- ✓ Sail the Komodo Islands in style aboard a traditional phinisi
- ✓ Seek out giant Komodo dragons
- ✓ Swim alongside whale sharks
- ✓ Witness an impressive tribal whip dance
- ✓ Enjoy some family time on the beautiful island of Bali
Take your family on an adventure of a lifetime, island-hopping around Indonesia’s most remote and undiscovered islets, only reachable by boat. Snorkel with whale sharks, manta rays and turtles, trek through wild landscapes in search of Komodo dragons and get hands-on with coral restoration. Along the way, visit traditional villages, explore pink-sand beaches and learn about Indonesia’s fascinating marine life, volcanoes and culture, all from the deck of your comfortable, traditional phinisi boat.
Our itineraries can be tailored to suit your needs, but the phinisi cruises have set departure dates. For 2027, there are two dedicated family cruises: departing 18 July and 29 July. Early booking is essential
The rest of your trip can be easily adapted to suit you, and we also offer other cruises in different parts of Indonesia. Just let your Travel Specialist know what you’re looking for and we’ll help you put it together.
Day 1 - Arrive in Denpasar & travel to Ubud
You’ll be met on arrival at Denpasar airport and transferred to Ubud - which is a drive of around one hour. Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, surrounded by lush rice terraces, traditional villages and jungle, with plenty of opportunities to experience local life, art and Balinese traditions.
Just outside the centre of Ubud, we have found a selection of small family-friendly hotels surrounded by nature. You can go to the swimming pool for a refreshing dip, to cool down and acclimatise. You may want to wander through the Sacred Monkey Forest, where ancient temples, towering trees and cheeky long-tailed macaques create one of Ubud’s most atmospheric sights.
Days 2 & 3 – Cycling in Ubud & free time
After breakfast, it’s time for a bike ride through Ubud. You’ll be picked up and taken to the starting point by minibus. During the bike ride, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide and the route and pace will be adjusted to your family’s needs (if you have teenagers, we can arrange a more challenging ride). You’ll cycle past rice fields and temples and stop at a primary school. Along the way, the guide will explain about Balinese life and the culture and traditions here. If you want to rest your legs, ask the guide to stop at a warung where you can grab a Balinese coffee, before continuing on.
The last part of the bike ride is mainly downhill, and by this point, you’ll surely have built up an appetite! You’ll head into a charming Balinese garden where lunch will be ready and waiting for you and you can tuck into some delicious local cuisine. After eating you’ll be transferred back to your hotel and you can spend the rest of the afternoon lazing with the kids at the pool, or just strolling around the craft workshops.
In the evening, have a bite to eat in the centre of Ubud. There is a big vegetarian and organic food scene here, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to find food that suits all of the family. The next day is also free for you and your family to do some exploring, to visit some local temples and to do as much or as little as you want.
Days 4 & 5 - Welcome onboard, snorkelling & dragon spotting
This morning you’ll take an early flight from Bali to Flores, where you will be met by your tour leader and taken to a beautifully crafted phinisi boat which will be your home for the next week. You’ll sleep in a comfortable en-suite cabin and there’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the sun and the sweeping sea views. Relax on the sun deck and get used to life onboard as you set sail.
During the first two days of the journey there will be plenty of opportunity to don your snorkel mask and explore the impressive underwater world. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles who hangout amidst the pristine coral reefs. You will also go ashore on Rinca Island in search of the legendary Komodo dragon. The world’s largest lizard, they can grow up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 70kg!
Days 6 & 7 - Volcanoes, villages and island life
Next, you’ll sail towards Sangeang, an active volcanic island where life revolves around the sea and the fertile volcanic soil. Go ashore to visit a local village and get a glimpse of everyday life before heading into the water to snorkel among colourful coral just offshore.Back on board, there’s time to relax before a special evening on the beach. Enjoy a BBQ under a star-filled sky, with fresh local food prepared by your chef and live music from the crew.
The following day, you’ll explore the forested island of Moyo, travelling inland to a beautiful waterfall hidden among the rainforest. Take a refreshing dip in the cool water before returning to your boat.
Days 8 & 9 - Swim alongside whale sharks & village visit
Now for one of the real highlights of the trip: the chance to get into the water with whale sharks. These enormous but gentle creatures have long gathered in the bay around local fishing platforms, and you’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside them and learn more about their relationship with the local fishermen.
There’s plenty more to experience above water too. Visit a local village to see the traditional spectacle of buffalo racing, where riders and their animals race through muddy rice paddies. You’ll also explore a volcanic island with a mysterious sunken crater lake before visiting a coastal community where traditional phinisi boats are still built by hand using generations-old techniques.
Days 10 & 11 - Mantas, turtles & coral conservation
Back in Komodo National Park, there’s more time to explore beneath the surface. Snorkel above volcanic black sand where bubbles rise from the seabed, drift over some of the park’s healthiest coral reefs and visit a coral restoration project on Hatamin Island. You’ll even get the chance to help create and place your own coral rack. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles and manta rays as you snorkel, with plenty of time to swim, paddle and explore the remote islands along the way.
Day 12 - Tribal Flores experience, then fly to Bali for beach time
After breakfast, disembark at the port of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores and take a scenic drive to Melo Village, where you’ll experience a traditional Caci dance performance. This energetic ritual combines music, dancing and ceremonial whip fighting and offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions of the local community.
After lunch back on the boat, say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates and transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Denpasar, Bali. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred the short distance to the beach resort of Sanur. And relax…
Days 13 & 14 - Beach day & surf lesson
Over the next two days, laze by the pool or sink into the sandy beach as the kids jump into the waves and play in the sand. If you prefer to explore the area, you can walk into the town and visit the many shops and grab some souvenirs. You’ll find a mix of tasty restaurants and bars to grab some dinner before returning to your hotel.
For those aged 10 years and up, we will arrange a surfing trip. You’ll be picked up and transported to nearby Legian beach where you can have a 2-hour surf lesson, run by Soul Surf Project Bali, a non-profit organisation set up to help local children from disadvantaged backgrounds. For the younger ones or those not feeling as daring, you can watch from the comfort of your beach towel and admire the beautiful stretch of sand to relax on.
Day 15 - Depart from Bali
Your Indonesian family adventure has come to an end. Take one last dip in the pool, stroll along the beach and make the most of your final few hours in paradise. We’ll arrange a transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. If three nights on the beach doesn’t feel like quite enough, just ask your Travel Specialist to add an extra night or two to your trip.
Accommodation
