Steal My Itinerary: A 7-Day Escape Through Bali and Komodo
Soulful island escape
By Kiri Johnston | 7th August 2025Some trips give you a break. Others completely reset you. This one did both. Over seven days, I moved between two of Indonesia’s most iconic islands — Bali and Komodo — and slipped into an entirely different rhythm. Bali was grounding and golden, full of ceremony and softness. Komodo was raw, stripped back, and still. Opposite energies, but somehow exactly what I needed. Together, they made sense.
This is the exact Bali to Komodo itinerary that was curated by the team at AYANA Resorts — and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Steal it, save it, book it. You can thank me later.
Rimba Resort at AYANA Bali, fresh coconut on the beach, AYANA Komodo
Day 1–4: Bali
After flying from Brisbane to Denpasar, I was met at the airport and taken straight to AYANA Villas Bali, where check-in came with a chilled coconut, a flower lei, and the kind of warmth that makes you immediately exhale.
My villa — a One Bedroom Ocean View — was massive. A mere 500 square metres, ocean-facing terrace, private pool, and interiors that was about five times the size of my apartment. The whole place is set within a 90-hectare estate in Jimbaran, and calling it a ‘resort’ honestly doesn’t do it justice.
My AYANA Bali private villa, sunset at Rock Bar, poolside read
AYANA Bali is a world of its own. There are four luxury hotels, over 30 bars and restaurants, 14 pools, a private beach, a cultural museum, and even a farm. It’s designed for guests who want everything in one place — and the beauty is, you can do as much or as little as you want.
Highlights from AYANA Bali
Day 1– Lunch at Damar Terrace– Resort tour + walk through Tevana Garden– Dinner at KISIK Restaurant (Pesta Lobster menu = unreal)
Day 2– Sound Healing session at AYANA Spa– Breakfast at DAVA– Lunch at Sami Sami (ocean views + pasta = yes)– 60-minute Balinese massage– Kampoeng Bali cultural dinner + show (surprisingly moving)
Day 3– Morning visit to the SAKA Museum– Lunch at Karang Restaurant– Farm-to-Bar mixology workshop at AYANA Farm– Sunset cocktails + dinner at Rock Bar– Late-night drinks + tapas at After Rock
Day 4– Breakfast at DAVA– Check-out and transfer to the airport
If you’re looking for a luxury resort in Bali where you can unplug and still have everything at your fingertips, this is the one.
Day 5–7: Komodo
From Bali, we flew to Labuan Bajo, a harbour town on Flores Island that acts as the gateway to Komodo National Park. The vibe here is immediately more laid-back. Less polished. More still.
Island hopping day, Pink Beach, on top of Padar Island
We checked into AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, the first five-star resort in the area, and home for the next three nights. My room was minimalist and calm, with floor-to-ceiling glass sliders opening out to the ocean. Every morning started with light on the water and nowhere urgent to be — which was exactly the point.
Highlights from AYANA Komodo
Day 5– Lunch at RINCA– Sunset cocktails at UNIQUE– Dinner at KISIK Seafood Restaurant
Day 6– Breakfast at RINCA– Full-day island hopping (Padar Island hike, Pink Beach snorkelling, Komodo dragons)– Takeaway lunch onboard the private yacht– Dinner back at RINCA
Day 7– Optional sunrise walk or yoga– Coral planting + marine conservation session at the jetty (led by in-house marine biologists)– Water activities: stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling– Sunset Dinner Cruise on AYANA Lako Sae — started as a dinner, ended in a barefoot dance party under the stars
Day 8– Final breakfast at RINCA– Check-out and departure
If you want to know where to stay in Komodo, this is the move. It’s quiet, intentional, and right on the doorstep of everything you want to see.
My final verdict
The contrast was what made this trip so special. AYANA Bali is indulgent, expansive, and designed for guests who want the full package — from spa days to floating breakfasts to cultural moments that don’t feel forced. It’s polished, but not pretentious.
AYANA Komodo, on the other hand, is soft, slow, and elemental. It gives you space to be quiet, to connect with nature, and to move at your own rhythm. It’s the reset button in your itinerary. Together, they’re the perfect match. Would I do this trip the same way again? Yes. Every single detail.
Bali to Komodo 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1–4AYANA Bali, Jimbaran BayAirport: Denpasar
Day 5–7AYANA Komodo, Flores IslandAirport: Labuan Bajo
Day 8Depart Komodo, back to Bali and fly home
Things to consider
What’s the best itinerary for Bali and Komodo?I recommend 4 nights in Bali and 3 nights in Komodo, with a mix of spa time, cultural activities, and island hopping.
Where should I stay in Jimbaran for a luxury escape?AYANA Villas Bali is located in Jimbaran and offers private villas with clifftop views, award-winning restaurants, and a private beach — perfect for a luxurious Bali stay. Also ideal for a honeymoon.
How do I get from Bali to Komodo?You can fly directly from Denpasar (DPS) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) in just over an hour. AYANA arranged all transfers for me, which made it stress-free.
Is Komodo worth visiting?Absolutely. Between the Padar Island hike, Pink Beach, and spotting Komodo dragons, it was one of my favourite parts of the trip.
