14 Days - Classic Indonesia

Welcome to Indonesia! After your arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, you’ll complete immigration and baggage collection before meeting your local guide in the arrivals area. From here, travel inland by private vehicle to Ubud, a journey of around 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions. The route takes you away from the bustle of Bali’s southern beaches and into the island’s green interior.

As you make your way north, you’ll pass through a variety of rural scenes: small villages with flowering shrines, roadside fruit stands, and glimpses of Balinese daily life. This transition from coastal urban areas to the forested hills of central Bali offers a first glimpse into the island’s diverse geography and spiritual character.

Ubud is widely considered Bali’s cultural centre. The town is surrounded by rainforest, rice terraces, and artistic communities that have long attracted painters, writers, dancers, and yogis. Daily rituals, temple ceremonies, and handmade crafts are woven into daily life, creating a strong sense of place.

Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to relax at your hotel or take a short walk around central Ubud to stretch your legs. The town offers a welcoming first impression, with pedestrian-friendly streets, excellent cafés, and an atmosphere that blends calm with creativity.

This evening is free at your leisure. You might choose to dine at a local restaurant, take in some traditional music, or simply unwind after your flight in preparation for the days ahead.

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to visit the local market, explore Ubud Monkey Forest, join a gentle yoga class, or simply enjoy a slow breakfast surrounded by greenery. Ubud offers many quiet corners for reflection, and the town’s slower rhythm invites travellers to slow down and settle into the experience.

Around midday, you will travel to the village of Tampaksiring, located approximately 15 kilometres from Ubud. This rural area is known for its strong spiritual traditions and connection to Bali’s ancestral past. The journey takes about 45 minutes, moving through countryside dotted with banana trees, coconut palms, and traditional homes.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into a Balinese family compound. Here, you’ll learn about household structures, shrines, and daily rituals that shape life in the village. You’ll join your hosts in creating a small offering made from coconut leaves and fresh flowers, a gesture of balance and intention in Balinese Hinduism.

With your handmade offering in hand, you’ll walk to a small, local temple located in the nearby rice fields. Accompanied by a Balinese priest, you’ll take part in a short meditation and prayer ceremony, surrounded by the stillness of the landscape. This is a peaceful moment of connection, guided by quiet ceremony and natural beauty.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll return to the family home for a traditional dinner. Prepared by local women using homegrown ingredients, the meal is served in an open-air pavilion. Conversations about village life, customs, and community are shared over dishes full of flavour and warmth.

After breakfast, set out for a full-day cycling experience in Bali’s highlands. You’ll begin with a private transfer to Kintamani, located about 40 kilometres north of Ubud, a journey of around 90 minutes. The drive climbs gradually, revealing views of lush valleys and the volcanic crater of Mount Batur in the distance.

On arrival in Kintamani, you’ll have breakfast overlooking the dramatic landscape of Mount Batur and Lake Batur below. The volcanic caldera is one of Bali’s most recognisable natural features and offers a stunning backdrop to the morning meal. This is a chance to take in the cooler mountain air before starting the ride.

The cycling route covers approximately 24 kilometres and is mostly downhill, making it accessible for a range of fitness levels. You’ll pass through rural backroads, quiet villages, and terraced rice fields. Local farmers may wave as you pass, and children often call out greetings as you cycle by.

Along the way, stop at a traditional Balinese family home to learn about compound layouts and ancestral worship. You’ll also have the chance to walk through rice fields and take photos of some of the island’s most photogenic scenery. The route avoids busy roads, focusing instead on slow travel through meaningful places.

The tour ends with lunch in a peaceful setting near Tegalalang. Here, surrounded by rice terraces and palm trees, you can relax and reflect on the experience without crowds. After lunch, return to Ubud by private car in the afternoon, with time to rest or explore further on your own.

Spend the morning at your own pace, enjoying a relaxed breakfast and taking time to explore Ubud or unwind at your hotel. With its rich artistic legacy and gentle pace of life, Ubud offers a calm yet engaging environment. You may wish to visit a gallery, find a coffee house, or simply enjoy the scenery.

In the early afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the village of Keliki, a short 20-minute drive north of Ubud. This peaceful community is known for its traditional painting style and strong preservation of Balinese cultural heritage. Your hosts, Dewa and Jero, warmly open their home and invite you to learn about their way of life.

Begin with a guided tour of their family compound, where you’ll gain insight into how Balinese families live, worship, and prepare for ceremonies. Dewa will explain local customs and offer stories that reveal the rhythms of daily life. This personalised interaction offers an authentic connection to Balinese traditions beyond the tourist surface.

In the open kitchen, join Jero and her family to prepare a series of traditional dishes. Using ingredients sourced from nearby gardens and markets, you’ll cook over a wood-fired stove and learn the meaning behind each recipe. It’s a hands-on and sensory experience, rich in aromas, colour, and laughter.

After the meal is prepared, you’ll sit down together to enjoy what you’ve created. Expect dishes like Balinese chicken curry, grilled fish, vegetables in coconut sauce, and sweet banana fritters. Surrounded by the family temple and village ambience, this shared meal is a highlight of your time in Ubud.

This morning begins with a private transfer from Ubud to Padang Bai, a small harbour town on Bali’s eastern coast. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, and offers changing scenery as you descend from the central hills to the coastal plains. Along the way, rice paddies and coconut palms line the route.

Padang Bai is a bustling gateway for inter-island travellers, with colourful fishing boats and vendors selling snacks and fruit. Here, you’ll board a shared speedboat to Gili Air, part of the Gili Island trio just off the coast of Lombok. The boat ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions.

As you travel across the Bali Sea, look out for views of Mount Agung fading behind you and the green peaks of Lombok coming into sight. The Gilis are car-free islands known for their laid-back charm, clear waters, and coral reefs. Upon arrival, a cidomo (horse-drawn cart) will take you from the pier to your accommodation.

With no motor vehicles on Gili Air, the pace of life slows immediately. The sandy paths are shared by bicycles and pedestrians, while palm trees sway over small cafés and beach bars. The island has retained a quiet character that appeals to those looking for a relaxed tropical escape.

You’ll have the afternoon free to settle in, walk along the shoreline, or enjoy a cold drink by the sea. With its casual vibe and beautiful surroundings, Gili Air offers a welcoming shift from mainland Bali and a chance to unwind amid natural beauty.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and a slow morning on the island. Gili Air is small enough to explore on foot in under two hours, and a short walk inland will reveal quiet lanes, small farms, and glimpses of daily island life. Many visitors choose to snorkel straight from the beach or visit one of the yoga pavilions scattered around the island.

In the afternoon, head to the pier to board a private boat for a sunset cruise. This is one of the most scenic ways to experience the Gilis. As you sail past Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, the coastline is framed by golden light, calm seas, and views across to Bali and Lombok.

The boat is equipped with refreshments, including fresh tropical fruit and light snacks. There’s ample time to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the stillness. The sea breeze, warm sun, and panoramic views create an unforgettable atmosphere as the day ends.

This cruise offers a sense of freedom and perspective that contrasts beautifully with the grounded rituals of Ubud. Out on the open water, with the sky shifting in colour and the islands glowing in the afternoon light, it’s a chance to fully relax and take in the journey so far.

Return to Gili Air before nightfall, where you can choose to dine at a beachside warung or enjoy fresh seafood under the stars. The island’s evening rhythm is unhurried and inviting, with quiet music and the sound of waves in the background.

Today offers a full day on the water as you explore the underwater world around the Gili Islands. After a relaxed breakfast, meet your local guide and board your private boat directly from Gili Air. The trip includes stops at several top snorkelling spots around Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, each offering different reef environments and marine life.

Your first snorkelling location is likely to be near Gili Meno, often referred to as the quietest of the three islands. This area is known for its underwater sculptures, sunken statues, and coral gardens that attract a variety of reef fish. Turtles are commonly seen gliding through the shallow waters, making it a favourite among snorkelling enthusiasts.

The boat will then take you to a site near Gili Trawangan, the largest of the trio. Here you’ll encounter deeper reefs and may catch sight of eagle rays or even a school of jackfish. The vibrant colours of the coral and sea life are complemented by clear visibility and gentle currents, making for a rewarding experience.

A stop for lunch is included at a beachside restaurant on one of the islands. Enjoy grilled fish or Indonesian classics like nasi goreng, along with a chance to rest and enjoy the view. The relaxed pace of the day allows for swimming breaks, photography, or just drifting with the waves before heading back to Gili Air.

In the afternoon, return to your accommodation with time to unwind. You might spend the rest of the day walking along the beach or enjoying a cocktail while the sun dips below the horizon. The balance of activity and relaxation makes this one of the most enjoyable and memorable days of the trip.

Depart Gili Air this morning by cidomo, taking a short ride to the harbour for your boat crossing to Bangsal Port on Lombok. The trip across the narrow strait takes about 30 minutes, with views of Mount Rinjani and coastal fishing villages along the way. Once on Lombok, meet your driver and begin the scenic transfer inland.

Before reaching your beach destination on the southern coast, stop near Lingsar for a guided cycling excursion. This journey by bicycle takes you along quiet village roads surrounded by rice fields and banana plantations. It’s a refreshing way to see daily life on Lombok, which remains more traditional and less developed than Bali.

Along the route, you’ll pass small family farms and may encounter children waving from the roadside or locals heading to market. The pace is gentle, and your guide will stop frequently to point out interesting sights or answer questions about local customs. A highlight is the visit to Lingsar Temple, a unique site where Balinese Hindus and Sasak Muslims come together for shared worship.

After completing your ride, you’ll continue by car toward the coastal village of Selong Belanak in South Lombok. This stretch of coastline is renowned for its long crescent beach, turquoise water, and lack of crowds. The drive takes approximately two hours from Lingsar, offering changing views as you descend from hills to coastline.

You’ll arrive in Selong Belanak in the late afternoon, just in time for a walk on the beach or a dip in the ocean. The calm surf and relaxed local vibe make it an ideal place to rest after a day of varied travel and exploration.

Today is a chance to slow down and enjoy one of Lombok’s most peaceful beach destinations. The beach at Selong Belanak stretches for over a kilometre and features soft white sand and gentle waves. Backed by hills and coconut groves, it remains relatively undeveloped and retains a calm, authentic feel.

Spend the morning as you please. You might choose to relax with a book by the pool or take a long barefoot walk along the beach. The atmosphere is quiet and low-key, ideal for those wanting a break from more active sightseeing. For those interested in something more engaging, optional activities are available.

One of the most popular local experiences is a surf lesson with a Lombok-based instructor. The shallow, rolling waves at Selong Belanak make it a great location for beginners. Lessons typically last 1.5 to 2 hours and include a safety briefing, technique instruction on the sand, and plenty of time in the water. Boards and rash guards are provided.

Alternatively, you could choose to explore the nearby area on foot or with your driver. Local warungs (small eateries) line the beach and offer traditional Sasak dishes such as ayam taliwang and grilled seafood. The surrounding countryside also provides a backdrop for short walks or photography.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon to freshen up and relax. Dinner is included tonight, and may be served at the lodge or at a nearby beachfront restaurant. After dark, the beach often remains quiet, with only the sound of waves and the occasional flicker of lantern light from nearby cafés.

Today begins with an early transfer to Lombok International Airport for your morning flight. The first leg takes you to Denpasar on Bali, with a short transit time before continuing to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. Total flying time is approximately two hours, and you’ll gain a bird’s-eye view of the archipelago scattered below.

Labuan Bajo is the entry point to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO-listed marine and wildlife reserve known for its volcanic islands and biodiversity. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and transfer you directly to the harbour, where your liveaboard boat and crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard. Depending on your personal preferences, vessel choices for this 3D2N liveaboard include Ayla Boat, Mega by Zada or Tara Boat.

Settle in on deck as the boat sails to nearby Kelor Island, where you can enjoy a short uphill hike. The climb is steep but short, offering panoramic views of the surrounding blue waters and islands. Afterwards, cool off with a swim or snorkel off the beach, where coral reefs and small fish gather close to shore.

From here, cruise to Manjarite, a snorkelling site known for clear waters and coral gardens. Float above soft and hard corals while spotting butterflyfish, damselfish, and the occasional moray eel. With calm conditions and visibility often reaching 20 metres, it’s an ideal spot for first-time snorkellers or seasoned divers alike.

As the sun sets, arrive at Kalong Island, home to a mangrove forest where thousands of fruit bats begin their nightly flight. Watching the sky fill with these creatures silhouetted against the fading light is one of the park’s lesser-known but most magical moments. Enjoy dinner onboard as the boat anchors for the night.

Wake early for the short climb up Padar Island, one of Indonesia’s most iconic viewpoints. The trek takes about 30 minutes and includes a series of well-marked stairs and rocky paths. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the island’s three crescent beaches, each with different coloured sand - white, black and pink.

Descend for breakfast onboard, then sail to the famous Pink Beach, named for its soft coral sand that appears rose-coloured in the morning light. This is one of the best places in the park for snorkelling, with shallow reefs just offshore teeming with tropical fish. You’ll have time to swim, snorkel, or relax on the sand.

Next, continue to Komodo Island itself, the largest in the park and home to the famed Komodo dragons. Join a park ranger for a guided walk on a designated trail to spot the dragons in their natural environment. These giant lizards, which can grow over 2.5 metres, are impressive to see up close and are found nowhere else on Earth.

Back on board, the afternoon continues with a stop at Taka Makassar, a tiny sandbank in the middle of turquoise water. This is a great photo stop, ideal for swimming or simply lounging by the boat. Conditions are often calm and the surrounding coral makes for excellent underwater photography.

The final site today is Manta Point, where plankton-rich currents attract large groups of manta rays. Snorkel above the gentle giants if conditions allow, watching as they glide effortlessly through the water. The day concludes with dinner and time to relax under the stars as the boat anchors in a quiet bay.

On your final morning, you’ll visit Kanawa Island, a peaceful stop with white sand and gentle reefs. This is one of the quieter corners of the national park, making it a relaxing place to snorkel or just enjoy a morning swim. The coral here is shallow and vibrant, making it ideal for spotting clownfish and sea cucumbers.

Enjoy a light breakfast on board as you reflect on the incredible marine and island landscapes of the past two days. The crew will begin the return journey to Labuan Bajo, passing by Rinca and other small islands along the way. Depending on sea conditions, you may have time for one final snorkel stop en route.

Arriving at the harbour by midday, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the town centre or nearby beach area. The road from the harbour to your hotel is short, usually no more than 15 minutes, and passes through Labuan Bajo’s growing waterfront district.

Once checked in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Labuan Bajo has a variety of small restaurants and cafés along the harbour, where you can sample grilled seafood, fresh juices, or coffee with a view. If you prefer something quieter, simply relax at your resort and take in the ocean views.

After the pace of the past few days, today’s return to land gives you time to rest and regroup. This is the perfect transition from the wild Komodo Islands back to a more grounded setting, while still enjoying the natural beauty of Flores.

Today is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace, giving you time to recharge after the island-hopping adventure. Labuan Bajo, once a sleepy fishing town, has grown into a lively coastal hub and gateway to the Komodo Islands. Yet it retains a laid-back atmosphere and remains small enough to explore on foot.

If you're staying near the harbour, you might start the morning with a walk along the waterfront, where colourful boats bob in the bay and locals unload the day’s catch. There are plenty of small cafés serving breakfast with views of the water, as well as shops selling souvenirs and locally made crafts.

Optional excursions can be arranged if you feel like exploring more. Visit the Batu Cermin Cave just outside town, where sunlight reflects off mirror-like rock formations inside the limestone cavern. Alternatively, a short drive inland will take you to a viewpoint above the town, ideal for sunset or panoramic photos.

Labuan Bajo is also home to several conservation and community projects. Consider a visit to the Women’s Weaving Collective, where traditional Ikat fabrics are made by hand. Meeting the artisans offers insight into Flores’ diverse cultures and a chance to support sustainable craftwork directly.

Return to your resort and enjoy the facilities - perhaps take a swim, book a massage, or simply enjoy the final full day of the trip with a good book. This quiet break is the ideal contrast to the more adventurous days before, giving you time to absorb everything you’ve experienced.

After breakfast and check-out, your guide and driver will transfer you to Labuan Bajo’s Komodo Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for one last look at the harbour or a quick visit to the town market, where local fruits, spices, and dried fish are sold.

The drive from most central hotels to the airport takes just 10 to 15 minutes. Despite the town’s recent growth, the airport remains compact and manageable, making departure logistics smooth and stress-free.

Labuan Bajo connects to Denpasar, Jakarta and other regional hubs, allowing for easy onward travel. Your flight may offer one last aerial view of the islands and reefs scattered below: reminders of the landscapes explored over the past two weeks.

This journey has taken you from the rice fields of Ubud to remote islands, from slow village life to dramatic seascapes filled with coral and wildlife. Across Bali, Lombok, Gili Air and Flores, you’ve experienced a wide range of Indonesia’s rich natural and cultural diversity.

We hope the memories of these places stay with you long after your return home: of fireflies in Ubud, turtles off Gili Air, dragons on Komodo, and the warm welcomes of the people you’ve met along the way. Safe travels and sampai jumpa - until next time.