Inspirational Leaders
Voyage with leaders and guides who will share a fun and inspirational conservation message.
Embark on an unforgettable family holiday, freewheeling through paddy fields and onto a swashbuckling adventure through Indonesia’s Ring of Fire. Trade mobiles and Xbox for real-life fantasy, exploring the incredible underwater landscapes of the volcanic Komodo islands. Snorkel with manta rays, kayak in craters, and discover moss-covered temples.
This 12 day family adventure begins in peaceful Ubud on the island of Bali, with cycling, market explorations, and relaxation. On to Komodo to board a 24 berth traditional wooden phinisi boat, joining other like-minded families on an eight night voyage of discovery. On this exclusive family departure, make new friends, learn from renowned naturalists, immerse yourselves in the cultures and legends of a region unreachable by land, and transport the whole family to a classroom like no other.
2024 cruise departures: 30 July and 10 August
2025 cruise departures: 28 July and 09 August
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Marine Activities
Snorkel, kayak and paddleboard – explore coral reefs and swim with whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
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A Wild Classroom
Encounter rare indigenous creatures, great and small, from Komodo Dragons to bats, butterflies and bugs.
Slow Travel
Revel in the slow pace of life on a boat – draw, play games, read, doze in the sun and delight in dolphins riding the bow wave.
Why Steppes?
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Day 1
Bali - Ubud
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Days 2 - 3
Ubud
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Day 4
Bali - Komodo
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Day 5
Komodo National Park
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Day 6
Komodo National Park
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Day 7
Komodo National Park
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Day 8
Sumbawa Island
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Day 9
Sumbawa Island
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Day 10
Komodo National Park
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Day 11
Komodo National Park
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Day 12
Komodo - Bali
Day 1
Bali - Ubud
Arrive into Denpasar and transfer north to Ubud to check into your accommodation.
Days 2 - 3
Ubud
Spend two days exploring and relaxing. Cycle through Balinese countryside stopping at villages and local temples, join a cookery class as a family, sourcing ingredients from a local market before creating a traditional lunchtime feast. Spend afternoons in a gamelan workshop, watching master musicians perform before trying it yourself and spend time doing nothing.
Day 4
Bali - Komodo
Fly to Labuan Bajo on Komodo and transfer to your floating accommodation. This afternoon visit a coral restoration project for some snorkelling.
Day 5
Komodo National Park
Take a shore visit to search for Komodo dragons, snorkelling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs. Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Snorkel at a favourite hangout of sea turtles.
Day 6
Komodo National Park
Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a ‘pink beach’ (white sand intermixed with powdered red coral). Spend the morning swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkelling from the beach. Cruise to a nearby active volcanic island and see a traditional pinisi boat being built on the beach – a chance to wander around the village and interact with the local people.
Day 7
Komodo National Park
Spend the day at a volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its centre. Swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake or trek around the crater rim. This evening barbecue on the beach under the night skies and see thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.
Day 8
Sumbawa Island
Today, the chance for an early morning swim with whale sharks, that congregate in the bay and have formed a bond with local fisherman (not guaranteed). Spend the day on a beach located on a small limestone island kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the local karst formations.
Day 9
Sumbawa Island
Cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a waterfall to bathe.
Day 10
Komodo National Park
Enjoy a unique snorkelling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles among the corals on the sea floor. The metallic black volcanic sand below is home to an abundance of fascinating invertebrates. Go drift snorkelling or do a sunset hike for fabulous views.
Day 11
Komodo National Park
Visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife – spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer.
Day 12
Komodo - Bali
Take a scenic drive towards Melo Village, to witness the traditional Caci dance performance. Local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments.
Disembark your floating accommodation after lunch and transfer to the airport for flights to Denpasar and onward travel.
Above & Below Water
Komodo National Park
Having been given UNESCO status with Outstanding Universal Value, Komodo National Park has been recognised as a ‘global conservation priority area’. The dry volcanic landscape above water is in complete contrast to the coral-rich waters below. Walk amongst rugged hills, pink beaches and sheer cliffs, which fall away to the ocean below. Underwater is home to a diverse collection of species with strong currents allowing sea turtles, dugons, whales and dolphins to make it home. With clear warm water, the snorkelling and diving showcase a staggering array of marine wildlife.
Inspiring the next Generation
A Wild Classroom
Naturalists Angela and Ray Hale have travelled extensively throughout Indonesia in search of endangered species and join this cruise hoping to inspire the next generation with a love of nature and the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation. Join Angela, an accomplished painter and illustrator, in discovering the art of animal camouflage and sketching the wildlife encountered. Delve into the fascinating world of Komodo dragons, learning about their evolution to thrive in the barren and ancient islands.
Private Family Charter
Charter Options
If the thought of travelling with other families does not appeal, why not charter a private yacht for your family and friends. We can tailor the itinerary to perfectly suit your group, including something for all ages, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Seatrek, Tiger Blue and Rascal are some of our favourite boats.
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It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
01285 880 980Get in touch with our travel experts to start
creating your tailor-made holiday.
Suggested Extension
Indonesia: Jungles of Borneo
Fly north to explore the jungles of Borneo in search of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and monitor lizards. Travel by houseboat along the shores of Kumai and Sekonyer River within Tanjung Puting National Park and experience the sites and sounds of the dense jungle interior.
5 days. Price on request
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Our Indonesian partners endorse Bali WISE, an education centre for young women in Bali with the aim of empowering marginalised individuals, breaking the poverty cycle, and fostering sustainable communities. The program includes six months of high-quality education and skills training, preparing students for the tourism industry. Contributions from our holidays to Indonesia support one student’s journey each term.
The Sea Trek boats underwent a meticulous restoration in 2015, led by skilled craftsmen who share the same cultural heritage as the original builders. Using traditional materials, they ensured the preservation of the boats’ authenticity and legacy.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?
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