Bali & Komodo In Style - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Bali, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel in Ubud.

Head out to discover the lakes, temples and stunning scenery of the surrounding area. Stop at Bedugul to explore the local market, with its stalls of eye-catching tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers, before continuing on to Ulun Danu, rumoured to be the most photographed temple in Bali. Built on several small islands, the temple appears to ‘float’ on the surface of Bratan Lake, its distinctive tiered roofs mirrored in the waters below, and is one of Bali’s holiest Hindu temples. Head back towards Ubud via the UNESCO listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih, where there’ll be time for a leisurely short trek through the fields, learning about the traditional ‘subak’ style of rice farming. Take a final stop at Pura Taman Ayun, the Royal Temple of Mengwi, surrounded by a moat and boasting multi–roofed meru shrines and intricately carved wooden gates, before returning to Ubud.

Enjoy a day at leisure before your sunset culinary tour around Ubud. Begin with a cocktail and tapas overlooking the Ayung River at Sayan Valley, then head to a traditional cabin in the rice fields for an authentic Balinese feast. A stop will be made en-route at Saraswati Palace to watch a traditional dance at the beautiful candle-lit lotus pond, and end your evening tasting sweet delicacies at a favourite local restaurant.

Set off towards Mount Batur, enjoying panoramic views along the way. Stop en-route to descend over 300 steps into the river valley at Gunung Kawi’s 11th century temple complex, where imposing shrines, each standing over 8 metres high, have been sculpted into the rock face. Proceed to the equally impressive Hindu temple complex of Tirta Empul, meaning ‘holy water spring’, where Balinese Hindus travel annually for purification in its bathing areas. The cleansing ritual is strictly for devotees, so you won’t be able to participate, but can witness the ritual taking place. Continue north to Kintamani, a volcanic region with the active Mt Batur as its centrepiece. Although not the island's highest volcano, Batur is certainly its' most active, and sits within a high-walled caldera, along with a large crater lake that reflects the spectacular views. After exploring Kintamani return to your car and continue onto Sidemen.

Saddle up for an hour-long cycling trip with your guide through the picturesque rural landscape around Sidemen. This gentle route takes you through rice terraces, past clove and coffee plantations and nurseries growing chillies. The duration of your ride is flexible, so if you want a longer journey just ask your guide. After the morning’s exertions proceed, by car, to Besakih, Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’. Bali’s largest and most sacred Hindu temple complex clings to the slopes of the island’s highest (and holiest) volcano, Mt Agung. The scale of the complex is impressive, as are the surrounding views with the imposing volcano in the background, often shrouded in mist. After exploring Besakih return to your hotel to relax.

Transfer the short distance to Amed on the east coast, where you will meet the SeaTrek crew and the travellers who will be joining you on your sailing adventure. The remainder of your day will be at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, or take a stroll into the nearby village. In the evening, join your fellow sailors for sunset drinks, followed by a Balinese-style welcome dinner.

Relax and settle in to your new floating home as your phinisi sets sail across the Lombok Strait towards Sumbawa. This deep trench of water between Bali and Lombok marks part of the Wallace Line, an important ecological boundary that was first described by the renowned British naturalist and explorer, Alfred Russell Wallace. Drinks will be served on deck as the sun sets, followed by a delicious multi-course dinner. The Balinese chef works wonders in his small kitchen.

Having moored off Sumbawa’s west coast, spend a leisurely morning snorkelling, paddle boarding, swimming and beachcombing. After lunch, set sail to Bungin Island, home to the Bajau sea-gypsies, who reside in stilt houses and live entirely on what the sea provides for them. Visitors are rare and so the villagers are likely to be as curious about you as you are about them! Later in the afternoon, continue sailing towards Moyo Island, where you will moor up for the night.

Wake up off the coast of Sangeang Island, home to one of the most active volcanoes in the Lesser Sunda Islands. A community of boat builders have started construction of a large phinisi boat on the beach here and you’ll have the opportunity to go ashore and witness them in action: an impressive sight and a marvel of engineering. Back on board continue sailing to the island of Banta where a leisurely afternoon of swimming and snorkelling awaits.

Wake up off the coast of Komodo Island, the largest of 80 islands that make up the Komodo National Park. Enjoy a morning of sea-based activities including a fantastic drift snorkel over the reef, kayaking and paddle-boarding at Gili Lawa Darat island. Cruise around the coast to Makassar Reef, where there is a high chance of spotting manta rays. Proceed to Gili Lawa Darat in time to witness arguably the most memorable sun set of your cruise.

Wake up off the coast of Rinca Island. Go ashore for an early morning, beat-the-crowds, ranger-led trek in search of Komodo dragons. The parched grassland landscape affords little camouflage for the giant lizards so there’s a good chance of a dragon encounter. The plan for the afternoon is island hopping, interspersed with snorkelling amongst this awesome underwater world. As the sun sets, having moored up beside an uninhabited island, go ashore for a beach barbeque.

Rise early for one last swim before your boat cruises towards Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. Spend your morning in the village of Melo where a community-based project offers visitors an insight into the distinct Manggaraian culture. Return to your phinisi for a final lunch, before bidding farewell to the SeaTrek crew and transferring to the airport in time for your onward flight.