Magic Indonesia

As is customary in the ShantiTur proposal, we will begin our trip with a day of rest to acclimate to the time zone change, recover from the flight, and start getting to know the group. For this, there’s nothing better than a beautiful beach and a comfortable Balinese-style hotel, just 30 minutes from the international airport.

During 8 days, we will explore Flores, one of the largest and least-traveled islands in the country, where locals are still surprised to see tourists, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate cultural exchanges.

We’ll begin in the island’s capital, where we’ll join in traditional dances of a friendly village dedicated to producing IKATS, textiles dyed with natural colors. We will witness a sunrise at Kelimutu Volcano, famous for its three craters with lakes of different colors. The ascent is mostly by road, with the final stretch being a 15-minute walk with stair breaks. For those wishing to contemplate or meditate, it’s a special moment to quiet the mind and simply be.

In Flores, the journey is the destination. We’ll make several stops to enjoy exotic contrasts, such as local markets, a long wooden suspension bridge, a beach with colorful stones on volcanic black sand, rice terraces, and other surprises, like friendly students asking us to take their photos.

We’ll visit Bena and Luba villages, which maintain ancestral traditions, and the Soa hot springs. Along our journey, we’ll also learn about arak, the typical local drink, essential for significant social events. Produced from the fermentation of Lontar palms, it is distilled through a long bamboo pipe.

We’ll arrive at the refreshing town of Ruteng at 1,188 meters above sea level, where we’ll visit its cathedral. Flores, predominantly Catholic, offers a unique contrast in a largely Muslim country. The Portuguese named the island after the coral flowers they found when they shipwrecked on its shores, leaving behind a religious legacy. We will visit a family-run coffee farm, where they will introduce us to the ancestral traditions of producing their world-renowned coffee.

On the last leg of the journey, we’ll visit a viewpoint to admire the exotic spider web-shaped rice fields and a coffee-producing village. We’ll rest while enjoying the magnificent sunsets of Labuanbajo as we prepare for a two-day adventure. We’ll sail towards Komodo National Park, home to the imposing Komodo dragons. Those who wish can hike to Padar, the most beautiful viewpoint.

We’ll visit peaceful uninhabited beaches and snorkel amongst vibrant underwater life. Overnight stay on board in shared cabins (2/4 people). Those who prefer can sleep on the deck.

In Yogyakarta, we will visit the majestic Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world (13th century). We’ll delight in the breathtaking sunrise and then explore it alongside our experienced Spanish-speaking local guide. You’ll learn about the history and meanings of the carvings that decorate and shape this grand monument, as well as the worldview of the culture unique to the most populated island in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world!

We’ll also visit a Batik factory, where you’ll witness the traditional Indonesian art of dyeing fabrics through a laborious and slow wax-resist process, resulting in vibrant, colorful pieces.

Ubud holds a special place in my heart, being one of my favorite villages during my first visit to Asia between 1995 and 1997. Though it has grown significantly, it still retains its magic, especially in its surroundings.

In 2018, I chose Ubud to begin this new phase of living in Southeast Asia, spending four months here. It will be a pleasure to share experiences, attend ceremonies, explore lesser-known places, and participate in festivals often overlooked by conventional tourists and agencies.

We will enjoy a dinner with a local family and witness traditional Legong dances. Ubud offers countless opportunities to connect with art in all its forms: wood carvings, paintings, sculptures, music, and dance. It is an ideal place to relax, walk through lush landscapes, and connect with its friendly, respectful, and welcoming people.

We’ll explore temples such as the Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul (sacred baths), and more. Those interested can even meet a local healer, like in Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love”.

One of the most fun adventures is cycling around Bali. It’s a 20 km route, mostly downhill, requiring little effort or skill—a joyful and expansive experience, highly praised by our travelers. Along the way, we’ll pass through stunning rice terraces, picturesque villages, and cinematic landscapes.

For those interested, Ubud also offers a variety of yoga practices in excellent centers, including Bali’s own style, Pranala Yoga, one of my favorites! Vegans or anyone curious will find a treasure of cafes offering delicious plant-based meals, some beyond imagination. There’s even a conscious, vegan cinema!

All of this is woven together with group activities that foster Human Connection, encouraging harmonious coexistence and allowing us to nurture each other by sharing both an external and internal journey—something that truly defines ShantiTur!

This day will be free to spent in Ubud, allowing us to deepen some of our experiences.

On our way to visit one of the oldest and most traditional villages in Bali, we’ll stop at one or two additional temples, depending on the group’s interests.

We’ll have lunch at a restaurant with a view of the famous Mount Agung. Those who wish to have a different experience can enjoy a silent meal, savoring each bite while contemplating the landscape. For those preferring a more communicative and conventional experience, that option will also be available at another table.

In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Amed, a quiet fishing village with black sand, calm, clear waters, and a serene atmosphere.

Our final journey from North to South will take us to various spots. Tirta Gangga, the Water Palace, was built in 1948 and renovated in 1963. It features pools where swimming is allowed and fountains set amidst a colorful garden.

We’ll also relax for a few hours at what I consider Bali’s most beautiful, hidden, and lesser-known beach—it’ll be a surprise!

We’ll conclude our trip in Nusa Dua, but in a different area than where we started. Uluwatu, perched on cliffs, is known for its stunning views and popular surfing spots. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge before heading back home!