Bali & Sumatra Adventure

Say 'halo', your Sumatra adventure starts now. Once you've arrived, meet your new crew and get the lowdown on the 18 days ahead: dense rainforest, wild animals, scenic routes and local communities. Then spend the evening exploring before we set off around Indonesia's largest island tomorrow.

We're up early for the journey to Bukit Lawang, a patch of wild rainforest in the heart of Sumatra. After a chill and a bite to eat, we head into the Bat Caves, squeezing through narrow passages as bats flutter overhead. Back at the accommodation it's dinner, then our first local night out together.

After an early breakfast we head deep into the rainforest, eyes peeled for wild orangutans, monkeys and tropical birds. All that walking earns you the lunch your local guide has prepared in the jungle. Then we swap boots for rubber tubes and float down the river right to our hotel's doorstep. Try telling us that isn't cool.

After breakfast we catch an afternoon flight to Padang, a coastal city facing the Indian Ocean and wrapped in green hills. Once we land, use your free time to soak up the beaches and views. The evening runs at a slower pace: a beautiful sunset and plenty of rest before a big day tomorrow.

Today is an exclusive. We take a fast boat to Siberut, then head deep into the jungle to the Mentawai village. After lunch, our host family welcomes us with open arms and shows us their farm and the market's handicrafts and textiles. We witness a traditional healing ceremony, then spend the night in huts, playing games, sharing stories and falling asleep to birdsong.

An early start, and a day you won't forget. At 6:30 am we head into a traditional Mentawai house, or 'Uma', to meet the village Shaman. Through the day, we learn the tribe's wisdom: crafting traditional threads, foraging and hunting for worms, and survival skills passed down for generations. Real connection, deep in the jungle, with every meal shared with our hosts.

Time to swap trees for sand. The morning is yours, then in the afternoon we take the fast ferry to Padang Harbour and check out Nagari Sungai Pinang, a traditional fishing village on the southern coast. We arrive at our beach huts late evening, metres from the sea, for dinner, live music and a bonfire on the beach to reflect on village life.

Grab your mask and snorkel: this morning we island-hop to Turtle Point, Nemo Point and Snake Island to swim with coral, colourful fish and maybe a turtle. After a chilled beach afternoon, we visit a turtle centre to learn about conservation and help bathe turtles before release, season permitting. Then it's our last Sumatran night: dinner, cocktails and live music on the sand.

*Please note that the opportunity for releasing the turtles is extremely dependent on seasons, tides and the number of turtles ready for release*

Time to say goodbye to Sumatra. Enjoy a chilled checkout and your final moments on this wild island before we head to the airport and fly to Bali. The first nine days were something special, but the next chapter has plenty more in store. Next stop: Canggu.

Pack something to cover your shoulders: we're visiting two of Bali's most famous temples. First, the Royal Temple of Taman Ayun, a 'beautiful garden', with its ponds of exotic fish and lush greenery. Then Tanah Lot, perched on a rock formation. We watch the sunset on a picturesque beach before a big night out in Canggu. Check out Pretty Poison, an indoor skatepark with bars.

Recovered from last night? Good, because we're catching waves. Today's surf lesson is on Kuta Beach, one of the best places to learn in Asia, with a top local instructor teaching you the basics, starting with standing up (harder than it looks). Afterwards, we head back to chill at the rooftop pool, the beach or the bar.

Pack up this morning; we're heading to Ubud, home of rice paddies, temples, shrines and monkeys. On the way we stop to cool off at Tegenungan waterfall, cameras charged for that hair-flick shot. Once we've checked in, explore, chat to locals or find something delicious to eat, before an evening at one of Bali's coolest live music spots.

An exclusive day. First we browse the local markets for the freshest ingredients, then join Wayan to cook Bali's famous dishes and make Canang Sari, the flower offerings made for the Gods. Then we eat it all for lunch. This afternoon we walk it off at the sacred Monkey Forest, so leave your sunnies at home. Dinner and drinks with the group follow.

This morning we wander the Tegalalang rice terraces, trekking through the valleys with a fresh coconut, swinging out over the paddies and learning why rice matters so much to the Balinese. Next it's Kintamani for lunch overlooking Mount Batur, an active volcano. The evening is all yours: top up the tan, pick up souvenirs at the local markets or grab a beer.

After a week of culture, it's beach time. We take a bus, then a ferry to Gili Trawangan, known locally as Gili T. Check into our tropical accommodation in the heart of the island and spend the afternoon however you like: paddle in the sea or sunbathe on the sand. Tonight, the island's legendary nightlife awaits.

Sea breeze, sunshine and turtles. Today we hop between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, snorkelling some of the best spots around, from the underwater statues to colourful coral and plenty of turtles. As the day winds down we watch the sunset together, switch off and reflect on everything we've shared so far.

This morning we cycle around Gili T, then take a short trek uphill to the island's best viewpoint. In the afternoon we join Horses of Gili, a local non-profit caring for the island's working horses, for a beach walk. Then one last sunset, a farewell dinner and a little party to celebrate the past 18 days in style.

The final day has arrived. It's sad, but you're leaving with a head full of stories and friends for life. Enjoy a chilled checkout, and if the travel bug has bitten, your Local Legend is on hand to help with onward travel. Whatever comes next, go and tell everyone what you did, and keep in touch.