Our Indonesian Adventure: From Bali’s Rice Terraces to Komodo’s Dragons

Ubud: Rice Paddies, Waterfalls and Culture

We started our journey in Bali, spending five nights in Ubud. It was the perfect introduction to Indonesia: lush, green and steeped in culture.

We stayed in a villa overlooking the rice paddies, where mornings began with birdsong and the soft rustle of farmers working in the fields. Watching the light shift across the terraces with a coffee in hand quickly became one of my favourite rituals.

In Ubud we:

• Wandered through local markets filled with colourful textiles, handmade crafts and fragrant spices
• Sampled traditional Balinese dishes in small warungs, from nasi goreng to satay cooked over tiny charcoal grills
• Visited nearby waterfalls, where the children loved clambering over rocks and cooling off in the spray
• Caught glimpses of daily temple life, processions and offerings that are simply part of the rhythm of Bali

Ubud has a lovely balance of buzz and calm: busy streets and vibrant cafes, but step just a little outside and you are surrounded by rice fields and jungle.

North Bali: Sumberkima Hill and Volcano Views

From Ubud we headed north to Sumberkima Hill, a quieter, more remote corner of Bali that quickly stole our hearts.

Our villa here came with its own private pool and sweeping views over the sea, with the volcanoes of Java rising in the distance. Sitting in the pool at sunset, watching the sky turn pink and orange behind the volcanic peaks, was one of those “pinch me” moments.

This part of Bali is ideal if you:

• Prefer somewhere peaceful and less developed
• Enjoy panoramic views and slower days by the pool
• Want a base for exploring the north west coast and nearby temples, snorkelling spots or national parks

It felt like a completely different side to Bali and gave us the chance to really exhale and slow down.

South Bali: Beach Time in Seminyak, Sanur and Uluwatu

After our time in the hills, we made our way south for some well earned beach time.

We split our stay between:

• Seminyak, with its long sandy beach, lively restaurant scene and sunset cocktails
• Sanur, a gentler, more family friendly option with a sheltered lagoon, promenade and relaxed cafes
• Uluwatu, perched on dramatic cliffs with some of Bali’s most spectacular ocean views

Here, the children tried surfing, wobbling to their feet on gentle waves and whooping with delight whenever they managed to stand for more than a few seconds. Even if you are a total beginner, the surf schools make it fun and accessible.

This stretch of the trip was all about:

• Beach walks and shell collecting
• Dips in the sea and poolside afternoons
• Easy dinners and early nights, ready for the next adventure

Island Hopping: Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan and Gili Air

No Indonesian adventure would be complete without some island hopping, so we boarded a boat and set off again. There are also direct flights to Lombok, which we chose over the longer ferry journey. 

Our first stop was Nusa Ceningan, a small, laid back island linked to Nusa Lembongan by an iconic yellow bridge. We loved the slower pace here: sandy paths, cliff viewpoints and simple beach bars where you can sit with your feet in the sand and watch the tide roll in.

Next, we travelled to Lombok and then on to the Gili Islands, choosing Gili Air as our base in the Gili's. Often described as the island that has “a little bit of everything”, Gili Air was a perfect fit for us:

• Soft beaches and clear water for swimming and snorkelling
• A good mix of restaurants and bars, but nothing too hectic
• A gentle, easygoing vibe that makes you instantly relax

With no cars on the island, life moves at a slower pace: think bicycles, horse carts and barefoot strolls along the sand.

Komodo & Flores: Dragons, Pink Beaches and Manta Rays

The grand finale of our Indonesian journey took us even further east. We flew to Flores, which is a another beautiful island in itself, then boarded a liveaboard boat for two nights exploring the Komodo Islands. This was, without question, the standout experience of our time in South East Asia.

Over a few magical days we:

• Came face to face with the legendary Komodo dragons on their home islands, watching these prehistoric looking creatures from a respectful distance with our guide
• Visited pink sand beaches, where the sand really does have a rosy tint and the water is an unreal shade of turquoise
• Climbed to the viewpoint on Padar Island for sunrise, looking out over a series of curved bays, with each beach being a different colour; black, pink and white, and rugged hills as the sky slowly lit up
• Snorkelled in warm, clear water with turtles gliding past, baby reef sharks darting below and, most memorably, graceful manta rays looping and soaring around us

Living on board for a couple of nights, falling asleep to the gentle movement of the boat and waking up in sheltered bays surrounded by islands, felt like pure adventure. It was the kind of experience that the children are still talking about and one I would recommend in a heartbeat for anyone who loves wildlife and the ocean.

Why Indonesia Stole My Heart

Indonesia completely blew me away. Over eight weeks we saw just a fraction of what this vast country has to offer, but what really stood out was:

• The diversity: rice terraces, volcanoes, beaches, tiny islands, lush forests and coral reefs, all within a single trip
• The experiences: surfing, snorkelling with manta rays, watching sunsets from a liveaboard deck, exploring temples and wandering through tiny villages
• The people: kind, welcoming and endlessly patient with curious children 

If you are considering Indonesia, whether for a couple of weeks or a longer adventure, I would love to help you design an itinerary that feels just right for you, from relaxed Bali beach time to once in a lifetime moments in Komodo.

Contact me today to start planning your own Indonesian adventure.