- ✓ Wander through Ubud’s tumbling rice terraces
- ✓ 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
Island-hop your way through Indonesia on this unforgettable journey. After a few relaxing nights in Bali, the highlight is a traditional phinisi boat cruise through the remote Sunda Islands. Along the way, you’ll encounter incredible wildlife, experience local culture and explore some of Indonesia’s most untouched islands, all while enjoying the comfort of a beautiful sailing ship.
Our itineraries can be tailored to suit your needs, but the phinisi cruises have set departure dates. For 2027, these are:
2027 departure dates: 17 April, 28 April, 09 May, 20 May, 31 May, 12 June, 23 June, 07 July, 18 July, 29 July, 9 August and 21 August.
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.
It’s a buzzy town and once you’ve settled in to your hotel head out to explore the small streets lined with warungs, art studios, bohemian bars and coffee shops. You can also wander through the Sacred Monkey Forest, where ancient temples, towering trees and cheeky long-tailed macaques create one of Ubud’s most atmospheric sights.
Day 2 - Explore the countryside & local villages
After breakfast you’ll be picked up by your guide who will take you out of town and into the surrounding countryside. You’ll visit a traditional village to get a glimpse into local life, visit a rural temple and cross into an area covered with rice fields that tumble down the hillside. At the bottom of the valley, mystical royal tombs lie hidden amongst the cliffs.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling energetic, we can arrange a cycling tour. With this option, you’ll be picked up by private car for the drive into the hills of Kintamani, where you’ll begin pedalling through the remarkably beautiful countryside. You’ll whizz past women carrying fruit offerings, bamboo forests and waving children in the local villages. Let your Travel Specialist know if you’d prefer to include the cycle tour.
Days 3 & 4 - 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 5 & 6 - 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 7 & 8 - 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 9 & 10 - 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 11 - 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…
Day 12 - Relax in Sanur
Your time in Sanur is completely free for you to do as you please. Stretch out by the pool, take a leisurely walk along the beach and grab a cocktail at sunset. During your stay we’ll arrange a relaxing spa treatment for you.
Day 13 - Depart from Bali
Your holiday 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 two 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
