Indonesia Holidays
Bali, the Komodo Islands and Flores
14 Night Itinerary from £4,386
Dragons Tour
A classic combination of scenic and mysterious Bali, the amazing Komodo dragons, exploring the culture and people of Flores and time to relax on the beach
Select your preferred departure date
Tour Route
- Bali - 2 Nights
- Komodo Islands - 2 Nights
- Flores - 5 Nights
- Ubud, Bali - 3 Nights
- Sanur beach - 2 Nights
- Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Take a magical two night cruise to the Komodo Islands
- Observe the Komodo Dragon, snorkel in stunning coral and relax on remote beaches
- Discover the island of Flores, meeting local tribes and understanding the unique way of life
- Enjoy an early morning visit to Mount Kelimutu with its amazing three coloured crater lakes
- Explore Bali, a land of rural villages, waterfalls, lakes, mountains, forests and a laid back way of life
- Spend 3 days in Ubud and travel to scenic Mount Batur
- Relax on golden beaches in Jimbaran and Sanur, opting to stay in stunning resorts overlooking the sea
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Bali - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Fly to Bali
Day 2 - Arrive in Bali, transfer to Jimbaran
Day 3 - Jimbaran
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 09 December 2022
Fly to Bali
Depart in the evening on the overnight flight to Denpasar, via Doha.
Saturday, 10 December 2022
Arrive in Bali, transfer to Jimbaran
After arriving early morning, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Belmond Jimbaran for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. This is also the opportunity for our guide to provide you with expert local advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel.
Sunday, 11 December 2022
At leisure in Jimbaran
A day to relax and enjoy the fine facilities of the Belmond Hotel, take a dip in the warm sea and enjoy wonderful cuisine.
Belmond, Jimbaran
Bali - Luxury Hotel
Talcum-soft sands set the scene for a tropical retreat. As the sky turns crimson, birds sing overhead, and the scent of grilling fish entices you to dinner.
The Belmond, Jimbaran Puri boasts a reputation as one of the most serene Bali hotels.
Enjoy a massage by the sea, then let the calm waters tempt you in. Stretch out in your garden and inhale the heady aroma of frangipani flowers. Every moment here promises endless memories to cherish.
The hotel has 38 cottage suites, 4 pool villas and 22 deluxe pool villas. Dine at the contemporary restaurant, beachfront seafood restaurant or by the pool. Public facilities include an infinity swimming pool, library, boutique and beach Spa. There are many activities and tours available from the hotel.
Komodo Islands - 2 Nights
Day 4 - Voyage to the Komodo Islands
Day 5 - Komodo Islands
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Monday, 12 December 2022
Voyage to the Komodo Islands
Transfer to Ngurah Rai Airport for flight to Labuan Bajo, located at the western tip of Flores and transfer the to the harbour to embark the beautiful Phinisi schooner Plataran Ambasi for a 2-night cruise on a full board basis.
Set sail over the blue ocean to Rinca Island, which is part of the Komodo National Park. Relax on board for the next three hours until arrival on the island with its famous inhabitants, the Komodo Dragons. The trek starts at the ranger station near the jetty in a small lagoon, and guided by experienced rangers observe these unique lizards, which are most of the time relaxing hidden being branches or under the local people’s stilt-houses. After the trek, the cruise continues to Kalong Island where the Plataran Ambasi will moor for the night. Kalong is known for its mangrove forest and the “house of thousand bats”.
Tuesday, 13 December 2022
Komodo Island
Early morning cruise to Padar Island. After a short trek, witness one of the area’s most spectacular panoramic viewpoints from one of the island’s tallest hills. Continue to Komodo Island, arriving at the pier of Loh Liang. Komodo Island is the largest and most famous of all islands in Komodo National Park and covers 390 square-kilometers. It also has the largest community of Komodo dragons and many other animals such as wild horses, buffaloes and pigs. Set off for a 1½ hour trek under the guidance of a local park ranger who will explain all about the dragons and life on the islands. Pass by waterholes where animals drink and dragons watch their prey while enjoying endless views over the park.
In the afternoon, enjoy snorkelling and relaxation at the world heritage Pink Beach (Pantai Merah). The beach has its colour from small red coral fragments that mix with the white sand.
Sail to Siaba for overnight an stay.
Plataran Cruises
Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht
Sail in style with Plataran Cruises on incredible journeys of awe and adventure in Komodo National Park. Established in 2012, Plataran Cruises was inspired by its founder’s appreciation of Indonesian maritime heritage. Today, Plataran Cruises operate a fleet of phinisi ships, yachts, and speed boats out of its bases at Plataran Komodo in Labuan Bajo and Plataran Menjangan, West Bali National Park – each Plataran port with its own private jetty and logistics facilities. At the heart of Plataran Cruises is a desire to showcase the beauty of Indonesian waters.
You can choose from a range of itineraries, from day trips, 2 day cruises or if you are a family group charter the whole ship.
Flores - 5 Nights
Day 6 - Bidadari Island to Labuan Bajo
Day 7 - Cancar to Ruteng
Day 8 - Bajawa
Day 9 - Moni
Day 10 - Ende & Mt Kelimutu
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 14 December 2022
Bidadari Island to Labuan Bajo
Morning visit to Kanawa Island for snorkelling among the amazing corals.
Continue to Bidadari Island and back to Labuan Bajo for farewell and disembarkation at around noon. Transfer to the hotel in Labuan Bajo for a 1-night stay on a full board basis.
Thursday, 15 December 2022
Cancar to Ruteng
Visit Cancar and hike to the hilltop for a view of the unique lingko spiderweb rice fields. With their round, spider-web structure, these unique rice-fields are particular to the Manggarai people: the central point is used for ceremonies celebrating the unity of the male and female and heaven and earth.
Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.
Arrive in Ruteng, capital of the Manggarai district and the largest rice-producing area of Flores as well as an important Indonesian coffee-producing area. Ruteng is located around 1100m in the volcanic highlands and offers a cool climate. A short visit will be made at a traditional village of Ruteng Pu’u before checking into your hotel in Ruteng for a 1-night stay including dinner.
Friday, 16 December 2022
Bajawa
We take a scenic drive to Bajawa, a small town surrounded by mountains located in the middle of Flores. Continue to a picturesque crater lake at Ranamese before arriving in Ruteng, located high in Flores’ volcanic highlands.
Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the most impressive traditional villages of the local Ngada people. Luba & Bena is noted for its unusual architecture and features two parallel rows of high thatched roof houses and some of the region’s best stone monuments.
Check in at hotel in Bajawa on a bed and breakfast basis and including dinner.
Saturday, 17 December 2022
Moni
Morning drive to Moni. On the way will visit Wogo Village; is home to a group of megalithic ancestor tombs as the typical Ngadhu and Bhaga shrines representing the clan’s ancestors. Enjoy scenic views over the southern coast of Flores and its beautiful mountainous landscapes dotted with some macadamia nuts trees. Stop on the way for a walk along the unique blue pebble beach near Nangapanda.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Ende.
After lunch drive to Moni with stop at the traditional village of Saga and check in at your hotel in Moni for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis including dinner.
Sunday, 18 December 2022
Ende
An early morning start today as we travel to the mysterious Mount Kelimutu to discover the most amazing natural phenomenon in Flores. Kelimutu consists of three uniquely coloured lakes from brilliant aquamarine, to ochre red and chocolate brown. Over the years, the three crater lakes have often changed colours. While a scientific reason for the colour changes may be the varying mineral contents of the lakes, local people still strongly believe that the three lakes are gathering places of ancestral spirits, each colour being related to a different Karma.
We drive back to Ende where former President Soekarno was exiled by the Dutch from 1934-1938, stopping on the way for a visit of Nduria bustling fruit and vegetable market.
Enjoy and included lunch at a local restaurant in Ende.
Check onto your hotel in Ende for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis, including dinner.
Sanian Hotel, Bajawa
Flores - Basic Hotel
The accommodation in Bajawa is very limited.
One base to stay is the Sanian Hotel, Bajawa, a clean, but basic hotel with 11 rooms in a two-storey building near the town centre and market.
The rooms are simple, with comfortable bed, private bathroom and slippers. The top floor rooms have views of Bajawa and the surrounding hills from the shared balcony.
Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge, Moni
Flores - Tourist Lodge
Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge is simply idyllic! Set in beautiful gardens on the edge of a rainforest, in a valley of rice paddies, beside a babbling river with breathtaking views of Mount Kelimutu. This is a magical place, and for the local Lio people this is a sacred area that runs deep with legend.
The Ecolodge exclusively employs local people who live in the Moni area, and are dedicated to educating and empowering the local community in long term conservation and sustainable development.
The lodge has 21 clean, comfortable private rooms each with stunning mountain views and sounds of the rambling river. Sixteen rooms are in private cottages and five are above the restaurant. Each room has an en suite bathroom, comfortable bed with mosquito nets, private balcony, safe and hot spot Wi-Fi.
There is also a full restaurant serving organic meals. The 6 hectares of gardens are our wonderful, where organic fruit, vegetables, rice and their own coffee is grown!
The must-see experience at Kelimutu is the spectacular coloured crater lakes which are breathtaking to see at sunrise. The tour leaves at 4:30am and gets to the lakes before dawn. On the way, you will hear the songs of the Bare Throated Whistler; which mimics other birds and sounds. Enjoy up to 18 different songs from a single bird!
From the lodge the village of Moni with its traditional Chief’s house, is only a 15 minute walk away and is a great base for bird watching, hiking and experiencing the fascinating local culture.
Plataran Komodo Resort
Flores - First Resort
Plataran Komodo Resort and Spa is a tropical beachfront paradise and the perfect place to stay on your visit to Komodo National Park.
Secluded in a quiet cove on Waecicu Beach, relax in a choice of one or two bedroom villas that blend comfort and Javanese style. Dine beside the ocean waves, on the beach, or on the jetty – all under the Flores sun or beneath a romantic canopy of stars. Explore the amazing marine life in the surrounding waters, or hop aboard one of the Plataran private cruises for unforgettable island-hopping excursions and the chance to see the fabled Komodo dragons up close.
Surrounded by a lush garden steps from the beach, the Deluxe Garden Villas are surrounded by lush gardens, with traditional Indonesian décor with contemporary style. Each has private bathroom, safe, writing desk, FREE Wi-Fi, slippers and hairdryer.
Deluxe Beach villas open onto a verandah, just steps from the beach and main pool, overlooking the azure waters of Waecicu Beach.
The resort has an open-air restaurant and bar, serving Indonesian and Asian cuisine. The Padma Spa offers a wide range of treatments and yoga. Other activities include beach sports, a cave tour, snorkelling trips, bike tours and a visit to the village of Wai Rebo with its unusual traditional houses.
Ubud, Bali - 3 Nights
Day 11 - Fly to Bali and transfer to Ubud
Day 12 - Scenic Mount Batur
Day 13 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Monday, 19 December 2022
Fly to Bali and transfer to Ubud
Transfer to Ende Airport and fly back to Bali. Transfer to your hotel in Ubud for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure relaxing at your hotel.
Tuesday, 20 December 2022
Scenic Mount Batur
Today we set off after breakfast on a full Lake Batur day tour exploring Bali’s scenic interior. Take a picturesque drive along small winding roads, climbing into the hills to enjoy fantastic panoramas over the beautiful rice fields and landscapes.
Stop at the town of Tampaksiring for a visit to Gunung Kawi. Set amid lush rice terraces, these 11th century temples feature 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face. Continue along the scenic roads of the countryside to visit Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple.
Arrive in Kintamani, a volcanic region home to majestic Mount Batur. Inside the caldera of the once giant Batur Volcano is a calm, clear lake in which a new, active volcanic cone was formed. Grab a table at a restaurant nearby, enjoying lunch overlooking Lake Batur.
Continue to Penglipuran, a traditional countryside village. Take a stroll through the typical Balinese entrance gates and admire the unique architectural styles found throughout the village. The last stop is sacred Kehen Temple. Explore the site’s eight terraces, its massive Banyan tree and detailed religious inscriptions. Gain insight into the Hindu faith and its role in the lives of the deeply spiritual Balinese people.
Wednesday, 21 December 2022
At leisure
At leisure at your hotel.
Adiwana Unagi, Ubud
Bali - First Hotel
A chic Indonesian sanctuary in the heart of Ubud. Adiwana Unagi Suites is a quiet haven with spacious suites designed with contemporary Bali in mind.
The suites either look out to the forest or pool. Each is very spacious, air-conditioned with double or twin beds, free bottled water, semi outdoor bathroom, toiletries, bath, TV, safe and FREE Wi-Fi.
Public facilities include a delightful pool, Ely’s Kitchen Restaurant, Tejas Spa and daily yoga.
Samsara, Ubud
Bali - Luxury Resort
Samsara Ubud is one of the best tropical sanctuaries in Ubud, with seventeen luxurious private villas. Each villa, starting from 122 square metres, comes with a private heated pool and a spacious outdoor area. Take a dip in the warm pool and relish the beauty of the forest in addition to the soft sounds from a nearby waterfall. Stunning bathrooms feature luxurious Makassar marble, double vanities, deep soaking bathtub and separate indoor & outdoor showers. A mix of contemporary Balinese décor, rich teak furnishings and exotic fabrics create the villas’ statement interior
Public facilities include a private and communal swimming pool, the Kelusa restaurant, gym and the Chakra Spa and treatment rooms.
Activities available include a village walking tour, yoga, a midnight cinema and cycling and sightseeing tours.
Sanur beach - 2 Nights
Day 14 - Lakes and hills to Sanur beach
Day 15 - Sanur beach
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 22 December 2022
Lakes and hills to Sanur
Today we explore some of Bali's exquisite scenery on our way to the beach at Sanur. We visit the Royal Temple of Mengwi built in 1634 to serve as the family temple of the Mengwi dynasty. Explore the traditional market of Bedugul where a myriad of locally-grown fruits, vegetables and orchids are for sale.
Observe Lake Bratan, one of Bedugul’s three natural lakes with Ulun Danu, a 17th-century temple located on the lake’s edge.
Stop at Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second highest mountain, for an included lunch and continue to your hotel in Sanur for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Friday, 23 December 2022
At Leisure
Your final day to relax on the beach or at your resort.
Pavilions
Bali - Luxury Resort
At The Pavilions Bali, you’ll feel a world away in your private villa. Each enchanting and cosy hideaway fuses traditional Balinese design with modern touches to provide an intimate, relaxing and exotic home away from home. The resort is tucked away amid a magnificent tropical garden yet just a short walk from all that the charming seaside town of Sanur has to offer. It can be tempting to retreat into your own private villa hideout and stay there, but Sanur, the birthplace of tourism in Bali, offers countless things to see and do.
Whether you head out exploring or spend a lazy afternoon on the veranda, The Pavilions Bali is the perfect spot for your next romantic getaway.
The resort has a selection of air-conditioned villas, from those with a private garden to larger 2-bedroom villas with their own private pool. Each villa comes with butler service, an outside rain shower and breakfast.
Public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, the Jahe Restaurant and poolside bar. There are many activities and tours available from the hotel.
Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights
Day 16 - Fly back to the UK
- Full Description
Saturday, 24 December 2022
Departure for return flight
Transfer to Denpasar International airport for your daytime flight back to the UK.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 1 Jan - 30 June, 6 Sept - 17 Dec | |
| Room Arrangement | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £4,386 | £5,434 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £5,852 | £7,542 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 16 Days / 14 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Domestic flights to/from Flores
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
- Prices do not include the extension to Tayrona National Park
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