Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

Those not flying with the group from London will meet the tour leader at the airport at 9:00am (subject to change - see Final Joining Instructions) and will then meet the rest of the group there (it is normally possible to meet the tour leader at our pre-tour hotel at 7:30am and go with them to the airport to meet the rest of the group – though this needs to be arranged beforehand). From the airport we drive to Bukit Lawang (approximately 4-5 hours) on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park stopping for lunch on the way.

The rest of the afternoon is free to simply relax after the flight and explore the village. Bukit Lawang is one of the most accessible places to spot orang-utans, thanks to an orang-utan conservation programme that has been operating on the eastern edge of the park since the 1970s. The Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the orang-utan's last remaining strongholds, with more than 5000 animals thought to be living in the wild. Sumatran elephants, Sumatran rhinos and Sumatran tigers are all also found in the park, though very rarely seen. The village is attractive, built along one side of the river; relaxing at the river side it is not uncommon to see wild orang-utans come down to the water to drink.
Rindu Alam or similar

This morning we return to the old orang-utan rehabilitation centre. Those who want will then venture further from the park headquarters, discovering the flora and fauna of the park, and continuing our search for orang-utans and other wildlife. The park is host to approximately 700 different species of animals, more than 175 mammals, 320 birds, 190 reptiles and amphibians including Thomas leaf monkeys, macaques and gibbons. Other mammals found include the Sumatran elephant and the elusive Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros, although the last is unfortunately facing imminent extinction. We are unlikely to encounter these shy animals. This excursion will last approximately 6 hours, including time spent at the feeding station, and can be taxing given the steep, muddy terrain and hot and humid climate. Reasonable fitness is required and, therefore, completely optional. For anyone who chooses not to undertake the jungle-hike the rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the lodge.
Rindu Alam or similar

We fly to Bali via Jakarta. We aim to catch an early morning flight with good connections to minimise travel time but this may not always be possible and we may have to take a later flight. If all goes as planned, we will be arriving in Bali in the early afternoon and will transfer to our hotel in Sanur near the beach. The rest of the day is free to relax and plan any optional activities for tomorrow.
Swastika Bungalows / Taksu Hotel Sanur or similar

Today we fly to Labuan Bajo at the westernmost tip of the island of Flores. This town is the main entry point into the Komodo National Park and as such has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination. We aim to catch the afternoon flight which means we will be leaving for the airport around 12:30 and will be arriving at our hotel in Labuan Bajo later this afternoon.
Luwansa Beach Resort / Puri Sari Hotel or similar

This morning we make our way to Komodo Island. Upon arrival we take a trek to Banunggulung, the river bed where the dragons used to be fed fresh goats (until the mid-2000s). The hike takes us through spectacular scenery and there many unusual plants along the way. It is estimated that there are about 2,000 Komodo dragons on the island along with wild boar, deer and buffalo. There is also good bird-watching with cockatoos and Gosong birds amongst others.

Following this, we'll visit Pink Beach where we have time to go snorkelling with good chances of seeing parrotfish, clownfish and, with a bit of luck, various other sea-creatures including sea turtles. There is ample time to swim and snorkel and enjoy the beach before we head towards Manta Point - so-named as giant Manta rays, some with a wing-span of 4m, are regularly seen here. Our final leg today takes us to Gili Laba Island where we will drop anchor for the night.
On board the boat

We fly back to Denpasar (the flight times can vary) and drive (approx 2 hours) to Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and temples, our final destination.

Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word ubad (medicine); the town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants, but these days is known for its artistic community, awash with artists' workshops and art galleries. Ubud's history can be traced back to the 8th century, when a Buddhist priest came to Bali from Java, he meditated at the confluence of the two Wos rivers at Campuan, just west of the modern day town centre. A shrine was established and later expanded by Nirartha, a Javanese priest who is regarded as the founder of Bali's religious practices and rituals as we know them today. When Ubud became a Dutch protectorate at its own request, the colonialists interfered little, allowing the traditional arts and culture of the area to remain relatively unchanged. From the 1930s onwards western artists and intellectuals arrived furthering the local art scene, amongst them Charlie Chaplin and H.G. Wells. Ubud is still a haven for literati, glitterati and art collectors.
Sahadewa Resort Ubud or similar

Today is free to wander through the vibrant streets of Ubud enjoying the town’s cafes, shops, temples and theatres or go on another optional trip exploring other parts of the island. Your tour leader will be able to advise you on how best to spend your time.
Sahadewa Resort Ubud or similar