Category: Indonesia

I have been on a safari in Kenya, an elephant sanctuary in Thailand and been up and close with monkeys in Sri Lanka, but Komodo dragons still feel like a long lost creature to me. They’ve been around for about 3-4 million years and they look like something from Jurassic park.

Well if you want to see one, there aren’t too many options, only being present on a few islands in the whole world, dotted around Eastern Indonesia, but Komodo National Park is the main spot people go in order to see them.

You will find the national park within the province of East Nusa Tenggara, in between Sumbawa and Flores.

We tend to think of a national park as one big park, but it’s actually over three main islands, being Komodo, Rinca and Padar (plus a few tiny ones).

Whether it’s trekking with Komodo dragons or swimming with manta rays (never again for me after my experience…That’s for another day), there is something to see and do for every type of backpacker, as this is a once in a lifetime experience.

Travel With Style on a Luxury Cruise

You can sail through on cruises in Indonesia, in incredible luxury and living the dream lifestyle on a yacht expedition vessel specially designed for lavish travellers. Luxury expedition yachts are really something special, managing to combine the comfort of being in what feels more like an expensive home with the ability to explore some of the world’s most remote and beautiful places. Plus you can visit more than one destination in a single trip!

The destination in discussion being Komodo National Park, which is a popular option for cruise trips. These vessels have packages where you can get your meals included, spacious suites, plus you should look out for ‘all inclusive’ options, so you can get your drinks included….Just saying.

Plus many of the cruises have other forms of entertainment, from evening shows to water slides, plus a chance to relax on the sun deck chairs as the islands float by.

The ship’s itineraries offer guests more than just comfort and a break from the mundance life at home. They offer guests access to some of Indonesia’s most amazing sights and attractions. Guests can book themselves in to snorkel, reef dive, or scuba dive in and out of the stunning coral gardens, hike to volcanic peaks, take photos of the famous Komodo dragons, and come back to a feast and five-star dining every night.

Getting There

So let’s start with how you actually make it here. Labuan Bajo on Flores Island is your entrance to Komodo. You can fly here from Bali (Denpasar) on a flight taking around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 mins. The lines that offer this service is Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Transnusa, Citilink and Wings Air. As always, make sure the option you book with is ATOL protected and from a reputable seller, while you should also use a credit card. You’re probably look at around £80 for a ticket when booked in advance, while during the summer months it might go above £100.

If you are flying from Jakarta, then you’re looking at a 2.5 hour direct flight, either with Garuda, Lion Air or Batik. The third option is from either Surabaya or Lombok, which aren’t very regular, so can cause issues if the flight gets cancelled.

If you happen to be backpacking through Asia, then you often have months rather than days, at which point you could look into a ferry or a liveaboard boat, but these take several days and often multiple switches between boats and buses, I couldn’t think of anything worse, but I am almost 40 years old now.

A good 7 days is enough time around Komodo and Flores in order to tick off the majority of the activities and tours. This will give you enough time for an overland tour of Flores and at least a couple of nights on a boat exploring the park.

Choosing a Boat Tour

I love a boat trip! Sorry, random excitement. To see Komodo properly, you need a decent boat tour. There are two main options:

• Day trips – Perfect for tight schedules but they can feel rushed.
• Liveaboard trips – Spend 1-3 nights at sea, giving you time to explore multiple islands at a relaxed pace. Some will even offer luxurious week long trips.

Most visitors choose at least a one-night liveaboard. Tours can be booked in advance or directly in Labuan Bajo. Some of the most popular options will book up quickly, so it’s worth arranging this months in advance, especially if you’re coming during peak season.

How Much Will It Cost?

• Day trips – You get a speedboat from Labuan Bajo, 1,400,000-2,400,000 IDR (around £70-£120pp). This includes a hotel pick-up, lunch, snorkel equipment and island visits. If you don’t get all this then be suspicious. You can also book private day trips for around £150-£250pp.
• 2-3 day budget liveaboard – 4,000,000-6,000,000 IDR (£200-£300pp). Again, this should include all your meals, snorkelling equipment, a cabin, plus national park highlights (not access, just that they stop at the national park).
• 3-4 day decent Liveaboard – This jumps to 8,000,000-12,000,000 IDR (£400-£600pp), however you can expect a better cabin size, either completely private or ‘semi private’, while the food quality tends to be better and you have more time to dive or snorkel. This is the step up in luxury that many holiday makers opt for.
• Luxury 4-7 day trips – 60,000,000+IDR (£3,000+), how much money have you got? This is certainly not for everyone, it’s way out of my budget, but we can all dream. You tend to find people opting for this on their honeymoon, or rich couples in their 50’s and 60’s having a once in a lifetime experience. The cabins are again much bigger and ensuite, while the food is called ‘fine dining’ but I can’t say I’ve tested it to truly say if it is.

Keep in mind that park entrance fees is not included in most tours and costs around 250,000 IDR (£12.50) which is the standard access cost, but you also might have other costs like harbour fees and ranger trekking fees.

What To See In Komodo National Park

Padar Island

The short hike here will bring you to one of the most picturesque views in all of Indonesia. From the summit, you will take in the three bays, each with a different coloured sand: white, black, and pink. Go early to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. You should be looking at around a half an hour hike each way, along stone steps and some dirt pathways. There are some steep points along the route, but nothing too challenging.

You won’t spot any komodo dragons here unfortunately, but it’s still worth a visit, especially if you enjoy hiking.

Pink Beach

This wonderful beach gets its colour from tiny crushed red coral (also known as foraminifera) combined with white sand. This beach is both a place to swim and relax while taking those bucket list photos. The reefs are just offshore, while they’re ideal for beginners or people who get a bit nervous (like myself). If you do happen to go on a longer trip, then you should visit here in the morning or evening, as this place gets packed out midday by the day trippers.

Rinca Island

If your goal is to spot a dragon, this is your best bet as this area has the highest population density. Yep, even more than Komodo island. You can book a guided hike, which will take 1-2 hours and will be led by park rangers, to ensure your safety. Along the way, you might glimpse monkeys or exotic birds as well, so keep an eye out and your camera ready. People often get sunburnt here, with not much covering in the heat, so remember to pack some sun tan lotion and maybe a hat and some sunglasses.

Manta Point

Swimming with manta rays is such an exhilarating experience for others, not so much for me since I was stung, but don’t let that take away from your experience. These supposedly gentle giants move effortlessly about the water and are typically within arm’s reach. If you are lucky enough to see a large group of mantle rays, it will occur between December and March, especially if you happen to be standing near some plankton which they’ll happily eat up. This is an hour away from Labuan Bajo on a boat.

Kalong Island

Watching thousands of bats depart the mangroves at sunset to feed is something that should be on your personal bucket list! I got to see something similar in Austin Texas. The flying foxes (fruit bats) will fill the night sky around sunset, however their presence means you don’t actually go onto the island, you’ll be watching them on the boat, as the island is a protected habitat.

Kanawa Island

When you think of an exotic island, this is often what people think of. Imagine the sandy white beach with turquoise water, you’ll want to get some photos to make everyone jealous at home. This is also a popular last stop so you can relax at the end of your holiday after exploring and plenty of excursions. People tend to enjoy snorkelling here during dry season, which is between April and November.

Snorkeling and Diving

Ok, this isn’t a place, but considering it’s one of the main reasons people come and the most popular activity to do, I thought it was worth highlighting. Komodo National Park is a paradise for snorkellers and divers. The coral reefs are beautiful to admire, with such a fascinating marine ecosystem in place. The UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t simply because of those stunning dragons, it’s also recognised due to the marine life. Even beginner snorkellers can spot turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish.

If you’re a certified diver, consider booking a dive-focused liveaboard. The park is known for some of the best dive sites in the world, many of them still untouched by heavy tourism.

Travel Tips

• Book early. The tours, especially overnight ones, tend to sell out fast.
• Travel light. You don’t want to be lumping around big suitcases, especially as the cabins on the boats are quite small, so it will end up taking up most of the room.
• Be flexible where possible. Weather and tides can change daily itineraries, therefore you can’t be too set in your ways when it comes to activities.
• Bring cash along. Many smaller operators and shops don’t take cards unfortunately.
• Respect the nature. Follow the rangers’ guidance, especially around dragons. You don’t want to be one of ‘those’ tourists that damage the climate you visit.

Why Visit Komodo National Park

Most people visit Komodo to see the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. But there’s so much more to experience, as already highlighted. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 3 main islands, while surrounding them is one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Here, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and even whales glide through crystal clear waters, while you might get the chance to swim alongside them.

Every stop in the park offers something magnificent, from pink sand beaches (how often do you get to spot them in your lifetime), fantastic views and fish-filled coral reefs. Whether you’re here for adventure, a relaxing break, or even to do some photography, Komodo will certainly leave you impressed.

What to Pack

Please do remember that the boats are very limited in space, so don’t bring multiple suitcases, unless you plan on sleeping on them! I have highlighted some key items you might want to pack for your trip below:

• A dry bag to protect electronic items like your phone from sea spray
• A portable charger to keep your camera ready
• Mosquito spray for open-air nights, they bite me like crazy. Make sure it has plenty of deet
• Comfortable trainers or boots for hiking, plus any other hiking gear you want to bring. You should also pack flip flops, but don’t forget the trainers.
• Sun tan lotion, plenty of it. Also, be aware that some sunscreens are bad for coral reef, so you might want to look into the best one to buy
• Travel insurance
• Camera equipment, nowadays that’s mainly on your phone, but if you have a DJI or a drone, this is the place to bring it!
• reusable water bottle, you’ll get thirsty in the sun and you don’t want to be caught short, although most boats will provide you with water bottles
• Light clothing, to tackle the heat, but also pack a waterproof rain jacket
• Pack some cash on you, as many places won’t accept card

Forget these short lists, there is so much to do in Bali you will spoilt for choice, so I’ve racked up a hefty list of all the best things to do. If you think I’ve left anything out, don’t hesitate to get in contact and let me know!

1)  Mount Agung

This is an active volcano which has proven hugely popular for those who enjoy hiking. You might not be going all the way to the top, reaching 3,033 metres above sea level, but even a relatively lengthy walk should offer you unbelievable views of Bali. You will have to leave pretty early in the morning, with plenty of guided tours available to book.

2) Visit Ubud Tanah Lot

This beautiful rock formation is a great spot for some photos, however make sure to remain respectful as it is the sight of a Hindu pilgrimage towards the temple.

The waves can be a little bit wild at certain times of the year and the day, so make sure to visit when the tide is out. You should also arrive before sunset to avoid the hefty crowds.

3) Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Us tourists might know it as the monkey forest, but its actual name is Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, attracting around 12,000 visitors per month! Fortunately, the prices haven’t shot up, like other areas of Indonesia, meaning entry should only be $3 (unless it has gone up since the time of writing). You can feed the monkeys, but be careful of your hands, don’t approach babies (as the parents might become defensive) and look after your valuables.

4) Ubud Hot Springs &  Waterfall Tour

5) Blue Lagoon Snorkeling East Bali

You can’t come to the Indian ocean and not make the most of the beautiful warm sea. If you book yourself on a tour, they will normally pick you up at around 8:30am, giving you time to have a quick breakfast first. Blue Lagoon beach is known in the area for having crystal clear water and largely avoiding pollution, with plenty of fish to spot.

6) Waterbom Bali

I LOVE waterparks, I’m so jealous we don’t have any in the UK (well, that it is too cold to enjoy them). Waterbom is great for families or adults who want to have a laugh! Just make sure to pack some sun tan lotion and some snacks in your bag, as the food is limited and slightly pricey. This waterpark has won awards for being one of the best tourist attractions in Indonesia, so what better reason do you need?

7) Uluwatu Temple

This Hindu temple is located in Uluwatu, dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. Despite it being known as a ‘sea temple’, it’s actually located at the top of a steep cliff, 70 metres above the water as it crashes against the cliff edge. Beyond looking at the beautiful architecture, this is a great spot to watch sunset. There are also plenty of monkeys in the surrounding forest which you will see running over in hope of a tourist feeding them.

8) Ubud Art Market

I love visiting a market while on holiday, while this is a great option to find yourself a summery shirt for the warm weather, a kite to fly through the sky, a hat to cover yourself from the sun or silk scarves which could make for a great present for someone back home. You may also recognise the scenes from the movie Eat Pray Love.

9) Bali Safari and Marine Park

Who doesn’t want to see the local wildlife when on holiday? There are more than 1,000 animals living in this national park, while you can have the full safari experience, climbing into the jeep or van and looking out at these majestic creatures. Some of the animals you can expect include tigers, elephants, lions, hippos and rhinos. Not quite the supposed ‘big five game’ but enough to make you feel like you’ve been on a brilliant safari.

10) Goa Gajah

Absolutely bizarre looking, this cave entrance was built in the 9th century as a sanctuary. If you think the mouth looks a bit bizarre, you’re not wrong, it’s supposed to be a demon. The direction translation of the name is ‘Elephant Cave’, but you won’t see any elephant carvings anywhere, just some incredibly creep yet spectacular demons.

11) Drink from the fountain of youth at Goa Gajah

You’ve already made your way to Goa Gajah to admire the creepy demon sculpture, but while you’re here you might want to try splashing your face with water from the holy ancient pools, which are believed to provide a supposed ‘fountain of youth’. Obviously, take that with a pinch of salt, but you might be in need of splashing your face considering the heat, so why not join in with the tradition.

12)Flying Fish Adventure

How is your fear of heights? Are you a good swimmer? If you’re fine with those questions then you might want to try this daredevil activity, flying forward on a rubber boat, attached to the back of a speed boat. This is a great activity to boost the adrenaline and get yourself pumping on a calm day away from sight seeing.

13) Explore the underground labyrinth Goa Gala-Gala

Located in Hang Tuah, if you were going to miss one thing from this hefty list, this would be it, as it was built based on a fear around the oppressive history and isn’t the most positive atmosphere. The owner has also been known to rip-off tourists, changing the price regularly and deferring quite significantly from the price stated online. Having said all of this, many still find it intriguing, equally terrifying and fascinating, therefore we wanted to include it.

14)Try cat poo coffee

Oh you heard me right! The coffee beans are partially digested coffee cherries, that go through the cats system and the stones are excreted. Kopi Luwak, as it is properly know, goes through the body of the Indonesian Palm Civet. Unlike your normal cuppa, it has been said to taste quite bitter due to the enzymes in the civet’s body changing the flavour of the coffee cherries. You will see this advertised all across Bali, a local delicacy.

15) Get a taste of royalty at Ubud Palace

Puri Saren Agung is one of the most commonly visited tourist attractions in Ubud, built in the 1800’s, by Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel. Various international events are held here throughout the year, from art to dance and live music to religious celebrations. You can see various traditional dance performances taking place here. It’s open from 8am until 7pm.

16) Watch the Kecak Fire Dance

This Balinese Hindu dance was first ever introduced back in 1930, taking place in a great area to watch sunset. Supposedly the dance doesn’t feel any pain from the fire as they are in a state of trance. There are around 12 dancers who will be performing simultaneously, however the exact number will change day to day. They are actually portraying the story of Ramayana through the form of dance.

17)Visit an abandoned airplane

There are actually 4 abandoned airplanes spread through Bali, all making for a bizarre and fascinating daytime activity. You think an airline would want to keep hold of their Boeing 737 or scrap it for parts, but they have been abandoned for an extensive period of time now. The most popular option is one located next to a limestone quarry, just off Raya Nusa Dua Selatan highway. Of course, you might know the Pandawa beach a little better, the most common reason for people visiting this area. The plane is on private property, so you will have to pay to enter the area, or you can look from afar.

18) Visit an abandoned amusement park

Before you ask the name, it’s Taman Festival Park. Locals believe it to be haunted and won’t take a single step inside, however it’s the man eating crocodiles that lurk within that I’d be a little bit more worried about. The park cost an astonishing $100 million

19) Explore the Uluwatu

cave beach

This is not a spot everyone gets to visit, it’s actually a hidden gem originally kept among surfers, considering some of the massive waves. You will want to go to Single Fin, before making the rest of the trip by foot. Word of warning, there are steps down, but they are very uneven and can be a tripping hazard, so walk with care. The Suluban cave can only be accessed during low tides (obviously) however it has become a bit of a tourist trap nowadays.

20) Release sea turtles at Kuta Beach

The time of your visit is equally as important, as the nesting season is between March and September and the hatching season is between April and October. This is a conservation programme, but you do have to look out for shady businesses that are trying to make some money from this tourist attraction. Being a conservation project, you can donate some money to their cause. You should normally look to arrive for 4pm.

21) Dinner with sunset at Jimbaran Beach

The views are spectacular, so your biggest question comes to which restaurant. Some of the most popular include Kisik bar and grill, Sundara, Opia dining destination, Unique rooftop bar, Dava steak & seafood restaurant, Sunset beach bar and grill, Bawang Merah beachfront Jimbaran, Rock bar, Above Eleven Bali, Beekini Bowl and Lia cafe. yep, quite a list! But I have gone in order of their ratings on Tripadvisor, so you might want to start with Kisik bar and drop down the list based on availability, food options and pricing.

22) Watch dolphins at Lovina Beach

This is a great activity which involves zero animal cruelty and allows you to see these gorgeous creatures in their natural habitat. Get ready for an early wakeup, with the tour guide stating they can pick you up from your hotel at 3am! Having said that, the majority of people who tried this activity were actually picked up at 6-7am. You will then be driven to Lovina beach, where you will board the boat and head off for a day of dolphin watching.

23) Go white water rafting

You have several options, based on your location, including Ayung river, Telaga Waja and Melangit. All locations offer different levels of rapids and  length of time, however the prices remain consistent at $32 per person. White water rafting easily makes it onto my list of things to do before you die as my favourite activity I’ve ever done in my life.

24)  Walk on the seabed

Perhaps the oddest experience on this list of things to do in Bali, the Bali sea walking is located in Kuta Selatan, as you climb down via a ladder and walk on the sea floor. You will have a helmet on your head, while many people who are nervous about scuba diving see this as a great alternative. You will also be escorted by a professional scuba diver who will look after you and guide you on your sea walk.

25) Underwater Tandem Scooter Ride

Bali must win the award for weirdest activities, with most of them being based underwater. Here is another, as you can explore the sea bed as a couple, great for a honeymoon or a family activity. This can be booked at the same place that offers the fly fishing adventure and the seabed walking. This looks like something out of a bizarre futuristic sea movie, but the photos will be hilarious.

26) Bike around the rice fields

Forget walking everywhere, you can hire some bikes out or go on a bike tour, taking you through the local villages and across the rice fields. The tour takes approximately 2 hours, while you also visit a coffee plantation. Most of the journey is on a downhill path, however there are a couple of hills that will push your energy levels, better not do it on a hangover day!

27) Visit a coffee farm

There are actually quite a lot of coffee farm tours available throughout Bali, so not one particular one I can point to, but the number one voted option on Tripadvisor is the ‘Sunrise in Bali: Mount Batur Hiking and Coffee Plantation Tour’, potentially due to the jaw dropping views from Mount Bajur.

28) Join a Balinese cooking class

I love Asian food, nothing in the world can beat it! Whether it’s Indian, Bangladeshi, Thai, Vietnamese or Balinese, it all tastes so good! Take a cooking class while here and you can impress your friends with some homemade Satay, Babi Guling, Betutu, Lawar, Bubur Mengguh and Urab.

(more…)

The Gili Islands are actually three separate islands based just off Lombok, called Trawangan, Meno and Air. Photos don’t do justice to these stunning locations, so if you’ve wanted an experience out of Robinson Crusoe or the Beach, then this is a perfect place to visit. Often people book their flights out here without any planning on what they want to do, beyond sunbathing and drinking pina coladas (that sounds pretty good to me), so have a read through my list of things to do on the Gili Islands. One extra point I want to make before you go ahead with the list is that I have purposely left off Cidomo’s from the list, as the horses have no water troughs meaning it is perceived by me and many others to be cruel.

1) Scuba Diving

How predictable was this one. The water is crystal clear and you will some truly bizarre looking fish, with 19 established diving sites, including Manta point, Meno wall, Shark point and the Bounty Wreck. There are a number of diving centres with PADI qualified divers who can walk you through, whether you are an experienced pro or a novice. There are now some quite unique tours you can do at night, where you have a UV torch, making all the coral shine beautifully.

2) Surfing

Look no further than Lombok if you are interested in trying surfing. The waves get pretty big, while you can hire boards quite easily if you don’t have one.

3) Cooking Classes

There are a couple of businesses on the islands offering cooking workshops, lasting about 2 hours. If you’ve ever had Indonesian food before, you will know how amazing some of it is, so this can be a great way to learn some of their methods and take them home with you, so the holiday never truly ends.

4) Party Hard

All three islands have their own appeal, but if you plan on doing some real partying, then you have to head over to Gili Trawangan, which has a number of bars very closely connected to each other. Some of my top recommendations include Sama Sama, Blue marlin and Rudy’s. There was also an Irish pub which was pretty decent, but a little too touristy to me.

5) Horseback Ride

The first time I got on a horse I almost had a heart attack, you don’t realise from the ground how high up you are, however riding a horse on a beach is something that everyone should do in their life. Once you’ve overcome the fear of falling off or the horse running away, you suddenly drift off into a feeling of absolute bliss, as you take in the fact you are riding a horse on a gorgeous beach with the sun setting in the background.

6) Snorkelling

Not everyone feels comfortable scuba diving, or can afford to do this more than once, however you can snorkel all day if you want with the mere cost of a snorkel mask. These islands are very rarely packed out, so you can swim around without bumping into anyone else, something highly contrasted to other beach style holidays I’ve experienced.

6) Hang Out With Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are actually my favourite animals in the world. The perfect scenario would be to spot some sea turtles while out scuba diving or snorkelling or even generally swimming. If you don’t manage to spot one in the wild, then you might want to visit one of the turtle sanctuaries and hatcheries. These are also ideal if you have little children on you, who aren’t old enough to properly snorkel or scuba dive. Ask the locals for advice on where to best spot one, the local fishermen always know the best spots.

7) Hike Treasure Hill

You will find the only hill based in Gili Trawangan, with some beautiful views of this picturesque island. This will also help break up your time on the beach. Some of the truly bizarre sites you will find include a World War II Japanese machine gun bunker. Lombok is always spoken about as a great close by place to visit if you are interested in hiking at all.

8) Cycle The Islands

Walking everywhere can get a bit tiring, however cycling will help you to reach all corners of the islands while having amazing fun. You will find paved ways for you to cycle on, while bikes are easy to cycle. First you should consider whether you plan on cycling on paveways and grass or along the beach. If you plan on going on the beach, you can hire a bike with special tyres which will allow you to glide straight over sand without over exerting yourself.

9) Have A Massage

There is nothing I enjoy more than a massage. I’ve had them all over the world, from Spain to Peru, while I find each place has their own techniques and none fail to leave me feeling better, whether relaxed or recovering the achy muscles from carrying a heavy bag on my back. There are many spa treatment packages you can look to purchase while here, perfect after a full day of swimming in the sea. I’m getting jealous just writing this!

10) Sea Kayaking

Many people try to swim from one island to another, not realising how strong the current is. If you want to properly explore, hire a sea kayak and go completely round the island or float from one to another. You can actually pay for a guided kayaking tour, which seems worth it to me.

11) Mushroom Milkshakes

It is perfectly legal to take magic mushrooms on these islands, however it is definitely illegal on all the neighbouring islands and countries, such as Bali, so make sure you don’t take any with you. But one of the best things you can try is a magic mushroom milkshake, helping you to digest these great mind altering drugs while avoiding the terrible taste of chewing them down.

12) Boat Party

You can hear the boat parties for miles around. This is the easiest way to meet other people on the island, while the drinking games are amazing. There are a couple of local businesses that set these up, which you can find out about from your hotel.