Savu Sea. Head back down the mountain where you can cool off at Pink Beach and join the local sea life with some snorkelling. After, sail to Komodo Island, where you’ll be trekking alongside the mighty Komodo dragons. Keep on the lookout for these ancient-looking reptiles, catching them up close and personal in their natural habitat. Make your way back to the harbour, cruising back to Labuan Bajo for a final night on the island. Why not have a dinner together to celebrate this great adventure.

After breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end. Bid your fellow travellers farewell and check out of your hotel. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to extend your stay in Labuan Bajo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.