Remote Luxury in Indonesia: Nature, Culture & Sustainability in Sulawesi & Flores - 14 Days

Highlights

• Go on a privately guided diving adventure in the waters of the Lembeh Strait
• Visit local villages and markets on a trip through the Sulawesi Highlands
• Practice sustainable tourism with a coral planting experience on the reefs of Flores
• Zip around the islands of Komodo National Park by private speedboat

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manado, Sea Kayaking in the Lembeh Strait

Welcome to Indonesia! Your flight lands on the island of Sulawesi, one of the four Greater Sunda Islands. Upon arrival meet your private driver and transfer to Manado, a city located on the northernmost part of the island and capital of that province. Sitting on an inlet of the Celebes Sea, this region is known for its beautiful underwater landscapes and proximity to Bunaken National Park. 

You'll be staying at Lembeh Resort, a 5-star retreat located in a secluded cove on the Lembeh Strait. Here, you'll find suites and villas with options for garden or water views, private pools, and outdoor seating areas. Rooms all feature tastefully appointed decor, and the resort offers a wealth of amenities and excursions. After checking in and taking a moment to rest and regroup, start your exploration of the island's natural wonders with a private sea kayak tour of the Lembeh Strait.

This exhilarating and immersive excursion takes you along the strait's calm, pristine waters, home to a spectacular display of its vibrant marine life. Meet your guide, and after a safety and equipment briefing, set off to paddle along coral reefs and keep an eye out for colorful fish, eels, and more. Head back to the resort in time for dinner, enjoying the sunset while you sip your beverage of choice. 

Day 2: Discover Tangkoko National Park 

Today you'll discover Tangkoko National Park, a conservation area located on Mount Tangkoko, about an hour's drive from Manado. The park encompasses more than 21,000 acres (8,718 ha) and sustains a wide range of flora and fauna. Meet your private driver in the morning and make your way to the entrance, where, guided by knowledgeable local experts, you'll traverse the lush rainforests and uncover the hidden wonders of this protected sanctuary. 

You'll have ample opportunity for photos and likely see exotic avian species and rare wildlife such as tarsiers, black macaque monkeys, or fruit bats. During the tour, you'll learn more about the region's ecosystem and the park's conservation efforts, coming away with a better understanding of the park's role in preserving Indonesia's natural heritage.

Day 3: Day Trip Through the Minahasan Highlands

Take a day trip to North Sulawesi, exploring the Minahasan Highlands and experiencing the culture and traditions of the Minahasan people. Head out with your guides in the morning, driving past otherworldly volcanic landscapes, picturesque rice paddies, and sprawling coffee plantations, all providing a scenic backdrop for a cultural and ecological adventure.

Your tour includes stops in local villages, where you can admire the distinctive styles of the homes, visit markets full of handmade arts and crafts, and get to know the local residents. Enjoy a lunch of the Highlands' renowned traditional foods, then make the leisurely journey back to Manado. Your evening is free to relax at the resort or explore more on your own. 

Day 4: Diving & Underwater Photography Experience

The Lembeh Strait is known for its "weird and wonderful" sea creatures and is considered one of Indonesia's most celebrated diving destinations. Today, don your swimsuit and sunscreen and see the best of it on an exclusive private diving experience. After a safety and equipment briefing (the resort offers private dive instruction for beginners, which you can arrange prior to your excursion), set out for the colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life, and vast underwater landscapes of the Celebes Sea.

Learn about the delicate marine ecosystem and the importance of preserving the biodiversity of this underwater paradise. Whether you're an aspiring or seasoned underwater photographer, there'll be no shortage of photo ops on this aquatic adventure as you snap brightly-hued tropical fish and intricate coral formations.

Day 5: Morning Trek to Woka Mountain, Lembeh Spa Treatment, Stargazing Cruise 

The day starts early with a guided trek on North Sulawesi's Woka Mountain. Meet your guides in the morning and travel to the trailhead, where you'll start your ascension of the mountain. Along the way, you'll be greeted by panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, dramatic waterfalls, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Your guides will share insight into the mountain's cultural significance to the Minahasan people, cementing your understanding of the region's rich spiritual connection to the natural environment. 

After your hike, return to the resort in time for a rejuvenating wellness experience at Lembeh's on-site spa. Their signature treatments are individually curated to cater to your own needs, blending traditional Indonesian healing practices with modern therapies. Choose from massages, body treatments, or facials, all of which use locally sourced, organic ingredients. 

Tonight, see a different view of Manado on a stargazing cruise. Depart after sunset and hop aboard your private boat, traveling under North Sulawesi's night skies as your expert guides point out the brilliant constellations. Learn about the different celestial bodies and their intriguing stories as you drift on the open sea. Afterward, you'll return to shore and rest up for tomorrow's continued adventures. 

Day 6: Fly to Jakarta, Fine Dining at Hutan Kota 

You're off to Jakarta, Indonesia's bustling capital, which sits on the northwest coast of the island of Java. After hotel checkout, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your three-hour flight. Arrive and meet your driver, who will transport you to your accommodations at Alila SCBD, a 5-star urban hotel centered around Jakarta's financial district. All rooms here feature floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible city views, luxury linens, and carefully curated art pieces. The on-site spa is a great place to refresh, or you can spend some time at their catwalk pool for sun, fun, and more views of the city.

This evening, take a culinary journey into Indonesia's fascinating gastronomy scene with dinner at Hutan Kota by Plataran, a top-tier restaurant that celebrates the country's cultural and culinary heritage. Sample traditional dishes with a modern twist, personalized service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Your driver will transport you to the restaurant and after you've fully sated your palate, return you to your hotel for the evening.

Day 7: Fly to Labuan Bajo, Tenun Weaving Workshop

Your next destination is Labuan Bajo and the island of Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park. Established in the 1980s, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses 669 square miles (1,733 sq km) and includes the islands of Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, as well as 26 smaller islands. The archipelago and its surrounding ocean waters are home to a wide variety of marine and wildlife, including the more than 2,500 Komodo dragons that reside in the park. 

After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to the airport to catch your flight. Arrive and meet your driver, who will transport you to Plataran Komodo Resort and Spa, a luxury accommodation located on the quiet shores of Waecicu Beach. Rooms blend traditional Indonesian decor with contemporary style, with options for beach or garden views, private pools, and open-air showers.

Drop your bags at your room, then spend the afternoon at a tenun-weaving workshop. This centuries-old craft uses traditional looms to make colorful fabrics unique to the local Manggarai community. Led by skilled instructors, you'll enjoy a hands-on encounter that showcases the meticulous process of creating tenun fabrics. Try the different weaving techniques and tools used, hear stories about the cultural meanings woven into each fabric, and gain insight into the craftsmanship required to create these works of art. 

Day 8: Labuan Bajo Manggarai Celebration

Celebrate the Manggarai today as you attend a ceremony that offers a personal view of the community's cultural heritage. Watch colorful folk dances set to rhythmic music and listen to storytelling that depicts the region's history and way of life. See demonstrations of fierce caci fighting, an ancient style of combat using whips and sticks, and sample authentic Manggaraian cuisine from local vendors. This immersive cultural experience fosters a deep appreciation for Labuan Bajo's enduring cultural legacy, leaving you with a better understanding of the region's history and people.

Day 9: Sunrise Breakfast, Limestone Mirror & Rangko Sea Caves

Take advantage of one of Plataran Komodo's top excursions this morning, a sunrise hilltop breakfast. Get treated to a thoughtfully curated breakfast menu set against the backdrop of the rolling hills and tranquil sea. A dedicated team will be on hand to ensure every detail is perfect as you watch the sun slowly ascend over the landscape. Sip your favorite beverage and sample fresh fruits, pastries, and more as you start the day in the best way possible! 

Later, take a privately guided trip to Labuan Bajo's Limestone Mirror Cave, otherwise known as Batu Cermin. This limestone cave, located east of Labuan Bajo harbor, has a gorgeous display of stalactites and stalagmites, and the play of light and shadow on the limestone surfaces creates a captivating mirror effect. Your guide will explain more about the geological formations as you go, and you'll have time for photos before making your way back out to daylight.

End the afternoon with a visit to Rangko Cave, where you'll find turquoise waters and intricate limestone formations, and continue to the adjacent fishing village, a traditional maritime community characterized by colorful stilt houses and a busy local fish market. Witness timeless fishing practices, savor freshly prepared seafood, and embrace the warm hospitality of the village and its residents before returning to the resort.

Day 10: Cycling for a Cause EcoTour

Eat a hearty breakfast to prepare for today's "Cycling for a Cause" experience which combines active tourism with social responsibility. Meet your guide and hop on your bikes, setting out on an eco-friendly cycling tour through the countryside, experiencing the island's natural beauty as your guide shares information about efforts to improve their communities.

Visit the SDN Rangko school, where you'll donate books that the resort has collected and meet the young scholars, or take part in other community-driven projects, all of which help to facilitate positive socio-economic development, empowerment, and meaningful connections with the people of Flores. 

Day 11: Coral Planting & Restoration Event

Today, you'll continue with the theme of sustainable tourism as you take part in an innovative and engaging initiative geared toward preserving marine ecosystems. Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on as you help contribute to the island's coral restoration efforts through the resort's "Unite for Coral Planting's Serenade" program.

Listen to experienced coral gardening instructors explain the crisis of deteriorating ocean reefs worldwide, and learn how to plant your own coral fragment. Enjoy music and refreshments as part of the program, collaborating with local conservationists in the ongoing battle to safeguard the region's coral reefs.

Day 12: Visit Todo Village & Cancar Rice Fields

Immerse yourself in the local culture of Flores today with an excursion to Todo, meeting your private driver for the 3.5-hour scenic drive. Arrive at the rural village, where you'll see thatched houses built around a large megalithic platform. Don a sarong and engage in cultural exchanges, watch traditional ceremonies, and get to know more about daily life in the village.

From here, continue to Cancar, where the rice fields are arranged in a spider-web shape. Stroll the terraced fields and take in the greenery, as your guide explains the ancient planting and harvesting process. Have lunch at the village, then return to the resort in time for sunset drinks and dinner. 

Day 13: Speedboat Excursion to Komodo Island

Make the most of your last full day in Indonesia with a private speedboat tour to Komodo Island. Head to the resort's boat jetty and meet your captain and crew, then hop on board and head into Komodo National Park. The island is home to a large colony of Komodo dragons, and together with your guide, you'll have a chance to observe them from a safe distance. The islands of this archipelago are the only place in the world where you'll find these unusual creatures, and they remain of great interest to scientists, naturalists, and researchers.

After spending time on the island, hop back on the boat for some snorkeling and swimming in the national park's crystal-clear bays, and take a break for lunch on deck. Later on, you'll cruise back to the resort to make the most of the final night of your trip.

Day 14: Fly to Bali, Free Afternoon to Explore, Depart 

Your journey through Indonesia ends today. In the morning, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to the island of Bali, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Arrive in Denpasar, Bali's capital and the island's primary commercial hub. Depending on your departure time, you can spend some time exploring the city, visiting sites such as the Pura Blanjong temple, whose stone pillars contain 10th-century inscriptions, or the Bali Museum, which has a large collection of Balinese cultural artifacts.

Afterward, it's time to bid farewell. At the appointed time, your private driver will collect you for your transfer to the airport and your journey home. Safe travels!