Ricefields of Bali to Komodo Dragons

Your Komodo island tour starts when you touch down in Bali. Be warmly greeted by your driver and travel expert who will make sure you have everything you need on hand for your incredible Komodo Island Tour adventure. Your English speaking driver will then transfer you to Ubud where you will check into your accommodation. On the drive to the mountain village take in ricefields and sacred temples that create inspiring views.

Today you get to experience the rice fields of Bali up close as you head out in the cool of the morning for a two-hour nature trek. This very special walk is designed with comfort and beauty in mind with easy trails surrounded by the paddies, each in different working stages. Depending on your pace you may also trek through some jungle settings as well along the banks of the river. Cool off with a dip in the pool after your walk. Your driver will be on standby to take you into Ubud centre or out to nearby temples, rice terraces or nature reserves. Overnight at Ubud hotel.

Today you get a true taste of Bali made by your very own hands. After breakfast enjoy a tour of the Ubud morning market where locals gather to buy and sell fresh produce and flower petals. Here you will be collecting the fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Travel with your host to the nearby village of Mas where you will learn to cook traditional Balinese foods in a beautiful country setting. Enjoy your banquet style lunch. In the afternoon take a gentle stroll amid ancient trees and hand feed the long-tailed monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest in central Ubud. Overnight at Ubud hotel.

There is possibly no more beautiful countryside than that of the Sideman Valley on Bali’s east coast. Today you check out of Ubud and experience a beautiful drive that takes in some of Bali’s greatest spiritual temples. Visit the quiet village of Sukawati and see the market there before a stop at the picturesque town of Klungkung to view the stunning roof motives of Kertagosa pavilion. The final stop on your way to Sideman is Goa Lawah, this sacred temple is built over a cave that is home to hundreds of local bats. Continue on your breathtaking drive and arrive at your hotel in Sidemen.

Explore the village by foot this morning and drink in the incense and local chatter as people go about their day. Be treated to a trip to Tirta Gangga, the nearby royal water palace, which offers beautiful structures and grounds to explore as well as photos that detail the life of empires past. The palace garden is located further inland and offers some of the most idyllic scenes you can image. Rolling grass grounds, a splash park for kids of all ages and a statue garden built on stepping-stones over the water. After a stroll and stretch, you will return to your hotel in Sidemen for the night.

After breakfast explore the terraced Besakih Temple. The gates of this temple seem to touch the sky as does the stone stairway to reach them. Rising behind the temple gates is the sacred and revered volcano, Ugung, making this one of the most important spiritual structures in Bali. The importance can be felt as soon as you look upon it with majestic photo opportunities of the many tried pagodas within. Return to your hotel in Sidemen for some leisure time or to explore nearby landmarks.

Today you check out and travel to Bali’s south coast. Enjoy the coastal drive and fishing villages you pass along the way to Jimbaran. Spend some time on a beautiful beach in a quiet cove with turquoise waters and shaded beach lounges. In the early evening be treated to the views of Uluwatu as you gaze at the cliff top temple. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset. While at the temple you will also experience a Kecak dance, a traditional story performance that takes place with the sound made by local chanting of the village men rather than music. After the performance, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Jimbaran.

Today you leave the magic Bali behind as you travel to beautiful Flores. Your stay in Jimbaran is close to the airport making for an easy domestic transfer for your journey to Moni. Your driver there will welcome you at Waeoti airport and take you to a favoured local restaurant for lunch. From there the incredible journey of this island begins with a four-hour drive soaking up the beauty and wonder of the scenery. There are multiple stops to stretch your legs at beautiful beaches, and you will visit the Lio Tribe's traditional village where you can marvel at the incredible traditional huts with low grass rooves. Check into your hotel in Moni and relax by the pool or enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Rise early for a trip to Kelimutu volcano to watch the sunrise over the volcanoes three crater peaks. Stay on top of the world until the sun hits the creator lakes and you can experience watching the three different colours the lakes present, depending on the water levels and minerals soaking them that day. Walk to the base through exquisite jungle forest. Your driver will take you back to the hotel for the rest of the morning to rest after your early morning before you head out to visit the local tribespeople for a demonstration and workshop on their traditional thread dyeing techniques.

It’s time now to travel to the far point of Flores and up close to the local dragons. To get there you will head back to Maumere airport for a short domestic flight to Labuan Bajo. Known as Komodo Airport, this fishing village is the gateway to Komodo National Park. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation. Settle into your hotel and relax or take to the village by foot to explore. They village is small enough that you can easily walk from one side to the other and soak up the sights and sounds.

Start your Komodo National Park experience in style. Your driver will transfer you to the Labuan Bajo pier, where your boat and captain await your arrival. Get comfy on board as you sail towards Komodo island, enjoying the balmy weather and crystal clear waters. Tonight you stay on board in the cabin quarters and enjoy freshly prepared meals on deck.

After breakfast on the boat, you will arrive at Padar Island where you can hike to the top peaks to see breathtaking views of the island bays spread before you. This is a spot to capture some incredible photos. Return to your boat to cruise to Pink Beach, one of the few natural pink sand beaches in the world where swimming, snorkelling and relaxing are yours for the taking. Spend the night aboard your boat.

Today you cruise to Komodo Island. After a delicious breakfast on board, your safari will start with a half an hour walk to Banunggulung where the Komodo Dragons roam in their natural habitat. On your trek, you may also encounter other wildlife like deer, wild boar, and brightly feathered birds both large and small. Your park ranger will help you identify any hard to spot animals and give you insightful information about the fascinating ancient komodo dragons. When you return to the boat you will cruise to take in the nearby islands of Taka Kanawa, Taka Makassar and Sebayur with lunch on the way. Spend the afternoon swimming or snorkelling and if you are lucky, see the elegant Manta rays. As sunset approaches, you will arrive at Kanawa island. Overnight on board.

This morning you begin the day with breakfast on the boat as you cruise back to Labuan Bajo. Enjoy the open water and fresh air. A stopover at Bidadarri island for snorkelling and swimming is also possible if weather and time permits. From the pier, your driver will take you to back to Komodo Airport ready for your short flight to Denpasar, Bali for your International flight.