Island Hopping in Indonesia

Bali is one of the best places on Earth for surfing and Jimbaran in particular is famed for being a surfing hotspot. With its beautiful golden beach and consistent waves, a lesson is an absolute must during your stay. Your instructor will find a suitable spot on one of the island’s best surf beaches, with steady waves suitable for beginners, so you’ll be up on your feet in no time.

Spend today relaxing at your hotel, either sunbathing by the pool or perhaps opting for one of the spa treatments on offer; after all, you’ll want to pace yourself during this jam-packed island hopping adventure, especially as there’s something special in store for the evening. As the sun begins to sink lower in the sky, hop aboard a traditional black pearl boat and set sail for the temple of Uluwatu. Watch as the sun sets behind the Balinese Hindu sea temple, with a cold drink in hand.

Enjoy a leisurely al fresco breakfast this morning, before being privately transferred from your hotel in Jimbaran to your hotel in Ubud. The drive is about one-and-a-half hours and once you’ve arrive, you’ll have some time to settle into your hotel and relax. For dinner, head to Naughty Nuri's – a low key, local roadside warung (restaurant) serving the most delectable pork ribs, alongside cool Bintang beer.

Today you’ll have the chance to experience life like a local and learn all about the customs and culture of Bali. Make a mystical Balinese sword and paint it in the company of a local artist, visit a healer who creates his own products from exotic herbs and spices, and watch demonstrations of traditional healing rituals. This tour can be tailored to your personal tastes and preferences, and includes a traditional lunch along the way, so you’ll really be able to immerse yourself in local Balinese life.

It’s a super early start today (we promise it will be worth it!), as your guide comes to collect you around 2am for the 90-minute drive to Mount Batur. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your local guide who will provide you with a torch and lead the way up the mountain. The first section cuts through forest, followed by volcanic ash, sand and small rocks; the pathway is mostly uphill but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and rest. After two hours of trekking, you will approach the crater rim and see the terrain change, with wind swept pathways, few rocks and vegetation. You’ll reach the top (at 5,633ft) around 6am, where you can witness the long awaited sunrise over Mount Abang and Mount Agung. On clear days it’s even possible to see Lombok's Mount Rinjani in the distance across the Lombok Strait. A simple breakfast of bananas and cake with hot coffee or tea will be served while you enjoy the view, before you begin your descent along the far side of the crater, with daylight allowing for spectacular views. You will see the lava flows from the most recent eruptions and their path of destruction, as well as Lake Batur in the distance. Upon reaching the base, there will be an opportunity to soothe your muscles in natural hot springs before returning to Ubud. You’re free to relax for the rest of the day - we strongly recommend a Balinese massage!

Today is yours to explore. Take the opportunity to barter for gifts and souvenirs in the central handicraft market (the batik silk scarfs make beautiful presents and fold up nice and neatly for transportation back home), or visit the Ubud Palace and Monkey Forest in the heart of town. We can also arrange a cookery class, white water rafting or a paddy field walking tour, or you can simply relax by the pool. Enjoy a final dinner in Ubud – our local Concierge can provide some up-to-date restaurant recommendations for your departure feast.

Early this morning you will return to the airport in Denpasar for a flight further east to Labuan Bajo, the jumping off point for the Komodo Islands. Your guide will meet you at the airport for the twenty minute transfer to the harbour, where you will board a local boat to cross to your island home.

After breakfast, head out for a tour of the islands of Rinca, Majerite and Kelor, for your first glimpse of the fearsome Komodo Dragons. The Komodo National Park, in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, is composed of three main islands – Rinca, Padar and Komodo – as well as many other smaller islands. These volcanic islands are inhabited by a population of around 5,700 Komodo dragons and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll hike for two hours around Rinca Island accompanied by a ranger to see the famous lizards, along with a collection of other animals, including buffalo, deer, monkeys, colourful birds and red crabs. Continue on to the islands of Majerite and Kelor, where we suggest you don your snorkel and mask to explore the vibrant underwater world.

Your boat will return to the harbour this morning, and you will be transferred back to the airport for a flight back to Bali. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred by road to Manggis on the east coast – a journey of around two hours. The rest of the day is at leisure; perhaps join the daily yoga class overlooking the ocean for an hour of calm after your day travelling.

The Sidemen valley is at the heart of the island, away from the crowds and surrounded by mountains, rice fields and forests. Authentic and wild, it’s famous for its interesting weaving techniques. You’ll get the chance to see these in action during a visit to a weaving mill and textile manufacturer – Endek and Songket weaving are subtle art forms that are part of daily life in Bali. Take a stroll through the rice fields to observe local farmers and enjoy the exceptional scenery, with Mount Agung as a spectacular backdrop. There will be two hours of walking today, led by your private guide, and a picnic lunch along the way.

After breakfast, set off on foot with a local guide to explore the famed rice fields of Eastern Bali. You'll walk from Asak to Bug Bug, passing farmland, villages and local temples; you may even witness a traditional ceremony or two as you go. Be sure to stop and chat to the village farmers - your guide can translate - and perhaps even share a glass of Bali coffee with them. Spend the rest of your final day in Bali however you wish.

This morning, you will be picked up for the short road transfer to the harbour of Padang Bai where you will board the fast boat to Lombok. The journey takes around two hours and can be a little bumpy, but the convenient route - and the chance of spotting dolphins as you go - makes it a great option for travel. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your luxury beach hotel on the north west coast of Lombok, where you can relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner.

The quiet area of Tetebatu, in the centre of Lombok Island, offers a true insight into local life. Meet the island's hospitable and friendly inhabitants and enjoy its lush surroundings on this day trip. Discover local crafts in nearby villages – bamboo mat weaving in Loyok, coffee making in Kembang Kuning and ikat weaving in Pringgasela. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit the village of Tetebatu, before heading out on a four-mile hike to the heart of its wild surroundings, including rice fields and plantations of cocoa, coffee and giant bamboo.

Your final two days can be spent at leisure, relaxing and enjoying your beach hotel. We can arrange cookery classes if you’d like to master some Indonesian recipes, while snorkelling and diving trips to the Gili Islands are a great option for active types.