Indonesian Island Explorer: Bali, Menjangan & the Komodo Archipelago - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud

Welcome to Bali! Meet your driver at Denpasar International Airport for your transfer to the lively city of Ubud. Surrounded by green rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples, Ubud is considered the spiritual center of Bali. Get the lay of the land by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk, visiting the gorgeous Tegalalang Rice Terrace for swinging or ziplining, or exploring one of the many galleries in Ubud's thriving art scene.

If you're keen to relax and rejuvenate after your long flight, Ubud is also the ideal spot. With its plethora of wellness spas, yoga centers, and meditation retreats, you can unwind with a traditional Balinese massage, take a yoga class with a view of the jungle, or soak in a flower bath by the river.

Day 4: Tour Lempuyang Temple & Tirta Gangga, Balinese Cooking Class

Begin your last day in Ubud with a 1.5-hour visit to Lempuyang Temple, one of the island's oldest and most holy temples. Also called Pura Luhur Lempuyang, this complex sits on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, one of Bali's highest mountains, and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Climb 1,700 steps up the mountain to reach the temple, then explore several intricately designed, smaller shrines. For incredible views of Bali's highest volcano, Mount Agung, visit the famous Gate of Heaven, the iconic gateway that frames the volcano.

Your next stop is the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a tranquil water garden on the eastern part of the island. Built in the early 20th century by the King of Karangasem, this enchanting water park features a collection of pools, fountains, and statues, all amid lush greenery with far-reaching views of the surrounding mountains. Spend an hour walking along the octagonal stepping stones and feeding the carp, swimming in one of the spring-fed pools, or wandering among the vibrant flowers and intricate sculptures before returning to Ubud.

In the afternoon, you'll join a two-hour cooking class in Ubud to learn how to make several typical Balinese dishes. Follow your guide to the local market for fresh ingredients, then head to a coconut plantation to tap the trees for their sap, which is used in making arak, a distinct Balinese liquor. Learn various techniques from your chef as they demonstrate how to create authentic Balinese dishes, such as lawar (finely minced spiced meat) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck in banana leaves). At the end of the lesson, sample different types of arak and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Day 5: Transfer to Menjangan via Ulun Danu Beratan & Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

Meet your guide this morning for a six-hour transfer to Menjangen Island, a small islet about 5 miles (8 km) off the coast of Bali, with stops at a few more of Bali's most famed beauty spots along the way. Visit the serene temple of Ulun Danu Beratan on the shores of Lake Beratan and wander through the gardens extending to the lake or among the five temples dedicated to different Hindu deities. See the temple's towering reflection mirrored in the lake and soak in the tranquility before hopping back in the car.

Then, it's on to the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, where you'll explore the terraced fields that showcase the ingenuity and beauty of traditional Balinese agriculture with verdant panoramic views. Learn about the subak irrigation system, a centuries-old technique the locals use to sustain the terraces, and witness how it works in practice. Then, continue to the coast, where you'll catch a short boat ride to Menjangen—an unspoiled island paradise that's home to some of the best snorkeling. Get settled in and rest up for tomorrow, as you'll experience it yourself over the next few days.

Day 7: Menjangan Island Discovery: Free Time to Explore

Enjoy free time on your last day on Menjangan Island. In addition to its underwater attractions, the island is also known for its dense forests and natural beauty. Explore the hiking trails to spot exotic birds and local wildlife such as macaque monkeys or Menjangan deer (the island's namesake). Bird enthusiasts should visit the Bali Starling Breeding Centre to see these rare birds and learn about conservation efforts. If you're craving relaxation, Pemuteran, just a short boat ride away, is a coastal village with black sand beaches, lush hills, and a peaceful environment where you can experience Bali's quieter side.

Day 8: Transfer to Nusa Dua via Seminyak & Tanah Lot

Check out of your hotel in Menjangen early this morning and catch the boat back to Bali. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a full-day transfer to Nusa Dua, a coastal town in southern Bali known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Along the way, you'll stop at the iconic sea temple of Tanah Lot. This 16th-century temple, dedicated to Balinese sea gods, is dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop and only accessed via a narrow causeway during low tide. While there, enjoy the views, meet the monkeys who protect the temple, or browse the few on-site shops for local handicrafts.

Then, you'll head to nearby Seminyak for a food tour on Eat Street, a hotspot for local and global flavors galore. Try locally sourced coffee, pulled-pork charcoal buns, various types of satay, a tamarind and turmeric margarita, sop buntut (oxtail stew), or soto ayam (chicken noodle soup). Save room for traditional sweets like laklak (rice pancakes) or pisang goreng (banana fritters). After your tour, meet your driver for a 20-minute ride to Nusa Dua, where you'll spend the next four nights.

Day 9: Free Day in Nusa Dua

Day 10: Day Trip to Nusa Penida: Beaches, Angels Billabong & Crystal Bay

Day 11: Morning Visit to Uluwatu Temple, Sunset Drinks at Rock Bar

Today, you'll visit the spectacular setting of Uluwatu, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This Hindu temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to the Hindu god of the sea, Dewa Baruna. When you arrive, you'll meet a large population of resident monkeys, considered sacred and believed to protect the temple from evil spirits. Explore the temple grounds and learn about the history and traditions of Balinese Hinduism. While there, you'll also witness a kecak dance performance—a Balinese dance and music form that originated in the 1930s in Bona, Bali.

Be immersed in the mesmerizing rhythmic chanting sound created by the bodies and voices of the male dancers as you watch. Afterward, catch another spectacular Bali sunset from the famous Rock Bar in the town of Jimbaran. Climb the steps up the steep cliffside or catch the tram to reach the bar, designed in a modern and minimalist style. The views are more than worth the trip! At a table with a view, watch the sun slowly melt into the ocean as you enjoy live music, entertainment, and creative cocktails. 

Day 12: Fly to Labuan Bajo, Explore at Leisure

This morning, check out of your hotel in Nusa Dua and transfer to the airport for your flight to the beautiful coastal town of Labuan Bajo. A one-hour flight from Bali, this small but bustling town on the westernmost tip of Indonesia's Flores Island is the gateway to the famous Komodo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned as the home to the largest lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Use the rest of the day to explore Labuan Bajo and it's immediate area. Take in the views from one of the rooftop pools, wander the boulevard along the beach, catch the sunset at the nearby Bukit Cinta (also known as the Staircase to Heaven), or try fresh fish at one of the many stalls of the Night Market before settling for the evening at your hotel.

Day 13: Explore Padar Island, Komodo Island & Manta Point, Boat to Seraya

Today, you'll hop aboard a private charter boat and cruise with your friendly guide to the various islands that make up Komodo National Park, beginning at Padar Island. Padar is famous for its picturesque hikes, providing incredible panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Once you arrive, trek across the rugged hills through a savannah-like landscape to reach the island's highest point. Marvel at the beaches of three different colors (black, pink, and white) you can see below. Then, trek down to the famous Pink Beach, which gets its rosy hue due to ground shell fragments from the adjacent coral reef.

Relax on the beach, swim, or snorkel in the tropical waters, then gear up for the next adventure: Komodo Island—the best place in the archipelago (and the only place on Earth) to spot the Komodo dragon. These huge lizards grow up to 9.8 feet (3 m) and average 150 pounds (70 kg). See the dragons up close and learn about their behavior and unique biology on a guided tour. Next, hop in the water to snorkel at the island's Manta Point, known for its large population of resident manta rays. Strap on your mask and fins, then swim among these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Reboard your boat for a transfer to the small island of Seraya where you'll stay in a peaceful beachfront villa. Sample fresh seafood caught by local fishermen for dinner, then retire to your villa and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of swaying palms and lapping waves.

Day 14: Free Day in Seraya

Spend the day relaxing and exploring Seraya, your tiny holiday island in Komodo National Park. Hike around the island or up to the highest point for incredible far-reaching views of the sea and islands of the archipelago. Grab your snorkel and mask or dive among the coral reefs, which ring the island and are home to vibrant marine life, such as manta rays and sea turtles. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters surrounding the island from a different perspective and discover hidden coves. At the end of the day, savor more locally caught fresh seafood and watch the sunset from your villa.

Day 15: Island Hopping & Snorkeling in Komodo National Park

Resume your guided island-hopping tour of the Flores Sea today on the island of Pulau Kelor, a tiny piece of paradise known for its white-sand beach—a prime spot for relaxing, snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Jump off here and embark on a steep, 10-minute hike to the island's highest point for rewarding views of the surrounding islands and sea. On your way back down, look for exotic birds and other wildlife before continuing your island hop.

Your next stop will be Manjarite Island, known for some of the archipelago's best snorkeling. As you swim through the shallow, clear water, look for marine species like angel fish, baby sharks, and barracuda. Then, continue to Kambing Island, a small island reachable only by boat. The calm, shallow water is ideal for snorkeling beginners, although more experienced snorkelers will find plenty to explore in the lively underwater world. Gear up and dive in to see this coral reef paradise's colorful fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic life up close.

End the day with a picture-perfect sunset at Kalong Island, also known as "Flying Foxes Island," due to the large population of bats that inhabit the mangrove-covered islet. Arrive at dusk to witness the memorable moment where around 300,000 of these bats take flight into the setting sun for their nightly hunt. Finally, relax on your boat for the remainder of the trip until you return to Seraya, where your peaceful beachfront villa will be waiting.