Hike and Kayak Indonesia's Remote Islands
Trek through Bali's jungles, paddle between paradise islands, live aboard a boat and hang out with Komodo dragons
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
5 nights in hotels, 3 nights on a liveaboard boat, 1 night camping, 1 night in a homestayMeals
All breakfasts, all lunches and 7 dinnersInternal flights & transfers
Return flights between Bali and Flores are included, plus transfers to and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment & Permits
All your cycling and kayaking equipment, plus all permits and entry feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike along lush jungle paths to discover waterfalls and secret pools, and cycle the forest trails and lava fields around Mount Batur
Kayak, swim and snorkel the pristine waters of Komodo National Park, sleeping on a liveaboard boat and spotting wild Komodo dragons
Discover Indonesian tradition and culture first-hand in the remote villages and agricultural communities of Bali and Flores
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Bali!
Your airport transfer will whisk you off to your hotel in Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali. If you’ve got the time and energy, there’s plenty to explore nearby: from ancient temples and prolific gardens, to the spectacular landscape of rice fields and the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Join your group and your guide later for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample Indonesian cuisine and get to know your fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Cycle past villages, temples and caves in Kintamani
Cycling
Enjoy an early breakfast, then drive for about an hour to Pukuk village in the Kintamani region, one of the most scenic areas in Bali. Soak up the pace of rural Balinese life as you pedal along village roads and dirt tracks with stops to visit a Balinese house compound and Panempahan Temple, an 11th-century village temple. Leaving the road behind for a while, take a dirt track through rice fields to Goa Garba Cave and explore this former royal meditation site. Ride for another hour on small roads and tracks to your endpoint at Samuan Tiga Temple. Return to your hotel after lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the pool, or explore more of Ubud's enchanting sights and temples.
Day 3
Hike the waterfalls of Bali's 'Secret Garden'
Hiking
Rise early and drive north to the untouched ‘Secret Gardens' of Sambangan, where lush jungles, natural pools, clear rivers and cascading waterfalls await. The hike will start from Bali's secluded and picturesque highlands, where you'll find authentic villages rarely seen by travellers. Hike past emerald green rice terraces, local farms and coffee plantations, before heading deep into the forest. Here, you'll discover some of the island’s most spectacular waterfalls, surrounded by lush trees and exotic flowers. Enjoy a barbecue lunch (weather permitting), then cool off in the rejuvenating natural pools. Head back to Ubud in the afternoon, and get some well deserved rest before tomorrow's exciting journey to the island of Flores.
Day 4
To Flores Island
Driving
Hop on a flight from Denpasar to the town of Labuan Bajo, located on the rugged island of Flores. Flights are usually direct to Labuan Bajo and the total flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. Continue your journey by vehicle for a three-hour transfer to the village of Repi. Locals here are the direct descendants of the Wae Rebo people, who you'll visit tomorrow. Wander around the village and see daily life in this remote farming community, then settle in for the night at a spectacular cliff-top camp site overlooking the sea.
Day 5
Trek to Wae Rebo
Hiking
Wake up to the sound of waves, fuel up on breakfast and enjoy an optional early morning walk to a remote beach. Get driven to a trailhead on the remote roads along the south of Flores, from where you'll hike to the isolated village of Wae Rebo, nestled in an ancient volcanic caldera and surrounded by panoramic mountains and the dense Todo forest. Wae Rebo is a true example of successful community-based tourism - here, the locals use your visit to supplement their traditional agricultural lifestyles and help keep their customs alive. You'll be welcomed by the elders and offered a drink of wild-harvest Luwak coffee. This evening, you'll enjoy one of the best homestay experiences in Asia as you snooze in one of the Wae Rebo's traditional, conical-shaped huts.
Day 6
The gateway to Komodo National Park
Hiking
Driving
Spend the morning in Wae Rebo village, then hike back down to your pick-up point for the drive to Pante Hera, where you'll stop for lunch on a clifftop overlooking a long, sandy beach and the Savu Sea. There may be time for a quick dip before hitting the road again, to reach the port town of Labuan Bajo. Enjoy a sunset walk on the beach or relax by the pool - there'll be time this evening to refresh and prepare for your liveaboard boat adventure in the Komodo National Park.
Day 7
Sail, swim and kayak in Komodo National Park
Kayaking
Board your boat - home for the next few nights. You'll get acquainted with your kayak and begin your island-hopping journey. Visit Rangko Beach to explore a secret cave with a deep turquoise pool. If time and conditions permit, plunge into the underwater world with your snorkel before spending your first night on board – don’t forget to look up and take in the blanket of stars overhead.
(Due to the currents and changing tides in the Komodo National Park, the schedule for the activities during your liveaboard is flexible and will be adjusted accordingly to ensure your safety and enjoyment.)
Day 8
Island hopping in the Coral Triangle
Kayaking
Snorkelling
Kayak and snorkel through the stunning Coral Triangle. Home to migrating manta rays, dolphins, turtles and over a thousand identified coral and fish species, it has one of the richest concentrations of marine life on earth.
Day 9
Meet the dragons
Hiking
Kayaking
Rise early and head to Komodo Island in pursuit of the world's largest lizard: the Komodo dragon. Averaging between two and three metres long, these legendary creatures can only be found on a handful of islands within the National Park. In order to see them in their natural habitat, you’ll walk through the centre of the island alongside a guide from the local village. Enjoy a little more kayaking and snorkelling before spending your final night on the boat, soaking up another dramatic sunset.
Day 10
Back to Bali
Snorkelling
Depending on the flight schedule, you may have time for a final snorkel in the crystal clear waters around tiny Bidadari Island before you return to dry land and transfer to the airport in Labuan Bajo. Catch a flight back to Bali (approximately 1 hr 20 minutes, direct). Settle in to your comfortable beach resort, situated amidst palm trees and tropical gardens, and toast the end of your epic island adventure with your fellow travellers.
Day 11
Goodbye Indonesia
Enjoy a last tropical breakfast before your transfer to the airport in time for your return flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali
Arrive any time on Day 1
Ends
Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali
Depart any time on Day 11
Transfers
Transfers are included at any time if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 11. The journey time generally takes between one and one and a half hours depending on traffic. If you would like to arrive early or extend your stay, your host can arrange airport transfers for an extra cost. See Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Bali from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7 – Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Indonesian food varies greatly by region, but there is one thing you can always depend on finding: rice. You can expect to eat a range of curries, noodle dishes and soups. All Indonesian dishes are prepared by combining the four main tastes groups of salty, sweet, sour and bitter. Nasi Goreng is a popular dish that is often served with a spicy 'sambal', a chilli-based paste that you will find everywhere.
Most dietary requirements can be catered for, just double-check with your host upon booking if you have a specific request.
What is the accommodation like?
Bali
You’ll spend the first three nights in a locally-owned hotel - usually, the beautiful Radha Phala which is nestled among the verdant paddy fields of Kumbuh Village, just a stone’s throw away from Ubud's lively centre. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and on-site spa facilities, free WiFi and elegantly decorated air-conditioned rooms.
On the final night, you'll usually stay at the comfortable Rama Beach Resort and Villas. A tranquil sanctuary in the southern part of Kuta Bali, it has superb facilities including a spa, a pool and gym. It's also surrounded by hectares of lush greenery.
Repi
In Repi, you’ll stay at a remote clifftop camping site. This is a new operation run by the local villagers, who will host you in basic bunk houses (mixed dorm) or on a tent platform. There are two cold water showers, a western bucket-flush toilet, a kitchen operated by local staff and a lovely common dining area with panoramic views.
Wae Rebo
Here, you'll stay in the same manner as the locals - in a large communal room in a traditional thatched building. There are shower facilities, but you should be prepared for a basic set-up. You may wish to pack earplugs!
Labuan Bajo
You'll stay in twin rooms in a comfortable hotel in Labuan Bajo, usually the charming oceanfront Luwansa Beach Resort.
On the water
You’ll spend 3 nights on a liveaboard boat in multi-share cabins (usually 4 berths per cabin). All cabins are air-conditioned with sea-view windows, a light and a power source. There are several cold water bathrooms on the boat, as well as deck space for relaxing on.
Upgrades
For solo travellers wanting their own space, you can request a solo room upgrade for the five nights in hotels. This option is not available in Wae Rebo (one night), the clifftop campsite (one night) and on the liveaboard boat in the Komodo Islands (three nights). Please request on booking, as this is subject to availability. See Optional Extras for prices.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip is designed for those of average fitness. You should feel comfortable kayaking for a couple of hours at a time and may benefit from some upper body strength to enjoy it more, however, the boat is always close by should you need it. And if you have enough of kayaking, snorkels are on hand if you fancy jumping in instead. The hikes are mostly three to four hours, on local jungle and village trails and dirt tracks, and although there are a few hills to climb, they are relatively gentle. However, the heat and humidity can make them feel more tiring than usual. The short cycling trip in Bali is suitable even for novice cyclists. You'll cycle mostly on gentle village roads and dirt tracks with little elevation gain. The ride is conducted at a leisurely pace with regular stops to visit sites along the way and there is a support vehicle should you prefer to skip part of the ride.
Life on the boat is all about kayaking, snorkelling, eating and sleeping. Each day is a mix between action packed activities for all levels and leisure time. All water activities are supervised by the dinghy boat in case anyone wants to cut them short and they are also entirely optional, so you are free to take things at your own pace. Evenings can be spent enjoying other travellers' company or stargazing.
What will I need to carry?
You'll only need to carry a small day rucksack (20-30 litres) containing personal items (spare layers, snacks, drinking water, camera etc.) during the activities. Your main luggage will be transported for you.
Komodo and the surrounding islands are one of Indonesia’s driest regions. The rainy season is short and tends to run from January to mid-march. April to June is a great time to visit the islands as they are full of life and extremely green, post-rain. Temperatures range from 26-31c and nights are usually cooler and fresh. July to August can get a little warmer and rainfall is barely heard of as things start to get hot and dusty on the island.
A fantastic trip
The whole trip was extremely well organised and executed. The guides were a highlight. The accommodation was as described and as expected. Some tough parts when trekking but the Komodo National Park area was a standout.
Excellent multi activity adventure
From start to finish I enjoyed every minute of this trip. Our guide - Guido- was an excellent communicator and great fun. This trip was well organised and the activities were excellent, especially the time on board the boat and the kayak/snorkeling guides. We were so lucky on the trip to see a school of manta rays, plenty of turtles and beautiful corals and half a dozen komodo dragons. Cannot fault the local guide company. I was also fortunate enough to have great fellow travellers in the group.
Incredible from start to finish!
I'd been considering booking an MBA for a while and decided to take the plunge for my first trip to Indonesia. The itinerary is well thought out, jam packed with activities, culture and an amazing Island adventure. It's executed in such a way that you see both well known tourist areas and lesser known spots, without having to navigate large groups due to the timing of the visits. Personal highlights were the boat trip, inc snorkelling, sunrises, kayaking, food and the visit to the mountain village home stay. Our group was like minded and we felt like old friends after the first few days. We met lot's of local Guides who added value to the experience, especially our main lead guide who's stories and local knowledge were an amazing added bonus.
Best of Indonesia
So impressed with the trip. It has such a fantastic mix of activities and places to stay. From an epic home stay, lovely hotels, a great boat stay and sleeping under the stars. Guido was a great guide taking us cycling, kayaking, snorkelling, watching sunrises and sunsets, up close with incredible animals, hiking, plus seriously amazing food. Loved every moment
Indonesia is really amazing and
Indonesia is really amazing and the trip allowed you to see a lot of it. The guides were great. Would highly recommend.
Awesome adventure in remote Indonesia
This is without doubt one of the most varied, thrilling and fascinating trips we have been on, loved every minute of it. We had culture, wildlife in abundance, spectacular scenery and amazing guides who knew exactly how to show off their stunning country. We cycled and hiked the jungles and rural areas in the north, swimming under cascading waterfalls and seeing the remote villages and how the local people live. Then we flew to Flores island, sleeping on platforms next to the ocean, hiked to WaeRebo village to experience village life sleeping in thatched huts. Then it was on to our favourite part, living on the boat for 4 days. Very hard to describe how amazing this part was, the crew were just the best and did everything to make sure we were safe and had the experience of a lifetime. We kayaked, snorkelled in crystal clear waters seeing sea turtles, sharks (small ones!), manta rays and so many colourful fish and coral reef. Seeing the Komodo Dragons was another highlight, we managed to see quite a few on the day and got some awesome photos. Also have to mention the food on the boat which was so good and varied and different for every meal. To sum up, we met a great group of like minded people, yes there are long hours in the van but it’s comfortable and allows you to see the country, the liveaboard is definitely the best part and really cannot recommend this trip highly enough
Adventure unlimited Paradise found!
This trip.is for those who are seeking non stop activity and experiences. Each new day brought a new experience guided by an experienced leader. One day we were hiking to swim to a waterfall the next following a manta ray while snorkeling. The highlight was staying on a livaborad boat on the most beautiful waters. Our every need was met and the guides and crew went above and beyond!!!! Our trip mates were awesome adding the overall ideal holiday.
Outstanding trip in stunning Indonesia
From the mountains of Bali to the teaming sealife of the Flores Sea this trip was fantastic in everyway. Dewa, the main guide, was charming, knowledgeable and everything was organised perfectly. The cycle ride and hike to waterfalls in Bali was almost all downhill and allowed you to see how locals live. Flores Island was beautiful and the time in the comfortable van once again enabled you to see how normal life is in this region. The sweaty hike to Waerebo, worth it for the same reason. If I had to pick a highlight it would be the live aboard. The boat and super friendly crew were outstanding - clean, comfortable and everything you needed. The guides from Komodo Kayaking were just brilliant, knowledgeable, friendly and very professional and knew exactly how to find the wildlife - komodo, turtles, manta ray, dolphins! The kit was up to all the international safety standards and in excellent order. An awesome trip, I can't recommend enough.
Totally loved it!
Awesome trip, totally loved it!
Great trip!
This was a great adventure that covered a multitude of experiences. Meeting the Komodo Dragons was a huge highlight for me, but the days on the boat were probably my favorite part. I have done dozens of adventure trips and 9 with MBA and I would have rated this an EASY level as opposed to the MODERATE level they advertise, but doesn’t diminish the experience. The first day of biking had just been changed from riding on lava rock - which others had said was too difficult - to literally an all downhill ride. All we did was pump the brakes, so most of us did our own work out afterwards as we felt like we didn’t get any exercise that day.
I did this trip back to back with the other MBA hiking trip, which made the very long trip halfway around the world a little more worth the trip - just fyi, in case you are able to get a month away from responsibilities in life.
Had an amazing adventure, met
Had an amazing adventure, met some lovely like minded people, every activity was well organised, the guides Dewa and Joe were brilliant. Would highly recommend this trip. The cycling itinerary changed just before we arrived following feedback I believe and is certainly an easy ride now(all down hill), visiting a local school, temples, coffee farms. Don’t be put off by the feedback about travel times, the roads have improved since so not so bumpy all the way now, still long car journeys but there is so much to see outside that it goes really quickly and plenty of stops on way. We had our own sing along in the car, so much fun with our guide Joe, giving us lots of local information along the way.
Fantastic, unique experience - loved it!
Dad and I went on MBA Hike and Kayak Indonesia trip in Jul 24 and absolutely loved it.
We had a small, likeminded group of lovely people. It felt like we fitted in 2 months of activities in under 2 weeks.
Cycling in Ubud, Bali was fantastic and allowed us to see aspects of day-to-day life in Bali that we otherwise would not have. Make sure to wear hiking boots for the waterfall hike in Bali as it was more challenging than anticipated and more technical than Waerebo.
The eco-camp and Waerebo hike and stay were a real highlight. Whilst it was a long drive across Flores I loved looking out the window and watching the scenery.
The Komodo boat trip was wonderful. Relaxing, amazing food and scenery. I am not a big kayaker so opted out of most of the kayaks and spent time relaxing and reading on the boat, which was the perfect end to the holiday. Food on the boat was amazing.
Such a great trip - thank you Gui and MBA.
Well organised and fun tour
I really enjoyed this tour, particularly the Flores part of the trip, both the Waerebo village visit and the Komodo live-aboard boat trip. I found it to be well organised, most activities were away from the busyness that predominates Bali. However driving to the activities or destinations is slow going, but this is Indonesia.
Good trip but a few tweaks could make it even better
Overall this was a good trip which I enjoyed enormously. The first half of the trip involved a great deal of travelling and one wonders why we didn't stay nearer to where we hiked and biked. This travelling meant that there was next to no time to see Ubed or even enjoy the hotel. For me three hours of cycling was not sufficient and it was difficult terrain so a lot of stops and starts. Very arduous to get to Wae Rebo and a late return meant there was no time to enjoy the hotel on the beach in Flores. The boat was fantastic although fairly crampt conditions. Amazing food and upbeat guides. Given these minor criticisms it was still an amazing trip but another day in Ubed and Flores would be good
Some parts enjoyable, others not so much
Positives: The wildlife and the 4 days on the boat were stunning. The food was really good, especially on the boat. Met a lovely bunch of people.
Negatives: This was my first trip with much better adventures and I don't think I'd use them again. The trip out to Wae Rebo was awful, very long long drive to get there on poor roads, and the overnight homestay was horrific -way to many tourists packed into a single room sleeping next to a stranger with no mosquito net. The cycling on the itinerary is actually mountain biking and definitely not the easy its described as, even the mountain biking guide pushed their bike a few times. I was looking forward to the thermal baths to be told by the guide not to bring swim wear as we weren't going. Then we went but I didn't have anything to swim with so couldn't go in. You have to get into the kayaks from the side of the boat one at a time and this takes a really long time just waiting around in the heat. Too many guides. Think its overpriced for what it is.
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’re delighted to hear that the Komodo cruise, food, and group dynamic were highlights of your experience. Your constructive insights are greatly appreciated, and after reviewing them alongside other customer feedback, we’ve made some thoughtful adjustments to the itinerary, which were implemented ahead of the July 2024 departure:
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Cycling Route Adjustment: We’ve modified the cycle route on Day 2 to a 30km ride along village roads and dirt tracks, offering more opportunities to explore points of interest along the way. As a result, the thermal baths are no longer included, as there are none close to the new route.
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Enhanced Wae Rebo Experience: Despite the long drive, we continue to visit Wae Rebo homestay, as we believe it provides valuable cultural insight while supporting the local community. However, our Indonesia host has collaborated with the village head to further enhance the experience, and we’re pleased that recent travellers have highlighted Wae Rebo as a standout part of the itinerary.
This tour features a main guide supported by specialist activity and local guides as needed for their expertise. Our local host is a pioneer in developing kayaking tourism in the Komodos and actively runs programs to train local kayaking guides, ensuring high-quality experiences for our travellers.
While we believe this tour offers excellent value—covering return flights to Flores, a three-night liveaboard Komodo cruise, a diverse range of activities with specialised equipment, and most meals included—we have now provided additional clarity on the trip page with a dedicated “What’s Included” section.
We truly appreciate your feedback and are committed to continuously refining our tours to provide the best possible experience.
Jenny - MBA Operations Team
Good but could be even better
The time on the boat was just lovely - wonderful scenery, great kayaking/snorkelling/swimming/food with plenty of komodo dragon/turtle sightings. The trip out to Repi/Wae Rebo was less fun - it's a long way to get there on roads which are at times in a very poor state (the entirety of day 4 is basically spent travelling), and the overnight homestay was just ghastly - so many tourists packed into a single room, and the many mosquitos/midges (with no nets provided) did not make for an enjoyable experience! If this section was dropped in favour of more time spent on the boat or back in Bali, it would make for an incredible trip
Great trip but some improvements needed
This is my first multi-activity trip with Much Better Adventures having previously done a hiking and a kayaking trip with them. Cycling on the larva fields was definitely not suitable for novice cyclists! There were a lot of "stop-starts" during the trip due to the considerable amount of travelling involved. The itinerary would feel more seamless if the visit to the Wae Rebo is removed (be prepared to sleep shoulder-to-shoulder with 20+ strangers!) The live-on-boat was amazing, with delicious meals prepared by a very talented chef. If you prefer a single kayak, make sure to request prior to the trip otherwise a tandem will be provided by default. Be prepared to be blown away by the spectacular views both above and under the water!
Such an amazing trip with
Such an amazing trip with a great mix of activities allowing us to see some spectacular landscapes not usually on the tourist trail. The guides were excellent and the food was amazing, particularly on board the boat.
Too many tour guides. Food
Too many tour guides. Food was excellent. Need to change activities that involve traveling on bad roafs
Thank you for your feedback—we're delighted the food was an unexpected highlight! Based on your insights and other customer input, we’ve made thoughtful itinerary adjustments ahead of the July 2024 departure:
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Enhanced Wae Rebo Experience: While the long drive with some poor road sections remains, we believe Wae Rebo offers valuable cultural insight and community support. Our Indonesia host has worked with the village head to elevate the experience, and recent travellers have praised it as a highlight.
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Cycling Route Update: Day 2 now features a 30km ride along village roads and dirt tracks, with more opportunities to explore local points of interest.
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Guides: Our tours are led by a main guide, supported by activity specialists and local guides where needed. Our host is a pioneer in Komodo kayaking tourism, training local guides to ensure high-quality experiences.
We appreciate your feedback and remain committed to refining our tours for the best possible experience!
Jenny - MBA Operations Team
Incredible in every way
This is hands down one of the best holidays I've been on. It was seamless, well organised and filled with fun activities and once in a lifetime experiences. I loved the hiking, cycling, snorkeling, kayaking and it was incredible to swim with sea turtles and get close up with komodo dragons. A particular highlight was living on the boat with Komodo Kayaking who were just amazing. Its great to be able to explore a new country with locals as guides and to be able to really experience the real Indonesia. This was my first Much Better Adventures experience and I'm keen to do more.
Good trip with 1 change required
Overall, I found this to be a good trip. Not a highly physical trip but rather consistent days of light to moderate activity. The 3-day section involving the village should be eliminated due to the local road conditions. The 3 days ended up being a short hike and hours in a van. The boat section was well planned and kept us busy.
An unforgettable trip
Had an amazing time on this trip and felt like I experienced parts of Indonesia that many tourists don't. The time on the boat was my highlight, especially snorkeling with the turtles, and the food and crew there were exceptional.
The only negative is that there's quite a bit of time traveling in the first half of the trip, but the destinations make it worth it!
Really amazing trip from start to finish. The boat was an incredible place to see what this country has to offer. A good general mix of activities and things to do/see. There was a fair bit of travelling between places but overall a wicked adventure with lots of memories to treasure.
What an experience. This formed about half of our entire trip to Bali/Indonesia, and there is no way our travels would've been as memorable as they are without it.
Great holiday, a wonderful range of activities . The boat trip was great , the scenery was spectacular and the activities were well planned. The local support were brilliant and the food on boat was amazing.
The booking experience with Benny was really easy and any extras quickly sorted out. The local host Dewa Merta was fantastic and able to help with many extra requirements (ie doctors!). Fantastic varied group experience, met some wonderful people from all over Europe. Would definitely recommend this trip!
I was initially a little apprehensive but will now probably do the majority of my holidays with much_better_adventures. Great fun - lots of flexibility if you need to take a day off - like minded people - and a fully arranged trip from all pickups, transfers, entrance fees, etc which is often not the case with other companies. Above all, the tour guides are exceptional. I’ll be back next year!
Cannot recommend this enough. The best trip I have ever been on, I am still reeling from it. It was my first time travelling in Asia and I was blown away by the experience. A perfect mix of physical adventure and cultural insight - Gusti was very experienced and knowledgeable and I learnt a lot. For me the highlight was Snorkelling and swimming alongside a turtle, I felt like I was alone in the world with it. It was magical! I loved all of our time on the boat - the scenery, the swimming, the kayaking, sunsets, the food! And the trek and stay in Wae Rabo, meeting the community there was an special moment. Hard to choose, it was all brilliant.
We thoroughly enjoyed a real adventure with MBA. Flores is a stunning island to explore from the scenery, to the wildlife, to the people. By foot, boat, kayak and snorkel we saw pink beaches, wild jungle, bustling coral reefs and mighty komodos. Our guide, Gusti, was knowledgeable and patient as he expertly wove our western expectations with the laid back local way of life, exemplified by the phrase "there's UK time, and then there's Flores time". 10/10
I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for adventure. There is something different to experience everyday, the local food is delicious and the local people are so friendly and inviting. By going to less touristy areas we really felt that we could experience the culture authentically
Itinerary Activities
- Guided cycle through the Kintamani region
- Guided hike through Bali's 'Secret Gardens' of Sambangan
- Guided hike to the village of Wae Rebo
- Guided hike from Wae Rebo through remote south Flores
- Guided kayak to Rangko Beach
- Guided kayak and snorkelling in the Coral Triangle
- Guided hike through Komodo Island to spot Komodo dragons
- Guided kayak and snorkel around Komodo Island
- Snorkelling around Bidadari Island
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
- 5 nights in hotels
- 3 nights on a liveaboard boat
- 1 night camping at a clifftop site run by local villagers
- 1 night at a homestay in a unique thatched hut
Meals
- 10 delicious breakfasts
- 9 tasty lunches
- 7 Indonesian dinners
Internal flights
- Flights from Bali to Flores, and back
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport at any time on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport at any time on Day 11
- All transfers during the trip
Equipment
- All your cycling gear
- All the equipment you'll need for kayaking
Permits
- All permits and entry fees
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost and are not expected by the crew. If you have extra support throughout the trekking element, there may be an expectation for a little something. Small gifts from home are always appreciated instead.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's Included
- Snorkel masks and fins are available on the Komodo boat
Bags
-Soft duffel bag or rucksack
-Daypack 20+ litres
Clothes
- Fleece jacket, or similar lightweight jacket, for the evenings
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts (men and women are expected to cover knees in villages and small towns)
- T-shirts (men and women are expected to cover shoulders in villages and small towns)
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear (acceptable to wear this while kayaking and on the boat, there's no need to cover up other than for sun protection)
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes (worn-in)
- Sandals
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Sport gloves (for kayaking, optional)
Sleeping
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
What's Included?
Snorkel masks and fins are available on the Komodo boat
Other
- Shawl, sarong or scarf (for temple or traditional village visits, these can be bought locally)
- Padlock for luggage
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Spare camera batteries
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream (reef-friendly only!)
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle (1 litre capacity)
Your host does a lot of work with the local community and has set up a project that donates reading glasses where needed. If you have any knocking around, or can source a couple of pairs from a charity shop, they will go a long way.
Additional Night in Bali Double/Twin/Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Bali Double/Twin/Single Room
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade (5 nights): From...
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (5 nights): From...
…
Private airport transfer (one way, 1-2 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer (one way, 1-2 people)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 1023kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
There is a mix of double and single kayaks. The single kayaks are Kazakazi Skua touring kayaks with a maximum weight limit of 160kg. The double (tandem) kayaks are "HUG" touring kayaks with a maximum capacity of 210kg.
Clean drinking water will be provided throughout. Please pack your own reusable bottle, it will be well used.
Your luggage can stay with you for the whole trip and will be transported for you. If you are staying longer in Bali, you can leave some things at the hotel at the beginning of the trip if needed. We would advise you to pack light due to the amount of transfers in the trip.
20kg is the standard luggage allowance on the internal flights but extra weight can easily purchased if needed.
Life on the boat is all about kayaking, snorkelling, eating and sleeping. Each day is a mix between action packed activities for all levels and leisure time. All water activities are supervised by the dinghy boat in case anyone wants to cut them short and they are also entirely optional, so you are free to take things at your own pace. Evenings can be spent enjoying other travellers' company or stargazing.
Tips are not included in the trip cost and are not expected by the crew. If you have extra support throughout the trekking element, there may be an expectation for a little something. Small gifts from home are always appreciated instead.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influences the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and heat stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Tuesday 20th May 2025
to Friday 30th May 2025
