A Jungle to Sea Expedition: Bali to Raja Ampat
Your journey will be hosted by Dr. Lawrence Blair an explorer, film maker, author and public speaker on the peoples and creatures of Indonesia. A resident of Bali, he has assisted and led marine expeditions throughout the archipelago since the Lindblad Explorer – the first genuinely exploratory tourist ship – broached the Spice Islands in l978.
His onboard companions have included Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, Sir Peter Scott, Ron and Valerie Taylor, Sir Michael Cowdray, Baron Von Schenk, Larry Summers, Richard Dawkins and numerous luminaries, less publicly known, in the fields of science.
Raja Ampat experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, including in December. The diving conditions are excellent, and any rain often comes in short bursts, allowing for plenty of sunny intervals to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands.
In Bali the weather is warm and humid, creating a lush, tropical atmosphere that enhances the island's natural beauty and provides a refreshing break from colder climates.
Arrive to Denpasar airport, where your private transfer will welcome you to Bali and your adventure will begin at Capella Ubud, Bali. Perhaps you’ll explore the Camp, lounge by the Cistern or enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Officers Tent.
You’ll meet your fellow explorers and your host Dr. Lawrence Blair for some sunset storytelling and introduction to the adventures that await you.
Dinner will be served in the split-level tented dining room named in honor of the famous Danish spice trader and peace maker of Bali, Mads Lange. Your Indonesian “Rijsttafel” feast will include classic dishes, designed for
sharing using ancient recipes inspired by the spice trail across the Nusantara archipelago.
Why we love it for you: Situated in the heart of lush green forests, Capella Ubud is a unique tented camp that sits in harmony with the surrounding nature. Inspired by the early European settlers from the 1800s, architect Bill Bensley designed Capella Ubud, Bali as a tribute to their spirit of adventure.
Capella
1x River Tent
Our one-bedroom River Tents offer unspoilt jungle views, and all tents are equipped with a private pool, large outdoor decks, and indoor and outdoor bathrooms.
- Breakfast included
After a leisurely breakfast, you'll start your day with a choice of "Capella Curates" activities – either a jungle trek or an authentic water purification ritual. You may opt to enjoy your 90-minute Balinese massage in the afternoon.
In the early evening, you'll depart for a Balinese Palace that has granted your small group private and exclusive access. There, you'll experience a full tour with the High Priest, followed by an unforgettable fire dance performance.
Capella
1x River Tent
Our one-bedroom River Tents offer unspoilt jungle views, and all tents are equipped with a private pool, large outdoor decks, and indoor and outdoor bathrooms.
- Breakfast included
Plan this day however you desire. You could visit the lively center of Ubud to shop, dine, or explore the Monkey Forest. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day lounging by your private pool or enjoying another spa treatment. Our team is available to help craft your perfect day.
Dinner will ignite some 'fire to the soul' at the award-winning Api Jiwa restaurant, where the chefs create exciting Asian barbecue dishes served in an intimate, lively atmosphere.
After dinner, you will depart by car to Bali's airport in time to catch your late-night/early morning domestic flight to Sorong.
Capella
1x River Tent
Our one-bedroom River Tents offer unspoilt jungle views, and all tents are equipped with a private pool, large outdoor decks, and indoor and outdoor bathrooms.
- Breakfast included
Arrive in Sorong, where it's only a 15-minute ride to the Kudanil Explorer.
Welcome aboard!
You'll immediately depart for Waisai and enjoy a first check-dive and snorkel at Mioskon in the afternoon at the entrance of the National Park. Divers have a chance to see the local camouflaged Wobbegong sharks and get a first taste of the unique diversity of Raja Ampat's underwater world.
Why we love it for you: Kudanil Explorer is a luxurious expedition vessel that offers an unparalleled way to explore the remote and pristine waters of Indonesia, particularly the Raja Ampat region. Originally built as a safety standby vessel for offshore oil operations, it has been expertly converted into a comfortable and safe floating boutique hotel, combining ruggedness with elegance.
The ship features eight spacious, well-appointed suites, each with its own private balcony, providing guests with stunning views and a sense of exclusivity. Kudanil Explorer's shallow draft allows it to access secluded bays and remote islands that larger cruise ships can't reach, offering a truly immersive experience of Indonesia's natural wonders. With its expert crew, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Kudanil Explorer is an excellent choice for discerning travelers seeking adventure without compromising on comfort and safety.
Kudanil Explorer
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Before dawn, enter the jungle with our guide who will lead you into the forest to look for the famous, endemic birds of paradise. Listen to the jungle's morning symphony and watch the male birds' mating dance to attract females as the sun rises.
Continue to Sawandarek, a welcoming village on the Kri archipelago, home to some of the area's most beautiful diving sites. You'll spend the afternoon snorkeling and diving the local reef, where we often see turtles and reef sharks. You'll also have a chance to take a stroll on land to witness traditional Papuan village life.
Kudanil Explorer
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up in Arborek to snorkel and dive with gigantic Manta rays. In the afternoon, continue to Piaynemo and anchor at the mouth of a lagoon, where you can spend time snorkelling, diving, exploring with Zodiacs, paddle boarding or canoeing. Trek up the karst pinnacles for panoramic views and dive Batu Rufus, Manta Ridge and Melissa's Garden.
Kudanil Explorer
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Enjoy a full day at the beach snorkeling and diving at this tropical uninhabited island. 1-2 dive sites, afternoon chill out on the beach.
Kudanil Explorer
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arriving in Wayag at first light – a Raja Ampat must-see and highlight of the trip – you'll climb Mount Pindito for spectacular views and dive deep into this spectacular lagoon. Kayak or wakeboard through this maze of little islets before we enjoy sunset drinks on the fine, white-sand beach.
Kudanil Explorer
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Batanta, the smallest of the main Raja Ampat islands, is untouched and offers much to discover. It's home to cockatoos, cassowaries, Wilson's bird of paradise, blue-spotted tree monitors, wild boar, grey cuscus, Rousettus fruit bats, and an abundance of other bird and mammal species.
Sail through the mangroves to find a small wooden gangway and a rainforest path leading to an inland waterfall. Enjoy snorkeling in the fjord and dive to view a US WWII fighter plane.
Kudanil Explorer
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Explore Mayalibit Bay by dinghy, discovering an area seen by few visitors, where 27 varieties of mangrove are found, and over 200 species of fish thrive. A local village guide leads a trek to the fjord where we'll swim in a mesmerizing turquoise-blue, crystal-clear river. Enjoy sunset drinks on the way back aboard, reminiscing about the adventures experienced over the past days.
Kudanil Explorer
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, pack and prepare to disembark, returning to Sorong Airport by tender and car for your flight home!
Accommodation for 10 nights
- 3 nights | Capella
- 7 nights | Kudanil Explorer
We're here to make this an unforgettable trip. If you're interested in booking this itinerary or have some questions, let us know.