Bali to Komodo

Upon arrival in Bali, transfer to our luxury resort in Ubud.

Begin the day with a trip to Sebatu Temple, where we partake in Melukat, a purification ceremony that incorporates chanting, meditation, and prayer with offerings and a ritualistic bath in the holy spring water. Afterwards, return to the resort to refresh and rest before our afternoon hike on Mount Batur. Trek to the summit of one of the lower craters and enjoy some snacks and sundowners as we watch the sunset in the distance.

After breakfast, drive north of Ubud to Tegallalang, stopping at a hidden waterfall on our way. The rice terraces of Tegallalang and the subak water management system that supports them are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop in Pakudui Village to meet with a local artisan for a woodcarving demonstration. After lunch, return to the hotel for some time at leisure before reconvening to attend a traditional Kecak Dance in Junjungan Village. Return to Ubud for dinner.

Delve into the history and art of puppetry this morning during a visit to the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets. Explore the vast collection of more than 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets from Indonesia and around the world. After lunch, we stop at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where hundreds of long-tailed macaques roam among the park’s many sacred temples and statues. Continue to the harbor to embark our ship.

This morning, arrive in Moyo, a remote hilly island with a handful of fishing villages. Go ashore to discover the incredible wildlife during a hike to the spectacular Mata Jitu Waterfall at the center of the island. Afterward, dive and snorkel on the fringing shallow reefs.

Today, we have the opportunity to encounter friendly whale sharks up close in Saleh Bay. Later in the afternoon, kayak in the crater of the extinct Sattonda volcano.

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast with the Sangeang volcano as our backdrop. Arrive at Komodo island, where we discover the largest population of Komodo dragons up close. In the afternoon, relax, dive, and snorkel in the beautiful bay of Batu Moncho.

Head out for an early morning kayaking session over a shallow coral reef through a current-swept passage known as “the cauldron.” Later, go ashore on stunning Gili Lawa Darat Island to see the indigenous Rusa deer that roam the sandy beaches. After lunch, continue to picturesque Padar Island for a hike up the savannah hill to take in stunning views.

After a morning sailing through a spectacular sea passage, arrive in Rinca Island’s Horseshoe Bay, a dramatic curvature of land formed by an ancient volcano caldera. Visit the favorite haunts of sea eagles and Komodo dragons while aboard Aqua Blu's tenders or choose to dive or swim instead. In the late afternoon, return to Komodo Island for a visit to iconic Pink Beach.

Start the day with a drift snorkel or dive along Tatawa Besar, known for its colorful reefs and diverse marine life. Spend the afternoon swimming from the ship and enjoying the calm reefs around Sabolo Island before viewing our final Komodo sunset.

Disembark the Aqua Blu upon arrival in Labuan Bajo this morning. Transfer to the airport to catch homeward bound flights.