You are about to cross a threshold into a landscape where the clocks run differently and the air carries a different weight. Life in Indonesia moves to the ancient rhythm of the tides and the monsoon, far removed from the predictable hum of the world you’ve left behind. You will encounter ways of living and being that may seem unusual at first, but remember: it is often in these “unusual” spaces that the most profound beauty is found. This is the very definition of the exotic—a place that refuses to be anything other than its raw, authentic self.
While this journey is designed as a “Balanced Break,” it remains a living, breathing adventure. There will be moments that ask for your grit—perhaps a humidity that feels like a warm embrace, a bumpy road that traces the spine of a volcanic ridge, or the sudden, dramatic arrival of a tropical downpour. These aren’t obstacles; they are the texture of the trip.
The most essential piece of gear you can bring isn’t found in a shop. It is a spirit of flexible inquiry and a healthy, grounded sense of humor. Pack a willingness to meet the unexpected halfway, and you will find that Indonesia doesn’t just offer a vacation—it offers a shift in perspective that lasts a lifetime.
We’ve gathered the following notes to help you begin your preparations. Consider this the first map-flicker of a journey that is, quite frankly, going to be magnificent.
Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA):
You may apply for an e-VOA in advance if you are entering Indonesia in Jakarta at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) or in Bali at Ngurah Rai Denpasar International Airport (DPS). If you meet the requirements, you can apply for an e-VOA at certain international airports, seaports, or land crossings.
You will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a departure date with a return or onward flight booking, and must pay a 500,000 rupiah fee (about $35). The e-VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days (for 500,000 rupiah) at the nearest immigration office one week before it expires. Check the requirements and apply for an e-VOA on the Indonesian Immigration website:
Permissible Visa On Arrival activities include:
* Tourism,
* Government visits,
* Business meetings,
* Procurement of goods,
* Transit
Visa: For stays over 30 days for any visa category, please apply online at: The Official eVisa website for Indonesia.
If you overstay your visa, you face a fine of 1 million rupiah per day, and you may be detained, deported, or banned for future travel to Indonesia for a specified period. U.S. citizens have been detained and/or fined for visa overstays or using the wrong visa class. Non-tourism travelers should refer to the Indonesian Immigration website regarding the correct type of visa to procure for specific purposes. Always carry a copy of your passport to establish your identity and proof of visa.
Please refer to the state department for the most up to date information.
For travelers of other nationalities, please check Indonesia’s official immigration website for specific visa requirements.
Since the 14th of February 2024, the Bali Provincial Government charges a Tourist Levy for all visitors. The Levy is 150,000 Rp (approximately USD$10).
You can pay for this on arrival OR you can pay for it online before arriving. Click here to pay online
Click HERE to fill out your Online Customs Declaration
Note: Custom declarations can not be processed more than 3 days before your arrival.
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions.
Once you have booked an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment and other associated costs. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Our journey begins and ends with a soft landing in Bali at the Holiday Inn Baruna. Perched on the beachside just minutes from the airport, it allows us to bypass the frantic pulse of city traffic and settle immediately into the coastal quiet. Once we reach the rugged outpost of Labuan Bajo, we typically find sanctuary at the Puri Sari Beach Hotel, or a similar retreat that keeps the salt air close and the noise of the world at bay.
When we move into the heart of the Komodo archipelago, the boat becomes our moving world. You will spend at least one night aboard our vessel, a floating home equipped with Western-style bathrooms and cabins cooled by fan and AC. Whether you find yourself in the master suite or the shared bunk-style arrangements, the experience remains the same: the gentle, hypnotic rocking of the hull and the deep peace of the open sea.
On most nights, however, we return to the earth’s edge. We make camp on remote, silent shores in Safari-style tents. There is a rare, visceral luxury in sleeping with only a thin layer of canvas between you and the elements—lulled to sleep by the rhythmic lap of water against the sand and waking to witness the sun ignite the horizon in a riot of prehistoric color.
In Pangkalan Bun, we find comfort in the refined atmosphere of the Grand Kecubung Hotel, a brief moment of solid ground before we enter the emerald labyrinth of the Sekonyer River. Here, your home is the klotok. These narrow, wooden vessels are built specifically to navigate the tight, winding arteries of Tanjung Puting National Park. By day, the upper deck is your private gallery for viewing the forest and your open-air dining room; by night, it transforms into a sheltered bedroom. Tucked behind mosquito netting with comfortable mattresses and blankets, you sleep in the open air, a guest of the jungle’s nocturnal symphony.
Reaching Denpasar, Bali from the United States is straightforward, with a wide range of comfortable and well-connected flight options. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar International Airport, is Bali’s main gateway.
While there are no nonstop flights from the U.S. to Bali, travelers can easily connect through major international hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, or Dubai. Airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air offer frequent and convenient routes to Bali, often in partnership with major U.S. carriers like United, Delta, and American Airlines.
The most common itineraries depart from major U.S. hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), or Dallas (DFW), with one connection en route. Most U.S. travelers find it easiest to connect through Singapore (SIN), Doha (DOH), or Tokyo (HND/NRT).
Your luggage is typically checked through to your final destination in Bali, making the journey seamless and stress-free.
Upon your arrival in Bali, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for your first taste of Balinese charm and hospitality.
In the evening, a No Roads Expeditions representative will meet with you to provide your domestic e-tickets and conduct a final pre-trip briefing, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
When you arrive in Labuan Bajo and Pangkalan Bun all transfers have been arranged.
All Domestic Flights are included in the journey. Please note that the journey to Pangkalan Bun requires a transit somewhere in Java (possibly Jakarta or Surabaya). Luggage MAY have to be collected to be sent on the next flight. We will notify you of this before you depart.
Please note that luggage allowances on Indonesian domestic flights typically range between 33 and 44 pounds. While you can usually pay for additional baggage (approximately $3–4 USD per pound), we strongly recommend packing as light as possible for comfort and convenience during travel.
Located in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago between Sumbawa and Flores, Komodo National Park is one of the world’s great natural treasures. Established in 1980 to protect the legendary Komodo dragon, the park now safeguards an extraordinary range of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, from coral reefs and mangroves to savanna hills and tropical forests.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, Komodo National Park is home to rare wildlife, vibrant coral ecosystems, and crystal-clear waters teeming with life.
Despite ongoing challenges, such as illegal fishing and habitat pressure, conservation partnerships between Indonesia’s park authorities and The Nature Conservancy are helping to restore and protect this fragile ecosystem. Their shared mission: to preserve Komodo’s unique biodiversity and ensure its magic endures for generations to come.
The Komodo dragon, the world’s largest living lizard, is found only on a handful of islands in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Growing up to 10 feet long and weighing as much as 330 pounds, these prehistoric predators are both powerful and mesmerizing.
Though usually slow and deliberate, Komodo dragons can sprint short distances with surprising speed. Their serrated teeth and mild venom make them fearsome hunters, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves, from deer to water buffalo. They rely on stealth, patience, and a keen sense of smell to track their next meal, often following the scent of carrion for miles.
They’re also excellent swimmers, easily crossing between islands in search of food or mates. Visitors walking the beaches of Komodo may even spot tail and claw prints in the sand, a quiet reminder that these legendary creatures still rule their island home.
Today, only about 5,000 Komodo dragons remain in the wild. As a protected species within Komodo National Park, they are carefully monitored to ensure their continued survival.
Encountering a Komodo dragon in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, a living glimpse into Earth’s ancient past.
The Orangutan portion of your adventure is a more leisurely affair compared to the Dragon portion.
On our journey we will be taken up the Sekonyer River into the Tanjung Puting National Park, to observe the Orangutan in the wild.
This area was once a rehabilitation centre for once captive Orangutans to be re-introduced back into the wild. Some of the orangutans you will encounter, are ex-captive orangutans. But many are wild Orangutan.
From your klotok, you will also observe gibbons, proboscis nose monkeys, grey macaque, hornbills, false gavial crocodiles, and more.
Each day we will visit feeding stations that still assist some of the ex-captive orangutans with food. These are great opportunities to get close to one of our nearest genetic neighbors.
As we are staying in very comfortable accommodation throughout, you can bring whatever you like (just be mindful of the domestic flight 33-44 pound luggage allowance).
Light weight clothing is best, as the temperature and humidity can make wearing heavy clothing uncomfortable.
You will need a set of clothes for down time at the hotels and a set of clothing for more active outings such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking and sea kayaking.
Personal Gear
This trip is a combination of activities on the water as well as hikes up hills in the Komodos and through jungles on paths in Borneo.
Please ensure that if you are leaving a bag at the hotel that your bag is locked and that no valuables are left in your luggage. There really isn’t much to bring on our Great Creatures journey, but what you do bring should be packed into a water-resistant outdoor bag.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections or sinus problems, please ensure you bring any necessary medications with you.
Personal First Aid Kit
Your personal First Aid kit will contain band-aids, blister dressings, topical cream for bites and grazes, antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, paracetamol, Deep Heat or another muscle liniment, and the all-important insect repellent. We also recommend bringing your personal “Reef Rash Kit”. We recommend if you are traveling in a group that you share a First Aid Kit. Please note that a first aid kit will be carried by your Guide.
Sleeping Gear
No Roads will provide a 2 man mosquito-proof safari-style tent on the Komodo section, which will be shared with your travelling partner or another guest of the same gender. You will also be provided with a stretcher bed and a self-inflating mat. We will provide a light blanket and the pillow from the boat for these nights.
For the night that you sleep onboard the boats, linen will be provided for you.
Land Wear
We will be doing a little bit of trekking so just a lightweight runner will be sufficient.
Note: If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please do not hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with additional information at any time.
Currency
The local currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It’s best to arrive with some cash in rupiah, as smaller shops, cafés, and local markets may not accept credit cards. U.S. dollars are not widely used for everyday purchases.
Exchanging Money
You can exchange currency upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar or at reputable money changers in major tourist areas such as Seminyak, Sanur, or Ubud. Always check rates and count your cash carefully before leaving the counter.
ATM Access
ATMs are widely available across Bali and the Komodo region, and most machines accept Visa, Mastercard, and Cirrus cards. Note that withdrawal limits can vary, and small transaction fees may apply, so it’s a good idea to withdraw enough cash for several days at a time.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, resorts, and larger restaurants. However, in smaller towns or on remote islands, such as those near Komodo National Park, cash is often preferred.
Spending Money
Spending habits vary, but most travelers find that $30–$60 USD per day is plenty for drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and optional meals not included in the itinerary. Some travelers enjoy indulging in massages, cocktails, or local crafts, so consider your personal preferences when budgeting.
Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia, but it’s always appreciated. A small gratuity for your guides, crew, or hotel staff is a wonderful way to show appreciation for excellent service. Even modest tips go a long way in supporting local hospitality workers.
To ensure an authentic and deeply rewarding experience, No Roads Expeditions partners with a dedicated team of locally based guides and crew from Labuan Bajo and Pangkalan Bun. Their intimate knowledge of the islands, ocean, jungles and wildlife offers a unique perspective that allows you to truly connect with the heart of this extraordinary region.
Your qualified local guides will handle every detail of safety, navigation, and logistics, so you can simply relax and enjoy the rhythm of island life. From snorkeling vibrant reefs and hiking through island trails to watching sunsets from the deck, you’ll be in expert hands every step of the way.
Throughout your journey, our team will bring the Komodo Islands and Tanjung Puting NP to life, sharing local stories, spotting wildlife you might have missed, and helping you experience Indonesia’s natural beauty and culture in a way few travelers ever do.
Sea-Kayaking – What’s it like?
Sea-kayaking is a most wonderful way to explore the world. It’s inexpensive and environmentally friendly, does not require months of training and superior strength, and is good for the body and soul. Sea-kayaking can take you beyond the reach of civilization into the natural world, into the space between earth, sea, and sky.
Is it easy to learn? Do I have to be fit?
No prior experience is necessary. As long as you are in good health and have good general fitness along with a sense of adventure, you will quickly master the skills needed to paddle and steer your kayak.
Our experienced guides will give an introductory lesson at the beginning of the journey and will be there to help and keep everyone happy and safe throughout. Obviously the fitter you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be and the easier you will find the kayaking sections.
Are the kayaks singles or doubles?
We use double kayaks, which means you will be paddling with another person. You may like to book with a friend and paddle together, or you may be happy to get to know your fellow travelers’ by kayaking with them.
For more experienced kayaks we can convert the kayak into a single if you wish. Single kayaks are limited. Please contact our office directly for more information.
Is it safe?
The Komodo Islands are a sheltered island group and as such large swells are uncommon. There are sections of the sea that have amazing whirlpools, but these are easily navigated through.
The sea-kayaks we use are sleek and very stable, and all are equipped with the usual safety features. and high-buoyancy life-jackets.
The No Roads guides have kayaked, worked, and adventured in wild places for many years, and are skilled in risk management and emergency medical care.
Finally, each expedition has a support boat that is always close by to help out anyone in trouble and we have radio contact with the Park Rangers office.
What’s our group size?
We keep our groups small, a maximum of 8 on each, to minimize our impact on the places we pass through, and to maximize our enjoyment of each day.
Would the trip be too hard/too easy for me?
This is entirely up to you. We will be active each day, out snorkeling, hiking or sea kayaking. You can be as active or as relaxed as you wish.
Is SCUBA Diving possible?
The snorkeling and scuba-diving around the park are world-class and are highly recommended activities.
If you do not wish to use the snorkel gear we have, the equipment can be bought in Labuan Bajo or you can bring your own from home.
SCUBA Diving can be arranged from the Menjaga Bay resort. They are fully kitted out to take you SCUBA Diving, including Dive Masters. Prices for dives will be available at the resort.
Dive certification is required, and always be mindful of restrictions on flying after diving and how this may impact your onward travels.
Apart from roaming the sea above and beyond, what else is there to do?
Where do we start, there’s lying in hammocks, reading books, going fishing, swimming, beach-combing, meeting the locals, walking through forests, bird-watching, taking photos, exploring, playing beach volleyball, and coconut petanque, dining with friends, sharing stories, watching the sunset, playing guitars, gazing at stars, sleeping soundly…. or maybe just doing nothing and watching the day go by. You’ll love it!
Why don’t we visit Komodo Island itself?
While the island of Komodo has Dragons on it, Rinca is a much better place to witness the Dragons. Furthermore, the seas around Komodo and Rinca are riddled with strong currents, whirlpools, and mysterious swells and the stretches between Komodo and the Rangers Office are at times treacherous and too far to paddle to be enjoyable. Rinca is also a smaller island with a similar number of Dragons and therefore your chances of spotting them in the wild are a lot higher.
Our Komodo Kayaking adventures form part of No Roads’ Balanced Break collection, an adventure designed to blend active exploration with relaxation and comfort. This trip invites you to move, discover, and recharge, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Indonesia’s Komodo Islands.
Expect a mix of gentle activity and rewarding adventure, from hiking scenic island trails to snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and kayaking across calm tropical waters. Each day offers opportunities to be active, but also plenty of time to unwind, soak in the views, and enjoy the luxury of your surroundings.
With exceptional accommodation, delicious cuisine, and the seamless support of our expert team, this journey strikes the perfect balance between effort and indulgence, the essence of an active vacation done right.
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy this trip; a moderate level of fitness or a willingness to do a little preparation beforehand will ensure you get the most out of the experience. And if you’re unsure, just reach out, we’ll happily guide you through how to get ready for your adventure.
All participants must make an effort to get in good physical condition for the trip they have signed up for, obviously the fitter you are the more enjoyable you will find this expedition. Every participant should have a health check with a medical physician to ensure that they are in good physical health prior to embarking on their trip. No Roads is not a medical adviser and we take no legal responsibility for medical or other emergencies that may arise on the course of a trek. As the service provider and hosts, we will take all necessary steps needed to evacuate injured or ill clients on the understanding that all costs involved will be paid to us before leaving the country (see Insurance).
While not everyone has access to a kayak, we do suggest that you try one so that you understand what is involved with paddling. If you own or have access to a stand-up paddleboard try and fit this into your regular training regime. A rowing machine is also excellent training for these types of adventures.
Lower back, upper body, and core strength training are all also very important when kayaking, so try and incorporate some training in these areas. For those without access to gyms, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups are excellent and all can be done at home or when you are out walking/jogging. Please consult a professional trainer for advice on training if you are unsure or starting a fitness program for the first time.
Due to safety regulations, our kayaks can hold a maximum capacity of 100kg for a single kayak and 200kg for a double kayak. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this please contact our office to discuss this further. We hope this helps you all enjoy your time on expedition.
We will do everything we can to support guests that have disclosed a medical condition, allergy or anaphylaxis, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made.
We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests in this situation to assist us by reconfirming this information in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable adventure experience.
No vaccinations are required for entry into Indonesia, but it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic well before departure to confirm what’s recommended for your personal health profile and itinerary.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers to Indonesia be up to date on routine vaccinations such as tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and influenza, as well as consider the following:
Hepatitis A – Recommended for most travelers.
Typhoid – Recommended, especially if you plan to eat or stay outside major resorts.
Hepatitis B – Recommended for longer stays or if you might receive medical care while abroad.
Japanese Encephalitis – Consider if you plan to spend extended time outdoors or in rural areas.
Cholera – Recommended for some travelers, especially in areas with limited sanitation.
Malaria – There is a risk of malaria in parts of Indonesia, including Labuan Bajo and the Komodo region. Discuss preventive medication options with your doctor and take standard precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants at dusk.
Yellow Fever – Only required if arriving from, or transiting through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Because some vaccines require multiple doses or time to take effect, it’s best to see your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
General Travel Advice
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and U.S. Department of State’s travel website. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
Dietary Requirements
The food in Bali and the Komodo Islands is a celebration of fresh, flavorful, and locally sourced ingredients, a vibrant reflection of Indonesia’s diverse island culture. Expect meals that are both delicious and nourishing, with an emphasis on rice, seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices.
Traditional Balinese cuisine often features grilled fish, chicken satay, spiced vegetables, and fragrant curries, while tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple make frequent appearances at breakfast and dessert. Along the coast and aboard our boat, freshly caught seafood is a highlight, prepared with authentic Indonesian flair.
Vegetarian meals can easily be arranged, though please note that dishes in more remote areas may rely on eggs, tofu, or tempeh as protein sources, and options can be simpler than in larger resorts or cities.
Please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
Note: The No Roads team will do everything it can to support any allergies which might require a special diet by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made for all meals.
We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests to assist us by providing this information while traveling, in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Women’s Health and Issues
The Komodo Dragon has a very keen sense of smell, and being Carnivores, they can smell blood from miles away. As a
requirement to visit the Komodo Dragons, Park Rangers will ask if any female adventurers are menstruating at the time of the trek. If so, you may not be allowed to go for the trek through Rinca Island as it will not only put you in danger but may put the others in your group in danger. Of course, you can lie to the Ranger but you can’t lie to a Komodo Dragon. If you have any concerns in this area, please discuss the same with your Guide prior to your arrival at Rinca Island.
Alternatives we suggest, are:
Medicines and First Aid
All guests are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts, and bruises, pain killers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition.
Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are travelling in. No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
Note: Some medications that are perfectly legal in the United States may be restricted or prohibited in Indonesia.
Since drug laws and penalties are extremely strict, it’s important to research your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in advance and carry them in their original, clearly labeled containers along with a copy of your doctor’s prescription.
At No Roads Expeditions, we believe travel should leave a positive impact, enriching local communities, protecting fragile ecosystems, and inspiring travelers to become stewards of the places they explore. Our goal is to minimize our footprint while maximizing the benefits that responsible tourism can bring. You can learn more about our social and environmental commitments in our online policy.
The Environment
Many of the areas you’ll visit are pristine natural environments, and we ask that all travelers help us keep them that way. Please:
By following these simple practices, you’ll help preserve the Dolomites’ landscapes and wildlife for future generations to enjoy.
The Local Community
We believe travel should give back to the communities that make our experiences possible. No Roads Expeditions proudly supports local conservation and social initiatives in the regions we visit. For every expedition booked, we donate $20 to a local charity or environmental project.
You can read more about these initiatives on the Charity section of each expedition page, and know that your adventure directly contributes to sustaining the places and people that make it so special.
