Capella Ubud in Bali and Kudanil Explorer have created an exclusive eight-night expedition to the wild, untamed shores of Flores Island.
Leading this adventure is renowned explorer, filmmaker and author, Dr. Lawrence Blair. Best known for the Emmy Award-winning BBC TV series, Ring of Fire, Dr. Blair has spent decades unveiling Indonesia’s hidden wonders, travelling alongside legends like Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, Sir Peter Scott and Richard Dawkins. Along the way, he has encountered mystical traditions, untamed landscapes and extraordinary people, stories of which he will share throughout the journey.
The voyage begins at Capella Ubud, where guests will be immersed in the soul of Bali, choosing between a jungle trek or a water purification ritual, both deeply rooted in local tradition. An exclusive visit to a royal Balinese palace grants private access to meet the High Priest and witness an unforgettable fire dance performance, a ritual that embodies the island’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
A free day allows for personal exploration, whether strolling through Ubud’s bustling markets or indulging in a restorative Balinese massage. As the time in Bali draws to a close, a final dinner at Api Jiwa offers a lively, interactive omakase dining experience before setting sail.
A short flight takes voyagers to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, where they board the Kudanil Explorer. Access to the Kudanil Explorer by the cabin is an extremely rare privilege, as this intimate eight-cabin vessel is typically reserved for private expeditions. This exclusive journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to experience its world-class exploration capabilities, making “Jungle to Sea” an adventure unlike any other.
Days are spent diving and snorkelling in pristine reefs, swimming alongside manta rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles, and trekking across Padar Island’s cinematic landscapes. On land, expert rangers lead a rare encounter with Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizard.
As the sun sets, Dr. Blair’s storytelling sessions bring Indonesia’s history and myths to life, set against the starlit sky. The journey culminates on Banta Island, where guests sink their toes into pink-sand beaches and celebrate with a sunset beach party, cocktails in hand, as the waves lap at the shore—a fitting farewell to an unforgettable odyssey.