Capturing the Beauty of Gigi Hiu, Sumba, and Bali: A Landscape Photography Workshop

Dec 30, 2025
7 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

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. He has hosted more than 250 clients, both from India and worldwide. Explore his complete portfolio at thescape.biz and follow him on Instagram.

Activities & Structure

The workshop is designed to provide an immersive experience in landscape photography. Participants will engage in various activities, including:

Guided photography throughout the itinerary, targeting optimal light for photography.
On-field post-processing sessions, with image critique, style guidance, and camera setting assistance.
A group size limited to 7 participants, ensuring personalized mentorship by a professional landscape photographer.
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.
Meals provided include lunch and dinner from Day 1 to Day 11, along with breakfast, and all necessary permits.
Transportation includes pick-up from Jakarta Airport and drop-off at Bali Airport.

Itinerary

The itinerary is meticulously crafted to maximize photography opportunities while providing a comprehensive exploration of the stunning landscapes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the daily activities:

Day 1 (Jul 16th Thursday): Collect guests from Jakarta Airport at 10 AM, then drive to Lampung City, arriving by 5 PM. Complete hotel check-in, followed by an evening introductory workshop session and time to rest.
Day 2 (Jul 17th Friday): Depart hotel at 4 AM for Gigi Hiu Beach to catch the sunrise. Return by 8 AM for breakfast. After lunch and checkout, drive back to Gigi Hiu Beach for sunset, staying until 1 AM for the astro session. Enjoy a local dinner nearby.
Day 3 (Jul 18th Saturday): Leave for the airport around 3 AM post-astro session. Board a 7 AM flight to East Java Island (Surabaya), landing at 11 AM. Drive to Bromo hotel, arriving by 3 PM for check-in, then head out for a Horsemen Shoot. Return for dinner and rest.
Day 4 (Jul 19th Sunday): Begin a 1 AM drive to Mount Bromo Viewpoint. Capture the Milky Way and Star Trails starting at 2 AM. Shoot the sunrise at 6 AM, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Check out at 11 AM and drive to Pronojivo for sunset at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Viewpoint. Check into the hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 5 (Jul 20th Monday): Head to Mt. Semeru viewpoint at 4:30 AM for sunrise. Return for breakfast, check out at 10 AM, and drive to Payangan Beach for a 3 PM sunset shoot. Check into the hotel and rest.
Day 6 (Jul 21st Tuesday): Depart at 3 AM for Papuma Beach to shoot the Milky Way and sunrise. Return for breakfast, check out at 11 AM, and drive to Banyuwangi. Arrive at the hotel by 5 PM for check-in and rest.
Day 7 (Jul 22nd Wednesday): Reach Ijen Crater Parking area at 12:30 AM and hike for 2 hours starting at 2 AM to the crater. Begin the sunrise shoot at 4 AM, returning to the hotel by 7 AM for breakfast. Check out at 10 AM and drive to the harbor. Cross over at 11 AM to Bali, reaching Denpasar at 7 PM. Check into the hotel and rest.
Day 8 (Jul 23rd Thursday): Check out at 6 AM and drive to the airport for a flight to Tambolaka Airport. Arrive in West Sumba, check into the hotel, and head to Watu Malandong at 3 PM for sunset. Return to the hotel for rest.
Day 9 (Jul 24th Friday): Go to Weekacura Waterfalls at 4:30 AM for a sunrise shoot. Return for breakfast, check out at 10 AM, and visit Lapopu Waterfalls. Depart at 12:30 PM for East Sumba, arriving by 4 PM at Tanau Sunset Horse Concept. Check into the hotel and rest.
Day 10 (Jul 25th Saturday): Check out at 4:30 AM for sunrise at Walakiri Beach. Then proceed to West Sumba airport for a 1 PM flight to Bali. Capture sunset at Tanah Lot, check into the hotel, and rest.
Day 11 (Jul 26th Sunday): Depart at 4:30 AM for sunrise at Ulundanu Temple. Return for breakfast, check out, and head to Denpasar Airport for a flight after 12 noon. The tour concludes.

Fees & Booking

The fee structure for this immersive photography workshop is as follows:

₹1,65,000 per person (ex-Jakarta and Bali, twin share in standard rooms) + 5% GST; a single supplement is 40% extra.
Booking: ₹50,000 (+5% GST) as an advance; the balance of ₹1,15,000 (+5% GST) is due by Jun 1st, 2026. Contact us for the Razorpay payment link (transaction charges apply).

Inclusions

The workshop includes:

Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
Three Domestic flights inside Indonesia
All transport.
Meals: dinner and breakfast (Day 1 Lunch, Dinner to Day 11 Breakfast - Local Food).
Necessary permits.
Domestic flights: Lampung-Surabaya, Sumba-Bali, Bali-Sumba.
Photography guidance, post-processing support, a tour leader, and first aid.

Exclusions

Participants should be aware of the following exclusions:

Visa Fee.
Drone permits.
Transit to Jakarta from India and Bali to India.
Meals in transit.
Personal expenses.
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 11.
Mineral water bottles apart from complimentary ones.
Additional food/drinks.
Medical emergencies and costs arising from unforeseen events.

Payment Policies

The payment policies are as follows:

A 50% refund of the advance is available for cancellations made 45 days or more prior to departure (by Jun 1st, 2026); no refund will be issued after that date.
A fee increase will occur if the minimum threshold of 7 participants is not met.
A full refund will be provided if the tour is canceled by the organizers due to COVID, lockdowns, or insufficient sign-ups.
No refund will be issued for the GST component or flight costs. Refunds will be processed one month after the tour concludes.

Logistics and Tour Details

This workshop 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

To ensure a smooth experience, participants must adhere to the following rules:

Follow all wake/sleep times strictly to avoid missing key photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset.
Allow others to finish their 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 or tourist activities during the workshop are discouraged.
In case of skipped destinations due to uncontrollable factors, alternatives will be provided; extra costs will be borne by participants.

Precautions

Only mentally and physically resilient individuals should participate due to the hectic photography schedule. It is essential to stay hydrated and monitor health consistently. The itinerary can change due to unpredictable weather and snow, with tour location closures being 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

A minimum of 7 participants is required; if this threshold is not met, the tour will proceed with an additional cost per participant. No refund will be issued if a participant leaves unexpectedly; participants will cover return transportation costs.

Equipment and Companions

Participants must bring one DSLR or Mirrorless camera with wide and telephoto lenses, a tripod, and filters, along with 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

This workshop is recommended for participants aged 15 years and above; children under 15 are 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 will lead to immediate expulsion without refund; participants will cover return costs. Respect towards staff and fellow travelers is mandatory; repeated offenses will have serious consequences. Psychotropic drugs are prohibited; smoking is allowed with consideration for others. Odd male-female ratios in room sharing will be managed to avoid opposite-sex twin-sharing.

Additional Terms

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