Trip Research

Comprehensive analysis of itineraries, flights, budget, accommodation, and travel tips for your Indonesia adventure.

Itinerary Options

Compare 4 curated travel plans from Ubud's rice terraces to Komodo's dragons.

Quick Comparison

Ubud + Nusa Penida

Culture, nature, easy logistics — best value for Bali

4,360AED
Relaxation7Adventure7Culture9Budget-Friendly8Convenience9
Lombok + Gili Air

Quiet beaches, waterfalls, authentic island life — cheapest option

3,925AED
Relaxation9Adventure6Culture7Budget-Friendly9Convenience7
Labuan Bajo + Bali

Komodo dragons, Pink Beach, Bali culture — bucket list adventure

5,240AED
Relaxation6Adventure9Culture6Budget-Friendly5Convenience5
Ubud + Labuan Bajo

Best of culture and adventure — recommended for first-timers

5,240AED
Relaxation5Adventure9Culture9Budget-Friendly5Convenience4

Score Comparison

Ubud + Nusa Penida

RELADVCULBUDCON

Lombok + Gili Air

RELADVCULBUDCON

Labuan Bajo + Bali

RELADVCULBUDCON

Ubud + Labuan Bajo

RELADVCULBUDCON

Ubud + Nusa Penida

4,360AED

Culture, cliffs, and the aesthetic heart of Bali

↓

Ubud + Nusa Penida

Culture, cliffs, and the aesthetic heart of Bali

01

Arrival & Highland Immersion

Ubud

  • ■Arrive at DPS, private transfer to Ubud (1.5 hrs)
  • ■Stop at Tegenungan Waterfall en route
  • ■Check-in at jungle-view villa in Sayan area
  • ■Dinner at Hujan Locale (modern Indonesian cuisine)
02

The Spiritual Triad

Ubud / Kintamani

  • ■Tegalalang Rice Terrace at sunrise (IDR 20,000)
  • ■Tirta Empul Temple purification ritual (IDR 50,000)
  • ■Lunch overlooking Mount Batur at Kintamani
  • ■Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (IDR 80,000)
  • ■Legong or Kecak dance at Ubud Palace
03

Waterfalls & Wellness

Ubud

  • ■Kanto Lampo Waterfall (stepped rock formation)
  • ■Brunch at Clear Cafe or Alchemy wellness cafe
  • ■Campuhan Ridge Walk (panoramic valley views)
  • ■Traditional Balinese spa & flower bath (IDR 250,000)
04

The Penida Crossing

Nusa Penida (West)

  • ■Fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida (IDR 450,000 return)
  • ■Kelingking Beach — the famous T-Rex cliff
  • ■Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
  • ■Sunset at Crystal Bay
05

Eastern Cliffs & Snorkeling

Nusa Penida (East)

  • ■Sunrise at Diamond Beach (limestone cliff stairs)
  • ■Atuh Beach & Rumah Pohon viewpoint
  • ■Snorkeling at Gamat Bay or Manta Bay
  • ■Local warung lunch (IDR 80,000)
06

Return to Main Island

Seminyak / Canggu

  • ■Optional: Goa Giri Putri cave temple
  • ■Fast boat return to Sanur
  • ■Transfer to Seminyak or Canggu
  • ■Sunset at Potato Head or La Brisa beach club
07

Departure

DPS Airport

  • ■Souvenir shopping at Krisna Oleh-Oleh
  • ■Transfer to DPS for return flight

Lombok + Gili Air

3,925AED

Quiet beaches, waterfalls, and authentic island life

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Lombok + Gili Air

Quiet beaches, waterfalls, and authentic island life

01

Arrival & Southern Beaches

Kuta Lombok

  • ■Arrive at Lombok International Airport (LOP)
  • ■Transfer to Kuta Lombok (South Coast)
  • ■Sunset hike at Merese Hill
  • ■Dinner: Ayam Taliwang (spicy grilled chicken)
02

Sasak Culture & Coastline

South Lombok

  • ■Visit Sade Traditional Sasak Village (IDR 50,000–100,000)
  • ■Beach hopping: Tanjung Aan (pepper-sand) & Mawun Beach
  • ■Surf lesson at Selong Belanak (gentle beginner waves)
  • ■Lunch at beachfront warung
03

Northern Waterfalls

Mount Rinjani Foothills

  • ■Drive north towards Rinjani foothills
  • ■Benang Stokel Waterfall trek
  • ■Benang Kelambu — water curtain from volcanic aquifer
  • ■Transfer to Senggigi or Teluk Nare
04

Transfer to Gili Air

Gili Air

  • ■Boat to Gili Air from Bangsal (15–20 min)
  • ■Check-in at boutique villa
  • ■Snorkeling off the east coast house reef
  • ■Sunset cocktails at west-facing beach bar
05

Marine Exploration

Gili Islands

  • ■Private snorkeling trip to Turtle Heaven
  • ■Visit The Nest underwater statues at Gili Meno
  • ■Lunch on Gili Meno
  • ■Bicycle circumnavigation of Gili Air (~45 min)
06

Leisure & Gastronomy

Gili Air

  • ■Sunrise stand-up paddleboarding
  • ■Indonesian cooking class (Gado-Gado & Satay)
  • ■Evening seafood BBQ on the beach
07

Departure

Lombok (LOP)

  • ■Morning boat back to Bangsal
  • ■Transfer to LOP Airport (1.5 hrs)
  • ■Flight home

Labuan Bajo + Bali

5,240AED

Komodo dragons, Pink Beach, and Bali's southern peninsula

↓

Labuan Bajo + Bali

Komodo dragons, Pink Beach, and Bali's southern peninsula

01

Gateway to Komodo

Labuan Bajo

  • ■Fly Dubai → Bali, connect to Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
  • ■Check-in at harbor-view hotel
  • ■Sunset at Bukit Sylvia viewpoint
  • ■Dinner at Labuan Bajo Fish Market (fresh grilled catch)
02

The Jurassic Tour

Komodo National Park

  • ■Speedboat to Padar Island — summit hike, 3-bay panorama
  • ■Komodo Island guided dragon trek with ranger
  • ■Pink Beach snorkeling & lunch (pink Foraminifera sand)
  • ■Manta Point drift snorkeling
03

Caving & Flight to Bali

Labuan Bajo → Bali

  • ■Rangko Cave (blue saltwater pool, best around noon)
  • ■Batu Cermin (Mirror Stone Cave)
  • ■Afternoon flight LBJ → DPS
  • ■Transfer to Jimbaran or Uluwatu
04

Southern Peninsula

Uluwatu

  • ■Relax at Melasti Beach
  • ■Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
  • ■Uluwatu Temple sunset Kecak Fire Dance
05

Beach Clubs & Seafood

Jimbaran

  • ■Beach club day pass (Sunday's Beach Club)
  • ■Seafood dinner on the sand at Jimbaran Bay
06

Seminyak Lifestyle

Seminyak

  • ■Boutique shopping in Seminyak
  • ■Fine dining at Sarong or Metis
07

Departure

DPS Airport

  • ■Leisure breakfast
  • ■Transfer to DPS for return flight

Ubud + Labuan Bajo

5,240AED

Best of culture and adventure — the ultimate Indonesia experience

↓

Ubud + Labuan Bajo

Best of culture and adventure — the ultimate Indonesia experience

01

Arrival in the Cultural Heart

Ubud

  • ■Arrive DPS, direct transfer to Ubud (1.5 hrs)
  • ■Check-in at Adiwana Suweta or Maya Ubud
  • ■Dinner at Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner)
02

Ubud Essentials

Ubud

  • ■Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Ceking terrace path)
  • ■Tirta Empul Temple purification rituals
  • ■Lunch at The Sayan House overlooking the valley
  • ■Sacred Monkey Forest & Ubud Market
03

Waterfalls & Wellness

Ubud

  • ■Tukad Cepung Waterfall (sun rays through cave ceiling)
  • ■Tibumana Waterfall (curtain fall with swimming hole)
  • ■Afternoon Balinese massage
  • ■Early dinner and pack for flight
04

To the Dragon's Lair

Labuan Bajo

  • ■Early flight DPS → Labuan Bajo (1.5 hrs)
  • ■Half-day trip to Kelor Island (hike & snorkel)
  • ■Kalong Island at sunset — thousands of flying foxes migrate
05

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park

  • ■Full-day speedboat: Padar Island summit hike
  • ■Pink Beach swim & lunch
  • ■Komodo Island dragon trek with ranger
  • ■Taka Makassar sandbar & Manta Point snorkeling
06

Return to Bali

Canggu / Seminyak

  • ■Optional: Batu Cermin cave visit
  • ■Flight LBJ → DPS
  • ■Transfer to Canggu or Seminyak
  • ■Sunset at La Brisa or Potato Head, farewell dinner
07

Departure

DPS Airport

  • ■Last swim or brunch
  • ■Transfer to DPS for flight to Dubai

Flight Options

Direct and connecting flights from Dubai to Bali (DPS). All itineraries start via Bali.

Outbound Flights (May 23)

Emirates

DXB → DPS (Bali)

REC
Departure

May 23, 14:00

Arrival

May 23, 23:05

Duration

9h 05m

Stops

Direct

1,825AEDper person, return

Most convenient — direct flight, no transit visa needed

Singapore Airlines

DXB → DPS via SIN

Departure

May 23, 08:30

Arrival

May 24, 01:30

Duration

12h 00m

Stops

1 Stop (Singapore)

1,725AEDper person, return

Safe transit at Changi — must book as single PNR ticket

Qatar Airways

DXB → DPS via DOH

Departure

May 23, 06:00

Arrival

May 23, 23:30

Duration

13h 30m

Stops

1 Stop (Doha)

2,050AEDper person, return

Safe airside transit at Hamad International, no visa required

Air India

DXB → DPS via BOM

Departure

May 23, 10:15

Arrival

May 24, 04:00

Duration

13h 45m

Stops

1 Stop (Mumbai)

1,625AEDper person, return

Budget option — no transit visa for airside connection in India

Return Flights (May 30)

Emirates

DPS (Bali) → DXB

Departure

May 30, 00:15

Arrival

May 30, 05:30

Duration

9h 15m

Stops

Direct

1,825AEDper person, return

Direct return — recommended for hassle-free travel

Transit Visa Risk Assessment

Key Rule: Always book a single PNR ticket (one booking reference through to final destination). Self-transfer tickets combining separate airlines require immigration clearance, which may need a transit visa.

Singapore (SIN)

Visa-Free Transit Facility requires a valid US/UK/Australia/Schengen visa. Without one, you must stay airside on a single PNR. Do not book self-transfer tickets via Changi.

Doha (DOH)

Safest transit hub. Hamad International allows airside connections under 24 hours without any transit visa, regardless of nationality. No terminal change needed.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) available up to 120 hours but restricted to specific carriers. Risk of terminal change between KLIA 1 and 2 requiring immigration clearance.

Recommendation: Emirates direct (zero risk) or Singapore Airlines / Qatar Airways on a single PNR ticket. Avoid self-transfer LCC itineraries via Kuala Lumpur.

Budget Breakdown

Per-person cost analysis for each itinerary (7 days, mid-range). Includes round-trip flights.

Ubud + Nusa Penida

Culture, nature, easy logistics — best value for Bali

4,360AED
Flights1,615
Accommodation975
Food & Dining490
Activities590
Transport690

Lombok + Gili Air

Quiet beaches, waterfalls, authentic island life — cheapest option

3,925AED
Flights1,855
Accommodation810
Food & Dining415
Activities275
Transport570

Labuan Bajo + Bali

Komodo dragons, Pink Beach, Bali culture — bucket list adventure

5,240AED
Flights2,200
Accommodation1,050
Food & Dining490
Activities810
Transport690

Ubud + Labuan Bajo

Best of culture and adventure — recommended for first-timers

5,240AED
Flights2,200
Accommodation1,050
Food & Dining490
Activities810
Transport690

Budget Tips

Budgets can be reduced by choosing budget accommodation (IDR 250,000–400,000/night) and eating mostly at warungs. Labuan Bajo options are more expensive due to domestic flights (IDR 1,200,000 each way) and 2026 Komodo National Park conservation fees (~IDR 650,000/person + ranger fees). Optional liveaboard cruises in Komodo add IDR 3,000,000–4,500,000 for a 2–3 night trip.

Accommodation Guide

Recommended hotels and villas for each destination, from budget to luxury.

Ubud

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

5-star — jungle setting, pools, yoga, spa

~IDR 2,000,000/nt
Dwaraka The Royal Villas

4-star villa — private pool, rice field views

~IDR 1,500,000/nt
COMO Uma Ubud

5-star — luxury wellness, top-rated restaurant

~IDR 2,500,000/nt
Adiwana Suweta

4-star — central Ubud, pool, spa, garden

~IDR 1,200,000/nt
The Mansion Resort

4-star — colonial style, rice field setting

~IDR 1,000,000/nt
Tegal Sari Accommodation

3-star — rice field views, pool, central

~IDR 700,000/nt
Budget guesthouses

Clean, basic, central Ubud (Penestanan/Nyuh Kuning)

IDR 250,000–400,000/nt

Nusa Penida

Semabu Hills Hotel

Pool, panoramic sea views

IDR 1,200,000–1,800,000/nt
La Roja Bungalows

Cozy, good reviews, Instagram-friendly

IDR 600,000–900,000/nt

Note: accommodation on Nusa Penida is often rustic. Roads are rough — hire a local driver over scooter rental.

Lombok

Katamaran Resort Senggigi

Beachfront, pool, restaurant

IDR 1,200,000–1,800,000/nt
Jeeva Klui Resort

Eco-luxury, ocean views

IDR 1,000,000–1,500,000/nt
Origin Lombok

Boutique resort, pool, Kuta Lombok

~IDR 1,000,000/nt
Budget guesthouses

Senggigi or Kuta Lombok area

IDR 250,000–400,000/nt

Gili Air

The Koho Air Hotel

Boutique, pool, spa

IDR 1,200,000–1,600,000/nt
PinkCoco Gili Air

Adults-only, beachfront, unique design

IDR 1,000,000–1,400,000/nt
Manta Dive Gili Air

Beachfront, dive center, social vibe

IDR 600,000–900,000/nt
Jago Gili Air

Modern, pool, central location

IDR 600,000–900,000/nt
Budget bungalows

Simple beachside bungalows

IDR 300,000–500,000/nt

Labuan Bajo

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach

Luxury — private beach, pool, spa

IDR 2,500,000–4,000,000/nt
Loccal Collection Hotel

Santorini-style, sea views, pool

IDR 1,200,000–1,800,000/nt
Bayview Gardens

Hilltop, panoramic views

IDR 1,000,000–1,400,000/nt
Seaesta Hotel & Hostel

Budget — pool, social vibe

IDR 400,000–700,000/nt

Travel Guide

Essential information for your Indonesia trip — culture, health, transport, food, and packing.

Cultural Do’s

  • ✓Dress modestly at temples — sarong and sash required (rentals available at entrance)
  • ✓Remove shoes before entering homes and temples
  • ✓Use right hand for eating, giving money, and shaking hands
  • ✓Ask permission before taking photos of people
  • ✓Carry small cash for donations, parking, and local purchases
  • ✓Use reef-safe sunscreen when snorkeling
  • ✓Hire official ranger guides in Komodo National Park (mandatory for safety)

Cultural Don’ts

  • ✗Don’t step on canang sari (palm leaf offerings) placed on the ground in Bali
  • ✗Don’t touch people’s heads — considered the most sacred part of the body
  • ✗Don’t feed or provoke monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest
  • ✗Don’t sunbathe topless in Lombok (predominantly Muslim)
  • ✗Don’t bring single-use plastics to the Gili Islands (plastic ban in effect)
  • ✗Don’t approach or feed Komodo dragons — stay on marked trails
  • ✗Don’t drink tap water — always use bottled or filtered water

Health & Safety

  • ■Vaccinations: Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Japanese Encephalitis for rural areas.
  • ■Malaria: Prophylaxis recommended for Flores/Komodo region. Not needed for Bali or Gili Islands.
  • ■Mosquitoes: Use repellent and wear long sleeves at dusk/dawn.
  • ■Rabies: Avoid contact with stray dogs and monkeys. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
  • ■Insurance: Travel insurance strongly recommended, including adventure activities and medical evacuation.
  • ■Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water to avoid “Bali Belly.”

Getting Around

  • ■Bali: Private car with driver (IDR 600,000–800,000/day), Grab/Gojek apps (IDR 20,000–50,000/ride), scooter rental (IDR 80,000–120,000/day).
  • ■Lombok: Private car with driver, taxis, scooter rental. Download Grab for main areas.
  • ■Gili Islands: No motorized vehicles — walk, bicycle (IDR 50,000/day), or cidomo (horse cart, IDR 100,000–150,000/trip).
  • ■Labuan Bajo: Taxis, hotel shuttles, scooter rental (IDR 80,000–120,000/day).
  • ■Fast boats: Bali–Nusa Penida (IDR 200,000–450,000 one-way), Bali–Lombok/Gili (IDR 350,000–600,000 one-way). Book in advance.

Practical Information

  • ■Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 1 AED ≈ 4,325 IDR. ATMs widely available.
  • ■Weather: May is dry season. Bali/Lombok: 28–32°C, humid — rice paddies lush green after the rainy season. Labuan Bajo: 30–32°C, arid — Padar Island turns golden-brown, creating stunning contrast with turquoise water. Sea conditions are calm, ideal for Komodo crossings.
  • ■Visa: Visa on Arrival for UAE residents (IDR 500,000, 30 days).
  • ■Language: Bahasa Indonesia. English widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • ■Time Zone: WIB (UTC+7) for Java, WITA (UTC+8) for Bali/Lombok/Labuan Bajo.

Money & Connectivity

  • ■SIM/eSIM: Buy at the airport or local shops. Telkomsel has the best coverage across all islands.
  • ■ATMs: Widely available in Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo. Limited on Nusa Penida and Gili Islands — withdraw cash before transferring.
  • ■Credit cards: Accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants. Cash needed for warungs, markets, and local transport.
  • ■Cash exchange: Bring new, crisp USD bills if exchanging cash. Damaged or old bills may be refused.

Must-Try Foods

Nasi Goreng

Indonesian fried rice — ubiquitous street food

~IDR 25,000
Satay

Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce

~IDR 30,000
Rendang

Spicy slow-cooked beef stew

~IDR 45,000
Gado-Gado

Vegetable salad with peanut sauce

~IDR 20,000
Babi Guling

Ubud specialty — spit-roast suckling pig

~IDR 60,000
Ayam Taliwang

Lombok specialty — spicy grilled chicken

~IDR 35,000–70,000
Nasi Campur

Mixed rice plate with assorted sides

~IDR 30,000–60,000

Recommended Restaurants

Ubud: Locavore (fine dining tasting menu), Ibu Oka (Babi Guling), Hujan Locale (modern Indonesian), Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner), The Sayan House (river valley views), Clear Cafe & Alchemy (wellness). Seminyak/Canggu: Sarong & Metis (fine dining), Potato Head & La Brisa (beach clubs). Uluwatu: Sunday’s Beach Club (inclinator access). Labuan Bajo: Fish Market (fresh grilled catch), Kisik (seafood), Atlantis on the Rock.

What to Pack

  • ■Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • ■Comfortable walking shoes + sandals
  • ■Trekking shoes (for Komodo, waterfalls, Padar hike)
  • ■Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
  • ■Hat or cap for sun protection
  • ■Light rain jacket (brief showers possible)
  • ■Power adapter (Type C/F)
  • ■Sarong for temple visits (also available locally)

Our Recommendation

Summary verdict based on value, experience, and logistics.

Best Overall

Ubud + Labuan Bajo

The superior choice for a first-time visitor. Maximum experiential contrast: the lush, spiritual jungles of Ubud versus the arid, prehistoric majesty of Komodo. Higher budget and tighter logistics, but the return on memories is unmatched.

Best Value

Ubud + Nusa Penida

Rich cultural and natural experiences with the easiest logistics. Everything is within Bali province, minimizing domestic flights. Iconic rice terraces, temples, and the dramatic cliffs of Nusa Penida at the lowest cost.

Best for Relaxation

Lombok + Gili Air

Ideal for decompressing. Pristine, uncrowded beaches, high-quality snorkeling, unique Sasak culture, and Gili Air’s car-free island life. The cheapest option overall with the slowest, most restorative pace.

Bucket List

Labuan Bajo + Bali

The Komodo dragons and Pink Beach combined with Bali’s beach clubs and the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu. More expensive and logistically complex, but delivers a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Action Items

  • 1.Book flights now — secure Emirates direct or Singapore Airlines/Qatar Airways (single PNR) to navigate visa constraints safely.
  • 2.Book domestic flights — if choosing Labuan Bajo options, book Bali–LBJ flights for Days 4 and 6 early.
  • 3.Reserve accommodation — May is shoulder season and prime properties (especially in Ubud and Labuan Bajo) fill up quickly.
  • 4.Book Komodo tours — park visitor numbers are capped. Reserve your speedboat day tour in advance.
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