Total Indonesia

You made it, and there's no better place to start 26 days of adventure than Sumatra. We hit the ground running with a welcome dinner, where you'll meet the group, the legends you'll be exploring with. It's the first night, so have a cocktail, or three. No judgement here.

We're up early and off into the wilderness of Bukit Lawang, deep in the heart of Sumatra. Once we arrive, we drop our bags and grab a bite before venturing into the Bat Cave, squeezing through narrow passages to meet its nocturnal stars. Later, it's dinner, the best beers and sunset around, then our first local night out.

After an early breakfast we head into the rainforest, watching for monkeys, tropical birds and wild orangutans. Your local guide prepares lunch for us right in the heart of the jungle. Then we kick off our boots and go with the flow, river tubing all the way back to our hotel's doorstep. Wild, right?

It's a travel day. After breakfast we head to the airport for our flight to Padang City, a coastal spot ringed by green hills and beautiful beaches. Today is about slowing down after a jam-packed start and recharging for what's coming. Find a good spot, watch the sunset light up the sky and breathe out.

Another early start, but trust us, you won't mind. Today is our favourite exclusive: we head deep into the jungle to Muntei village. After a hearty lunch with locals, our host family welcomes us into their home, where we stay in huts. We explore their farm, visit the market and witness a traditional healing ceremony, then end the night with games and beers.

No alarm needed: the jungle wakes us up. Today we spend time in a traditional Mentawai house, an 'Uma', and get to know the village Shaman. This is real connection, not a typical visit. We head into nature to learn the tribe's wisdom, from foraging and hunting for worms to survival skills passed down for generations, sharing every meal 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 a private transfer to 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 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.*

Goodbye Sumatra, hello Bali. We take a short flight and head straight to Canggu for the next chapter. Spend the afternoon exploring: grab an acai bowl, sip a cocktail at the famous Finn's Beach Bar or chill by the pool. In the evening it's a welcome dinner and drinks to meet the new friends joining us in Bali.

Our first full day in Bali is all about temples. Pack a T-shirt to cover your shoulders out of respect: we're visiting Taman Ayun, the beautiful garden temple, and Tanah Lot, Bali's most famous temple in the sea. They're even better in person. In the evening, grab a cocktail or Bintang for sunset, then shower, find your dancing shoes and head out.

We're up early for a surfing lesson on Kuta beach. Total newbie, like most of the group, or already a natural? Either way, we'll have you standing up and riding waves before you know it. Then a chilled afternoon with a coconut in hand, before we scrub the salt out of our hair and head out for a delicious dinner.

Today we head to Ubud, Bali's jungle town, chasing waterfalls on the way. We stop at Tegenungan to splash around, cool off and grab that iconic photo, then check into our hotel for the next three nights in the afternoon. Take a dip in the pool, then join us for an evening of live music. Air guitar optional.

We're up early as a local family, old friends of ours, lead us round Ubud's bustling food market, explaining everyday Balinese ingredients and Canang Sari, the offerings made for the Gods. Then we cook up a storm with them and enjoy the results for lunch. This afternoon it's the sacred Monkey Forest, guardians of ancient temples. Hold on to your belongings.

Our final Ubud day starts north at the Tegalalang rice terraces, even more stunning in real life, where we learn the role they play in local life. Next it's Kintamani for lunch overlooking Mount Batur, one of Bali's active volcanoes. We finish the afternoon wandering the local market before one epic night out in Ubud.

Two days in paradise. First, the morning ferry to Gili Trawangan: no cars, no motorbikes, just turquoise water and golden sand. Next day, all aboard for island hopping and snorkelling around Gili Meno, from the underwater statues to the turtles. We'll watch the sunset together and reflect on our adventure, then discover Gili T's nightlife. Jungle Bar, here we come.

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 and a look at their work. In the evening, one last sunset with the group to close our time in Bali.

Time to go back off the beaten track. After the boat to Lombok, Bali's sister island, we take the scenic drive south to Kuta Lombok. The afternoon is yours: lounge by the hotel pool or wander round town. Heads up, from here the trip heads to less travelled corners of Indonesia, so get ready for a change in travel style.

This morning we step into Lombok's customs and culture at the Sasak Village, getting to know the locals and trying traditional weaving, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon we trek through green jungle to scenic waterfalls, including the multi-tiered Benang Kelambu, only reachable on foot. The reward? Jumping straight into the cool water.

Beach lovers, this one's for you. Grab the suncream and a towel: we're heading to a couple of spots along Lombok's southern coastline, quiet and pristine, with barely a crowd. Sit back with a beer, then enjoy a beachside lunch from a local restaurant. The afternoon is ours, so grab a board and show off those Kuta surf skills.

Today we travel by bus and ferry to Sumbawa Island, a remote and far less developed corner of Indonesia, which is exactly what makes it special. After a busy few days, we embrace the island pace: a calm afternoon unwinding on the beach or splashing in the pool. In the evening, it's dinner and drinks with your crew.

Another exclusive. 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 in. Lunch is on the beach, then it's a sunset sail back.

Today we board our very own liveaboard, a converted traditional wooden boat and an amazing exclusive. First stop is Satonda Island: grab a snorkel and jump into the Salt Lake crater. As the sun sets we eat a local dinner on deck and 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 wake up properly to mountain views over Komodo National Park. Next we snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point, stop at Pink Beach, which really is pink, and trek up Padar Island for one of Indonesia's most renowned viewpoints. Last night aboard: dinner cooked on deck and maybe sleeping up top.

Our last full day takes us into the world of the Komodo dragon, found on only five islands on earth. Local guides lead us across Komodo Island in search of these prehistoric creatures and teach us how they live. After lunch, it's our farewell dinner, a mojito or a Bintang. The next morning, after breakfast, we say goodbye. Until next time, legends.