3+ weeks: Ultimate Indonesia
Bali, Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, Alor & Komodo
Ultimate Indonesia 3+ weeks!
Content:
- Impression
Go to the main page for Bali here!
Go to the main page for Gili Islands here!
Go to the main page for Sulawesi here!
Go to the main page for Raja Ampat here!
Go to the main page for Alor here!
Go to the main page for Komodo here!
Ultimate Indonesia Itinerary Quick Summary:
Bali/Denpasar - Fly in
0-1 day - Click here to book your flight
Sanur/ Nusa Penida - Manta Ray & Molamola
(3-4 nights) - Click here to book.
Gili Islands - Island life & Turtles
(3-4 nights) - Click here to book.
Bira - Sharks and currents
(3-4 nights) - Click here to book.
Optional: Lembeh, Bunake - Macro heaven
(3-4 nights) - Click here to book.
Raja Ampat - To many fish to count
(3-7 nights) - Click here to book.
Alor - Rhynopias & Hammerhead sharks
(3-4 nights) - Click here to book.
Komodo - Komodo dragons & Manta Ray
(3-7 nights) - Click here to book.
Denpasar - Fly Home
0-1 day - Click here to book your flight
First Stop: Bali
You will probably land in Denpasar. You can easily get a taxi, scooter, or transfer to Sanur. From Sanur or Denpasar, you could also head straight for Nusa Penida via booking a ferry here. It's a beautiful island you can easily stay for a week! However, I would recommend staying here for 3-5 days and booking your ferry to the Gili Islands.
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Choose your favorite Gili Island.
In short:
Trawangan: The largest island, and most busy but lots of opportunities for diving, parties, and accommodation.
Meno: The smallest and most quiet. No parties but a real laidback Island feel.
Air: A mix between the 2. Still pretty quiet.
Second stop: Sulawesi.
Sulawesi or Celebes is an underrated diving scene. First of all, if you want good coffee and enjoy some amazing culture and ritual burials, this is the place to be.
If you want to go diving, I suggest going from Denpasar to Makassar airport. It's a short flight and you can book a transfer easily to Bira. The car ride is about 3 hours along the coast, so the views are beautiful while encountering salt farms and many places to take a picture.
Bira is a very small town that stretches along the coast and is home to only a few dive centers. I would highly recommend staying here!
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After 3-5 days of diving here you have a few options; Go north to the Togian Islands, or Lembeh. Or make your way to Sorong, Raja Ampat. If you are traveling to the Togian Islands, or Lembeh I would highly recommend booking a driver.
Public transport is available but very uncomfortable and inconsistent. Alternatively, you could drive back to Makassar and fly north, which will take the same amount of time probably.
If you decide to go by car you might want to consider stopping in Kalosi for example. This is the coffee capital! You can spend a day or 2 here and absorb the culture in this amazing region. There are also ritual burials being held here quite regularly. Not for the faint of heart, but very impressive.
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If you're heading to the Togian Islands it's probably best to travel to Ampana first. Then arrange a Ferry or Flight to the Togian Islands.
When flying further on to Sorong, Raja Ampat you can fly via Makassar.
Third stop: Raja Ampat.
Perhaps one of the most renowned places to go diving, and an absolute must on this list! It's quite the journey to get here, but trust me, it's well worth your time and effort. Some of the best diving in the world available just off your private island? Sign me up!
To get to Raja Ampat, you must first fly to Sorong. Afterward, you can book a ferry or flight to Waisai city. You should book a homestay in Raja Ampat or alternatively use this website because they can offer you a transfer by boat to your island from Waisai harbor.
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Raja Ampat is pretty much paradise! You can go diving, hiking, sailing, SUPing, canoeing, and snorkeling for example. The homestays are full board meaning they will provide you with food and drinks 3 times per day.
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When leaving Raja Ampat, you will have to transfer again to Waisai and go back to Sorong.
Fourth Stop: Alor
Alor is a remote island in Timor but very worth the visit. Not many tourists come here which makes this a pristine diving paradise. You can see everything from Rhynopia to hammerhead sharks. Crystal clear waters and very friendly people.
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You can fly from Sorong to Alor Kecil via Kupang. When entering Alor Kecil, you should be able to arrange a transfer via your homestay. I would highly recommend this address. This dive center is run by young, enthusiastic people eager to show you their little slice of paradise.
Fifth Stop: Komodo
Komodo in itself is a reason many people visit Indonesia. The park is home to the Komodo dragon of course which you easily visit when staying in this region.
Depending on your time, I would highly recommend booking a liveaboard who mostly departs from Labuan Bajo. If you're in Alor Kecil you can fly to Labuan Bajo quite easily via Kupang. This entire town is mostly dedicated to Komodo and has dive shops and bars and restaurants everywhere. You can stock up on supplies, book day trips, or like I said: Get ready for your liveaboard!
Most liveaboards will include a visit to the Komodo island, and you can book day trips to do so as well. Most liveaboards offer 4-day and 7-day packages. including 3 dives a day usually, and 3 meals per day with like-minded people.
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