In the latest chapter of our ‘Time Well Spent’ series, we head to Indonesia to discover wild landscapes and uncover ancient traditions. Interwoven into our itinerary are walks with komodo dragons, volcano hikes, scuba diving and some of the best accommodation these beautiful islands have to offer.
Time Well Spent: Exploring Untouched Indonesia
This itinerary has been crafted in collaboration with James Wallman, time design expert and best-selling author of Time and How to Spend It. It utilises his philosophies on time and experience design, combined with our private jet charter know-how, to create a life-affirming journey that is only possible by private jet.
Day 1: Banten
Stay: The Langham Jakarta
Your journey begins in Banten, a beautiful province of wild landscapes and coastal towns on Java’s western coast. You’ll have the special opportunity to attend the annual seba ritual, witnessing as the elusive Bedu people make a rare visit to the town hall with an offering of crops. This traditional ceremony signifies the tribe’s commitment to preserving the area’s values, ancestral heritage and natural environment.
You’ll spend tonight at The Langham Jakarta, an opulent 65-storey hotel styled with Italian marble and towering columns. Located in the heart of the Indonesian capital’s financial centre, you’ll be within easy reach of high-end shopping and entertainment.
Day 2: Komodo
Stay: Komodo Resort
Today you’ll travel by private charter from Jakarta to Komodo Island, a haven of volcanic hills, lush forests and secluded beaches in the remote Lesser Sunda archipelago. Here you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park and swim in clear waters teeming with brightly-coloured fish, sea turtles and manta rays.
You’ll stay overnight at Komodo Resort on Sebayur Island, nestled in a sheltered bay bordering the national park. You can step straight onto the beach from your bamboo bungalow and there’s an onsite dive centre to help you discover the rich marine life.
Day 3: Kelimutu
Stay: Flores Passport House
Komodo National Park is the only place where Komodo dragons still live in the wild. Today you’ll have the chance to see the enormous reptiles for yourself on a guided hike, following your knowledgeable ranger along dusty trails as they tell you stories of previous encounters. Spotting one of the blue-tongued creatures strutting along is a truly thrilling experience that will make you feel like you’re in a real-life Jurassic Park!
After lunch, you’ll be whisked by helicopter to Flores National Park on Flores Island, soaking up bird’s-eye views of the breathtaking landscape below. The next two nights of your trip will be spent at Flores Passport House, a boutique bed-and-breakfast with stunning vistas, an outdoor swimming pool and authentic local cuisine.
Day 4: Kelimutu
Stay: Flores Passport House
After a busy few days, you’ll have some free time today to unwind at the hotel. After recharging your batteries, it’s time to embark on a sunset hike up Mount Kelimutu, a dramatic volcano with three spectacular crater lakes at its summit.
These extraordinary pools are famous for constantly changing colour due to fluctuating oxidation and mineral levels, so you never know which transformation you’ll find at the top – one lake might glow a bright turquoise, whilst another is shrouded in blackness. Watch, mesmerised, as they disappear in the dwindling light when the sun slips below the horizon.
Day 5: East Timor
Stay: Hilton Dili Palm Springs
Board a private charter to the South-East Asian nation of East Timor, which occupies half the island of Timor. This former Portuguese colony gained independence in 2002 and is still largely undeveloped, with none of the flashy resorts and tourist crowds you might find in better-known destinations. You’ll feel like you’ve got the place almost to yourself as you head off the beaten track, exploring forested mountains and spotting whales offshore.
You’ll spend the next five nights at the Hilton Dili Palm Springs, a sleek high-end hotel nestled in the heart of Dili's business district overlooking tropical mountains and the sparkling ocean of East Timor’s north coast. There’s a spa, rooftop pool and rooftop bar to enjoy during your downtime, while Cristo Rei and Tais Market are nearby.
Day 6: East Timor
Stay: Hilton Dili Palm Springs
Head out after breakfast for a day at One Dollar Beach. This wide swathe of soft white sand is often completely isolated, allowing you to relax undisturbed in the idyllic setting.
The beach is hemmed by clear waters leading to pristine coral reefs, where tropical fish, sea turtles and other exotic marine life can be spotted. If you’re lucky, you might even find yourself swimming with dolphins!
Day 7: East Timor
Stay: Hilton Dili Palm Springs
Rise before daybreak and hike up East Timor’s highest peak, Mount Ramelau. Its summit is a site of deep religious and cultural significance, with a statue of the Virgin Mary drawing Christian pilgrims from around the world. Setting off in the dark, you’ll spot twinkling constellations whilst ascending to 2,986 metres. As the sun rises, your efforts will be rewarded with sweeping views over the rugged landscape of forest-cloaked mountains and the coastline beyond. It’s a truly unforgettable highlight of your journey through Indonesia.
Later today you’ll visit the sacred totem houses of the Fatakulu people in East Timor’s indigenous villages. These traditional stilted dwellings, known as uma lulik, are crafted from local timber, bamboo and twine. They’re believed to connect residents to the spirits of their ancestors, symbolising a sacred link between the past and present.
Day 8: East Timor
Stay: Hilton Dili Palm Springs
Today you’ll visit Atauro Island in the famous Coral Triangle, one of South-East Asia’s best-kept secrets. Home to one of the world’s most biodiverse and least explored reefs, it’s an unmissable spot for a diving adventure. There’s a dazzling array of marine life to spot in the warm tropical waters, including dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles, crabs and dugongs.
The people of Atauro are famous for spearfishing and you’ll have the chance to try it for yourself during your visit, heading out in the water with local fishermen to learn the ropes. Back on dry land, you’ll help to cook your catch before dining with your hosts.
Day 9: East Timor
Stay: Hilton Dili Palm Springs
Today begins with a trip to Lake Ira Lalaro, a freshwater reservoir with a spectacular half-sunken forest. Recognised as an important bird habitat, the lake attracts migratory and resident water birds including the critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoo. It’s also home to crocodiles, so there’s no swimming allowed!
After lunch, you’ll spend the afternoon discovering the historic Venilale Tunnels, a series of underground shelters that were dug by the Japanese during World War II. Once a reminder of a bloody period of Portuguese occupation, the tunnels later helped East Timor achieve its independence when Indonesia invaded in 1975.
Day 10: Gili Air Island
Stay: Villa Tokay
This morning you’ll board a private charter to Bali, followed by a private boat transfer to Gili Air Island, one of the three Gili Islands located just off Lombok’s northwest coast. It’s known for its unspoiled beauty and authentic charm, with palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs setting the scene for a laid-back tropical escape.
Check in at Villa Tokay, a private villa escape nestled between white sands and lush foliage. You’ll stay here for two nights in one of just four fully-staffed luxury villas, each of which comes with its own private plunge pool moments from the beach.
Day 11: Gili Air Island
Stay: Villa Tokay
Head to the beach to volunteer at a weekly clean-up run by the Gili Shark Conservation, who aim to reduce single-use plastics on the islands by educating locals and tourists about their environmental impact. Taking the time to give back will strengthen your relationship with the local community, adding a new depth to your experience of this incredible destination while reducing the footprint you leave behind.
After all your hard work on the beach, your afternoon is free for some well-earned relaxation back at the hotel. Embrace a slower pace of life with an in-villa massage, private yoga lesson, flower bath or sunset cruise. If you’re feeling restless, borrow some snorkelling gear and enter the warm waters to discover a kaleidoscope of marine life.
Day 12: Bali
Stay: Amori Villas
Rise early for a private boat charter back to mainland Bali, where you’ll spend the final two nights of your trip at Amori Villas. This boutique yoga and wellness retreat is the perfect setting to reflect on your intrepid adventure through Indonesia.
This afternoon it’s time to throw yourself – literally – into the local culture, with an introduction to Balinese mud wrestling or “mepantigan”. This unique martial art is practised in Ubud’s rice fields and combines elements of taekwondo, silat, capoeira, kickboxing and judo with Balinese music, dance and costumes. After learning the basics, you’ll have the chance to try some moves before heading back to the hotel for a much-needed shower!
Day 13: Bali
Stay: Amori Villas
There’s a final special experience in store on the last morning of your trip, as you’re invited to join a local Balinese family in their home as they worship sun god Dewa Surya. This ritual is performed twice a day, at sunrise and sunset, in a bamboo shrine filled with offerings for the deity. It’s an incredible glimpse into the day-to-day life of Balinese Hindus.
After bidding your hosts goodbye, it’s time to board a private charter back to the UK.
Our experts at The Travel Division are waiting to curate your perfect journey. Get in touch today for more information on this itinerary or to discuss a completely bespoke trip to fit your needs.