Bali, Komodo Island, Nusa Lembongan & the Gilis: The Perfect Indonesian Holiday

When it comes to planning the ultimate Indonesian getaway, it’s hard to beat the combination of Bali, Komodo Island, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands. Together, they offer everything from chic resorts and cultural experiences to breathtaking wildlife encounters, barefoot island charm, and eco-adventures. If you’re dreaming of a holiday that blends relaxation with discovery, here’s why this itinerary is so rewarding.

Bali – Style, Comfort & Culture

Bali is the ideal starting and finishing point for most journeys. In Seminyak, resorts such as Amadea Resort & Villas place you right in the centre of boutique shopping and dining, yet still provide tranquil pools and spacious rooms.

Prefer something more laid-back? Sanur’s beachfront is made for strolling between cafés, spas, and local warungs for yummy food, while Nusa Dua showcases larger resorts with lagoon-style pools, multiple restaurants, and activities such as yoga, aqua aerobics, and cycling. Bali is the perfect place to settle in, relax, and ease into island life.

Insider tip: Just watch for money changers; only use glass-fronted offices to avoid additional “taxes” after confirming rates.

Komodo Island – Nature at Its Best

A short flight east takes you to Labuan Bajo on Flores, the gateway to the Komodo Islands. Here, nature truly shines. Start your morning early with a hike up the 800 steps for spectacular island views (take the 5:30am departure to beat both the crowds and the heat). Spend lunchtime with the legendary Komodo Dragons. If you’re lucky like me, you’ll see females, males and babies! Afternoon snorkelling is a highlight: turtles, manta rays, baby reef sharks and vibrant coral reefs await just offshore.

Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach in Flores offers a touch of luxury after a big day exploring. This resort delivered some lovely touches – think welcome drinks, poolside snacks, complimentary activities and even umbrellas appearing as the rain set in.

Insider tip: Taxis into town run on a flat rate, so no haggling needed. And don’t forget insect repellent as mosquitoes are part of the landscape, especially at dusk.

Nusa Lembongan – Laid-Back Adventure

Just a short boat ride from Bali, Nusa Lembongan feels like a world away. Staying at Bali Hai Tide Beach Resort means waking up to beachfront views and spending your days unwinding by the water. But this island is also made for exploring.

One of the highlights is the e-bike tour, which takes you around Lembongan’s villages, viewpoints, and beaches at a relaxed pace. It’s a fantastic way to see the island up close while supporting eco-friendly tourism. With its crystal-clear waters and slower pace of life, Nusa Lembongan strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.

Insider tip: Bring reef shoes, as many beaches have coral underfoot.

Gili Trawangan – Barefoot Bliss

After adventure comes indulgence, and Gili Trawangan is the perfect place to slow down. Known as the liveliest of the three Gilis, it blends beachfront relaxation with a sociable island vibe. By day, you can snorkel among turtles, cycle around the island, or enjoy a massage overlooking the ocean. By night, beach cafés and sunset bars create the perfect setting to end your day with your toes in the sand.

Insider tip: When travelling between islands, where possible, choose the larger, air-conditioned fast ferries for comfort – smaller speedboats can be cramped and stuffy.

Why Combine The Islands?

This itinerary creates the perfect balance:

Bali for style, culture, and dining. Flores & Komodo for nature and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. Nusa Lembongan for laid-back island adventure and eco-experiences. Gili Trawangan for barefoot luxury and island charm.

Together, they deliver the very best of Indonesia – luxury, authenticity, and adventure.

Ready to design your own Indonesian escape? As your personal travel manager, I can tailor an itinerary that flows seamlessly between Bali, Komodo Island, Nusa Lembongan, and Gili Trawangan – taking care of all the details, from flights and transfers to resorts and activities. Get in touch to start planning your dream holiday at [email protected].