‘Here be dragons’ goes the old cartographers’ adage. In Indonesia, there are. Join the best local guides to see them for yourself (including on the lesser-visited island of Rinca) on this wildlife-rich adventure through Sumatra, Komodo and Bali. There are plenty more highlights too: spot orangutans in the jungles around Bukit Lawang, snorkel at a gathering spot for manta rays and turtles, and dive deep into the culture of historic Jakarta and arty Ubud. With our tour leaders’ insider expertise, every wild wonder comes vividly to life.
Want to travel this year? See our 2025 itinerary: Primates & Dragons of Indonesia
Activity Areas
Marine Wildlife
Primates
Wildlife Bestsellers
Wildlife Holidays
Region & Country & City
Asia: Indonesia
Included in the Price
- All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners - All accommodation - All transport and listed activities - Tour leaders throughout - Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
- Travel insurance - Single accommodation (available on request) - Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels), 5 Simple nights (3 lodge, 2 boat) - Travel by minibus, boat and internal flight - Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure begins in Medan, Sumatra • To Bukit Lawang
Begin your adventure in Medan, the largest city on the island of Sumatra, and a jumping off point for many visitors to Indonesia.
Meet the tour leader either at the airport or pre-tour hotel (see Final Joining Instructions for more details) and transfer (approximately four to five hours) to the village of Bukit Lawang on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, stopping for a light lunch en route.
The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and explore. Bukit Lawang is one of the most accessible places to spot orangutans, thanks to an orangutan conservation programme that has been operating on the eastern edge of the park since the 1970s. The village is attractive, built along one side of the river; relaxing by the river, it is not uncommon to see wild orangutans come to the water to drink.
Around 6pm, the group comes together for a welcome briefing, a chance to get to know each other a little better and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Indonesian welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)
Day 2 Track orangutans with an expert guide in Gunung Leuser National Park
Head into Gunung Leuser this morning, one of the two remaining habitats for Sumatran orangutans. Here, we’re joined by an expert local guide to explore the trails, searching for orangutans and other wildlife.
The hike itself is a leisurely couple of hours and there is a good chance of seeing Thomas’s leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques plus, hopefully, one of the orangutans who inhabit the forest. Our hike ends at the one-time feeding station, where we have an improved chance of spotting orangutans.
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)
Day 3 Spend a full day with expert guides in Gunung Leuser
Return to the old feeding station this morning for another chance to spot orangutans. Those who wish can then head deeper into the jungle, continuing our search for the ‘gardeners of the forest’ and other wildlife, guided by the insider knowledge of our local experts.
The park is home to around 700 animal species, including macaques, gibbons, Sumatran elephants, and plenty of birdlife.
This optional excursion lasts approximately six hours, including time at the feeding station, and includes steep, muddy terrain and a hot, humid climate. For anyone who chooses not to undertake the jungle hike, the rest of the day is free to relax at the lodge.
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)
Day 4 Unlock Bukit Lawang culture with a village walk and cooking demonstration • Return to Medan
Discover the cultural side of Bukit Lawang this morning with a village walk, witnessing daily life play out and learning about the history and heritage of the people.
After, head to a local house to watch an Indonesian cooking demonstration by one of the villagers, followed by a homemade lunch of local dishes.
Return (approximately four hours) to Medan in the afternoon, where we stay before our early morning flight tomorrow.
Accommodation: Aryaduta Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Fly to Jakarta • Explore the heritage and culture of Jakarta old town
Rising early, we catch a morning flight to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel to check in and refresh, before heading out to explore Kota Tua (the old town) and harbour front with our tour leader.
Our exploration takes us to: Fatahillah Square, a lively plaza that often hosts traditional dance performances; the Jakarta History Museum; and Wayang Museum, which is dedicated to Javan wayang puppetry. We also visit the street food hub of Glodok, also known as Chinatown, the maritime museum, before finishing with a stroll around Sunda Kelapa, the old port of Jakarta.
Accommodation: Neo Puri Indah Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 After a relaxed morning, fly to Labuan Bajo, Flores
Fly to Labuan Bajo today, at the western tip of Flores island. This town is the main entry point into 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 leave for the airport around 12.30pm and arrive at our hotel in Labuan Bajo later this afternoon.
Accommodation: Puri Sari Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Board our boat • Look for Komodo dragons on Rinca
Dedicate the next three days to exploring the wildlife-rich Komodo National Park, staying on a boat for a truly immersive experience. Established in 1980, Komodo is comprised of three main islands (Komodo, Rinca and Padar) and the surrounding waters, which include mangrove forests, seagrass beds and vibrant coral reefs.
After boarding the boat early, our first destination is Rinca, which we visit after lunch. The island is home to Komodo dragons but also wild pigs, buffalos and birds. Going ashore, we join an island ranger on a trek to look for Komodo dragons in their natural environment.
After, we return to the boat and sail to Padar, where we snorkel in the pristine waters. In the late afternoon, we can walk to a hilltop to watch sunset above the national park.
Accommodation: Boat
Day 8 Track Komodo dragons • Snorkel in a hotspot for manta rays
Head to Komodo island this morning. Upon arrival, we trek to the riverbed of Banunggulung, where the dragons were fed fresh goats until the mid-2000s. The hike takes us through spectacular scenery and there are many unusual plants along the way. Of course, we look for Komodo dragons, but there are other animals to spot, including wild boars, deer and buffalos, plus good birdwatching with cockatoos and gosong among others.
After, we visit Pink Beach, where we have time to snorkel with good chances of seeing parrotfish, clownfish and, with a bit of luck, various other sea creatures, including turtles.
There is ample time to swim, snorkel and enjoy the beach before we head to Manta Point, so-named as giant manta rays, some with a wingspan of 13ft (4m), are regularly seen here. Our final leg today takes us to Gili Laba Island, where we drop anchor for the night.
Accommodation: Boat
Day 9 Final day in Komodo National Park before returning to Labuan Bajo
Those who wish can rise before dawn to visit a viewpoint on Gili Laba to watch the sunrise.
Later, we can snorkel more around the island before setting sail again. Time permitting, we make one final snorkelling stop at Kanawa Island on the way back to Labuan Bajo.
Returning to Labuan Bajo, we transfer back to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Puri Sari Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 Fly to Bali • To Ubud, Bali's cultural heartland
We fly to Denpasar (flight times can vary) and drive (approximately two hours) to our final destination, Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and temples.
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 art workshops and galleries.
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 and furthered the local art scene, among them Charlie Chaplin and HG Wells. Ubud is still a haven for literati, glitterati and art collectors.
Accommodation: Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Day 11 Hike to Batur Volcano • Visit Gunung Kawi Temple, Tirta Empul Temple and Tegalalang
The first stop on our tour of central Bali is the Kintamani area, where we go on a 3mi (4.5km) hike from the rim of the Batur caldera, descending through black lava fields. Learn more about the volcano and enjoy views over the crater and surrounding area.
Our tour continues to the Tampaksiring area, where we visit Gunung Kawi Temple. Set amid rice terraces, this 11th-century temple features 10 rock-hewn candi (shrines) carved into the cliff. They stand at 23ft (7m) and combine both Hindu and Buddhist attributes. The descent to the candi involves numerous stairs (which we also have to climb back up!).
After, we can visit Tirta Empul Temple, known among Balinese Hindus for its holy waters, which are believed to wash away bad spirits. The final stop is Tegalalang for sweeping views over paddy fields.
Accommodation: Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Day 12 Free day in Ubud • Optional trekking or rafting
Today is free to wander through the vibrant streets of Ubud enjoying the cafes, shops, temples and theatres or go on another optional trip exploring other parts of the island. Your tour leader can advise you on how best to spend your time.
Accommodation: Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Day 13 Adventure ends in Ubud
You’ve tracked orangutans in the jungle, witnessed real-life dragons, and explored the culture of Indonesia, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options, including our post-tour island extension, where white sands and a slice of paradise await.
