Depart your home country on your overnight flight to Bali, Indonesia.
Most suited for
Families, Couples
Ideal time to visit
April - October
This luxury adventure pairs Bali’s rich cultural heritage with the raw natural beauty and legendary wildlife of Komodo National Park, where you’ll feel a world away from your everyday.
With ETG, you’ll experience the true spirit of Bali – well away from the tourist crowds – through lots of immersive, local-led experiences.
Next, head out to the rugged isles and wondrous waters of Komodo NP, where you’ll board a liveaboard boat to discover the joys of this part of the planet first-hand with the help of the friendly crew.
Komodo Adventure & Magical Bali
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2 - 5
Tabanan, Bali
Arrive in Bali, where you’ll meet your driver who will whisk you to your first hotel in the heart of the island. Nestled among beautiful clove and mangosteen trees, your villa has cinematic views of the surrounding rice terraces and sprawling forest.
Set off on a waterfall adventure and dig into a home-hosted lunch at Putu Griya House. A highlight will be delving into the Balinese culture with fun trekking and ceremonial experiences.
Days 6 - 8
Ubud, Bali
Your driver will take you to your next peaceful retreat in the centre of Ubud.
One of the highlights here is a guided countryside walk led by a Balinese Brahmin. As you wander through rice paddies and sleepy villages, you’ll gather fascinating insights into local customs, religion and the way daily life here is shaped by intricate rituals. This special activity finishes up at your guide’s home, where you’ll refuel with a traditional lunch and receive a heartfelt Balinese blessing.
If you’re after more thrills, you can go whitewater rafting down the Ayung River or cycle your way through Sebatu village with a lovely picnic lunch.
Days 9 - 10
Sidemen, Bali
Next, you’ll continue on to the equally picturesque hills of Sidemen in East Bali.
Here, you can relax at the boutique hideaway and take in the views, swim in the infinity pools and have a spoiling spa treatment. Or amp up the adventure: trek to nearby Pura Bukit, home to traditional Ikat weavers, cycle through the foothills of Mount Agung or explore the secluded coast nearby.
Whatever you choose to do, you’ll enjoy a remarkably beautiful landscape of rice paddy terraces, volcanic valleys, tropical forest and mountain terrain.
Days 11 - 12
Komodo National Park
Today, you’ll hop on a short flight to Labuan Bajo on Flores, before transferring to your hotel, the launch pad for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Komodo National Park.
Step onto your liveaboard boat, your home for the next four days, and get ready to experience the magic of cruising this pristine part of the world. It’s possible to explore Komodo on daytrips from the mainland but staying on a boat means you’ll have access to prime spots before the crowds arrive and, even better, reach secluded islands that most travellers can only dream about.
(This boat can be chartered exclusively for up to 12, but scheduled departures are available, too).
Ease into your adventure by exploring Padar island, known for its picture-perfect viewpoint, the surreal Pink Beach and trekking with a park ranger in search of the legendary dragons themselves.
Days 13 - 15
Komodo National Park
You’ll snorkel through some of the most extraordinary coral reefs on the planet, dipping and diving with nemo, turtles and rays in crystalline waters. When the sun dips below the horizon, the magic continues. Evenings back on deck are all about soaking up spectacular sunsets at sea, dining under the star-studded sky (look out for the Milky Way), and spotting glowing bioluminescence.
On the final day, head back to Labuan Bajo for a night back on land.
Day 16
Fly home
Your driver will drop you off at Labuan Bajo airport for your flight back home. A variety of connections are available via Kuala Lumpur, Bali or Java.
Or, if you’d rather stay in Indonesia a little longer, extend your trip and explore other islands…
Temples, Volcanoes and Dragons of Indonesia
A 16 night family holiday with 2 teenage boys. We did enough cultural visits to keep mum happy but with volcano visit, swimming pools, Komodo dragons, snorkelling and seeing Manta rays the boys had a fantastically diverse holiday. I have used Experience Travel Group three times now and would highly recommend them.
Lynne
12 July 2019Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Indonesia Experts
Lola’s love for Indonesia runs deep – and not just for Bali (though she has a soft spot for its magical interior and knows exactly where to find the best warung for lunch). What really excites her is helping travellers uncover the country’s sheer variety – from the smouldering volcanoes of Java to the rich marine areas in far-flung corners like Raja Ampat.
“This adventure is what dreams are made of. Seriously.”
Lola
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Indonesia, Tabanan
Clove Tree Hill Villas
A Balinese retreat. Deeply authentic, beautifully placed within paddy fields.
Highlights
Highlights
Sweeping views,
Community-focused ethos
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Bali, Ubud
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang
A hidden pocket in the heart of Ubud. Leafy, quiet, and moments from it all.
Highlights
Highlights
Oasis of a pool,
Central Ubud location
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
Gallery
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Indonesia, Komodo National Park
Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa
A peaceful island resort near Komodo. Boats on the shore, space to spread out, and dragons just a trip away.
Highlights
Highlights
Spellbinding scenery
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
Gallery
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Indonesia, Bali, Sidemen
Surya Shanti Sidemen
Boutique hideaway and authentic Balinese experience in the remote eastern hills.
Highlights
Highlights
Beautiful boutique feel,
Staggering scenery
Best for
Couples
Families
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Indonesia, Komodo National Park
Samara Liveaboard Cruises
Modern phinisi yachts. Cruise around Komodo National Park and more. A proper escape from your everyday.
Highlights
Highlights
Once-in-a-lifetime adventure,
Superb snorkelling & diving
Best for
Couples
Families
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The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Indonesia
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Ubud, Indonesia
Explore the Cultural Capital of Bali, Ubud
Found in the southern foothills of Bali’s volcanic mountains, Ubud is the cultural capital of the island: brimming with arts and craft markets, tucked-away temples, and great restaurants.
You’ll also find traditional Balinese architecture and wonderful countryside all around the town, from steep river valleys to glistening paddy fields.
This privately guided tour means you can experience the town’s culture and beauty firsthand and will be tailored to your particular interests.
Wander Ubud town with your guide, popping into local craft galleries to see whatever kind of traditional art you’d like: wood carvings, stone carvings, paintings, or Ikat textiles.
We’ll take you to visit tucked-away temples like called Gunung Kawi Sebatu and end at Fair Warung Bale, a social enterprise reaturant, for lunch. This will give you an insight into the artistic background of Ubud, and by extension Bali.
We do not include Ubud’s central market or the famous Monkey Forest in this tour, as both have become overtouristed in recent years.
It’s worth noting that certain hotels like Capella Ubud put on local activities, from painting to dancing, so you can also take these in without venturing into town.
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Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Explore Komodo
Komodo National Park sits right in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. It’s made up of three main islands – Rinca, Komodo and Padar – and a smattering of smaller volcanic islets.
There’s a lot to explore here, both above and below the turquoise water. While the celebrated Komodo dragons found on Rinca and certain islands steal the spotlight, the park is also home to wild deer, buffalo, boars, monkeys, wild horses, sea eagles, sulfur-crested cockatoos and flying foxes.
With ETG, you’ll discover secret coves as well as visit the main highlights like Padar Island, which has arguably the most impressive panorama of the surreal scenery, and the Pink Beach (a wonderful place for snorkelling – snorkels and fins will be provided).
You’ll also have the chance to track the infamous dragons on dry land, looking out for the dens and nests and learning a lot more about this mysterious creature from a guide.
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Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Wildlife Spotting in Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers: over 250 types of plants, 58 species of mammals and 128 types of birds live here.
The UNESCO-protected park covers five main islands – Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode – plus a handful of smaller ones dotted in between.
It’s a very different landscape from the rest of Indonesia. Instead of tropical rainforest, it’s dry, rugged and really hot – more like savannah than jungle. These conditions are actually perfect for reptiles, especially the legendary Komodo dragon, which thrives here.
It’s a unique and wildly beautiful part of the planet – and well worth seeing with a good guide while exploring Indonesia.
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Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Whitewater Rafting on the Ayung River
Famous for its cultural significance in and to Bali, Ubud also has plenty for the more adventurous traveller. One of the most exhilarating options nearby is whitewater rafting on the Ayung River — and almost as appealing as the rafting itself is the spectacular scenery as you make your way down the gorge.
Switching between Class II and III rapids, you’ll wind through deep valleys, past cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs with a prehistoric feel. On the gentler stretches, drifting through tropical forest, you’ll spot brightly decorated Hindu shrines peeking through the trees.
Safety is taken seriously here. The boats are top quality, the life jackets are up to modern international standards and regularly checked, and the staff are very experienced. After the rafting — and a chance to dry off and change — an excellent lunch will be served.
The rafting isn’t as wild as in some destinations, which makes it a great choice for first-timers. It’s ideal for families and small groups. It’s at its best during the wet season, although river levels can dip towards the end of the dry season.
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Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Countryside Walk with a Balinese Priest
Spend a day exploring the countryside on this private walking tour, getting a unique insight into Balinese nature, religion and culture.
As much as the walk is about exploring the paddy fields and local villages, it is also about getting a sense of what makes Bali especially unique. Your guide is not just a nature guide, he is also a local Brahmin. Brahmins are the designated priestly castle in the Hindu religion, and as you explore, your guide will explain how a complex set of rituals and offerings are remarkably entwined in daily life.
After the walk, you’ll finish up at the guide’s house, where you will receive a traditional lunch, followed by an atmospheric Balinese blessing.
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Bali, Indonesia
Biking in Bali
With its kaleidoscopic landscape, there is so much more to see in Bali than the beaches. A e-bike tour is a great way to get away from the crowds and see the island in a new and unique light. From the striking volcanic mountains and hills to the lush tropical forests and paddy fields and on to the dramatic coastline and river valleys, Bali has some truly breathtaking scenery to cycle through.
We can arrange various tours throughout the island and can design them to meet every ability, from a gentle downhill cycle or challenging climb. You’ll be picked up by your local guide and provided with excellent quality bikes and safety equipment. A support vehicle can be arranged throughout and the guide will proceed at a pace that suits all.
Some of our favourite tours on the island are around Ubud including the one-way adventures from Wanigiri to Ubud and from Ubud to Sideman. Both are wonderful alternatives to a road transfer. You’ll take small paths, only accessible on bikes with verdant views of rice terraces and forests, mountains and valleys and, depending on the season, you’ll also see farmers planting or harvesting their crops.
Another great cycle ride starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Ubud. You’ll be driven to a beautiful spot overlooking Mount Batur for breakfast before a downhill ride through lush tropical paddy fields, coffee plantations and a tour of a village temple. After a traditional lunch in a local village that provides a wonderful insight into the local Balinese way of life, you will be picked up and dropped back in Ubud.
Please speak to one of our consultants about arranging a cycle tour and how it can fit into your wider holiday in Bali.
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Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all tailored to suit you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely tailored to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
