Komodo & Beyond: Islands & Indigenous Stories

Come together: teal waters, thickets of lush trees, golden sands that stretch in a curve like a Cheshire cat's smile. Labuan Bajo is where you meet the people you experience this adventure with. After swapping names and small talk (chats that flow into the night come later), head to a local restaurant for a night of flavours, spices and conversation.

Hikers assemble: buckle up for a long drive to Dintor Village this morning. Once there, stock up on water and any snacks before making your first step of a two-to-three-hour hike to Wae Rebo village. The hike includes steep hills, rocky terrain and views so beautiful you might stumble solely from distraction.

An indigenous welcome: greet the Manggarai locals, explore their village and soak this moment up like a sponge. Later, taste the likes of Tapa Kolo (bamboo-cooked rice) and Rampu Rampe (local greens) before falling asleep in a Mbaru Niang, a traditional cone-shaped home, with the group.

Wake up and walk: let the sounds of village life wash over you and prep for the hike back. Feel all the feelings (sombre about saying goodbye, grateful to have been here) and hype each other up for the day. On the way: Candar Spider Web Rice Fields – it might make you think of aliens...

The local way: back in Labuan Bajo, ask your Trip Leader for their personal recommendations. Where do they like to go for coffee? What's their favourite food? Where do they soak up the sun in peace? A local's perspective creates an experience that's the opposite of what everyone else is doing.

Tiny islands: island hopping between multiple islands begins with lunch en route to Kanawa Island, a destination built for a thriller where the protagonist survives the wild. Lush trees, golden sands and a long bridge to endless blue make up your backdrop this morning.

Snorkelling around Menjerite Island: with goggles on your face and SPF on your back, it's time to faceplant the sea. Animals you might spot: reef sharks, turtles and some of the thousand species of fish.

Batty sunsets: anchoring in Kalong Island for the night, your floating accommodation for the next two nights will lull you to sleep. But first, watch the sun set over the sea as thousands of squeaky bats fly to Flores Island in search of food.

Pink in Padar: if you're an early riser, catch a glimpse of sunrise as the boat sails to Padar Island. First up here, a walk to the highest point for views that stretch into oblivion. Nice and sweaty, stumble to Pink Beach to snorkel in sun-speckled waters – Barbie and Ken would love it here.

Komodo in sight: home to over 1,000 Komodo dragons, explore Komodo Island during a walk with a ranger who shares stories, anecdotes and facts about the rare creatures. How many will you spot yawning, pulling tongues and waddling to their own rhythm?

Snorkel and swim stops: swimmers on, jump in the ocean for more sea life spotting. Then, hop back onboard for a sail to Taka Makasar. All you moon lovers will be reminded of your favourite thing at the crescent-shaped sandbank. After, there's the chance to spot manta rays and turtles: today really is packed with more.

Later, your way: back in Labuan Bajo, the rest of the day is plan-free. Find a spot on the beach and lay there, body still floating from the boat. Head to a rooftop bar for a lazy afternoon with the group. And eat all the local bites you can – dinner's on you tonight!

Wheels up: another day, another island to explore. Lombok's calling and it's begging you to get there ASAP. Full of local villages, jagged mountains and crowd-free waterfalls, we won't make you sail for a whole day to get there. Flying it is!

Later, your way: land in Kuta and head straight to your hotel for the next two nights. Nestled within a grove of palm trees, this place has relaxation written all over it. Who's up for a dip in the pool before finding tonight's dinner?

Project Hiu: sharks in Indonesia are endangered, but with Project Hiu on their side, many are being saved. Join local fisherman (who now earn their living through eco-tourism instead of the shark finning industry) on a full day boat trip with the chance to snorkel alongside blacktip reef sharks. They're not dangerous at all – in fact, they're more likely to skittishly swim away if you get too close.

Packed with activities: not only will you learn all about the intelligent creatures that roam these waters, but you'll eat freshly prepared lunch, explore private beaches, snorkel local reefs and splash through ocean waters, too.

Heading west: an hour feels like nothing when there's lush landscapes zooming past the window (local driving is a little bumpy), and a waterfall to dunk under en route. Warning: the rushing water might give you a sore head.

Later, your way: Senggigi is the next part of your Indonesian adventure, and it starts with a free afternoon. Things to do here? Unwind with a traditional massage. Hit your protein count with staple tempeh dishes such as Gado Gado. Watch the sunset at Pura Batu Bolong Temple.

Speed across the sea: today's mode of transport hops over waves to Gili T, our final stop. Drop bags off and walk around the island with your Trip Leader who'll point out spots to explore further and where's good for coffee.

Night market eats: carry some cash for dinner tonight! Smoky grills, nasi goreng, skewered chicken and sweet pancakes are a teaser of the menu. Pick and mix to make your own platter and wash it all down with a Bintang or fresh juice.

Turtle vision: seen those videos of baby turtles skipping towards the foaming shoreline? Float beside the ones that are all grown up on this morning's snorkel session.

Lunch at Gili Air: the baby of the three Gili islands, Gili Air is where lunch is served. Its laidback atmosphere, white sands and smiling locals shower you in a serenity you won't want to end. And the food? So good it'll haunt you for the rest of your life.

One last dinner: after an afternoon of doing more of what you came for (hanging with the group, snoozing under the sun etc.) back on Gili T, it's time for one last dinner together. Share your best bits and mishaps (there's always fun mishaps) as the sun goes to sleep for the night.

Goodbye in Gili T: the trip may be officially over, but you don't have to leave just yet. Stay on the island for a few more days. Make plans with the group to travel to another part of Indonesia. Spontaneous may not have been in your nature before, but with these people in this place? Who knows what could happen next...