Ultimate Indonesia: Sumatra, Bali & Komodo Self-Launched Adventure

Fly into Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), Medan. Take the Railink Airport Express train into central Medan (~£2, 45 mins) or a Grab taxi (~£5–8). Check into a budget guesthouse or hostel in the city centre. Spend the evening exploring Medan's vibrant food stalls — try the local Batak cuisine and famous Medan coffee.

🚌Railink Airport Express train from KNO to Medan city (~£2) or Grab taxi (~£5–8)

🛏Penginapan Medan Guesthouse or similar budget option — ~£10–15/night

• →Arrive at Kualanamu International Airport (KNO)
• →Take Railink Express train to city centre (~£2) or Grab taxi (~£5–8)
• →Check into hostel/guesthouse
• →Explore Medan's street food scene — try Bika Ambon and Mie Aceh

Take an early shared minibus from Medan to Bukit Lawang (~3 hrs, ~£3–5 — book via guesthouse or Pinang Baris bus terminal). Check into a riverside guesthouse in Bukit Lawang. In the afternoon, visit the famous bat caves independently — entrance is minimal or free with a local guide hired on arrival (~£5–8). Watch thousands of bats emerge at dusk from the caves' dramatic stalactite chambers.

🚌Shared minibus Medan → Bukit Lawang (~£3–5, book via guesthouse or Pinang Baris terminal)

🛏Jungle Inn Bukit Lawang or Green Hill Guesthouse — ~£10–14/night

• →Shared minibus from Medan to Bukit Lawang (~3 hrs, ~£3–5)
• →Check into riverside guesthouse
• →Self-guided or locally-guided bat cave visit (~£5–8 for a local guide)
• →Evening drinks at a riverside warung (local café)

Book a half-day guided jungle trek into Gunung Leuser National Park directly with local licensed guides at the park entrance — this is the same experience offered by group tours. Prices are ~£25–35 including park entry and guide. Spot wild orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, and tropical birds. Guides prepare a freshly cooked jungle lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy river tubing back to the village (~£5 for tube hire — a Bukit Lawang highlight not to miss).

🚌Walk to/from park entrance (5 mins from village)

🛏Jungle Inn Bukit Lawang or Green Hill Guesthouse — ~£10–14/night

• →Half-day guided orangutan trek in Gunung Leuser National Park (book directly with local guides at park entrance, ~£25–35 incl. park entry)
• →Jungle lunch prepared by your guide
• →River tubing back to Bukit Lawang village (~£5)

Take a shared minibus back to Medan (~£3–5), then fly Medan (KNO) to Padang (PDG) — budget airlines like Lion Air or Batik Air operate this route for ~£25–45 booked in advance. Alternatively, take the overnight Trans-Sumatra bus (~12 hrs, ~£10) for the ultra-budget option. Arrive in Padang and explore at your own pace. Padang is the birthplace of Nasi Padang — you'll find incredibly cheap, flavoursome food here. Don't skip the rendang!

🚌Minibus to Medan (~£3–5) + domestic flight Medan→Padang (~£25–45 via Traveloka)

🛏Hangtuah Hotel or The Dapur Kopi Guesthouse Padang — ~£10–15/night

• →Morning minibus back to Medan (~£3–5)
• →Domestic flight Medan (KNO) → Padang (PDG) with Lion Air/Batik Air (~£25–45, book via Traveloka or Tiket.com)
• →Explore Padang city on foot — visit Pasar Raya market
• →Eat legendary Nasi Padang and rendang at a local Rumah Makan Padang

Book a 2-night Mentawai cultural homestay package through local operators in Padang such as Mentawai Ecotourism or similar agencies (~£40–60pp for a 2-day package incl. ferry, homestay, meals and guide). The fast ferry from Padang to Siberut or Sikakap takes ~3–5 hrs. Travel deep into the jungle to Muntei village to spend time with the Mentawai people — learning about their tattooing traditions, spiritual beliefs, visiting the village farm and local market. Sleep in a traditional uma (communal longhouse) with a host family.

🚌Fast ferry Padang → Mentawai Islands (included in package or ~£10–15pp)

🛏Traditional Mentawai uma (longhouse) homestay with host family — included in local tour package (~£40–60pp for 2-day package)

• →Fast ferry Padang → Mentawai Islands (~3–5 hrs, included in local package or ~£10–15 separately)
• →Cultural immersion at Muntei village — meet the Mentawai people
• →Visit village farm and local market
• →Traditional lunch with locals
• →Overnight homestay in traditional uma longhouse

Wake to jungle birdsong and spend the day in the uma with your host family and their shaman (sikerei). Learn traditional tribal survival skills including foraging for jungle plants and basic hunting techniques. This is a genuinely rare cultural experience — the same content offered by Gap360 but booked through local Padang-based ecotourism operators. Enjoy another evening of storytelling and cultural exchange with your host family.

🚌No transport — full day in the village

🛏Traditional Mentawai uma (longhouse) homestay — 2nd night (included in package)

• →Meet the village shaman (sikerei)
• →Learn tribal foraging and hunting survival skills
• →Full day of cultural immersion with host family
• →Evening storytelling and traditional meal

Take the fast ferry back to Padang, then arrange local transport (~£5–10 by shared taxi/ojek) south along the coast to Nagari Sungai Pinang, a beautiful traditional fishing village with golden beaches and almost no tourists. Stay in a local family guesthouse. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing on the beach, watch the sunset with the fishing community, and enjoy an evening campfire.

🚌Ferry back to Padang + shared taxi/ojek to Nagari Sungai Pinang (~£5–10 total)

🛏Local family guesthouse / homestay in Nagari Sungai Pinang — ~£8–12/night

• →Fast ferry Mentawai → Padang (included in package or ~£10–15)
• →Shared taxi/ojek south to Nagari Sungai Pinang (~£5–10)
• →Afternoon beach swim and relaxation
• →Sunset watch with local fishermen
• →Evening campfire on the beach

Book a local island-hopping boat trip directly through your guesthouse or local operators in Nagari Sungai Pinang (~£15–25pp). Visit Turtle Point, Nemo Point, and Snake Island for snorkelling among vibrant coral and marine life. Stop at the local turtle volunteer project — a community-run initiative where you can learn about conservation and help release baby turtles. Return for a beach campfire evening with new friends.

🚌Local boat trip (included in island-hopping package ~£15–25pp)

🛏Local family guesthouse / homestay in Nagari Sungai Pinang — ~£8–12/night

• →Local island-hopping boat trip — Turtle Point, Nemo Point, Snake Island (~£15–25pp, book via guesthouse)
• →Snorkelling with colourful reef fish
• →Visit turtle conservation volunteer project (~£5 donation suggested)
• →Help release baby turtles into the ocean
• →Evening campfire on the beach

Travel back to Padang by local transport and fly Padang (PDG) to Bali Ngurah Rai (DPS) — book with Lion Air, Batik Air or Citilink via Traveloka (~£35–60 often routing via Jakarta). Grab a Grab taxi from the airport to Canggu (~£8–12). Check into a surf hostel in Canggu — the neighbourhood is known for its laid-back creative vibe, black sand beaches and surf breaks. Spend the afternoon at Echo Beach or Batu Bolong, grab a cocktail at one of the beach bars, and enjoy your first Bali evening.

🚌Domestic flight Padang → Bali DPS (~£35–60) + Grab taxi to Canggu (~£8–12)

🛏Canggu surf hostel e.g. Dojo Bali, Kos Bali Hostel or similar — ~£12–18/night dorm

• →Travel to Padang airport + domestic flight Padang → Bali DPS (~£35–60 via Traveloka/Tiket.com)
• →Grab taxi airport → Canggu (~£8–12)
• →Check into surf hostel in Canggu
• →Explore Echo Beach and Batu Bolong Beach
• →Sunset cocktails at a Canggu beach bar

Hire a scooter (~£4–6/day) or book a private driver for the day (~£25–35 split between travel companions) to visit Bali's iconic temples. Taman Ayun in Mengwi (entry ~£1.50) is a beautiful royal water temple surrounded by lotus-filled moats and manicured gardens. Tanah Lot (entry ~£3) is arguably Bali's most photographed temple, perched dramatically on a sea rock at sunset. Remember to wear a sarong (usually lent free at the entrance). Return to Canggu for a night out.

🚌Scooter hire (~£4–6/day) or private driver (~£25–35 shared)

🛏Canggu surf hostel — ~£12–18/night dorm

• →Hire scooter (~£4–6/day) or shared private driver (~£25–35 for the day)
• →Taman Ayun Royal Temple, Mengwi (entry ~£1.50)
• →Tanah Lot sea temple at sunset (entry ~£3)
• →Wear a sarong — provided free at temple entrances
• →Night out in Canggu

Book a 2-hour surf lesson on Kuta Beach directly with one of the many surf schools on the beach or via Klook/GetYourGuide (~£15–25pp incl. board and instructor). Kuta is the best beginner surf beach on Bali and instructors are plentiful and experienced. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or back at the pool in Canggu. Head back out for another evening in Canggu's beach clubs.

🚌Grab taxi Canggu → Kuta Beach (~£3–5 each way)

🛏Canggu surf hostel — ~£12–18/night dorm

• →2-hour surf lesson at Kuta Beach (~£15–25pp — book via Klook, GetYourGuide or directly on the beach)
• →Afternoon beach relaxation at Kuta
• →Grab an acai bowl or smoothie at a Canggu café
• →Evening at Canggu beach clubs (Old Man's, Finn's Beach Club area)

Take a Grab taxi or shuttle bus from Canggu to Ubud (~1.5 hrs, ~£3–6 shared shuttle via Perama or Kura-Kura Bus). Check into an Ubud guesthouse. On the way or in the afternoon, visit one of the region's stunning waterfalls — Tegenungan (entry ~£2, closest to town) or the more dramatic Kanto Lampo or Tukad Cepung waterfall (entry ~£2–3 each). Swim in the turquoise pools, sunbathe on the rocks, and snap some iconic photos. Head out for drinks and live traditional Kecak music in the evening.

🚌Shared shuttle bus Canggu → Ubud (~£3–6 via Perama)

🛏Ubud budget guesthouse/homestay e.g. Ubud Tropical Hostel or family-run losmen — ~£10–18/night

• →Shuttle bus Canggu → Ubud (~£3–6 via Perama shuttle or Kura-Kura Bus)
• →Visit Tegenungan Waterfall (~£2 entry) or Tukad Cepung / Kanto Lampo (~£2–3)
• →Swimming in waterfall pools
• →Evening out with live music — check listings at Ubud Palace (traditional Kecak dance ~£8–10)

Start the morning at Ubud's vibrant Pasar Ubud market (free to browse) — an explosion of colour, incense and fresh produce. Book a Balinese cooking class directly with a local school such as Lobong Cooking Class or Casa Luna (~£25–35pp incl. market visit, class and lunch) or via GetYourGuide — you'll learn to cook satay, lawar, and other Balinese classics, and make a canang sari offering. In the afternoon, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (entry ~£3.50) — hundreds of grey macaques roam among ancient temple ruins. Hold onto your sunglasses and snacks!

🚌Walking/scooter within Ubud

🛏Ubud budget guesthouse/homestay — ~£10–18/night

• →Morning visit to Pasar Ubud food market (free)
• →Balinese cooking class incl. market tour (~£25–35pp — book via GetYourGuide or directly with local schools like Lobong or Casa Luna)
• →Make canang sari Balinese devotional offerings
• →Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (~£3.50 entry)
• →Evening stroll along Monkey Forest Road

Hire a scooter or private driver for the day (~£20–30 shared) to explore Ubud's iconic surroundings. Start at Tegalalang Rice Terraces (small entry/maintenance fee ~£1–2) for the classic Bali green-staircase views. Drive up to the Kintamani region for a panoramic lunch overlooking the vast Mt Batur volcanic caldera — many warungs offer a set lunch with this view for ~£4–7. Browse the Sukawati or Kreneng art markets on the way back for souvenirs. Final night out in Ubud — try a Jamu cocktail bar.

🚌Scooter hire (~£4–6) or private driver shared (~£20–30)

🛏Ubud budget guesthouse/homestay — ~£10–18/night

• →Tegalalang UNESCO Rice Terraces (~£1–2 entry/maintenance donation)
• →Scooter hire or private driver for the day (~£20–30 shared)
• →Lunch overlooking Mt Batur volcano in Kintamani (~£4–7)
• →Browse Sukawati or local art markets
• →Final evening in Ubud — Jamu cocktails and live music

Book a fast boat directly from Bali (Serangan or Padang Bai harbour) to Gili Trawangan — operators like Eka Jaya or Blue Water Express run this route (~£20–30pp, ~2–3 hrs). Book in advance via GetYourGuide or direct operator websites. Alternatively take the Perama shuttle bus + public ferry route (~£10–15 but takes 5–6 hrs). Arrive on Gili T, check into a beachfront bungalow or hostel, rent a bicycle (no motor vehicles on the island, ~£3/day), and head out to the famous beach bars for sunset drinks and dancing under the stars.

🚌Fast boat Bali (Serangan/Padang Bai) → Gili Trawangan (~£20–30pp via Blue Water Express or Eka Jaya)

🛏Gili Trawangan hostel or budget bungalow e.g. Good Heart Bungalows, Pondok Nusa — ~£12–20/night

• →Fast boat Bali → Gili Trawangan (~£20–30pp — book via Eka Jaya, Blue Water Express, or GetYourGuide)
• →Check into beachfront bungalow or hostel
• →Hire a bicycle (~£3/day — the only way to get around!)
• →Evening at Gili T beach bars — watch sunset from the famous beach swings

Book a Gili Islands snorkelling and island-hopping cruise directly on the beach or via GetYourGuide/Klook (~£15–25pp for a half-day trip). Visit all three islands — stopping at the best snorkelling spots around Gili Meno's famous Turtle Heaven (wild sea turtles!) and Gili Air's coral gardens. Wander untouched beaches, and sunbathe on deck. Return to Gili T for another night of dancing under the stars — don't miss the regular full-moon and half-moon parties.

🚌Included in island-hopping boat trip

🛏Gili Trawangan hostel or budget bungalow — ~£12–20/night

• →Gili Islands snorkelling & island-hopping boat trip (~£15–25pp — book on beach or via GetYourGuide/Klook)
• →Snorkel at Turtle Heaven, Gili Meno — swim with wild sea turtles
• →Explore Gili Air village and beach
• →Evening beach party / bar-hopping on Gili Trawangan

Sleep in, then rent a bicycle (~£3/day) and spend the day circling the entire island — it takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Stop at whichever beach catches your eye — the north and east sides are quieter and more pristine than the main strip. Grab a smoothie at a beachside warung, hire a snorkel for an hour (~£3), and watch the sun go down with a Bintang beer on the west-facing beach. Perfect last evening on Gili T.

🚌Bicycle hire ~£3/day (only transport on the island!)

🛏Gili Trawangan hostel or budget bungalow — ~£12–20/night

• →Bicycle hire for full-island circuit (~£3/day)
• →Explore quiet north and east beaches away from the main strip
• →Snorkel hire (~£3) off the quieter beaches
• →Sunset Bintang beers on the west-facing beach

[26-day route continues here — 18-day travellers should take the fast boat back to Bali for their return flight from DPS, allowing 5–6 hrs travel time. Book a flight after 6pm.] Take a short local boat (cidomo or island ferry) from Gili T to Bangsal harbour on Lombok (~£3–5, 30–45 mins), then a local bemo (minibus) or Grab taxi south to Kuta Lombok (~2 hrs, ~£5–10). Kuta Lombok is completely different to Kuta Bali — pristine horseshoe bays, dramatic hills, and barely any crowds. Check into a guesthouse, relax by the pool, and explore the beach town.

🚌Island ferry Gili T → Bangsal (~£3–5) + Grab/bemo to Kuta Lombok (~£5–10)

🛏Kuta Lombok guesthouse e.g. Bombora Bungalows, Anda Bungalows or similar — ~£10–16/night

• →Public island ferry Gili Trawangan → Bangsal Harbour, Lombok (~£3–5, 30–45 mins)
• →Bemo or Grab taxi south to Kuta Lombok (~2 hrs, ~£5–10)
• →Check into Kuta Lombok guesthouse
• →Afternoon at Kuta Lombok beach — swim, sip coconuts, explore the bay
• →Explore Kuta town — try Lombok Ayam Taliwang (spicy grilled chicken)

Visit the traditional Sasak village of Sade (free entry, small donation welcome) near Rembitan — a living example of Lombok's indigenous culture where you can watch traditional songket weaving and learn about local customs. Hire a local guide or scooter for the day (~£4–6). In the afternoon, head to the spectacular Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls in Aik Berik (~entry £2–3 + short jungle trek) or Tiu Kelep waterfall near Senaru for the truly adventurous. Swim in the cool jungle pools.

🚌Scooter hire (~£4–6/day)

🛏Kuta Lombok guesthouse — ~£10–16/night

• →Scooter hire for the day (~£4–6)
• →Sasak traditional village of Sade — weaving demonstrations, cultural tour (free, small donation)
• →Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfalls (~£2–3 entry + jungle trek)
• →Swimming in waterfall jungle pools

Lombok's south coast is home to some of the finest beaches in Southeast Asia, and almost none of the crowds you'd find in Bali. Hire a scooter or local driver and spend the day beach-hopping along the stunning south coast. Stop at Mawun Beach (curved turquoise bay, perfect for swimming), Selong Belanak (wide gentle surf beach), and the jaw-dropping twin bays of Tanjung Aan. Enjoy a beachside lunch at a local warung for ~£3–5 and soak up the paradise vibes.

🚌Scooter hire (~£4–6/day)

🛏Kuta Lombok guesthouse — ~£10–16/night

• →Scooter hire for south coast beach crawl (~£4–6/day)
• →Mawun Beach — sheltered turquoise horseshoe bay
• →Selong Belanak — gentle surf and white sand
• →Tanjung Aan — spectacular twin bays (small parking fee ~£0.50)
• →Beachside lunch at a local warung (~£3–5)

Take the public ASDP ferry from Kayangan Harbour, East Lombok to Poto Tano, Sumbawa (~1.5 hrs, ~£3–5 — ferries run regularly). Then take a shared bemo or local bus to Alas or Sumbawa Besar town (~£3–5). Sumbawa is a rugged, off-the-beaten-track island with white sand beaches, excellent surf, and barely any Western tourists. Check into a simple guesthouse and spend the afternoon on the beach — play volleyball, swim, or simply enjoy the rare quietude.

🚌ASDP ferry Lombok → Sumbawa (~£3–5) + shared bemo/bus (~£3–5)

🛏Local guesthouse (penginapan) in Sumbawa Besar or Alas — ~£8–14/night

• →ASDP public ferry Kayangan (Lombok) → Poto Tano (Sumbawa) (~£3–5, ~1.5 hrs)
• →Shared bemo or bus to Sumbawa Besar / Alas area (~£3–5)
• →Check into local guesthouse (penginapan)
• →Afternoon on the beach — swimming, beach volleyball
• →Explore local Sumbawan food at a warung

Arrange a local boat trip to Moyo Island through your guesthouse or at Alas harbour (~£15–25pp for a day trip by chartered local boat — Moyo is a short sail from the Sumbawa north coast). Moyo is a pristine UNESCO-listed nature reserve uninhabited by permanent residents, home to deer, wild boar, and macaques. Walk through the jungle with a local guide to hidden waterfalls (Air Manis waterfall is spectacular), picnic on a deserted beach, and snorkel the crystal-clear reefs. Watch the golden sunset as you sail back.

🚌Chartered local boat to Moyo Island and back (~£15–25pp)

🛏Local guesthouse (penginapan) in Sumbawa Besar or Alas — ~£8–14/night

• →Local chartered boat to Moyo Island (~£15–25pp — arrange via guesthouse or Alas harbour)
• →Guided jungle walk to Air Manis waterfall (local guide ~£5–8)
• →Wildlife spotting — deer, macaques, tropical birds
• →Snorkelling over Moyo's pristine coral reefs
• →Beach picnic lunch
• →Sunset sail back to Sumbawa

This is where you join a 3-day/2-night live-aboard Komodo cruise — the best-value way to see Komodo independently. Book through reputable Labuan Bajo operators such as Under Pressure Diving, Wicked Diving, or via GetYourGuide/Klook in advance (~£120–200pp for a 3D/2N open-trip live-aboard including all meals, snorkelling equipment, park fees and guide). Travel from Sumbawa Besar to the boat's departure point or arrange for the boat to pick you up en route. First stop: Satonda Island — a tiny volcanic island with a mystical saltwater crater lake. Walk around the lake, snorkel the colourful reef, and enjoy a local meal on deck as the stars emerge.

🚌Included in live-aboard package (boat travel)

🛏Komodo live-aboard boat (shared dorm cabin) — included in cruise package (~£120–200pp for 3D/2N)

• →Board 3D/2N Komodo live-aboard open trip (~£120–200pp total — book via GetYourGuide, Klook or operators like Wicked Diving, Under Pressure)
• →Sail to Satonda Island — volcanic crater saltwater lake walk
• →Snorkelling over Satonda's coral reef
• →Sundowner drinks and local dinner on deck

Wake up at anchor in Komodo National Park — one of Indonesia's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today's highlights are included in your live-aboard package: snorkel with majestic manta rays at Manta Point (seasonal — best Jun–Nov but mantas present year-round), visit the famous Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) — one of only 7 pink beaches in the world — and hike to the dramatic viewpoints on Padar Island for panoramic views over three coloured bays. Dinner and optional stargazing from the upper deck.

🚌Included in live-aboard package

🛏Komodo live-aboard boat (shared dorm cabin) — 2nd night (included in cruise package)

• →Manta Ray snorkelling at Manta Point (included in cruise)
• →Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) swimming and sunbathing
• →Padar Island sunrise/sunset hike — iconic three-bay panorama viewpoint
• →Gili Lawa viewpoint hike
• →Dinner and stargazing on the upper deck

The final morning of the cruise — a guided ranger-led trek on Komodo Island to see the world's largest lizards up close. Komodo dragons can reach 3m long and 70kg — a genuinely prehistoric encounter. Your park guide (included in cruise fee, mandatory by law) will lead you safely around the island. The cruise then docks in Labuan Bajo, the charming fishing-town gateway to the Komodo Islands on the island of Flores. Check into a guesthouse, clean up, and celebrate your incredible 26-day adventure with a final dinner and night out in Labuan Bajo's lively bar scene.

🚌Included in live-aboard cruise (dock at Labuan Bajo harbour)

🛏Labuan Bajo guesthouse e.g. Gardena Hotel, Bayview Gardens or similar — ~£12–18/night

• →Guided ranger trek to see Komodo dragons on Komodo Island (included in cruise — ranger mandatory by law)
• →Dock in Labuan Bajo, Flores island
• →Check into Labuan Bajo guesthouse
• →Celebrate final evening — dinner and drinks in Labuan Bajo (try the fresh-caught seafood on the harbour)

Say farewell to Indonesia! Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) has domestic flights to Bali (DPS) with Garuda, Lion Air and Wings Air (~£35–60, ~1.5 hrs — book via Traveloka or Tiket.com), from where you can connect to international flights home. Book a Grab or ojek to the airport (~£3–5, the airport is close to town). If you have time before your flight, grab a final Kopi Flores and watch the fishing boats leave the harbour.

🚌Ojek/Grab to Labuan Bajo Airport LBJ (~£3–5) + domestic flight LBJ → DPS (~£35–60)

🛏None (departure day)

• →Domestic flight Labuan Bajo (LBJ) → Bali (DPS) (~£35–60 — book via Traveloka, Garuda or Lion Air)
• →Onward international flight home from Bali DPS
• →Final Kopi Flores coffee at the harbour before departure