Leisure and Liveaboards: From Bali to Komodo

At Genah Melukat Sebatu, visit the historic Hindu temple before continuing to its sacred spring for a traditional purification ritual. The locals refer to the holy water as tirta, which, in Balinese Hinduism, is believed to symbolise purity and spiritual harmony.

Afterwards, round things off with a hearty meal at a nearby warung (a small family-owned restaurant), before returning to your accommodation, refreshed and fully settled into Bali's rhythm.

Are you a keen adventurer? Embark on a whitewater rafting experience along the Ayung River, tackling rolling rapids and drifting past misty rainforests, craggy cliffs and tumbling waterfalls. Afterwards, you'll be rewarded with a well-earned lunch to refuel after working up an appetite.

Or, if you fancy yourself a bit of a chef, why not show off your culinary skills during a traditional Balinese cooking course? First, visit a local market, where stalls are piled high with fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Choose the just-picked produce, before heading back to prepare some typical Balinese dishes with the help of a detailed demonstration. Finally, enjoy a tasting and a calming stroll through the surrounding rice fields. Pure bliss.

The drive takes around an hour and a half, giving you plenty of time to tune in to our destination-specific playlist.

Best experienced on a luxury liveaboard, Komodo National Park's sun-drenched islands, ringed with pink beaches and turquoise waters, are positively dreamy. Diving-wise, nutrient-rich thermoclines attract a whirlpool of marine life, which, coupled with pristine reefs, has resulted in some of the best diving conditions in Indonesia.

When you arrive, board the Mermaid II liveaboard and relax in your comfortable cabin. Come evening, head out onto the main deck for dinner under the stars as you cruise towards Moyo Island, located off the north coast of Sumbawa.

Characterised by a steep drop-off covered in soft corals and fauna, the maximum depth is 30m, but the most interesting creatures can be found at shallower depths - think nudibranchs, frogfish and schools of longfin bannerfish.

Spend your surface interval refuelling with a fresh fish lunch before cruising to a second reef around the island, such as Little Angel or Panjang Reef. Here, you can mingle with macro critters, from pygmy seahorses to vibrant reef fish.

As the day draws to a close, the diving adventures continue. Venture to the coastal reefs at Labuanaji for a night dive near Moyo village, where you'll see everything from bobtail squid and waspfish to devil scorpionfish and colourful nudibranchs.

After a delicious dinner, drift off in your cabin as you cruise towards Saleh Bay for a morning filled with whale shark wonder.

You'll spend around three hours snorkelling and diving with these magnificent creatures in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, before cruising north to Satonda Island for a spot of macro and reef diving.

As the sun dips, it's time for another world-class night dive in search of the nocturnal marine life that emerges after dark. Afterwards, cruise overnight to Gili Banta and the Komodo National Park, ready for tomorrow's underwater encounters.

If the currents allow, you'll begin at Gili Banta's GPS Point. This is best suited to more advanced divers, as strong currents and plankton-rich waters can reduce visibility, but you'll be rewarded with a flurry of marine life, including a sleek sharks and gliding pelagics.

From here, continue on to see what else Komodo has to offer. Spend your afternoon exploring the likes of Batu Monco, Crystal Rock, Castle Rock and Lighthouse Reef, where you'll see everything from giant trevallies and unicorn fish to eagle rays and grey reef sharks.

Although you can dive up to four times today, there's also the option to take it easy. Lose yourself in a good book or unwind on a comfortable sunlounger (no judgement, we promise).

Next up is Manta Alley, arguably one of the best sites in

The dramatic scenery above the water's surface sets the scene for the epic adventure below. As the name suggests, manta rays can often be found circling cleaning stations here, as well as gliding through the shallows. Once you've had your fill of manta magic, turn your attention to the reef sharks, trevallies and large wrasses that also patrol this area.

After a well-deserved rest, it's time to head towards Loh Liang, where you'll disembark for a guided walk of Komodo National Park and the chance to see the island's most famous residents - the Komodo dragons. Accompanied by a park ranger, you'll learn all about these ancient lizards as well as spotting wild boar, Sunda deer and soaring birds.

As night falls, climb back on board for a delicious dinner before heading out for another fascinating night dive.

Then you'll drift towards Gili Banta, keeping cameras at the ready to capture the swoon-worthy views en route. Be sure to make the most of the delicious cuisine on board - you'll have the opportunity to dive up to four times, so it's a busy (and hungry) day.

Come evening, you'll reach the waters surrounding the famous Sangeang Volcano, where a critter-packed night dive awaits as the sand comes to life after dark. While you're here, a visit to the nearby village of Bontoh, perched at the base of the volcano, will offer an insight into local life.

Keep your eyes peeled for ghost pipefish, ribbon eels, turtles and cuttlefish before cruising back to Benoa Harbour overnight.

You'll arrive at Benoa the following morning, where, after a final breakfast on board, you'll disembark and wave goodbye to your floating home. You'll then be privately transferred to your charming hotel, about a half-hour drive away in Jimbaran. Kick back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved rest back on solid ground.

Located just south of Denpasar Airport, Jimbaran is a laid-back bay with a crescent-shaped beach and calm blue seas. Spend your time basking in the sun, lounging poolside or enjoying an indulgent massage treatment - this is R&R at its finest.

Begin one morning with a visit to the Jimbaran Fish Market, then head to a nearby warung, where they can cook the catch of the day to your liking.

Tempted to explore beyond Jimbaran? Embark on a day trip to Uluwatu, home to some of Bali's most picturesque beaches. Sink your feet into the silky sands of Padang Padang and Nyang Nyang, while admiring the gin-clear waters. If that's not quite enough for you, we can also arrange a sunset cruise along Uluwatu's coastline, toasting to two-and-a-half weeks of Indonesian bliss.

Your overnight flight back to the UK will take around 17 hours and includes a short connection in either Southeast Asia or the Middle East, with your luggage checked straight through. What better time to start planning your next diving getaway?