At the end of her stay at Wakatobi Resort, guest Jill Traynor wrote: “The only thing I didn’t like about Wakatobi was having to leave… despite this we had a very relaxing last day.” Many other guests have expressed similar sentiments. And while we realize you can’t stay forever, we do take pride in helping ease the transition back to daily life.

Our goal has always been to provide each guest a truly memorable, rewarding and relaxing vacation experience, even after your stay is done and you start for home. It begins with our afternoon flight schedule, which allows for a relaxing morning. There’s ample time to pack final items and enjoy breakfast as you take in one last look across the aquamarine waters of the House Reef, then make your way to the Longhouse for final goodbyes

Seen here with Guest Relations Manager, Juliette Myers, and our concierge team: Stijn at left, Satria, center, and Dharma, right. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

The transfer process from resort to Denpasar International Airport and beyond is tailored to provide ample time for a relaxing, stress free departure with no need to rush.

“Satria took care of every detail. He basically turned our layovers into an amazing experience, much more than we ever expected. We’re recommending the concierge services to everyone we tell about Wakatobi!” ~Mathis & Shannon Weatherall

Returning flights from Wakatobi Resort arrive in Bali mid afternoon, allowing for same-day connections to a number of international flights. If you have just a couple hours in between flights the terminal at Bali’s Denpasar international airport offers many choices for grabbing a meal, shopping or resting. But that is just the beginning.

Our team are happy to suggest great ways to spend your time between flights, or they can craft a custom itinerary for your time in Bali. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Whether you are just passing through, or wish to spend a few days discovering Bali, our concierges can craft a personalized itinerary that turns a transit into a relaxing extension of your vacation. Following are some options for turning a return home from Wakatobi Resort into a relaxing and memorable addition to your trip.

The ideal layover

For flights departing the following day, the concierge team has created what many travelers have called “the ideal Bali layover.” After being greeted by Wakatobi Resort’s airport staff, guests are escorted to a shuttle for a five-minute ride to the Sandi Phala Beach Resort. Though just a short distance from the airport, this intimate 11-room boutique property is an oasis of calm, set within a shady tropical garden that overlooks a secluded private stretch of beach.

Our team will arrange a relaxing off-airport experience at the Ma Joly restaurant, which can also include a spa treatment of your choice. “It’s a great value” says Wakatobi Resort concierge Stijn. Photo courtesy of Sandi Phala

“Sandi Phala earns top marks for both service and amenities,” says our concierge Stijn. Guest suites offer native wood accents, oversized soak tubs and private balconies or terraces ensconced in green spaces. Pool and beach sunbeds are available, and an on-site spa specializes in a variety of Balinese massages and other therapies. Also on the grounds is the beachfront Ma Joly restaurant, where dinner guests can enjoy fine dining and spectacular sunset views across Tuban Reef. Our concierge staff can arrange all the details of an overnight or extended stay at the Sandi Phala. Stijn also recommends the off-airport experience at Ma Joly for transiting passengers with more than three hours between flights. “The off-airport experience at Ma Joly brings our guests to a nearby location for relaxation and a sunset dinner, or a combined massage and meal package. It’s a great value,” says Stijn.

Many guests enjoy taking a guided tour on Bali with one of our drivers. “[Our driver] Suka was first class, caring and extremely reliable,” says guest Paul Schmieder. Photo by Walt Stearns

Bali interludes

Though most guests agree that their stay at Wakatobi Resort is the highlight of any visit to Indonesia, many also enjoy the chance to spend several days in Bali to round out the trip. This is where our concierge team really shines, as they are intimately familiar with the destination and can create custom itineraries that showcase the best of Bali.

“Dharma was superb. In my opinion, let the Wakatobi team handle it all for you – this service is the only way to go.” ~Paul Schmieder

“Dharma was superb,” sayd guest Paul Schmieder. “He handled everything flawlessly including several stops while we were on Bali after we returned from the resort. The driver he arranged, Suka, is first class, caring and extremely reliable. We learned that Suka works specifically through the resort’s concierge service and now I have come to know him as ‘my friend.’ In my opinion, let the Wakatobi team handle it all for you – this service is the only way to go.”

Mathis and Shannon Weatherall celebrated their anniversary at Wakatobi Resort in June 2016 and enjoyed the Bali stopovers our team planned for before and after their trip. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Mathis and Shannon Weatherall agree. The couple celebrated their second anniversary at the resort in June 2016. “Initially we were researching what to do before and after our Wakatobi trip, where to stay and all that,” said Shannon. “It was overwhelming trying to figure it all out and in the end we went with everything that Satria had recommended. And we’re very glad that we did! Satria handled it all –drivers, transfers, accommodations, tours, we didn’t have to do a thing,” said Mathis.

The Weatheralls particularly enjoyed the bird watching excursion Satria arranged. ~ Photo by Mathis Weatherall

One of the highlights of the couple’s time in Bali was a half-day excursion that Satria arranged with Bali Bird Walks. “We can’t say enough good things about the experience and are so appreciative that Satria was able to put it together for us. We hiked with a very personable guide through areas where we saw so much culture and got a true feel for the local environment, as well as all the different species of birds we wanted to see,” said Mathis.

“We loved the bird tour in Bali, and we also didn’t realize there were so many beautiful birds right on the island at Wakatobi,” the Weatheralls remarked. This stunning image was taken right in front of their Villa at Wakatobi Resort. Photo by Mathis Weatherall

This is just one of many options you can include during a stopover in Bali. The list ranges from ATVs to Zoos. One could spend a day touring museums, galleries and markets, sit in on a cooking class, go horseback riding, then enjoy a five-star meal and a night at the theater. Island tours with private drivers and guides take in elephant parks, temples, nature preserves and traditional villages. The adventurously inclined can hike jungle trails, explore reefs, tour the island by motorcycle or soar above in a paraglider. All of this and more can be easily arranged by our concierge team. Then again, if you just want to unwind before returning to the real world, we will leave you to enjoy beach, pool and spa time, secure in the knowledge that anything you need is just a call away.

Let us deal with the details of your layover. Contact our concierge team at bali@wakatobi.com or office@wakatobi.com. They’ll customize a Bali stopover, or make your airport transit time a more comfortable and rewarding experience.