Conservation and Culture: Diving in Bali and Lombok
On this two-week Indonesian adventure, head to Bali and Lombok for the perfect mix of exciting dives and adventures above the surface. Along the way, support local conservation efforts with Project Hiu, learning about the importance of thoughtful and sustainable initiatives that benefit both the local community and marine life.
Begin in Tulamben for three days of uninterrupted diving; from discovering World War II wrecks and swimming with manta rays in nearby dive sites to spotting teeny-tiny macro critters on the Siddhartha Resort's house reef, this is a great way to kick off your holiday.
Next up, head to Ubud, Bali's cultural capital. After two days of immersing yourself in the town's cultural, artistic and spiritual traditions, it's time to make your way to Lombok by ferry. In between days full of thrilling dives and beachfront relaxation, head out on a truly special snorkelling trip with Project Hiu, an organisation aiming to raise awareness about the declining shark population and help local fishermen into alternative roles.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Enjoy laid-back diving on a thriving house reef in Bali
- Go on a sunrise dive on the world-famous USAT Liberty wreck
- Discover Bali's history and culture in Ubud
- Support conservation efforts with Project Hiu on a snorkelling trip aboard a repurposed shark fishing boat
Why Book with Original Diving?
- 100% Carbon Off-setting
- UK Departure Assistance
- Fast Track UK Check-in
- Fast Track UK Security
- UK Airport Lounge Access
- Pre-booked Airline Seats
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Days 1 & 2: International Flight to Indonesia
Head to the airport, speed through security and settle into the lounge: your Indonesian diving adventure begins today. Once you've enjoyed some pre-flight nibbles, board the first of your international flights to Denpasar. With a quick stopover in Abu Dhabi, the journey should take between 18 and 20 hours, arriving (hopefully after a few in-air naps) around noon the following day.
When you touch down in Bali, our representative will be waiting to whisk you through the airport and escort you to your private driver. You're heading to Tulamben, a small coastal village in the northeast corner of Bali, so sit back and relax for the two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Later, arrive in Tulamben and check into Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort, a serene hideaway nestled within tropical gardens, and your home for the next four nights. Settle into your sea-view bungalow, before heading down to the on-site dive centre to discuss your underwater itinerary for the next few days.
Days 3 - 5: Dive into Tulamben
With a thriving house reef and easy access to a variety of dive sites, you'll be off to a stunning start on your Indonesian dive holiday. Over the next three days, you're set for two dives a day, and the resort's expert team will help you plan your excursions to get the most out of this marine paradise.
Siddhartha Resort's house reef offers a range of wonderful wildlife, from sly moray eels and sleek barracudas to teeny-tiny nudibranch. As if that wasn't enough, the reef also has its very own wreck - the Boga - which was intentionally sunk in 2012 to create a distinctive ecosystem within the ship walls.
Fancy heading further afield? Visit the USAT Liberty wreck - a World War II ship targeted for its cargo - at sunrise for clear views of kaleidoscope coral, tropical fish and a range of macro critters. For even more wildlife, head to nearby Nusa Penida, home to magnificent manta rays and elusive mola molas.
In between dives, the days are yours to enjoy at your leisure, whether you'd rather visit sacred temples, enjoy luxurious spa treatments or hike up nearby Mount Agung.
Day 6: Onward to Ubud
After one last lazy morning at the hotel, your private driver will be waiting to begin the three-hour journey south to Ubud, Bali's cultural hub. En route, stop at Virgin Beach for a tasty lunch overlooking the pristine white sand and sparkling shores.
This afternoon, check into the Blue Karma Dijiwa, just 15 minutes from the centre of Ubud. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your long drive, whether you'd rather soak up the sun, go for a dip in the pool or simply enjoy a sundowner overlooking the picturesque countryside.
Day 7: Uncover Ubud
We've left today free for you to explore Ubud at your own pace. Surrounded by jungles and rice fields, this vibrant town is pulsating with local life, so head out on foot to immerse yourself in its bustling streets.
Wander along Jalan Raya Ubud, the main street, stopping at local restaurants and small shops. This stretch is also known for its resident art galleries, which attract collectors, designers and home decorators from around the world, as well as its museums and temples, which offer an insight into Ubud's artistic, cultural and spiritual history.
Travelling with a nature lover? Head to the Puri Lujisan Museum and set off on a trek through the lush rice fields, pausing to refuel at local warungs (traditional restaurants) for a bowl of Nasi goreng (a popular Indonesian fried rice dish).
Come evening, enjoy another culture fix with a traditional Balinese performance at a local temple. These historic displays combine local dance, song and theatre, offering an insight into this island's rich heritage.
Day 8: Experience a Traditional Purification Ceremony
After a jam-packed week, spend today at your leisure. If you're still raring to go, you could head out on a sunrise trek, learn the basics at a local yoga class or try your hand at Balinese cooking in a private class; if not, simply grab your holiday read and lounge poolside.
This evening, enjoy a private visit to a purification temple, a traditional spiritual sanctuary. Here, you'll gain an authentic insight into local life during a purification ritual, which aims to cleanse your body and soul, eliminate negative karma and encourage positive energy to flow through your chakras. Once the ceremony is over, you're sure to leave feeling relaxed, restored and ready for the journey onward tomorrow.
Day 9: Sail to Lombok
This morning, wave goodbye to Ubud as you're privately transferred to Padang Bai Harbour, a 90-minute drive away. From here, it's just a three-hour ferry ride to Lombok, the final destination on your Indonesian adventure.
When you arrive in Lombok, disembark and meet your private driver, who'll be waiting to transfer you two hours to the Amber Lombok Beach Resort. It's been a long day of travelling, so drop your bags and head straight down to the beachfront bar for an ice-cold drink and tasty dinner overlooking the sandy shores.
Day 10: A Sustainable Snorkelling Trip with Project Hiu
Rise and shine: today, set off on a truly special excursion with Project Hiu. Literally translating to 'Project Shark', this incredible organisation was established by Australian conservationist Madison Stewart to protect the area's shark population by providing local shark fishermen with an alternative source of income.
This morning, you'll be privately transferred to Project Hiu's office in Kuta, a 45-minute drive away. After a quick briefing on the organisation's initiatives and impact, head out in a repurposed fishing boat with an ex-shark fisherman for a snorkelling trip along Lombok's southern coast.
Along the way, you'll encounter an array of marine life while simultaneously learning about how the organisation's snorkel tours allow Lombok's fishermen to support themselves and their families, without further harming the already dwindling numbers of sharks in the area. It's a truly hands-on way to comprehend the plight of local fishermen, while also grasping the importance of sustainable and compassionate initiatives.
Days 11 – 13: Days at Leisure in Lombok
The next three days are yours for the taking. If you're eager to get back into the water, hop aboard a boat to enjoy dives in the clear waters of the nearby Gili Islands. Home to cute clownfish, colourful anemones, tiny pygmy seahorses and stealthy black and white tip reef sharks, these waters are perfect for marine lovers - and, if you're still full of energy once you surface, you can head out onto the water on a guided kayak tour.
Prefer to remain on land? Visit local villages to watch traditional artisans at work, or venture out on jungle treks, stopping at breathtaking waterfalls for some postcard-perfect holiday snaps. Come evening, stroll along the beach and enjoy sundowners as the sun sets, toasting to your fantastic Indonesian adventure.
Days 14 & 15: Homeward Bound
Sadly, the time has come to head back to reality. After one last lazy morning, you'll be picked up and privately transferred to Lombok's airport, where you'll board your two-hour flight to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.
Once you land, it's time to catch your international flight home, once again flying via Abu Dhabi. The journey will take around 20 hours, and you'll land back in the UK the following day, ready to regale your dive buddies with tales of your Indonesian getaway.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£4,000pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£3,350pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£4,350pp
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