Imagine a rare adventure that combines four full days dedicated to discovering the unique traditions of Bali with six days snorkeling in some of the world’s most exceptionally biodiverse waters. Known as The Land of a Thousand Temples, Bali’s Hindu heritage is reflected in its ancient customs, other-worldly architecture, and thriving arts scene. After immersing yourself in Bali’s cultural wonders, travel to Wakatobi Island, located in Indonesia’s Coral Triangle and once described as an “underwater Nirvana” by Jacques Cousteau. Snorkel excursions on our private boat take us from shallow sites teeming with marine life to others farther afield in search of creatures great and small.
Three moments you’ll never forget
See the colorful offerings women carry on their head as they walk to the temple on the Island of Bali.
Snorkel at Wakatobi Reef, located in the epicenter of coral reef biodiversity and a designated UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve.
Walk amongst the lush green undulating rice terraces of Bali known for their striking patterns and beauty.
Featured
Day 1
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia / Ubud
Arrive in Bali and transfer to Udaya Resorts & Spa, a lovely boutique hotel set among lush terraced gardens overlooking rice paddies. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome reception hosted by our expedition leaders, followed by dinner.
Day 2
Ubud
With peaceful Ubud as a base of operations, spend four full days exploring the wonders of Bali. Visit Pura Taman Saraswati Temple (or “the water palace”), famous for its lovely lotus pond. Then, delve deep into Balinese cultural traditions at Museum Puri Lukisan and browse the colorful and complex masterpieces on display at the Indonesian Textile Gallery. After lunch, take a walk through a scenic rice paddy.
Day 3
Ubud
A full-day excursion takes us into the mountains of northern Bali. Here, the scared Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, also known as the Floating Temple, is set along the scenic shores of Lake Beratan. After ample time for exploration and photo ops, make a stop at the Gitgit Waterfall for a refreshing dip. Then head to a coffee plantation for a tour and a tasting. Finish the day with a visit to a viewpoint overlooking Wanagiri Twin Lakes and marvel at the vast expanse of terraced green rice paddies at Jatiluwih.
Day 4
Ubud
We continue our explorations with a morning stroll through the extensive gardens of Pura Taman Ayun Temple, built in 1634 and considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Bali. After working up a hearty appetite, return to Ubud for a hands-on cooking class and lunch at Café Wayan. The afternoon is at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or explore on your own. In the evening, attend a special traditional dance performance.
Day 5
Ubud
On our final day in Bali, travel to eastward to Pura Luhu Uluwau making stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, this temple is dramatically set on the edge of a cliff that towers 250 feet above the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Return to Ubud in the afternoon where we have free time to explore and get ready for our next stop, Wakatobi.
Day 6
Ubud / Denpasar / Wakatobi Island, Sulawesi Islands
Board our charter flight to Wakatobi Island, located in southwest Sulawesi. Check in to the luxurious Wakatobi Resort and settle in to your private bungalow. This evening, enjoy a delicious, gourmet meal at the ocean-side restaurant.
Day 7–12
Wakatobi
Spend six full days exploring the wonders of Wakatobi National Park. This UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve is renowned for the diversity of its spectacular coral gardens. Consisting of 3.4 million acres of islands and waters, Wakatobi also boasts incredible biodiversity, with nearly 400 coral species and around 600 fish species recorded. With miles of shallow reefs, steep walls, tiny atolls, and dramatic seamounts, Wakatobi offers numerous sites that are perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels.
The shallow shelf near the resort offers sea grass gardens and small coral bommies where we may find giant clams, anemones of all sizes, juvenile triggerfish, blue-ring octopus, and frogfish just a few steps from shore. House Reef is less than 80 yards out and offers a wealth of marine life and underwater landscapes. Search for anemonefish, leaf scorpionfish, and amazing invertebrates such as imperial and bubble shrimp as well as a huge array of colorful nudibranchs. Venture out to the edge of House Reef's dramatic drop-off to search for turtles, bumphead parrotfish, surgeonfish, angelfish, midnight snapper, and more.
Our dedicated snorkel boat takes us to hidden pinnacles, seamounts, and tiny atolls. Here we may find larger pelagics such as green and hawksbill turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, and swirling schools of batfish, barracuda, and bronze snappers. Flitting among the colorful corals are likely to find giant trevallies, houndfish, humphead wrasse pyramid butterflyfish, sergeant majors, and redtoothed triggerfish.
Day 13
Wakatobi / Denpasar, Bali
Board our charter flight for Bali. Check in to our hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for a festive farewell dinner.
Day 14
Denpasar / Homeward
After an immersive trip to Bali and Wakatobi, board your independent homeward flight.
OPTIONAL PRE-EXTENSION: Cultural Java with Shirley Campbell
6 DAYS
Jakarta / Borobudur / Yogyakarta
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Java while taking in the unique landscape of smoldering volcanoes, lush rice paddies, and ethereal temples. Visit the ninth-century Buddhist monument of Borobudur at sunrise – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most inspiring sights in all of Asia. Stroll through peaceful Kauman Village learning about Indonesia’s ancient art form of batik production. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and spend time wandering through the awe-inspiring complex containing 240 temples.
Departure
The trip starts and ends in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
“Indonesia is absolutely ‘top of the list’ both for what’s under the water, as well as what’s above it. On this adventure, we will explore the culture and natural wonders of the island of Bali, the only Hindu-majority province in the entire country, and a place that reveals its magic more and more with each visit. Home to over 900 species of fish, and over 750 species of corals, Wakatobi lies at the epicenter of the Coral Triangle, a region encompassing the highest coral reef diversity on the planet! With our own day boat at our disposal, we’ll explore the various hidden corners of this remarkable marine environment. Exploring reefs with such abundance and diversity means you never know what you might discover.”
– SHIRLey & Rich
Udaya Resorts & Spa
The Udaya Resorts & Spa is a space of zen and tranquility designed in luxurious, traditional Balinese architecture. Set in a tropical forest, this award-winning resort is surrounded by lush greenery and beneath clear skies. Its splendid but comfortable accommodations offer a world-class facility and 24-hour concierge service. Located within the property are the famous Kaveri Spa, Deeva Restaurant, and Vyoma Yoga Hut – all to fulfil your needs of self-healing and relaxation.
Wakatobi Resort
In a tranquil island setting far from crowds and cities, with no other divers for at least 100 miles, Wakatobi Resort seamlessly blends five-star amenities and civilized comforts with a pristine natural environment – a pairing that has secured its reputation as one of the world’s finest diving and snorkeling destinations. Each hand-crafted villa and bungalow is spacious, quiet, comfortable and just a few steps from the ocean. All are air-conditioned with WIFI internet access, along with comprehensive amenities. All meals and snacks (chef-prepared in our beachside restaurant) are included throughout your stay.
More Detail
PRICING
Garden Bungalow
Per Person: $9,890
Single Supplement: $2,690
Ocean Bungalow
Per Person: $10,780
Single Supplement: $3,540
Cultural Java pre-trip
Per Person: $2,890
Single Supplement: $990
Group Size
16 travelers
What’s Included
13 nights accommodation
All meals
Beer with lunch and dinner
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Park fees, taxes, and gratuities
Airfare between Bali and Wakatobi
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
