Slow Travel
Supported by expert guides, cycle through villages – gaining insight into local culture.
Staying at Nihi Sumba, Capella Ubud, and Nirjhara, this itinerary showcases the best of sustainable luxury in Indonesia. Responsible travel is no longer the preserve of homestays and sleeping bags, hotels can be both stylish and beautiful while upholding strong ethics. Begin with the treehouse luxury of Nirjhara before exploring the surf breaks and communities of Sumba, and finishing in the tented escape of Capella Ubud.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Wellness
Immerse yourself in ancestral therapies, and rainforest yoga – relax and recharge.
Sumbanese Culture
Sunset rides – the soul of Sumba, horses are the idyllic way to explore this spiritual island.
Wanukaka Valley
Inland from Nihi, paddleboard or canoe past riverbank villages, down the Wanukaka River.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
Properties and experiences throughout Indonesia have varying approaches to sustainability, however, with this holiday idea we’ve shown how it can be done with style. Nihi’s mission is to empower local communities while Capella focuses on slow travel and gentle impact. A stay at Nirjhara combines cutting-edge design with sensitive materials and community engagement. All three properties complement each other, making for a holiday diverse in experience yet sharing a common theme to tread lightly and protect their fragile environments.
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Day 1
Bali (Nirjhara)
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Day 2
Bali (Nirjhara)
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Day 3
Bali - Sumba (Nihi Sumba)
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Days 4 - 7
Sumba (Nihi Sumba)
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Day 8
Sumba - Bali (Capella Ubud Resort)
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Days 9 - 11
Ubud (Capella Ubud Resort)
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Day 13
Ubud - Denpasar
Day 1
Bali (Nirjhara)
Arrive into Bali where you’ll be met and driven to the Nirjhara Hotel.
Day 2
Bali (Nirjhara)
Stay in a wooden treehouse amidst the Balinese jungle and paddy fields.
Day 3
Bali - Sumba (Nihi Sumba)
Travel from Bali to Sumba to begin a five-night stay at Nihi.
Days 4 - 7
Sumba (Nihi Sumba)
Spend the next four days exploring this traditional island, home to an equine community focused on sustainability, tradition, and coveted surf breaks.
Day 8
Sumba - Bali (Capella Ubud Resort)
Return to Bali on a short domestic flight. Met on arrival and driven to Capella Ubud.
Days 9 - 11
Ubud (Capella Ubud Resort)
Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the rainforest at this beautiful tented camp. Explore the markers, temples, and lush countryside of Ubud.
Day 13
Ubud - Denpasar
Return to Denpasar ready to depart Bali.
More Details
Positive Impact
Sumba Hospitality Foundation
Working to end the cycle of poverty, the Sumba Hospitality Foundation works with the Sumba community to give empowerment via education and training. With hands-on training and scholarship programs, the foundation offers a small, sustainable resort – Maringi Sumba. Extend your stay to experience Sumbanese hospitality while engaging with the projects this foundation works so hard to promote. Be part of the school, its organic farm, and promote local environmental awareness.
Positive Impact
Sumba Foundation
Part of Nihi, the primary goal of the Sumba Foundation is to work towards reducing poverty on Sumba Island. Via village-based initiatives, the foundation has established access to clean water, health, and education programs while preserving and cherishing the cultures of the Sumbanese community.
Property
Capella Ubud
A quirky blend of a traditional camp feel and cutting-edge modernity, Capella Ubud offers views of rainforest, rice terraces, rivers and valleys. No trees were felled in its construction, so nature is abundant and reinforces the immersed feel of the camp.
Time spent at Capella Ubud can be split between temple visits, cycling through paddy fields or venturing further afield. Or, if you’re feeling less energetic, head to Auriga (the rainforest spa), sample chocolate tasting, or try your hand at Keliki traditional painting.
Positive Impact
Capella and SolarBuddy
Capella Ubud – alongside their other roles in supporting the local community – have partnered with the charity SolarBuddy to work towards ending energy poverty. They have pledged ongoing support with the aim of meeting the seventh UN Sustainable Development Goal: providing affordable and clean energy.
As part of International Youth Day, Capella Ubud delivered 100 solar lights to schools in Sumba, Indonesia. This is an area where education can prove challenging with over 50% of students having no access to electricity at home.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Through the Sumba Foundations close relationship with Nihi Resort, guests staying here can experience, in person the results of their work towards health, nourishment and education for local people. Visit a local water project, witness the work of Malaria combat clinics or volunteer at a local school.
A stay at Capella Ubud in turn supports their partners at SolarBuddy, working together towards ending energy poverty. By providing solar-powered lighting to local communities, this partnership helps provide light sources that aren’t reliant on expensive fuel or the unreliable electricity grid.
Over half of the workforce you will meet during a stay at Nijhara are employed from neighbouring villages. The resort is also the leading supporter of an initiative helping local entrepreneurs reach their objectives and ultimately gain meaningful employment.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $7,901 Per person
When to travel
Indonesia in January
November to March is the rainy season in most of Indonesia, apart from northern Sumatra, Maluka and Papua, which have fantastic diving conditions. It is a quieter time of year, with the ability to travel with spontaneity. January and February are the wettest months.
Indonesia in February
November to March is the rainy season in most of Indonesia, apart from northern Sumatra, Maluka and Papua, which have fantastic diving conditions. It is a quieter time of year, with the ability to travel with spontaneity. January and February are the wettest months.
Indonesia in March
November to March is the rainy season in most of Indonesia, apart from northern Sumatra, Maluka and Papua, which have fantastic diving conditions. It is a quieter time of year, with the ability to travel with spontaneity. January and February are the wettest months.
Indonesia in April
April to October is the dry season for most of the country. Perfect for cultural exploration and long sunny days make for perfect beach weather. Travel outside of July and August to secure the best accommodation, or be prepared to book well in advance.
Indonesia in May
April to October is the dry season for most of the country. Perfect for cultural exploration and long sunny days make for perfect beach weather. Travel outside of July and August to secure the best accommodation, or be prepared to book well in advance.
Indonesia in June
April to October is the dry season for most of the country. Perfect for cultural exploration and long sunny days make for perfect beach weather. Travel outside of July and August to secure the best accommodation, or be prepared to book well in advance.
Indonesia in July
April to October is the dry season for most of the country. Perfect for cultural exploration and long sunny days make for perfect beach weather. Travel outside of July and August to secure the best accommodation, or be prepared to book well in advance.
Indonesia in August
April to October is the dry season for most of the country. Perfect for cultural exploration and long sunny days make for perfect beach weather. Travel outside of July and August to secure the best accommodation, or be prepared to book well in advance.
Indonesia in September
April to October is the dry season for most of the country. Perfect for cultural exploration and long sunny days make for perfect beach weather. Travel outside of July and August to secure the best accommodation, or be prepared to book well in advance.
Indonesia in October
April to October is the dry season for most of the country. Perfect for cultural exploration and long sunny days make for perfect beach weather. Travel outside of July and August to secure the best accommodation, or be prepared to book well in advance.
Indonesia in November
November to March is the rainy season in most of Indonesia, apart from northern Sumatra, Maluka and Papua, which have fantastic diving conditions. It is a quieter time of year, with the ability to travel with spontaneity. January and February are the wettest months.
Indonesia in December
November to March is the rainy season in most of Indonesia, apart from northern Sumatra, Maluka and Papua, which have fantastic diving conditions. It is a quieter time of year, with the ability to travel with spontaneity. January and February are the wettest months.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
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Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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