Useful Information for Backpacking Indonesia: Expedition

A mix of hotels, guesthouses and villas, most with an ensuite, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a pool: three nights at a hotel in Canggu, two at a private villa in the hills above Lovina, three at a guesthouse or bungalow hotel on Gili T, one in villas at Sembalun at the foot of Mount Rinjani, two at a hotel in Kuta on Lombok and three at a cottage hotel in Ubud, then two at a hotel in Labuan Bajo. The other two nights are on the boat in Komodo National Park, in simple cabins.

Rooms are twin or double share, with triples in some places and multi-share rooms at the villa in Lovina. Solo travellers share with someone of the same gender; in multi-share rooms we keep to the same gender where we can, but they are occasionally mixed. If you would rather have a room to yourself, ask us about a private room when you book.

At Frii Hotel in Canggu, where you stay for the first three nights in twin or double rooms. It is where your airport pick-up takes you on day 1.

Arriving a day or two early? Let us know as soon as you can and we will check availability and pricing for extra nights. Please note that accommodation may occasionally change due to availability.

You spend the nights of days 16 and 17 on a traditional Phinisi-inspired liveaboard boat, sailing between the islands of Komodo National Park. The cabins are cosy but simple, with twin, double, triple and quad options, and breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on both days.

The boat takes you to the park's viewpoints, the pink beach, snorkelling with manta rays and the Komodo dragons, and brings you back to shore at Labuan Bajo on day 18, where the afternoon is free.

Yes. Vegetarian food is easy to find throughout Bali, so vegetarians have plenty of choice. Strict vegan and gluten-free diets can be trickier, but they are manageable with a bit of planning.

Tell us about any dietary requirements or allergies when you book, so your group leader knows before you arrive. That matters most for the boat trip in Komodo National Park, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included on days 16 and 17.

You will have options of both Balinese and Western food in most places. We truly believe Balinese food is some of the best food on the plane and think you will agree! If you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger, we get that! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour so no need to worry if you are a selective eater. There's basically no bad meals in Bali no matter where you sit down to have a meal.

Yes and so delicious! If you see Balinese eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap - we should mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind.

Vegetarians will be happy to know that Bali is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a Balinese dish without meat which they will often substitute with freshly-made tofu.

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. The trip starts in Canggu and most people arrive on the start date. There are no activities on day 1 and the group meets at around 7pm, so landing earlier in the day gives you time to settle in.

The trip finishes in Labuan Bajo on Flores after breakfast on day 19. If you are flying home from Bali, book that flight for after 3pm so there is time to get back to Denpasar first.

Yes. Your airport pick-up is included, and someone will be waiting for you when you land in Bali. Once your flights are booked, add your arrival details to your booking so we know when to meet you. Arriving early and staying at the tour hotel? We will still arrange your pick-up.

The drop-off at the end of the trip is not included, but your group leader will help you sort out transport for your flight home.

Most visitors can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. You must arrive and depart through an immigration checkpoint at a major airport or seaport. Your passport should have at least six months of validity from your entry date and at least two blank pages. You’ll also need a return or onward ticket and must not have been previously refused entry or blacklisted.

Keep your boarding pass from your flight into Indonesia, as immigration officers may ask to see it upon arrival and could refuse entry or issue a fine if you cannot present it.

For the most up-to-date visa information, please visit:
https://www.welcomebacktobali.com/blog/entry-exit-requirements/visa-entry-requirements
You can also check entry requirements and visa options for your nationality here:
https://apply.joinsherpa.com/explore?affiliateId=backpackingthroughthailand

Please wait for a confirmation email; this will provide information about when we recommend arriving and to depart. We recommend using Sky Scanner to arrange your flights.

We will provide you with airport transfer information 1-week before the tour/program begins.

International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.

Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. That is how your group leader knows when you are landing.

Arriving before the tour starts, or staying on at the end? Let us know as early as you can so we can check availability and pricing on extra nights.

Please let us know as soon as possible. If you are already en route and a connecting flight changes, contact your group leader or email us so we can still meet you at the airport.

Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.

For group tours, your place is confirmed once enough travellers have booked, and always at least four weeks (28 days) before your tour starts. Most group tours are confirmed around six months before departure.

For volunteer or private bookings, please allow 2-3 working days.

If a tour does not run, you get a full refund.

Not at all! A small deposit will confirm your place on the tour. We ask that you please provide the remaining balance no less than 60 days before your tour begins.

Yes, just give us at least 60 days' notice in order to allow another person to take your spot.

Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in installments of your choosing and at your convenience. The final remaining balance is due at least 60 days before your tour is set to begin.

A backpack or a suitcase is fine. A backpack or holdall is a little easier to carry when you are moving between places, especially on and off the ferries and boats, but plenty of travellers bring a suitcase.

Pack less than you think and keep it under 20kg, as you carry your own bags throughout and there is an internal flight on day 15. Bring a smaller daypack for the days out.

We recommend the following: - 1 pair of long trousers - 1 light but waterproof jacket (Nothing too thick!) - Simple padlock to lock up your belongings - 1 long sleeved top - 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer) - Shoes that are suitable for hiking - Waterproof shoes if you have them - Shoes that are easily removed. (Upon entering temples and many buildings you will be expected to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. The easier, the better.) - Swimwear - A camera is highly suggested to remember your experience! - Insect repellent - Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen And of course, the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude, etc!

You move between islands several times: a fast ferry from Bali to Gili T on day 6, a short boat ride to Lombok on day 9 and the ferry back to Bali on day 12, then a short flight to Labuan Bajo on Flores on day 15 and two nights sailing Komodo National Park.

On land you travel by minibus, and journey times depend heavily on traffic: 30km can take up to two hours. A neck pillow is worth packing.

The trip ends in Labuan Bajo after breakfast on day 19. You can check out and head to the airport, stay on in Indonesia, or carry on travelling: your group leader will help you plan and book what comes next, whether that is transport, accommodation or another trip.

Want to stay on at the end? Let your group leader know on day 1 and they will arrange extra nights for you.

Both trips follow the same route for the first 14 days: Canggu, Lovina, Gili T, Sembalun, Kuta on Lombok and Ubud. Backpacking Indonesia: 3 Islands ends in Ubud on day 15.

Backpacking Indonesia: Expedition carries on with a short flight to Labuan Bajo on Flores and two nights on a boat in Komodo National Park, looking for Komodo dragons in the wild, swimming at the pink beach and snorkelling with manta rays. It ends in Labuan Bajo on day 19.

Yes. This is your own time to explore Bali as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let the tour guide know.

No problem at all - just make sure to arrive at the hotel for the starting date of the tour! We can arrange early night’s accommodation at the hotel and airport transfer is included in this cost. If you wish to book this, you can do so in your account under Extra Trips. We can also provide easy-to-use directions for getting from the airport in Denpasar to our hotel.

The trip starts in Canggu and finishes in Labuan Bajo.