Nowhere says adventure like Indonesia, a string of countless volcanic islands united by their wild beauty. On this holiday, you’ll encounter rural living and culture in Bali before heading to Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park, to seek out the famous Komodo Dragons. With off-the-beaten-track hotels that are surprisingly simple to reach and carefully planned experiences, you can discover the magic of the archipelago hassle-free.
Your adventure begins in Bali. After touching down at the airport, your guide will drive you to Sideman, an enchanting area of agriculture and paddy fields in the foothills of volcanic Mount Agung. Most travellers to Bali visit just a small handful of hotspots, and Sideman is noticeably away from the crowds. Your hotel, Wapa di Ume, exudes the soul of the region; rural, peaceful and surrounded by nature. Spend your days here exploring local villages, crafts and mighty landscapes. This is authentic Bali, but not as you know it.
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT//4 NIGHTS AT WAPA DI UME SIDEMAN
The rural location and natural beauty that immerses Wapa di Ume makes staying here both an escape and an adventure. You might enjoy hiking or cycling, or you could head to the river for water activities such as rafting or tubing (at an extra cost). But those who prefer a gentler escape may join in with one of the many local cultural activities, or simply enjoy the property, joining the morning yoga sessions and treating yourself at the Kapha spa.
This part of the trip features two brilliant half-day tours. The first will grant an insight into daily Balinese life in a hilltop town overlooking rice fields, ocean and volcanoes. You will see Balinese palm wine production before wandering over to Bali Asli for a traditional cooking class. The second tour is all about soaking up the majestic scenery, taking a rural cycle ride to a secluded beach.
This hotel turns everything you thought you knew about Bali on its head. Here you'll find everything from a gym and spa to multiple large pools, yet the hotel is still small enough to feel intimate and boutique. Plus, with an effortless blend of modern yet authentic Balinese design, lots of open spaces and a natural mountainous backdrop, the entire space is as calming as it is charming.
Depart Bali on a short flight to Flores, the gateway island to Komodo National Park. Your hotel and home for the next seven nights, Plataran Komodo, lies on a remote and private beach that's home to some of the world's best marine life. It’s a brilliant place to combine beach relaxation with time visiting the national park in search of the incredible Komodo Dragons. The national park itself comprises several islands but Komodo and Rinca are home to the dragons.
7 NIGHTS AT PLATARAN KOMODO
When not exploring Komodo National Park, there is plenty to keep you occupied (or just aid blissful relaxation) back at Plataran Komodo. The snorkelling and diving here are impeccable and should not be missed. Local cooking classes, fishing trips, waterfall treks and junk boat sailing expeditions are more than easy to arrange. Plus, the hotel also offers a range of wellness packages for complete and holistic you-time.
Of course, this trip wouldn’t be complete without going in search of the Kings of Komodo. This holiday includes a ‘safari’ to Rinca Island, ETG’s preferred location due to the fact it is much less touristy than Komodo itself, yet still offers brilliant dragon-spotting opportunities. You will be accompanied by an expert naturalist, who knows where the dragons like to go and will ensure your encounter is as safe and enjoyable as possible. After you have hopefully spied the majestic creatures, visit the stunning ‘Pink Beach’ to top off your adventure.
Plataran Komodo is the ideal spot for an effortless adventure. A characterful hotel located near Labuan Bajo, a lovely local fishing village, it is the perfect base to relax at your own slice of beach paradise and then venture out to Komodo National Park. You can snorkel right off the jetty, and its restaurant is one of the best. Plus, it’s relatively easy to get to, yet feels entirely off the grid.
The best time to travel to both Bali and Komodo National Park is between April and October. This is the dry season, which, as you can imagine, means warm and sunny weather with little rainfall. It’s a perfect mid-summer or late Easter break. Visit our website to find out more about when to go to Indonesia.
To enhance this fabulous holiday even further, we have arranged a complimentary cycling trip through the beautiful landscape of rice paddy terraces, volcanic valleys, lush tropical forest and mountain terrain, ending at the exquisite Prasi Beach. Plus, as an Experience Travel Group guest, you’ll receive complimentary snorkelling equipment for excursions at Plataran Komodo.
Revitalise is a culmination of 16 years’ work, research and client feedback. Our travel team take annual trips to each of our destinations, testing the experiences and inspecting the hotels (someone’s got to do it, right?). We are passionate travellers in our own lives, and we have all visited Asia with our friends, family or backpacks. Basically, we’ve done the legwork: we know travel. And that’s why these trips are nothing short of magical.
We understand that while you may be itching to travel again, committing to a trip right now feels daunting. That’s why we have introduced our COVID-19 promise. We promise that if you book a holiday with us, but for any reason cannot travel due to COVID-19, we will refund you the bulk of your money, up to the day of your departure. We hope that this will give our travellers a little peace of mind and help you enjoy the magic of travel anticipation once again.
An ETG experience cannot begin unless our travellers feel secure in every respect. Financially secure: we are fully ABTA and ATOL bonded. Fully supported: our friendly team is on hand to help 24/7 before, during and after your trip. Free from hassle: we will ensure your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, all our experiences are tried and tested by our discerning team, so you can rest assured every excursion you book with us is both worthwhile and ethically sound.
With ETG, the experience starts the moment you pick up the phone. We are committed to seamless service at every stage of your journey. Before you depart, your dedicated travel consultant will provide all the information and insider tips you need to get you prepared (and excited!). Your in-country experiences will be distinctive, tailored to you, and always reveal the fabric of the destination. And you will come home with memories to share - not just photos to show.