In Search of Dragons…A Family Adventure
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,Highlights:
This is the ideal family vacation, combining a variety of activities, learning experiences, cultural interaction and, oh yes, Dragons.
Start out with a stay in Bali, then take a trip to Labuan Bajo where you see Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. This suggested program is well suited for children older than seven years and is initially priced based on two adults and two children but can easily be adjusted based on other combinations.
This is the ideal family vacation, combining a variety of activities, learning experiences, cultural interaction and, oh yes, Dragons.
Start out with a stay in Bali, then take a trip to Labuan Bajo where you see Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. This suggested program is well suited for children older than seven years and is initially priced based on two adults and two children but can easily be adjusted based on other combinations.
SKU:
Explore: The Culture of INdonesia
Customizable Itinerary - 16 Days (from $5,360 / person)
Day 1: USA-Bali
The family boards an aircraft bound for Bali one of Indonesia’s most pleasant islands.
Day 2: En Route
Although you will not notice it, somewhere along your flight path you will cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day but you will have it returned to you when you return home.
Day 3: Welcome to Bali
Based on many connecting flights from the USA, you will arrive in the afternoon and one of our drivers will be waiting to take you to your hotel on the beach. Based on two children you will have a two bedroom pool villa. The rest of the day is at leisure. We will provide you with a list of restaurants in addition to your hotel.
Day 4: Balinese Kite Making
After breakfast you will be picked up and taken to the home of Mr. Made Dika who is an expert in the making of kites. Here you will learn how to make a kite from materials such as bamboo, strings cloth. Owl and butterfly-shaped kites can easily be disassembled for a return back home. The family will learn all about the science behind the shapes and capabilities of each type of kite. Once the kites are assembled and stable a short drive will take you to the beach where Mr. Dika will assist in a successful launch. Once the family is finished with the kite flying, you adjourn to a small pedestrian promenade where you visit a little eatery with a view of the sea with colorful outriggers lining the shoreline. You then are driven back to the resort.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: A Cruise to Nusa Lembongan
In the morning, the family will be picked up at the hotel and driven to Benoa Harbor. Here you will board a catamaran for a scenic ninety minute cruise to Nusa Lembongan, an island oasis of white beaches and clear water. Once on the island you have a variety of activities to choose from. For the water lovers there is snorkelling and a glass-bottom boat that provides spectacular views of the area’s abundant marine life. There’s also a mangrove tour in a small boat. Another option is to visit the island’s village to see village life and learn about the seaweed farms. You can combine these activities or just relax or play at the beach or the beach club. A barbecue buffet lunch will be served. Around 4PM you will board the catamaran for the trip back to Benoa and transfer to the resort.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Sanur- Mount Batur - Ubud
After breakfast you check out and meet your guide and your driver as you head inland to Ubud in the centre of the island. On the way you will stop at Kintamani where the still-active Mount Batur is located. Adjacent to the volcano is Batur Lake surrounded by the walls of the Caldera Rim. You will stop for lunch offering all-encompassing views over Lake Batur. After lunch, continue into the large caldera and, at the edge of the lava field, climb aboard one of the custom-made tour vehicles then drive along the lava field of Mt. Batur which most visitors don’t get the chance to experience. Continue on to the Cultural town of Ubud and your hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Village Cycling
Today you will be picked up and taken into the interior of the island and the traditional Balinese village of Carang Sari. Upon arrival you will be welcomed with tea while the cycling guides will provide a safety briefing, describe the route and demonstrate how to use the bikes’ gears and brakes. You then set off on ten mile cycling adventure with several stops along the way. Cruise through untouched rice terraces and villages dotted with traditional houses and temples. Stop to meet friendly locals, take photos of scenic spots and learn about the local culture. Pass through Sangeh a forest inhabited with monkeys who you will undoubtedly meet. Once the ride is completed you will be transferred to a local restaurant for an Indonesian buffet and then back to the resort. (We should note that another option is white water rafting which is level 2-3 soft-grade. We can discuss which is a better fit for your family during the booking process).
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Life in a Balinese Farming Village
This morning the family will travel to Marga a typical rural village. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this is the perfect place to experience authentic countryside lifestyles. You will be welcomed with a healthy drink in a family’s compound. Your hosts will introduce themselves and explain about their daily activities on the farm. Learn about their traditional herbal remedies, see remarkable inscribed palm leaves and discover other aspects of Balinese life. After exploring the family compound, join a farmer for an easy trek through the surroundings. Learn about the Balinese Subak irrigation system, a unique and effective method used by generations of local farmers. Pass through vibrant rice fields where, depending on the time of year, there may be a chance to assist local farmers. Return to the compound for a family-style lunch. After lunch you drive to Munduk where you have a chance to rest before dinner at the resort.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Bali Treetop Adventure and Luwus Village
After breakfast at the hotel you embark with the guide and driver to Bali Treetop Adventure which is nearby. Get ready to climb and swing. A professional guide will explain how the circuit work, how to use the equipment and will provide all safety instructions. It is recommended to start with the lowest category, Green Discovery Circuit, before trying the higher circuits. There is a variety of activities including high-flying swings, rope ladders, breath-taking jumps and a 470 foot zip line. Participants will be attached to a life-line support throughout the entire course. After lunch at Luwus village you return to the resort.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day10: Munduk to Seminyak
Today you check out and head out with your guide and driver. Your first stop will be Bedugul an area in the central highlands that is famous for its stunning natural beauty and three lakes. Ascend further to the north into the hills for a visit to the famous Ulun Danu Temple. Set on an island on the peaceful waters of Lake Bratan, this temple is one of Bali’s most iconic and photogenic sites. You then head to the beach at Seminyak.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Family Surfing Lesson at Kuta Beach
You will be picked up from the hotel and taken to Kuta Beach where you will be welcomed by your personal surf instructor. A teacher will demonstrate some techniques. The well-trained instructors show and teach the basics of surfing, how to balance, how to paddle etc., first is a pool and then, once the basic skills of surfing are learned then head out with the instructors to the ocean. After some free time at Kuta Beach you return to your resort. Your hotel is situated close to all the restaurants of Seminyak so there are plenty of places to choose from.
Breakfast
Day 12: Uluwatu and Jimbaran
You have the day to relax and play on the beach. In the late afternoon you will be taken to Uluwatu a beautiful temple set on steep cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean with a large sacred monkey population. Here you will witness a traditional ‘kecak’ dance which is a Balinese ‘fire’ dance. Watch the story of the Ramayana while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean below the cliffs. Following this spectacular start to the evening you will be taken to Jimbaran to enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue dinner on the beach. You then return to your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13: Flight to Flores Island
In the morning you will be transferred for a flight to Flores Island. You will land at the city of Labuan Bajo where you will be met and taken to your resort and Deluxe Beach Front Villa where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14: A Day with Dragons
Today will be a unique and special day as you come face to face with Komodo Dragons that can reach a length of nine feet. You start your day with a transfer to the port where you board a private speed boat. There ae other public boats but they are slower and this boat, just for the family, allows you to see more within the same day. Your first stop will be Loh Buaya Bay on Rinca Island where you register at the Komodo National Park office. Smaller that Komodo Island and mostly covered with savanna, it is easy to observe the dragons and other animals such as wild deer, water buffaloes, boars and horses on a one and a half hour trek under the guidance of a local park ranger. Continue to Padar Island where you hike to the top of the island’s highest hills for virtually unrivalled views of the surrounding ocean islands, bays and hills. Definitely a selfie moment! From Padar Island you continue to Komodo Island which, at 150 square miles is the largest and most famous of the island chain. It also has the largest community of Komodo Dragons and many other animals such as wild horses, buffaloes and pigs Another ranger will take you through the par to get a god look at the dragons. Return to the boat where lunch will be served. You then make your way to Kanawa Island where you can snorkel among pristine waters, colorful fish and brilliant coral reefs. FYI Komodo Dragons can’t swim. Return to Flores Island and your resort.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Return to USA
You have the morning to enjoy the facilities of the resort and have lunch. Then you are transferred to the airport for the flight that will begin your journey home.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 16: Arrival in the USA
You regain the day previously lost and arrive back in the USA.
The family boards an aircraft bound for Bali one of Indonesia’s most pleasant islands.
Day 2: En Route
Although you will not notice it, somewhere along your flight path you will cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day but you will have it returned to you when you return home.
Day 3: Welcome to Bali
Based on many connecting flights from the USA, you will arrive in the afternoon and one of our drivers will be waiting to take you to your hotel on the beach. Based on two children you will have a two bedroom pool villa. The rest of the day is at leisure. We will provide you with a list of restaurants in addition to your hotel.
Day 4: Balinese Kite Making
After breakfast you will be picked up and taken to the home of Mr. Made Dika who is an expert in the making of kites. Here you will learn how to make a kite from materials such as bamboo, strings cloth. Owl and butterfly-shaped kites can easily be disassembled for a return back home. The family will learn all about the science behind the shapes and capabilities of each type of kite. Once the kites are assembled and stable a short drive will take you to the beach where Mr. Dika will assist in a successful launch. Once the family is finished with the kite flying, you adjourn to a small pedestrian promenade where you visit a little eatery with a view of the sea with colorful outriggers lining the shoreline. You then are driven back to the resort.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: A Cruise to Nusa Lembongan
In the morning, the family will be picked up at the hotel and driven to Benoa Harbor. Here you will board a catamaran for a scenic ninety minute cruise to Nusa Lembongan, an island oasis of white beaches and clear water. Once on the island you have a variety of activities to choose from. For the water lovers there is snorkelling and a glass-bottom boat that provides spectacular views of the area’s abundant marine life. There’s also a mangrove tour in a small boat. Another option is to visit the island’s village to see village life and learn about the seaweed farms. You can combine these activities or just relax or play at the beach or the beach club. A barbecue buffet lunch will be served. Around 4PM you will board the catamaran for the trip back to Benoa and transfer to the resort.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Sanur- Mount Batur - Ubud
After breakfast you check out and meet your guide and your driver as you head inland to Ubud in the centre of the island. On the way you will stop at Kintamani where the still-active Mount Batur is located. Adjacent to the volcano is Batur Lake surrounded by the walls of the Caldera Rim. You will stop for lunch offering all-encompassing views over Lake Batur. After lunch, continue into the large caldera and, at the edge of the lava field, climb aboard one of the custom-made tour vehicles then drive along the lava field of Mt. Batur which most visitors don’t get the chance to experience. Continue on to the Cultural town of Ubud and your hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Village Cycling
Today you will be picked up and taken into the interior of the island and the traditional Balinese village of Carang Sari. Upon arrival you will be welcomed with tea while the cycling guides will provide a safety briefing, describe the route and demonstrate how to use the bikes’ gears and brakes. You then set off on ten mile cycling adventure with several stops along the way. Cruise through untouched rice terraces and villages dotted with traditional houses and temples. Stop to meet friendly locals, take photos of scenic spots and learn about the local culture. Pass through Sangeh a forest inhabited with monkeys who you will undoubtedly meet. Once the ride is completed you will be transferred to a local restaurant for an Indonesian buffet and then back to the resort. (We should note that another option is white water rafting which is level 2-3 soft-grade. We can discuss which is a better fit for your family during the booking process).
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Life in a Balinese Farming Village
This morning the family will travel to Marga a typical rural village. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this is the perfect place to experience authentic countryside lifestyles. You will be welcomed with a healthy drink in a family’s compound. Your hosts will introduce themselves and explain about their daily activities on the farm. Learn about their traditional herbal remedies, see remarkable inscribed palm leaves and discover other aspects of Balinese life. After exploring the family compound, join a farmer for an easy trek through the surroundings. Learn about the Balinese Subak irrigation system, a unique and effective method used by generations of local farmers. Pass through vibrant rice fields where, depending on the time of year, there may be a chance to assist local farmers. Return to the compound for a family-style lunch. After lunch you drive to Munduk where you have a chance to rest before dinner at the resort.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Bali Treetop Adventure and Luwus Village
After breakfast at the hotel you embark with the guide and driver to Bali Treetop Adventure which is nearby. Get ready to climb and swing. A professional guide will explain how the circuit work, how to use the equipment and will provide all safety instructions. It is recommended to start with the lowest category, Green Discovery Circuit, before trying the higher circuits. There is a variety of activities including high-flying swings, rope ladders, breath-taking jumps and a 470 foot zip line. Participants will be attached to a life-line support throughout the entire course. After lunch at Luwus village you return to the resort.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day10: Munduk to Seminyak
Today you check out and head out with your guide and driver. Your first stop will be Bedugul an area in the central highlands that is famous for its stunning natural beauty and three lakes. Ascend further to the north into the hills for a visit to the famous Ulun Danu Temple. Set on an island on the peaceful waters of Lake Bratan, this temple is one of Bali’s most iconic and photogenic sites. You then head to the beach at Seminyak.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Family Surfing Lesson at Kuta Beach
You will be picked up from the hotel and taken to Kuta Beach where you will be welcomed by your personal surf instructor. A teacher will demonstrate some techniques. The well-trained instructors show and teach the basics of surfing, how to balance, how to paddle etc., first is a pool and then, once the basic skills of surfing are learned then head out with the instructors to the ocean. After some free time at Kuta Beach you return to your resort. Your hotel is situated close to all the restaurants of Seminyak so there are plenty of places to choose from.
Breakfast
Day 12: Uluwatu and Jimbaran
You have the day to relax and play on the beach. In the late afternoon you will be taken to Uluwatu a beautiful temple set on steep cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean with a large sacred monkey population. Here you will witness a traditional ‘kecak’ dance which is a Balinese ‘fire’ dance. Watch the story of the Ramayana while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean below the cliffs. Following this spectacular start to the evening you will be taken to Jimbaran to enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue dinner on the beach. You then return to your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13: Flight to Flores Island
In the morning you will be transferred for a flight to Flores Island. You will land at the city of Labuan Bajo where you will be met and taken to your resort and Deluxe Beach Front Villa where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14: A Day with Dragons
Today will be a unique and special day as you come face to face with Komodo Dragons that can reach a length of nine feet. You start your day with a transfer to the port where you board a private speed boat. There ae other public boats but they are slower and this boat, just for the family, allows you to see more within the same day. Your first stop will be Loh Buaya Bay on Rinca Island where you register at the Komodo National Park office. Smaller that Komodo Island and mostly covered with savanna, it is easy to observe the dragons and other animals such as wild deer, water buffaloes, boars and horses on a one and a half hour trek under the guidance of a local park ranger. Continue to Padar Island where you hike to the top of the island’s highest hills for virtually unrivalled views of the surrounding ocean islands, bays and hills. Definitely a selfie moment! From Padar Island you continue to Komodo Island which, at 150 square miles is the largest and most famous of the island chain. It also has the largest community of Komodo Dragons and many other animals such as wild horses, buffaloes and pigs Another ranger will take you through the par to get a god look at the dragons. Return to the boat where lunch will be served. You then make your way to Kanawa Island where you can snorkel among pristine waters, colorful fish and brilliant coral reefs. FYI Komodo Dragons can’t swim. Return to Flores Island and your resort.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Return to USA
You have the morning to enjoy the facilities of the resort and have lunch. Then you are transferred to the airport for the flight that will begin your journey home.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 16: Arrival in the USA
You regain the day previously lost and arrive back in the USA.