Total Indonesia

The time has come! You’ve made it all this way and you are about to embark on a journey of a lifetime surrounded by the most incredible people. Trust us, there’s no better place to start this 26 day, fun-filled adventure than Sumatra! There is Suma'thing really special about this place and we can't wait to show you around! We are hitting the ground running with our first few days here with a welcome dinner where you’ll get to meet your TruFam and the legends you’ll be exploring with. It’s our first night so have a cocktail, or 3…No judgement here.

We’re up bright and early today because we're off into the wilderness - Bukit Lawang here we come! Once we arrive in this hidden paradise in the heart of Sumatra, we drop off our bags, have a bite to eat before spreading our wings and venturing into the Bat Cave for a tru-ly magical experience. You'll soon realise why these nocturnal creatures are the stars of the show and an absolute must-see when in Sumatra. Later on, we head out for dinner, go in search of the best beers and sunset this island has to offer before heading out for our first local night out!

Explore Experiences

Rise and shine! It's an early start but we promise you, it's going to be worth it because once we've had our fuel of the morning, we are putting out trekking boots on *metaphorical ones - we don’t have room for any more gear in our backpacks ofc* as we head off into the rainforest to spot the local wildlife. So you best keep an eye out for monkeys, tropical birds and maybe even some orangutans! We know you'll have worked up an appetite and doing what we do best, we have it all figured out as your local guide prepares you an incredible lunch for you to enjoy in the heart of the jungle. After we have refuelled, we make our way back down the river but this time we are going with the flow... So take off your boots and let's hit the river. We're river tubing straight to our hotel doorstep. Now, that's wild, right?!

It’s a travel day! We’re catching a flight to Padang City. Known for its coastal location and surroundings of lush green hills there are plenty of beautiful beaches and swim spots. On our first day in Padang City we’re taking it slow to relax and recover from the first few jam-packed days and to prepare for the epic days to come. Appreciate those sunsets, a spectacle that paints the sky with a symphony of colours, casting a magical glow over the urban landscape. Tru-bliss.

It's another early start today, but you won't be mad about it trust us. It's time for our very favourite experience and very own Tru Exclusive! Today we head deep into the jungle to the Muntei village to spend some time with the local people of Sumatra. We’ll have a hearty lunch with locals, explore their farms and experience their unique traditions that define this unforgettable homestay experience. Our host family welcomes us with open arms or high fives into their home where we’ll stay in huts. Step into the realm of sustainable living and agricultural heritage as we venture into a traditional Mentawai Village farm and take a trip to the market. After what can only be described as an incredible day, we end the night playing games, sipping beers and looking back at all the memories we have created so far!

You won’t need an alarm this morning - the nature surrounding us will wake us up bright and early in the most wholesome way imaginable. Get ready to experience the Mentawai culture as you spend the day chilling in a traditional house called an "Uma." This isn't your typical visit – it's your chance to make genuine connections, learn foraging and hunting skills and get to know the village’s Shaman. We’ll head into the heart of nature and learn the wisdom of the indigenous tribe. We’ll spend the rest of the day learning about foraging, hunting and getting to know the village’s Shaman - epic right?

It’s time to say goodbye to the jungle and head to the beach! We say goodbye to the locals of the Mentawai village and hello to a slow beach life. In the afternoon we head to Padang Harbor and check out Nagari Sungai Pinang, this cool traditional fishing village hugging the southern coast of Padang. We’ll be spending our last few days in beach huts just a stones throw from crystal clear waters and surrounded by nature. Have the morning to chill before we travel to Padang. We arrive in the late evening, have dinner, a drink or too and get ready our last few days spent on the beaches of paradise.

Of course, it wouldn't be right to be in this part of the world without exploring more of the incredible marine life - so today we’re going Island Hopping! Grab your mask and snorkel as we swim alongside the vibrant corals, turtles and colourful fish. We'll even visit the famous Turtle point, Nemo Point and Snake island! Head to the beach and feel the sand between your toes, the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face as we have a chilled afternoon before heading to a turtle volunteer project where we will release turtles back into the ocean. Here we'll learn about the importance of conservation and learn all about what Sumatra is doing to help its turtle population. For our final evening, we’ll dance on the beach, sip cocktails and sing along to the live music

It’s time for us to say goodbye to this incredible island but our adventure doesn't stop there as we say hello to Bali! We hop on a short flight and head straight to Canggu where our we begin our next part of the tour. We'll spend the afternoon checking out the area, head out for an Acai Bowl, a cocktail at the famous Finn’s Beach Bar or just relax by the pool - Canguu is your oyster! In the evening get ready and we’re off for a welcome dinner and drinks and to meet the rest of the TruFam who will be joining you in Bali!

Our first full day in Bali is all about the Temples! We'll be diving deep into the local culture of Bali and visiting 2 of its most famous temples - Taman Ayun - the beautiful garden temple and Tanah Lot - Bali’s most famous temple in the sea. If you think they look incredible in photos then you'll be surprised... they're even better in person! Don’t forget to pack those elephant pants you bought on your first night travelling and a T-shirt to cover your shoulders to show respect when visiting the temples. In the evening grab a cocktail or Bintang and watch the sun go down. Head back, grab a shower and your dancing shoes because we’re going out out!

Today we’re up early for an unforgettable surfing experience. Whether you are a newbie (like most of the TruCrew) or the Usain Bolt of the surfing world, this lesson on Kuta beach will be epic. We’ll have you standing up, riding those waves, doing backflips on the board in no time... get your Shakas at the ready! We'll enjoy a chilled afternoon with a coconut in hand before we freshen up, scrub the salt water out of our hair before we head out for a delicious dinner. (Our Tru Ninjas know the best spots!) Have a drink or 6 and see where the night takes us!

Today we’re off to Bali’s vibrant jungle town of Ubud. Call us TLC because today - you guessed it - we’re chasing waterfalls. We’ll visit these majestic sights, splash around and cool off before we head to our hotel in the afternoon where we’ll be for the next 3 nights. Have a dip in the pool and grab a shower before we head out for the evening of live music! We can’t promise there won’t be any gyrating air guitars or dad dancing thrown about but hey, we’re on holiday right?

We’re up and out early as a local family and friend of the TruCrew is taking us around Ubud’s bustling food market before teaching us how to cook up a storm and master some of the most delicious dishes. We’ll learn about all the ingredients used in everyday Balinese cooking as well as ‘Canang Sari’ , the local offerings made for the Gods. Will you be a world-renowned chef after this? You better Bali-eve it! We’ll spend the afternoon at Ubud’s sacred monkey forest where it’s believed that hundreds of monkeys live here to protect the ancient temples within. They're also known to jump in a selfie or two. They're cheeky little creatures so keep a hold of your belongings! We know, we know, they’re bananas! ;)

Our final day in Ubud is all about local markets and the Insta-famous rice terraces! Today we head north to the scenic rice terraces of Tegalalang that if you haven't noticed, are pretty much on the cover of any magazine you’ve seen about Bali but boy they’re even more stunning in real life! Grab an insta shot or two as we learn about the important role these formations play in the local's every day llife. Next up we’re off to the region of Kintamani, to have lunch overlooking one of Bali’s active volcanoes. Mt Batur. Is this one of the best days in Bali? You betcha! We’ll finish the afternoon wandering around the local market before spending one epic night out in Ubud!

After a week of exploring and culture, we think it’s time we hit the beaches b*tchessss! We’re jumping on a bus before boarding on a ferry to the stunning Gili Trawangan (locally known as Gili T). We’ll check into our tropical accommodation in the heart of the island, where we’ll spend our final free days. Kick your feet back, paddle in the sparkling waters or sunbathe on the pristine, sandy beaches. There’s an incredible night life on this island, so get that bucket in hand and get ready to live it up!

It’s called ‘island hopping’, we call it sitting on a boat, feeling the sea breeze in your hair, and laying in the sun, aka bliss! We’ll hop around the local islands, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, home to some of the most incredible snorkel spots. Get those snorkels on because you’ll see turtles (did someone saw aw?), stunning coral, and diverse marine life.

After nursing our hangovers with a hearty breakfast, coconut water and iced coffees we’ll explore the island by bike! Feel the wind in your hair, the cool crisp fresh sea air. It’s true perfection. Visit the famous Gili T swings, grab a smoothie along the way or explore Gili T’s most secluded hidden gems and beaches before we stop for a beer to replenish our taste buds and watch the golden orange sunset go down. Incredible. It’s the perfect way to end our time in Bali!

After an incredible few days on the Gili Islands, it’s time to go back off the beaten track and make our way towards the sister island of Bali. We’re off to Lombok! We’ll take the scenic route of course as we drive south to the town of Kuta Lombok! The afternoon is yours to spend as you please! Check into the hotel and have a relaxed afternoon by the pool or head out for a venture around the town. Whatever you decide to do in Lombok, you’re in for a treat! ​​​​​​​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!

Don’t go chasing waterfalls…. Sorry, we couldn’t help but sing that. Today we start the day by immersing ourselves in the local customs and culture of Lombok at the Sasak Village. We’re giving you the chance to learn all about local village life, get to know the locals and give traditional weaving a go, passed down from generation to generation. This afternoon we’re heading to some beautifully scenic waterfalls only accessible by jungle trek. Living our Dora the Explorer best lives! Trek through luscious green jungles, the most spectacular views and peaceful surroundings before cooling off by jumping in the falls. Did someone say.. EPIC!

The ultimate day for all you beach lovers! Grab your suncream, your sunglasses and your towel! We’re off to visit some of Lombok’s most amazing beaches. Forget the crowds, Lombok beaches are secluded, quiet and pristine - the true island experience. We’ll set off to a couple of different locations along the southern coastline and grab a beer, sit back and relax. We have a beachside lunch from a local restaurant then the afternoon is ours. Perfected your surfing skills in Kuta? Go on then show them off! SHAKA’S UP and smile!

Sumbawa Island here we come! Sumbawa is a far less developed, remote area of Indonesia than we’ve been to so far - this makes it a Tru-ly special place to visit. It’s time to relax, hey it’s been a busy few days. We’ll embrace this island way of life and spend a beautifully calm afternoon on the beach unwinding or if you have energy to spare, hit the pool (anyone up for a game of mermaids?) In the evening, we’ll get ready for dinner and drinks with the rest of your TruCrew.

Today is a TruExclusive! You won't be able to do this anywhere else! We’re heading to the uninhabited island of Moyo. We’re well known here, so the locals take us into the heart of the island. They show all the hidden gems nestled within the jungle and onto one of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of Indonesia. Moyo’s Falls may just be the highlight of your trip. Take a dip, a swim or flip your hair backwards in the water and get your friend to film. Moyo is a TruTraveller favourite so soak it all in! We enjoy lunch on the beach before we head back to the boat for a sunset sail!

We headed off on our very own Liveaboard boat, an amazing Tru Exclusive. We will be on a converted traditional wooden boat that has been transformed for this journey of a lifetime! The first part of our voyage has us stopping off at Satonda Island, so grab a snorkel and mask and get ready to jump straight in the crystal clear water! Finish the day with a delicious local meal sitting on the deck as the sun sets for our first-night sailing. Fall asleep under the stars as we sail through the night. With little to no light pollution around the Komodo’s the sky has never been clearer. It's ultimate island-hopping bliss.

Wake up and look out onto mountainous views, look down and see crystal clear waters. This is what paradise looks like! We’re in Komodo National Park. Snorkel up close with some of the friendliest creatures in the marine world. Although they seem intimidating, Manta Rays are harmless and they thrive in the wild out here. We’ll be visiting Pink Beach... Yes, it really is pink, before taking a small trek to Indonesia's most renowned viewpoints! This evening’s our last on the boat, so we have dinner cooked on board and we might even sleep on the upper deck! How aboat it? ;)

Explore Experiences

It's out last full day and so we’re heading into the Jurassic World of the Komodos! Komodo dragons are only found on 5 islands in the world! We’re greeted by our fabulous local guides who inhabit the island before we set off in search of these prehistoric creatures. We take an educational tour and learn all about our dino friends and the life they live here in Indonesia. It’s our last night together, I know we’re crying too, so we’re out for a farewell dinner and a mojito or two - Bintang anyone?

It’s time to bid farewell, Adios, "Sampai", goodbye! It’s been a wild trip and you’ve made memories of a lifetime. Our Travel Ninja is on hand for all your needs. Whatever advice you need for the next part of your journey. Until next time TruFam you bunch of legends!