Bali In Depth And Overland to Ijen

📍 Denpasar Ngurah Rai international Airport – Canggu (20 km): 1 hour

Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in the afternoon and be greeted by the local guide. From there, transfer to the east coast of Bali and check in to the hotel in Canggu.

Remainder of the day is free at leisure. Head out for some independent exploration or relax at the hotel.

Overnight in Canggu.

Inclusions:

📍 Canggu – Taman Ayun – Tanah Lot – Canggu or Umalas (50 km): 1 hour 45 minutes

This morning is free at leisure. Spend some time relaxing by the pool, enjoy the peaceful view, or opt to join in local activities in the village compound.

Lunch is at leisure.

In the afternoon, meet with the guide and driver and head out for the day’s program. First, visit the royal Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi. This temple is known for its unique multi-roofed structures and its beautiful setting around a fish pond.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Tanah Lot Sea Temple to enjoy the famous sunset there. This temple is set dramatically on a rock in the middle of the sea and can only be reached by the local Hindu population during low tide. From the shore, watch as waves crash into the side of the temple, creating a halo of ocean spray that becomes illuminated by the golden light of sunset -it’s a picture perfect setting that must be seen.

Return to the hotel in the early evening and enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Canggu.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Canggu or Umalas –Jatiluwih (45 km): 1 hour 30 minutes Jatiluwih - Bedugul – Munduk (40 km): 1 hour

In the morning, after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the ceramic village Pejaten where rice husks light up the kilns. It has been a centre of pottery for generations and produces vast types of pottery including jars, panels, and trays and so called Coblong; small bowls used both in the kitchen as well as for ceremonial purposes. Visit the local ceramic museum showcasing various kinds of pottery and ceramics which have been made in the village and other part of Indonesia.

Continue with a scenic drive up the slopes of Mount Batukaru the second highest volcano in Bali (2,271m).  Here, visit the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. This area is known as the ‘Rice Granary of Bali’ and is one of the best examples of subak, the traditional irrigation system used by rice farmers in Bali.

Take a leisurely one-hour walk through the rice fields to experience the area’s blissful verdant scenery before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Optional: 1-hour e-bike in Jatiluwih

Instead of 1-hour trekking, the e-Bike can be booked to explore the entire Jatiluwih rice terrace field.

Exploring the terraces on an e-bike maximises comfort and the level of experience to the best parts of the region. After a short safety briefing, set-off for a 1-hour bicycle ride led by an experienced guide. Ride along farmers doing their daily routine and stop at Besi Kalung temple located in the middle of the rice fields.

Next, drive on towards Bedugul to visit its bustling market for a look at its abundance of exotic tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers and its cultural, festive atmosphere.

Then continue to Lake Bratan for a visit to Ulun Danu Temple. The temple is set in the middle of the lake’s calm waters on a small bit of land, giving it the impression of floating’.  Ulun Danu is widely considered to be one of Bali’s most beautiful temples.  

From there, head to Munduk via a high mountain road with amazing views and stop at an incredible viewpoint overlooking the ‘Twin Lakes’ of Tamblingan and Buyan. Be sure to take some photos here, as it’s considered to be one of the most iconic viewpoints in Bali.

Arrive at hotel in Munduk for check-in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner is served in the hotel.

Overnight in Munduk.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Munduk – Pupuan – Pekutatan (70 km): 2 hours and 15 minutes

Munduk is the ideal location for outdoor activities due to its lush tropical rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and relatively cool temperatures due to 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.

After breakfast in the morning, 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 local coffee tasting.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the morning at leisure to refresh and change.

Lunch at leisure.

Check out from the hotel in Munduk and proceed to Pekutatan. This is a very scenic road passing remote villages like Pupuan and passing through the unique Bunut Bolong, a massive banyan tree that has a road passing through it.

Check into the hotel in Pekutatan, on the western coast of Bali and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

The area is famous for its wild black sandy beaches and is a favourite spots among surfers

Dinner is served in the hotel.

Overnight in Pekutatan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Pekutatan – Perancak - Gilimanuk (75 km): 2 hours and 30 minutes Gilimanuk harbor Bali Ketapang harbor East Java (6 km): 45 minutes (by ferry) - 1 hour time difference between Bali and Java

Morning and lunch are free at leisure.

Early in the afternoon at 13:00, meet with the tour guide and driver and head off for the next part of the journey. First we visit one of Bali’s least-known but most beautiful temples, Rambut Siwi.

Next we go to the Perancak Turtle Conservation Centre. Here, see how they release baby turtles in the ocean. Nearby, observe the unique and colourful fishing boats in the estuary of Perancak. These boats are said to only be found on this part of the island.

We then drive on to Gilimanuk, on Bali’s western shores for check in at the Ferry Terminal before crossing the Bali Strait to the island of Java for a scenic journey to Ketapang.

Upon arrival in Ketapang Ferry Terminal on the island of Java, check in at a hotel in the town of Ketapang and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Dinner included at the hotel.

Overnight in the hotel.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Ketapang – Banyuwangi – Paltuding Ijen Base Camp (38km): 1 hour 15 minutes Paltuding Ijen base camp – Ketapang - Kaliklatak Plantation (50 km):1 hour 45 minutes Ketapang harbor East Java – Gilimanuk Harbour Bali (6 km): 45 minutes (by ferry) + 1 hour time difference between Java and Bali Gilimanuk – Menjangan (23 km): 40 minutes

Awake early this morning for an excursion to Mount Ijen -one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Indonesia, and the world. Breakfast is served at the hotel before setting off by 4WD jeep (or alternatively a breakfast box will be provided).

After a 1.5 hour drive, reach Paltuding Base Camp (1,850m). The trek to the top is 3 kilometres and follows a wide, well-worn pathway. At the top of Mount Ijen is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines.

Upon reaching the top (2,385m), there is time to enjoy the views of the crater lake which is 200 metres deep and contains about 36 million cubic metres of steaming, acidic water. Witness the agility and strength of the miners as they collect and carry the sulphur blocks up to the crater rim.

Important notes:

• Local authorities only allow watching the scenery from the rim of the crater – It is strictly forbidden to walk down to the lake shore due to toxic fumes that are escaping from the lake. Only the sulphur porters are allowed in this area.
• This trekking requires good physical condition as well as good walking shoes and some warm clothing because of the low morning temperatures.
• Mt Ijen is an active volcano. Therefore access is subject change due to volcanic activity at the time of visit: an alternative program to Kaliklatak coffee and rubber plantation will be provided if the volcano is temperamental during the visit and must be shut down. Weekend surcharge USD 5 per person will be applied for visits to Ijen.

Return via the same route to base camp and continue by road to Banyuwangi. Change vehicles and head to Kaliklatak, an old (once Dutch colonial) plantation set on a hill with beautiful vistas.

After a late lunch at the restaurant of the plantation, take part in a lesson about coffee. Learn about the plant and its cultivation as well as its processing and, of course, taste the final product.

Return to Ketapang Ferry Terminal near Banyuwangi to check in at the ferry terminal in Ketapang. Cross the Bali Strait on the way back to Bali and arrive at Gilimanuk, on the island’s western shores.

Upon reaching Bali, continue by road to the nearby island of Menjangan, located in West Bali National Park, the one and only national park in Bali.

Check in at the hotel late in the afternoon.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in your hotel.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with a local guide from the West Bali Ecotourism board and

This morning meet a local guide from West Bali Ecotourism who will accompany you only for today.

After breakfast, be picked up and brought to a local boat for transport to Menjangan Island. Upon arrival, receive snorkelling equipment and dive into the area’s translucent waters. This area is well-known to be one of Bali’s best underwater paradises, and is the perfect place to get an introduction to the incredible marine biodiversity of Bali.

A lunch box is provided for a simple lunch on board the boat or at the Menjangan Island.   

After “finding nemo”, return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight at the resort in Menjangan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Menjangan - Pantai Kalisada (40 km): 1 hour Pantai Kalisada – Bhrama Arama Vihara – Banjar – Lovina Beach (35 km): 1 hour 10 minutes

Breakfast at the hotel.

Late in the morning, around 11:00, check out from the hotel in Menjangan and proceed along the Northern coast of Bali towards the coastal town of Seririt.

Stop for a delicious lunch at the Kali Manik Eco Resort located 7km before Seririt on a small road near the beach of Pantai Kalisada.

In the afternoon, continue driving along Bali’s Northern coast with some visits on the way between Seririt and Lovina to explore the Brahma Arama Vihara, the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, with stunning view over the North coast of Bali and at the nearby Banjar Hot Springs for some time to relax in the opened air hot springs and soak in its cathartic waters.

After checking into the hotel in Lovina, spend the rest of the day at leisure. We recommend spending some time to explore the area’s unique coffee ground-coloured and textured beaches.

Dinner is served at the hotel.

Overnight in Lovina

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Lovina – Beji Temple in Sangsit (17 km): 30 minutes Sangsit – Kintamani, Mount Batur (50km): 2 hours Mount Batur - Besakih (30 km): 1 hour Besakih – Sidemen (20 km): 40 minutes

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel.

Drive along the northern coast of Bali, passing by the northern capital of Singaraja before 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 in 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.

Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Sidemen.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Sidemen – Tirta Gangga (35 km): 1 hour Tirta Gangga – Candidasa (20 km): 40 minutes

After breakfast in the morning, check out and start “Balinese daily life” program for you to discover. In the morning, after breakfast, checkout from the hotel before the start of the “Balinese Daily Life” program. Upon arrival at the 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 areas rice fields. Next, try walk the walk of a Balinese farmer by trying to plow 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 and 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.

Afterwards continue by car to Candidasa and check in to the hotel there. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Check in at the hotel.

Overnight in Candidasa.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Candidasa –Tenganan - Goa Lawah – Klungkung (30 km): 1 hour Klungkung – Ubud (20 km): 40 minutes

After having breakfast and checking out from the hotel, head out to explore Tenganan. The village is home to the Bali Aga people, Bali’s first inhabitants who arrived in and settled the island long before the arrival of the Majapahit Dynasty people who came from Java. See the village’s unique architecture and observe the weaving of the traditional ikat pattern as well as traditional basket weaving.

Continue along the south eastern coast to Klungkung. On the way, make a stop at Goa Lawa to visit the sacred ‘Bat Caves’. One of Bali’s most sacred temples, it is said to have an underground connection with Besakih Temple -the most spiritually importance place on the island for Balinese people.

Upon Arrival in Klungkung, visit the former Royal Courts of Justice known as Kertagosa. The highlight here is an elaborately decorated ceiling featuring a wayang-style painting depicting the battle of good versus evil.

Proceed to Ubud and, on arrival, lunch is served at a Balinese restaurant.

Check in at the hotel in Ubud. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ubud – Gunung Kawi – Tampaksiring (20 km): 45 minutes Tampaksiring – Perkedui (10 km): 20 minutes Tegalalang – Perkedui – Ubud (20km): 40 minutes

After breakfast, depart Ubud for an excursion to Mount Batur.

Drive along small, scenic roads offering beautiful views of the rice fields and the daily lives of Balinese farmers.

We first stop to visit the unique temple of Gunung Kawi. Set amidst lush rice terraces, these 11th century temples feature 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face. They stand at 7-metres tall and combine ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple attributes. There are numerous stairs leading down to the temple. (good walking shoes are required)

Continue to the nearby village of Tampaksiring to explore Tirta Empul, a temple famous for its sacred spring water. All Balinese bathe here at least once a year for a ritual cleaning in holy waters attributed to Vishnu.

Continue to Perkedui, near Tegalalang Rice Terraces, for a nice lunch overlooking one of Bali’s most scenic areas.

Enjoy a one-hour soft-trekking experience from the restaurant. Walk down the amazing rice terraces with the guide and learn about the unique subak irrigation system that is common to Bali. Rice fields are a signature of Bali and these quiet verdant paths lined by palm trees provide great photographic opportunities

Return to the hotel in Ubud for refreshing.

No visit to Bali would be complete without witnessing traditional dance, and this evening will be an opportunity to witness a spectacular dance performance at Ubud Centre.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ubud - Denpasar Ngurah Rai international Airport (40km): 1 hour 15 minutes

After breakfast, enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure.

Midday, check out and continue with the driver and guide to the selected southern Bali beach hotel or to Denpasar Airport for the evening return flight (not included).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast