Ultimate Indonesia: phinisi & private villas
Special access on land and at sea
With our special access to unique, off-market properties and the best phinisi yachts, we’re able to showcase Indonesia’s diverse treasures with the ultimate in exclusivity.
We’ve sourced private homes for clients to enjoy multi-month wellness retreats in Bali – taking helis over volcanos and enjoying insiders’ access to art galleries – and organised some truly epic charters at sea.
Think private-chef barbecues on uninhabited white-sand islets and experiencing warring Komodo dragons on a secret beach, away from any other vessels.
Wherever your interests lie, we’ll tailor your experience to you, whether you’re after a combination of land and open water, or even a private charter of a luxury train through the jungle.
All media taken on Cookson Adventures trips
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Henry Cookson is an adventurer. Setting up Cookson Adventures in 2009 after record-breaking polar expeditions with royalty in tow, he aims to lead trips that will introduce people to the breath-taking beauty of rarely visited parts of the globe without endangering it, or the climate. Working with scientists and local conservation efforts, guests are often part of cutting-edge research and leave ecological benefits behind them to benefit the communities they visit
Spread over some 18,000 islands, Indonesia’s diversity knows no bounds, combining idyllic relaxation and world-wonder heritage icons with wildlife and adventure opportunities.
And, sailing among it all, it’s often best explored by phinisi – part Indonesian wooden tall ship, part superyacht. Not only is it the chance to engage with centuries-old native shipbuilding heritage, but to indulge in luxury, with the flexibility to explore at will and discover remote islands all to yourself.
Then, after a few days at sea, return to hand-picked private accommodation. That could be an off-market designer villa with a yoga programme designed around you or an epic island getaway, where you can swim with horses and learn from competition-winning surfers.
Throughout, we’ll organise plenty of the unique. Join scientists in satellite tagging mantas and swimming with whale sharks in Raja Ampat. Gain behind-the-scenes access to first-human palaeontology digs. Or, climb Mt. Ijen – an active volcano that comes alive with its eerie blue flames.
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Tropical escapism at one of Bali's most exclusive private estates
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Take in Indonesia's natural beauty without the crowds
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See the iconic blue flame eruption from Java's Mt. Ijen
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Our team enjoying a full spread of water toys
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Swimming with whale sharks – true gentle giants
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Remote beach party setup on a previous Cookson trip
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Multi-tiered pool views of the Balinese waters
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Visit ancient world wonders with a top archaeologist
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Combine a visit to Borobudur with a stay in one of Java's top hideaways
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Special access to Indonesia's unique wildlife
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Sailing between otherwise-inaccessible islands
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Onboard relaxation set to uninterrupted views of Komodo National Park
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Remote property in Bali
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Beach setup with phinisi in the background
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Island-style spa treatments right by the water's edge
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Idyllic isolation in Komodo
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Dining setups on remote beaches
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Rafting in Bali through the jungle
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Sail across to custom dining setups right by the ocean
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Unique tented camp
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SUPing in Raja Ampat
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Setting up off the phinisi
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Visiting temples