Bali & Beyond

You made it. Check in, chill out and shake off the journey: take a dip in the rooftop pool or wander down to the beach, just a couple of minutes from our hotel. In the evening we head out for a welcome dinner and drinks to meet the group, your new friends for the next 18 days.

After breakfast we dive into Balinese culture at two famous temples: Taman Ayun, the beautiful garden temple, and Tanah Lot, perched in the sea. Pack a T-shirt to cover your shoulders out of respect. Later we hit a beach bar lounge for a cocktail or a Bintang as the sun goes down, then shower, grab your dancing shoes and head out.

This morning we hit the beach in Kuta for a surfing lesson. Never surfed before? No problem: you'll be up and riding waves before you know it, or at least learning a thing or two. Spend the afternoon on the sand with a coconut or back at the rooftop pool, then scrub off the salt for a delicious dinner.

Today we head for Ubud, Bali's artsy jungle town of zen vibes. On the way, we stop at Tegenungan, Bali's southernmost waterfall, for a splash, a cool-off and that iconic photo. In the afternoon, we check into our hotel for three nights, take a dip in the pool, then head out for an evening of live music. Air guitar optional.

This morning Wayan, a TruTravels legend, and his family take us round Ubud's bustling food market, explaining everyday Balinese ingredients and Canang Sari, the offerings made for the Gods. Then we cook with them and feast on lunch we made ourselves. This afternoon it's the sacred Monkey Forest, where cheeky monkeys guard ancient temples. Hold on to your belongings. Dinner and drinks follow.

This morning we head north to the Tegalalang rice terraces, where we learn how they still shape local life. Next it's Kintamani for lunch at a viewpoint overlooking Mount Batur, an active volcano. We finish the afternoon wandering the local market for souvenirs and that keyring you promised your mum. Then pool time before dinner with the crew.

Time to get tropical. We take the ferry and a short bus to Gili Trawangan, a tiny island with no cars, no motorbikes, turquoise water and golden sand. Check in, sip a cocktail by the pool or wander the island. We watch a sunset like no other, have dinner as a group, then discover that Gili T's nightlife is anything but tiny.

All aboard. Today we're island hopping between Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, snorkelling the best spots in waters kept healthy by coral conservation projects. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles. We grab a beachside lunch on Gili Meno, then head back to watch the sunset together and reflect on our week. Freshen up for dinner and another big night.

The best way to see an island? By bike. This morning we pedal Gili T with the sea breeze in our hair, visiting the famous swings, quiet beaches and the viewpoint, with a smoothie or beer along the way. In the afternoon, we join Horses of Gili, a local non-profit caring for the island's working horses, for a beach walk.

Goodbye Gilis, hello Lombok, Bali's quieter sister island to the east. After the boat we take the scenic drive south to the beachside surf town of Kuta Lombok. It's a travel morning, then the afternoon is yours: pool time at the hotel or a wander round town. From here the trip gets wilder, so get ready for a change in travel style.

Important note: The second half of this trip is truly unique and adventurous. A once in a lifetime experience as we take you to some less travelled and untouched parts of Indonesia, so prepare for a slight change in travel styles!

This morning we visit a Sasak Village, where a friendly local guide shows us village life and we try traditional weaving, a skill passed down through generations. This afternoon we trek through green jungle to two of Lombok's scenic waterfalls, including the multi-tiered Benang Kelambu, only reachable on foot. The reward? Jumping straight into the cool water.

Calling all beach lovers. Grab the suncream: today we visit two beaches along Lombok's southern coastline, all white sand and barely a crowd. We grab a beachside lunch from a local restaurant, then the afternoon is ours. Sit back with a beer, or grab a board and show off those surf skills you picked up in Kuta.

Today we travel by bus and ferry to Sumbawa Island, a remote and far less developed corner of Indonesia. It's a long day, but the reward is real local life and some proper downtime. Spend a peaceful afternoon unwinding on the beach or by the pool, then get ready for dinner and drinks with your crew.

Today is an exclusive you won't find anywhere else. We sail to the uninhabited island of Moyo, where locals who know us well lead us into the heart of the jungle to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia. Swim, dip in and out of the falls and soak it all up. Lunch is on the beach, then it's a sunset sail back.

Today we board our very own liveaboard, a converted traditional wooden boat. Expect a shared dorm-style room on the top deck and traditional-style showers. First stop is Satonda Island to snorkel the bay and the Salt Lake crater. As the sun sets, we eat a local dinner on deck, play games, then fall asleep under the clearest stars as we sail through the night.

Start with a short, steep sunrise hike at Gili Lawa, then breakfast with mountain views over Komodo National Park. Next we sail to Manta Point to snorkel with families of manta rays, stop at Pink Beach, which really is pink, and trek up Padar Island for one of Indonesia's most famous viewpoints. Last night aboard: dinner on deck and stars overhead.

The moment you've been waiting for. Local rangers guide us across Komodo Island in search of Komodo dragons, found on only five islands in the world, and teach us how they live. After lunch we say farewell to the captain and crew and check into our resort in Labuan Bajo, Flores. Last night together: farewell dinner and a mojito or two.

Time to say goodbye, or sampai jumpa. After breakfast, we part ways with a camera roll full of dragons, mantas and sunsets and a group of friends for life. Your Local Legend is on hand for help with onward travel and for any sadness-induced hugs you need. Until next time, legends.