Lombok and Bali

Bali and Lombok have struggled to recover from the atrocious bombings of Kuta in 2002. Tourists immediately stopped visiting the islands for fear of repeat attacks and consequently the local economy has been in a state of decline ever since. We have continued to support Bali and Lombok since the attacks, offering small group holidays to the islands despite various governments advising against travel. This was not due to recklessness or bravado on our part, but an understanding that operating holidays in developing countries brings with it an obligation to give support when it is most needed.

Buying food at the markets, eating in authentic restaurants, staying in small villages, travelling with a local leader, using local transport... this all means that you experience the local culture first-hand, and the people of Bali and Lombok benefit from your much needed travel 'dollar' (or pound!). As an operator, we do all we can to ensure our holidays offer a two-way benefit - you, the traveller, get an authentic travel experience, and the local economy is supported. Around Asia, we support a huge number of causes, such as orphanages, schools and community projects, but it's sustained support of the local community that matters most especially when times are hard.

This trip is focused on respecting and benefiting the local people and the environment of this country. On this trip you will be lead by an experienced local leader passionate about their country's history, heritage and natural beauty that will help you to get 'under the skin' of their country and see it through the eyes of a local. This trip stays at locally run accommodation; we eat at local restaurants and travel on local transport. This ensures the financial return to the local economy opens up training and employment opportunities - and allows for informal and meaningful interaction between our travellers and local people.

We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways of neutralising our impact on the environment. We will become the first Australian adventure tour operator to offer a voluntary carbon offsetting option on the land component of all its tours, as well as the accompanying flights. Our Community Trust provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with every cent of funds donated by us, our staff and our travellers, going to the nominated projects.

The maximum group size on all of our adventures is 16 passengers – with exception of some African trips (24 max) and in the Polar Regions, where our ship carries a maximum of 110 passengers. Travelling in small groups ensures we make significantly less impact on the natural environment, as well as breaking down many of the communication barriers presented by a larger group.