Bali, a tropical paradise nestled in the Indonesian archipelago, is a sought-after destination for travellers worldwide. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Bali offers a unique and enriching experience. From pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters to lush rice terraces and ancient temples, this island has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the local traditions, indulge in delicious cuisine, and explore the vibrant markets. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Bali caters to all preferences. Discover hidden waterfalls, dive into vibrant coral reefs, or simply unwind with a traditional Balinese massage. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and charm of Bali.
Arrive in the afternoon at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar and be warmly greeted by the local guide.
Drive to the village of Umabian, located a few kilometres north of Tabanan, and check into the beautiful hotel for the evening. Designed to resemble a traditional house, the pavilions and guestrooms are laid out in the style of a village compound. Surrounded by rice fields, spectacular views and a swimming pool with the garden this is an ideal place to unwind.
The remainder of the day is free for leisure. Relax in the tropical ambience of the hotel or head out for some independent exploration.
After breakfast, the rest of the morning is free to spend at leisure. Spend some time relaxing by the pool enjoying the peaceful view, or opt to join local activities in the village compound.
Lunch is at leisure. In the afternoon, meet with the guide and driver and pay a visit to the Royal Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi. This temple is known for its unique multi-roofed structures and beautiful setting -a perfect introduction to Balinese architecture.
Later in the afternoon, drive to the famous sea temple of Tanah Lot for sunset. This temple is perched precariously on a rock in the sea and can only be reached by the local Hindu population during low tide. As the beach it’s located faces west, it has become well known for the spectacular sunsets that take place there. Sit down and, as the sun dips below the horizon, prepare for a spectacularly photographic occasion.
Return to the hotel for dinner and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
After breakfast in the morning, check out from the hotel and start a scenic drive up the slopes of a volcano for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih. Located on a slope near the holy mountain of Batukaru, the area is known as the rice granary of Bali and is one of the best examples of subak style rice farming in Bali. Enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of rice terraces below, being sure to snap a few photos. Afterwards, head on a one-hour walk through the rice fields for a close-up look at the verdant paddies and the colourful locals who tend to them.
Next, drive on towards Bedugul and visit its market for a look at the incredibly tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers there -many of which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Then, head to Ulun Danu Temple -one of the most photographed places in Bali. The temple was built in the middle of the lake, which gives the impression that the temple is floating. Continue the drive to Munduk via a high road with amazing views over the ‘Twin Lakes”, Tamblingan and Buyan. The driver will certainly make a photo stop at a viewpoint along the way for the spectacular panoramic views that can be enjoyed here.
Arrive in the hotel in Munduk for check-in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Munduk is the ideal location for outdoor activities due to its lush tropical rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and relatively cool temperatures due to its higher elevation (20-25°C). Because of the unique climate and abundance of rainfall, many fruits, vegetables and spices are grown in the area as well -which contributes to its ‘Garden of Eden’ feel. Start with the tour guide and additional local guide on a pleasant two-hour trekking adventure around Munduk to explore its three major waterfalls and several plantations including coffee, cloves and local spices. On the way back to the hotel, stop in a village for a local coffee tasting.
After taking time to freshen up and change, check out from the hotel in Munduk and proceed to the northern coast of Bali, towards the coastal town of Seririt. Stop along the way to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Driving along the northern coast of the, head west to Lovina Beach for a look at its spectacular and world-famous black sands. Spend some time to feel the coffee-ground-like texture and appearance of this beach and go swimming in its tranquil and surprisingly clear waters.
Alternatively, continue on with a visit to Brahmavihara Arama, the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, which, in addition to being interesting in its own right, is also known for having spectacular views over Bali’s north coast. Another option is to head to the nearby Banjar Hot Springs for some time to relax in its therapeutic waters surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a uniquely cultural atmosphere. After a day of exploring the area and seeing some of its highlights, check-in at the hotel in Lovina. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to spend as desired.
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel. Drive along the northern coast of Bali passing by Singaraja, the capital of North Bali, and continuing towards the small village of Sangsit for a visit to Beji Temple. Pura Beji is a Subak temple dedicated to the spirit that looks after the irrigation of rice fields. Built-in the 15th century, the temple is famous for its beautiful carvings and is an excellent example of the colourful architectural style of northern Bali.
Continue on a remote mountain road linking the small coastal village of Kubutambahan on the North coast to Kintamani, a volcanic region where Mt Batur stands with breathtaking views. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake, all surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. Upon arrival at Kintamani, take some time to enjoy the area’s impressive panoramic views. Although Mt Batur (1,717 m) is not the tallest volcano in Bali, it is the most active and is surrounded by an impressive caldera. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with sweeping views over Lake Batur. Then continue driving to reach the famous Besakih Temple by mid-afternoon. Known as the ‘Mother Temple’ of Bali, the temple is located on the western slopes of Mt Agung, Bali’s tallest volcano (2,567 m). Besakih is the largest and most religiously important temple on the island. As such, it’s also a fantastic place to see some of the local traditions.
Afterwards, continue the drive over scenic roads to reach the small countryside village of Sidemen for check-in late this afternoon to a selected hotel.
In the morning, after breakfast, checkout from the hotel before the start of the “Balinese Daily Life” program. Upon arrival at the village, meet with the local Balinese villagers and receive a traditional conical hat and bamboo walking stick. These will come in handy on a one-hour walking trip through the area's rice fields. Next, try to walk the walk of a Balinese farmer by trying to plough the rice fields behind a buffalo and planting rice seedlings. Be rewarded for this hard work with a cold fresh coconut.
After the farming experience, take part in four short workshops, 20 minutes each: a cooking lesson, offering palm-leaf decoration, arak (a Balinese rice wine) distillation and iron working. After a hard day’s ‘work’, settle down and enjoy a proper Balinese lunch served in the village. Say goodbye to the villagers and then head off by car for a visit to Tirta Gangga. Meaning 'water of the Ganges', this sacred water palace was built in the early twentieth century by the last king of Karangasem. It boasts many decorative ponds, fountains, lush plant life and natural bathing pools. Take some time to wander the grounds of the stunning temple complex and soak up its soothing atmosphere.
Continue to Amed, a quiet seaside village that offers amazing fishing, snorkelling and diving at a nearby reef on a black rocky beach. En route, make a stop at a traditional salt mining farm. Upon arrival in Amed, check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure.
In the morning, after a leisurely breakfast, hop on a traditional Perahu motorized boat and head out for a snorkelling trip off the coast of Amed to explore the famously calm and clear waters filled with colourful tropical fish and abundant coral reefs. The rest of the morning and lunch are at leisure in Amed. In the early afternoon, depart with the guide and driver for an unforgettable drive along one of the most spectacular roads in all of Bali. Driving along the remote Seraya Peninsula is a truly spectacular experience. Following a narrow road, one side will be graced by the outline of Mt Seraya Volcano (1,238m) and the driest landscapes of all Bali while the other side boasts impressive cliffs overlooking a clear blue sea lined with traditional East-Bali fishing boats.
This two-hour drive around the Seraya Peninsula, only accessible by small vehicles, passes by unspoilt Balinese villages before arriving at Ujung Water Palace, located on the south-eastern coast of Bali near Amlapura. Visit Taman Ujung Water Palace, which was originally built in 1919. Although it was mostly destroyed during a volcanic explosion in 1963, most of the palace has since been restored. Continue for a short drive to the coastal town of Candidasa
After breakfast, head out to explore Tenganan Aga. The village is home to the Bali Aga people, Bali’s first inhabitants, who arrived on the island before the start of the Majapahit Dynasty took hold and Javanese flooded the Bali. Take a look at the village’s unique architecture and observe the weaving of ikat patterns, which are typical of the Bali Aga, as well as traditional basket weaving. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the morning enjoying lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, leave Candidasa and depart along the southeastern coast to Klungkung. On the way, make a stop at Goa Lawa to visit the sacred bat caves, one of Bali's most revered temples which is said to have an underground connection with Besakih Temple. Upon arrival in Klungkung, visit the former Royal Courts of Justice known as Kertagosa. The highlight here is an elaborately decorated ceiling featuring the Wayang style of painting depicting a battle between good and evil.
Afterwards, transfer to a selected South Bali beach hotel (not included) or to Denpasar Airport for an evening return flight.
To plan this amazing trip, contact your Travel Counsellor today
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Seeing the world, or parts of it, by cruise is more popular than ever as people realise just how fantastic it can be to float from place to place, discovering more than one destination in a single trip. Our Travel Counsellors say, ‘There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!” If you’re in any doubt over whether a cruise is right for you, there are mini cruises of just a couple of nights that will help persuade you.
