ORANGUTANS & DRAGONS

Start your holiday in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia and its largest city. Explore characterful Dutch colonial districts, see the traditional schooners at the 17^th-century port, Sunda Kelapa, and take in the artistic masterpieces at the Museum Nasional and numerous other fascinating museums – including one dedicated to puppetry - while the atmospheric Jakarta Arts Theatre puts on both traditional and international performances. Enjoy the sleek bars and restaurants and stylish shopping malls, and make the most of the buzzing nightlife. The historic Hermitage hotel has a rooftop bar and pool with panoramic views – perfect for some quality relaxation after your flight.

Today, experience a hotel with a difference as you head to Tanjung Puting for a stay on a private houseboat on the Sekonyer River, the main river in Tanjung Puting National Park. Spend two nights on the boat as you explore the park, its tropical landscapes and its colourful wildlife - as well as enjoying comfortable accommodation, delicious food and fabulous views onboard.

Go on treks into the heart of the forest, see orangutans at Camp Leakey and the Tanjung Harapan Camp, keep an eye out along the river and its surrounds for crocodiles and proboscis, macaque and silver langur monkeys, and watch a wide variety of birds swooping low over the water. At night, thousands of fireflies light up the riverbanks – an unforgettable sight. 

It’s on to beautiful Bali and your hotel, Komaneka at Monkey Forest, in Ubud. The Monkey Forest (just 5km away from Komaneka) is home to around 700 monkeys (and nearly 200 species of tree). It is of huge spiritual significance to the Balinese people, as well as being an important conservation centre, and there are also 14^th-century temples nestled in the forest.

As well as the forest nearby, you’ll be a mere ten-minute walk from the ornate Ubud Palace, the official residence of the royal family of Ubud, and there are markets, shops and restaurants on the doorstep. For a heart-pumping adventure further afield, explore the surrounding mountains, forests, rice fields and waterfalls by cycling, trekking, or whitewater rafting on the Ayung River. Back at the hotel, enjoy delicious cuisine at the open-air restaurant and relax in the infinity pool.

It’s time to head out on the water again, this time on the Ombak Putih, a traditional Indonesian schooner which offers modern luxury alongside its historic character. The spacious cabins have portholes to enjoy the views from, and there are fantastic excursions every day as well as plenty of time to relax on deck and take in the views and the sunsets.

The Dances, Dragons and Magical Lakes cruise takes you around incredible landscapes of towering volcanoes, dense jungles and pristine rivers and waterfalls. Along the way, visit remote villages and tribes where you can learn about local myths and legends and watch traditional dances, experience barbecues under the stars on beautiful, secluded beaches, swim under waterfalls, and snorkel, kayak and paddleboard in the colourful underwater world of the Indonesian archipelago, which is home to coral reefs and over a thousand species of fish. As well as seeing wildlife such as monkeys, buffaloes, flying foxes, wild boar, jungle chickens and deer, an undoubted highlight of your week will be seeing the legendary komodo dragon, Indonesia's living dinosaur, on the beautiful islands of Komodo National Park. 

Nusa Dua is a glamorous beachfront resort with a luxurious, A-list air. As well as 21^st-century style, it offers a taste of traditional Balinese culture with daily music and dancing on offer, and you should also visit the pretty hillside temples and the Pasifika Museum, whose vast collection of artworks represents everything from the many cultures of the vast Asia Pacific region to international artists such as Matisse and Gauguin. Your elegant hotel, The Balé, is just a short walk from the beach – and you can also take the shuttle to a private beach area. Return to relax by the private pool in your thatched-roof villa, and order a cocktail from your very own butler.