Unlocking the Wonders of Indonesia Through Landscape and Astro Photography

Nilakkhya Dutta
Dec 30, 2025
6 min read

Capturing the beauty of Gigi Hiu, located in East Java, as well as the stunning landscapes of Sumba and Bali, presents an incredible opportunity for landscape photography enthusiasts. Each of these regions offers unique natural features that can be immortalised through the lens, showcasing their breathtaking vistas and rich cultural heritage.

Photography Partner for the Tour — Specialist in Landscape and Astro Photography

NILAKKHYA DUTTA

Nilakkhya Dutta, an Official Nikon Creator, is a well known Indian landscape photographer based in Delhi with over 14 years of experience in the field. His exceptional work has been featured across leading photography platforms and top magazines in India. Over the past four years, Nilakkhya has been conducting landscape and astrophotography workshops, sharing his deep knowledge and hands-on expertise with aspiring photographers and has hosted more than 250 clients both from India and worldwide.

Explore his complete portfolio at

:https://www.thescape.biz/founder-gallery-thescape

www.instagram.com/nilakkhya

Activities & Structure

Guided photography throughout the itinerary , targeting optimal light for photography.
On-field post-processing sessions, with image critique, style guidance, and camera setting assistance.
Group size: 7 participants only, mentored by a professional landscape photographer.
Participants get access to high-end Nikon cameras, lenses, and Leofoto tripods; personal cameras, memory cards, and batteries are also advised.
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in standard rooms in guest houses.
Lunch and Dinner from Day 1 to Day 11 breakfast, and all permits included.
Pick up from Jakarta Airport, drop at Bali Airport.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Apr 9th): Collect guests from Jakarta Airport at 10AM, then drive to Lampung City, arriving by 5PM. Complete hotel check-in, followed by an evening introductory workshop session and time to rest.
Day 2 (Apr 10th): Depart hotel at 4AM for Gigi Hiu Beach to catch sunrise. Return by 8AM for breakfast. After lunch and checkout, drive back to Gigi Hiu Beach for sunset, staying until 1AM for the astro session. Enjoy local dinner nearby.
Day 3 (Apr 11th): Leave for the airport around 3AM post-astro session. Board a 7AM flight to East Java Island (Surabaya), landing at 11AM. Drive to Bromo hotel, arriving by 3PM for check-in, then head out for Horsemen Shoot. Return for dinner and rest.
Day 4 (Apr 12th): Begin 1AM drive to Mount Bromo Viewpoint. Capture Milky Way and Star Trails starting at 2AM. Shoot sunrise at 6AM, then return to hotel for breakfast. Check out at 11AM and drive to Pronojivo for sunset at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Viewpoint. Check into hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 5 (Apr 13th): Head to Mt. Semeru viewpoint at 4:30AM for sunrise. Return for breakfast, check out at 10AM, and drive to Payangan Beach for 3PM sunset shoot. Check into hotel and rest.
Day 6 (Apr 14th): Depart at 3AM for Papuma Beach to shoot Milky Way and sunrise. Return for breakfast, check out at 11AM, and drive to Banyuwangi. Arrive at hotel by 5PM for check-in and rest.
Day 7 (Apr 15th): Reach Ijen Crater Parking area at 12:30AM and Hike for 2 hours starting at 2AM to the crater. Begin sunrise shoot at 4AM, return to hotel by 7AM for breakfast. Check out at 10AM and drive to the harbor. Cross over at 11AM to Bali, reaching Denpasar at 7PM. Check into hotel and rest.
Day 8 (Apr 16th): Check out at 6AM and drive to the airport for a flight to Tambolaka Airport. Arrive in West Sumba, check into hotel, and head to Watu Malandong at 3PM for sunset. Return to hotel for rest.
Day 9 (Apr 17th): Go to Weekacura Waterfalls at 4:30AM for sunrise shoot. Return for breakfast, check out at 10AM, and visit Lapopu Waterfalls. Depart at 12:30PM for East Sumba, arriving by 4PM at Tanau Sunset Horse Concept. Check into hotel and rest.
Day 10 (Apr 18th): Check out at 4:30AM for sunrise at Walakiri Beach. Then proceed to West Sumba airport for a 1PM flight to Bali. Capture sunset at Tanah Lot, check into hotel, and rest.
Day 11 (Apr 19th): Depart at 4:30AM for sunrise at Ulundanu Temple. Return for breakfast, check out, and head to Denpasar Airport for a flight after 12 noon. Tour concludes.

Fees & Booking:

₹1,60,000 per person (ex-Jakarta and Bali, twin share in standard rooms) + 5% GST; single supplement 40% extra.
Booking: ₹50,000 (+5%. GST) advance; balance ₹1,10,000 (+5%. GST) by Feb 24, 2026. Contact for Razorpay payment link (transaction charges apply).

Inclusions:

Accommodation on twin sharing, all transport, dinner and breakfast (Day 1 Lunch, Dinner to Day 11 Breakfast - Local Food), permits, Domestic flights - Lampung-Surabaya, Sumba-Bali, Bali-Sumba, photography guidance, post-processing, tour leader, and first aid.

Exclusions:

Visa Fee, Drone permits, transit to Jakarta from India and Bali to India, meals in transit, personal expenses, breakfast on day 1 lunch and dinner on day 11, mineral water bottles apart from complimentary ones, additional food/drinks, medical emergencies, and costs from unforeseen events.

Payment Policies:

50% refund of advance for cancellations ≥45 days pre-departure (by Feb 24, 2026); no refund after that.
Fee increase if minimum threshold of 7 participants not met.
Full refund if canceled by organizers for COVID, lockdowns, or insufficient sign-ups.
No refund of the GST component or flight costs. Refunds processed one month after tour ends.

Logistics and Tour Details:

This is a Landscape and Astro Photography Workshop, not a leisure trip; early morning wake-ups for shoots are mandatory, with rest expected as a group.
Consistent sleep and wake routines are followed to capture optimal light; adherence is required.
Twin sharing with strangers is common; participants should maintain a positive, adaptable attitude.
Rooms are standard and not luxurious, meals are local, often simple vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes based on availability.
Participants must set realistic expectations about the tour’s difficulty and focus on landscape photography.
Rules and guidelines must be followed; breaking them or causing negativity may lead to warnings or expulsion without refund.

Rules and Protocols:

Follow all wake/sleep times strictly to avoid missing key photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset.
Allow others to finish shots before capturing the same scene; avoid obstructing fellow photographers.
Conflicts should be reported to organizers for resolution.
Use hotel or travel partner support channels for logistical issues; escalate to organizers if unresolved.
Littering is prohibited; all waste must be disposed of properly.
Handle all camera and Nikon-provided equipment responsibly; damages will be charged to the participant.
Daily image review sessions encourage constructive feedback acceptance.
Venturing away from the group is at one’s own risk; organizers are not liable for incidents.
Personal visits/tourist activities during the workshop are discouraged.
In case of skipped destinations due to uncontrollable factors, alternatives will be provided; extra costs borne by participants.

Precautions

Only mentally and physically resilient individuals should participate due to hectic photography schedule.
Stay hydrated and monitor health consistently.
Itinerary can change due to unpredictable weather and snow, with tour location closures a possibility.
Respect the tour leader’s decisions; refunds are not possible for weather-related changes.
Approach the tour with determination and passion for a rewarding photography experience despite the challenges.

Participants and Refunds:

Minimum 7 participants required; if not met, tour proceeds with additional per participant cost.
No refund if a participant leaves unexpectedly; participants cover return transportation costs.

Equipment and Companions:

Participants must bring one DSLR/mirrorless camera with wide and telephoto lenses; tripod and filters, plus ample memory cards and batteries.
Non-photographers or art appreciators can join for sightseeing but must pay full fees and respect the group’s pace.

Age and Usage Rights:

Recommended for participants 15 years and above; children under 15 not allowed.
By joining, participants permit thEscape to use photos or artwork captured by or of them with proper credit for promotional use.

Behavioral and Safety Policies:

Misconduct, property damage, sexual harassment, or substance abuse leads to immediate expulsion without refund; participants cover return costs.
Respect towards staff and fellow travelers is mandatory; repeated offenses have serious consequences.
Psychotropic drugs are prohibited; smoking allowed with consideration to others.
Odd male-female ratios in room sharing will be managed to avoid opposite-sex twin-sharing.

Additional Terms:

Tour requires flexibility; itinerary is a guide and may be changed due to weather, government rules, or force majeure.
Participants must arrive in Jakarta by 9AM on start date or be considered no-shows without refund.
Pricing may adjust due to external factors but confirmed bookings retain current rates.
Medical and travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Government ID checks and indemnity bond with Aadhar card required before tour.
Participants acknowledge risks such as accidents, illness, political instability, or natural disasters, accepting liability as per Indian law.