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A JUNGLE TO SEA EXPEDITION
HOSTED BY DR. LAWRENCE BLAIR
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Bali & Komodo National Park | 13 – 21 September 2025

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BALI – KOMODO 8N
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Until today, Bali is a global hotspot for those seeking indulgence paired with the island’s rich cultural heritage and mystical allure. Serenity and sophistication, often nestled in breathtaking landscapes of rice terraces, jungles, and beaches. Yet, Bali’s true charm lies in its deep-rooted culture and mythology, where traditions like temple ceremonies, dance performances, and offerings to the gods play an integral role in daily life. The island’s myths, such as tales of Barong, the protector spirit, and Rangda, the witch queen, add a layer of mysticism that fascinates visitors. This unique fusion of luxury and spiritual authenticity makes Bali a destination unlike any other.

Nusa Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara) is a province of more than 500 islands and an eco-region high in biodiversity, with rich marine fauna and smoking volcanoes. The region is best known for the islands of the Komodo National Park, a world heritage site and part of the Coral Triangle. The waters surrounding the islands contain some of the richest biodiversity on Earth. The rugged hillsides of dry savannah and pockets of thorny green vegetation contrast starkly with the brilliant white (and pink) sandy beaches and the blue waters surging over coral.

We relax on deserted beaches, witness picture-perfect volcanoes, superb marine life including majestic manta rays as well as the endemic Komodo dragon. We experience local cultural practices and enjoy warm welcomes in rarely-visited places.

Welcome to two of Indonesia’s most spectacular regions.

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The Resort
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Capella Ubud is a luxury resort set in the heart of Bali’s lush rainforest, offering an exquisite blend of opulence, nature, and Balinese culture. Designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, the resort features 22 onebedroom tents, each uniquely themed and outfitted with private saltwater pools, expansive decks, and modern comforts. It was built with a commitment to sustainability, without felling a single tree, ensuring the preservation of its pristine jungle surroundings.

Restaurants such as Mads Lange and Api Jiwa offering inventive menus crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Auriga Wellness Spa provides rejuvenating treatments inspired by Balinese traditions, while tailored activities, including jungle treks, cultural tours, and cooking classes, immerse you in the island’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Consistently recognized as one of the world’s top resorts by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, Capella Ubud ensures an atmosphere of exclusivity and tranquility. With its unique fusion of luxury, cultural authenticity, and environmental stewardship, Capella Ubud offers an unforgettable escape into the soul of Bali.

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The Yacht & Founder
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Despite being born and raised in the landlocked city of Paris, Thibaud Epstein has been at sea for a good part of his life. Hailing from a family of passionate sailors, he spent as much time as he could on his parents’ boat in the seafarers’ hotspot Brittany, sailing the coasts from Ireland to Portugal.

After completing an MBA in Finance in Australia, he eventually settled in Singapore and Jakarta to join his uncle Remi Epstein, majority owner of the Kudanil Explorer, when the ship was still operating in the oil industry as a safety-standby vessel.

In 2016, Remi and Thibaud decided to convert the ship into a luxury expedition yacht, providing the perfect platform to explore the Indonesian archipelago. A 5* boutique hotel inside the robust shell of an ocean-going vessel, it is this unique mix of safety, space, and comfort that makes the journeys aboard the Kudanil Explorer so exciting; a fine combination of indulgence and expedition alike, paired with Thibaud’s sense for adventure and discovering new treasures amongst the 17,000+ islands Indonesia has to offer.

Thibaud leads every cruise and, together with his crew of 21, he can’t wait to show you the true beauty of Eastern Indonesia.

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Your Host: Dr. Lawrence Blair
Explorer, Filmmaker, Author & Public Speaker
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Dr. Lawrence Blair is an explorer, film maker, author and public speaker on the peoples and creatures of Indonesia. A resident of Bali, he has assisted and led marine expeditions throughout the archipelago since the Lindblad Explorer – the first genuinely exploratory tourist ship – broached the Spice Islands in l978.

His onboard companions have included Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, Sir Peter Scott, Ron and Valerie Taylor, Sir Michael Cowdray, Baron Von Schenk, Larry Summers, Richard Dawkins and numerous luminaries, less publicly known, in the fields of science.

Amongst other works, he is also the writer, presenter, and co-producer (with his late brother Lorne) of the BBC TV adventure series “Ring of Fire”, winner of two EMMY awards, aired in over sixty nations and introduced by Richard Gere.

DAY 1 | WELCOME TO BALI
13 SEP 2025

Arrive to Denpasar airport, where your private transfer will welcome you to Bali and your adventure will begin at Capella Ubud, Bali. Perhaps you’ll explore the Camp, lounge by the Cistern or enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Officers Tent. You’ll meet your fellow explorers and your host Dr. Lawrence Blair for some sunset storytelling and introduction to the adventures that await you.

Dinner will be served in the split-level tented dining room named in honor of the famous Danish spice trader and peace maker of Bali, Mads Lange. Your Indonesian “Rijsttafel” feast will include classic dishes, designed for sharing using ancient recipes inspired by the spice trail across the Nusantara archipelago.

DAY 2 | CULTURE ON FIRE
14 SEP 2025

After a leisurely breakfast you will start your day with a choice of “Capella Curates” activities – a jungle trek or an authentic water purification ritual. Perhaps you’ll enjoy your 90-minute Balinese massage in the afternoon.

Early evening we’ll depart to a Balinese Palace that has granted our small group private and exclusive access for a full tour with the High Priest followed by an unforgettable fire dance performance.

DAY 3 | EXPLORE BALI
15 SEP 2025

Plan this day however you desire. You could visit the lively center of Ubud to shop, dine or visit the Monkey Forest or be active and depart around midnight for a climb to Mount Batur Volcano. You may decide spending the day lounging by your private pool or enjoying another spa treatment. The Capella team will be available to help craft your perfect day.

Dinner will ignite some ‘fire to the soul’, as our chefs at the award-winning Api Jiwa restaurant create exciting Asian barbecue food served in an intimate, lively atmosphere.

DAY 4 | JUNGLE TO SEA
16 SEP 2025

After breakfast, we will head to the airport for the short domestic flight to Komodo. Arrive in Labuan Bajo airport, where it’s only a 15-minute ride to the Kudanil Explorer.
Welcome aboard!

After an hour’s sail, we do our first check dive before going on to moor for sunset where a cloud of thousands of bats take off for the night. Enjoy a snorkel, kayak or wakeboard session before dinner is served.

DAY 5 | MANTAS & PINK BEACHES
17 SEP 2025

Wake up in a magnificent bay before we set out to snorkel and dive the site around Manta Alley which, as the name suggests, is a perfect place to see these peaceful rays with their enormous wingspans. Many guests describe this landscape with its steep cliffs as one of the most spectacular they have seen in Indonesia.

We will then cruise towards Padar Island where we will spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach before ascending Pulau Padar for its magnificent sunset view point, a highlight of the National Park.

DAY 6 | DRAGONS & TURTLES
18 SEP 2025

In the morning, we visit the rangers at Loh Buaya to look for the infamous, endemic Komodo Dragons before we snorkel and dive the pristine coral reef of Pulau Saiba, home to numerous turtles.

For sunset, we go ashore at Gili Lawa Laut, for a trek up to the hilltop to enjoy spectacular views over Komodo National Park.

DAY 7 | GILI LAWA ISLANDS & BATU MONCO
19 SEP 2025

We dive in the limpid waters amongst the teeming pelagic life at several of the world-class dive sites, such as Crystal Rock, Castle Rock. Snorkelers can experience a unique site called “Shotgun” – a narrow, short passage between Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat with plenty of fish and fantastic corals.

We will spend the afternoon in Batu Monco, a beautiful bay in the far northwest of Komodo Island with a lovely, virgin beach – perfect for water sports, snorkeling and diving.

DAY 8 | BANTA & BEACH PARTY
20 SEP 2025

We spend the morning at a pink beach in Banta, a remote island outside of the Komodo National Park frontiers. Go for a hike on the hills to enjoy the panorama, go for a last dive or take a stroll on another pink beach.

In the afternoon, we celebrate the good times aboard with a final beach party on a paradisiac beach, sipping cocktails for sunset and dancing in the white, fine sand.

DAY 9 | DISEMBARKATION
21 SEP 2025

After breakfast, we pack and prepare to disembark, returning to Labuan Bajo Airport by tender and car.

* Please note that itineraries may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen reasons.

RATES

Notes:

• Rates are per room/cabin and subject to 12% VAT and 10% Service Charge
• Early Bird rates are for bookings confirmed before 31 Dec 2024
• 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure
• Rates include all accommodation, meals, activities, experiences, and airport transfers
• Rates do not include flights, spa treatments, or alcoholic beverages

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A JUNGLE TO SEA EXPEDITION
HOSTED BY DR. LAWRENCE BLAIR
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Bali & Komodo National Park | 13 – 21 September 2025