Check in, relax and explore the area or head to the nearby beach. In the evening head out for dinner at a local restaurant with your team and get a taste of Indonesian cuisine.

Take a short flight to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores - main entry point to the Komodo National Park. Get to know your boat crew and then head to Rangko beach to explore a secret cave with a deep turquoise pool that's perfect for a quick dip. Jump into your kayak and begin your island-hopping journey, before spending the night on the boat - don’t forget to look up and take in the blanket of stars overhead.

Kayak and snorkel through the Coral Triangle, the richest marine concentration on earth, home to migrating Manta Rays, dolphins, turtles and over 1000 identified coral and fish species. Time and tide permitting, you’ll also have the opportunity to view the famous flying foxes of Kalong Island. The entire island is covered with a dense mangrove forest and comes alive at dusk as thousands of these incredible animals take flight as they head to the pineapple and mangrove plantations on Flores island.

Rise early and head to Rinca island in pursuit of Komodo Dragons, the world's largest lizard. Averaging between 2 and 3 metres long, these legendary creatures can only be found on a handful of islands within the National Park and in order to see them in their natural habitat you’ll trek through the centre of the island alongside a guide from the local village. Do a little more kayaking and snorkelling and then spend your final night on the boat soaking up another dramatic sunset.

Snorkel the warm waters around Bidadari Island and then head back to Labuan Bajo and drive through the tiered rice fields of Western Flores passing vanilla, cinnamon and coffee farms. Explore Pante Hera, home to the only turtle conservation centre on the island and a 1.7km beach that doubles as a nesting ground for Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles. Spend an off-grid night on a pondok’ - a raised platform with a roof and tent inside that overlooks the sea. No electricity, no phone signal and definitely no light pollution.

Set off along the beach as you scout for new turtle nests alongside the local staff and then lend a hand with some of the projects being conducted, before visiting the nearby hot springs for a long soak. After lunch, trek to Wae Rebo, a traditional village located in an ancient volcanic caldera that can only be reached by footpath, where you'll be welcomed by the elders and a drink of wild-harvest Luwak coffee. Wae Rebo is a true example of successful community-based tourism, where the locals use your visit to supplement their traditional agricultural lifestyles and help keep their customs and traditions alive.

Yep, you read that right. Drive to Ruteng, passing through 4 distinct ecosystems, including the lush mountain forests of Manggarai at an elevation of 1800m. Stretch your legs through the rice fields, stop at a local market selling wares from the surrounding villages and then head on to your overnight spot at the convent of Susteran St Maria Berdukacita. The convent was opened up to visitors to give nuns and students the chance to practice hospitality and meet people from different cultures. Your dinner tonight will be served by the nuns themselves and it’s likely that you’ll wake to the sound of singing practice.

Choose between jumping in the bus or cycling to a viewpoint with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. The 2-hour cycle is mostly downhill or flat with a 20-minute, medium ascent, however there’s no better way to take in the sights, smells and sounds of local village life. Continue on to the jungle-flanked Lake Ranamese and stop at one of the traditional Arak (alcohol) distilleries, before reaching Bajawa where you’ll spend the night.

Start extra-early as you trek through forests and fields to visit the mountainous villages of the Ngada people, one of the few cultures in Indonesia that is matriarchal, with all property and assets passed along the female line. Explore the traditional villages of Bena, Luba and Gurusina and learn about this culture firsthand, then descend to the coastline and hike to Moni Village for dinner. From there you'll overnight in an ecolodge at the base of Mt Kelimutu.

Climb to the Kelimutu crater lakes as the sun rises and see their unusual colours for yourself, each caused by differing levels of volcanic activity and acidity. These lakes are considered by locals to be the resting place for departed souls and are often referred to ominously as ‘the lakes of evil spirits’. Climb 800+ metres through ever-changing ecosystems as the sun creeps down to the horizon and then head to the airport for your return flight to Bali and a final goodbye dinner.

Enjoy a last tropical breakfast and then head back to the airport in time for your return flight home.

Bags

• Daypack (35+ litres) for overnights and hikes

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 & socks
• Swimwear (acceptable to wear while kayaking and on the boat, no need to cover up)
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Something to sleep in
• Hiking boots or hiking shoes (worn-in)
• Sandals
• Lightweight waterproof jacket

Sleeping

• Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner

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 repellant
• 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 ltr capacity)
• Quickdry towel

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.