A Totally Bonkers, Blissful, Once-in-a-Lifetime Indonesian Escape
Yachting with Dr Lawrence Blaire
A Totally Bonkers, Blissful, Once-in-a-Lifetime Indonesian Escape
Imagine sipping something fizzy in a luxury tent in the Balinese jungle one moment, and the next, you’re on a yacht with a film star of a boat, island-hopping with sea turtles and staring down actual dragons. No, not the metaphorical kind you’ve dated. Real ones. Welcome to the Jungle to Sea expedition, which is basically Eat Pray Love meets David Attenborough, but with better skincare and someone else making the beds.
Eight nights with Dr Lawrence Blair
This eight-night extravaganza is being led by the utterly fabulous Dr. Lawrence Blair, explorer, Emmy-winning filmmaker, and part-time adventurer who’s travelled the Indonesian archipelago with everyone from Mick Jagger to Richard Dawkins. (Honestly, name a dinner party conversation starter he doesn’t have. You can’t.)
Capella Ubud, a jungle retreat where it all begins
The journey kicks off at Capella Ubud, a jungle retreat so beautiful you’ll forgive it for making you cry a little when you first see it. Guests can opt for a jungle trek (for the inner Bear Grylls) or a water purification ritual (for the inner mermaid/healer/you who really regrets last night’s negroni). You’ll then be whisked away to a private audience with a real-life Balinese High Priest followed by a fire dance performance that’s equal parts spiritual and seriously Instagrammable.
Dinner at Api Jiwa
And just when you think you might burst from sensory overload (and possibly a second helping of sticky rice), you get a free day. Think wandering Ubud’s markets in floaty linen, or letting a very serene person knead your shoulders into a state of pure bliss. That evening? Dinner at Api Jiwa, where it’s all sizzling woks, interactive omakase, and flavours so fabulous you’ll be mentally rewriting your last will and testament to leave everything to the chef.
Labuan Bajo
Then it’s off to Labuan Bajo by plane, and onto the Kudanil Explorer, an eight-cabin floating beauty that usually only hosts private expeditions. Translation? This is like sneaking backstage at Taylor Swift, but with snorkels.
Komodo dragons, swimming with manta rays and trekking on Padar Island
Once aboard, the adventure gets even more surreal. You’ll be diving and snorkelling through reefs so pristine they make your filtered Instagram shots look like a smudge. You’ll swim with manta rays, reef sharks, turtles basically the cast of Finding Nemo but with better manners. There’s a proper trek on Padar Island, which is so scenic it feels computer-generated. And yes, you’ll meet the infamous Komodo dragons, which are the world’s largest lizards and completely terrifying but in a very exciting, please-don’t-eat-me-I’m-wearing-sunscreen kind of way.
Each evening, Dr. Blair spins tales of Indonesian myths and mysteries under the stars, and if that doesn’t stir your soul, the sunset beach party on Banta Island definitely will. Think cocktails, pink-sand beaches, and the kind of content that makes your ex cry quietly into their spirulina smoothie.
Dates: September 13–21, 2025
Rates: From USD 19,955 for one guest or USD 26,600 for two (includes luxury accommodation, surreal experiences, all meals, inland transfers, and—presumably—a whole new lease on life).
Note: Prices do not include the 21% government tax, but honestly, it’s worth it just for the storytelling.
