Island Hopping in Indonesia's Bali & Labuan Bajo - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud

Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival at the airport in Bali, you'll be assisted through customs until you meet your driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in the charming town of Ubud. Take the remainder of the day to adjust to the local time and rest or explore the area independently.

Ubud is Bali's cultural capital, surrounded by green rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples. This afternoon, get the lay of the land by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk. If you'd rather relax and rejuvenate after your long flight, enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, take a yoga class with a view of the jungle, or soak in a flower bath by the river.

Day 2: Explore Rice Terraces, Temples & Waterfalls

Prepare for a day touring Bali's temples and nature, starting with a visit to Ubud's mesmerizing Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a landscape of verdant terraces carved into steep hillsides. Swing above or walk through the paddies to get an inside look at old Balinese farming techniques. Nearby, you'll find several traditional Balinese villages where you can witness local life and culture. Next, hike for about an hour to a cave hiding Tukad Cepung Waterfall for a refreshing swim in the pools below.

Continue your tour at the Great Mother Temple of Bali at Besakih, the largest and most significant Hindu temple complex on the island. Situated on the slopes of volcanic Mount Agung, far-reaching views of the mountains and rice paddies surround the complex of over 80 temples and shrines, each dedicated to a different deity. The temple dates back to the eighth century, and despite being located in an active volcanic area, it has survived numerous eruptions and earthquakes over the years.

Day 3: Scuba Diving Excursion in Tulamben Bay

It's time to explore the vast underwater world around Bali. Today, you'll grab your regulator and dive deep into the waters of Tulamben Bay with a private diving excursion. One of the most popular diving destinations in Bali, Tulamben has three separate diving sites right off its black-sand shores. The most famous site is the USAT Liberty shipwreck, beached in 1942 and eventually sunk during the Mount Agung eruption of 1963. Nowadays, it's teeming with rich marine life and features thrilling swim-throughs and coral formations.

The other two dive sites, Coral Garden and Drop Off, are full of colorful tropical fish, lively coral reefs, interesting geological formations, and even the occasional Buddha statue. Tulamben is also known as a hotspot for muck divers, as the stretches of black volcanic sand underwater are full of rare creatures such as harlequin shrimp and ghost pipefish.

Day 5: Visit Ubud Market & the Sacred Monkey Forest, Transfer to Nusa Dua

This morning, immerse yourself in Ubud's rich culture. Begin by shopping for handmade Balinese crafts and souvenirs at the world-renowned Ubud Art Market, a lively open-air hub next to Ubud Palace. Snap up gifts for yourself or a loved one, such as traditional textiles, woodcarvings, jewelry, and paintings. You can also shop in the conventional, everyday section of the market for items like fruits, vegetables, and household goods.

After exploring the market, visit the neighboring palace, also known as the Puri Saren Palace, with its well-preserved Balinese architecture and lovely gardens, for a traditional legong dance performance, a nightly occurrence. Legong, which likely originated in the 19th century, requires such intense training that most girls begin at the age of five. The complicated hand movements and intricate footwork tell a mesmerizing story of mythical origins, accompanied by traditional music.

Day 6: Visit Uluwatu Temple, Sunset at Tanah Lot, Drinks at Rock Bar

Today takes you to the spectacular setting of Uluwatu, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This 11th-century temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, is dedicated to the Hindu god of the sea, Dewa Baruna. The temple is also home to a large population of monkeys, which is 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 held on the temple grounds. This Balinese dance and music form originated in the 1930s in Bona, Bali, and is performed by male dancers who use their bodies and voices to create a mesmerizing rhythmic chanting sound.

Next, make a memorable sunset visit to the iconic sea temple of Tanah Lot. Located on a rocky outcrop along the southwestern coast of Bali, Tanah Lot becomes even more enchanting during sunset. Then, spend your final night in Bali at the famous Rock Bar in the town of Jimbaran. The bar, designed in a modern and minimalist style, is accessible by a steep cliffside tram or stairs. The views are more than worth the trip! Watch the stars appear over the ocean as you enjoy live music, delicious small plates, and creative cocktails. 

Day 7: Fly to Flores Island, Free Time in Labuan Bajo

Check out of your hotel in Ubud this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to the beautiful Labuan Bajo. A short flight from Bali, this small but bustling town on Indonesia's westernmost Flores Island is the gateway to the famous Komodo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned as the home to the most giant lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon.

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.

Day 8: Visit Padar Island, Pink Beach & Komodo Island, Snorkeling at Manta Point

Today, you'll hop aboard your private charter boat, and your friendly guide will sail you 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, including Komodo Island and Rinca Island. Once you arrive, trek across the magnificent landscape to reach the island's highest point. The steep staircase can be challenging, but once you're at the viewpoint, marvel at the beaches of three different colors you can see: black, pink, and white. 

Your trek will continue to the famous Pink Beach, which gets its rosy hue from ground seashells. Relax on the beach, snap a few photos, and gear up for the next adventure: Komodo Island. This is the best place in the archipelago to spot the one and only Komodo dragons, which live nowhere else on Earth. These huge lizards can grow up to 9.8 feet (3 m) and average 150 pounds (70 kg).

Day 11: Fly to Bali, Depart