North and Central Bali

Arrive in Pemuteran or Lovina from Java Island.

Check into the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Pemuteran.

Inclusions:

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, head out on an unforgettable snorkelling trip around Menjangan Island. Don a mask and snorkel and explore the oceanic marvels of this spectacular marine park which is considered by many to be among the best diving locations in Bali. See thousands of colourful reef fishes, fluorescently coloured corals, and even a sea turtle or two with any luck.

A simple lunch with lunch box is served on the boat.

Overnight in Pemuteran.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Pemuteran – Bedugul (73km): 2 hours 30 minutes Lovina – Bedugul (29km): 1 hour Bedugul – Jatiluwih 22km): 45 minutes Jatiluwih – Umabian (21km): 1 hour Jatiluwih – Gangga Beach (49km): 1 hour 40 minutes

After breakfast in the morning, check out from the hotel and be picked up by the tour guide and driver for the start of todays’ program.

First, visit Brahma Arama Vihara. In addition to being the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, it also has stunning views over the North coast of Bali. Alternatively (or, if time allows, additionally), head to the nearby Banjar Hot Springs for some time to relax in the open-air hot springs surrounded by lush tropical rainforest in a unique cultural atmosphere.

Then drive to Bedugul, an area of the central highlands that is famous for its stunning beauty and three volcanic lakes. Upon reaching Lake Bratan, see the incredibly scenic Ulun Danu Temple set on an island amid the peaceful water of the lake. This temple is one of Bali’s most iconic and photogenic sites -so be sure to take lots of photos!

Next, visit the Bedugul’s traditional market where a myriad of exotic fruits, vegetables and orchids are for sale from the area’s gardens. There are also stalls selling exotic spices and souvenirs.

Drive to the south and visit the UNESCO Heritage listed rice fields of Jatiluwih. Here, take a leisurely one-hour walk through the terraced rice fields learning about the subak-style of rice production in Bali.

Proceed and check in to the hotel in Tabanan. Designed to resemble a traditional Balinese house, the numerous pavilions and guestrooms are laid out in the style of a village compound. Surrounded by rice fields, spectacular views and a swimming pool in the garden, this is an ideal place to unwind. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the peaceful view, or opt to join in the local activities of the village compound.

For a deluxe option, check in at a hotel in Gangga Beach.

Overnight in at the selected hotel in Umabian or Gangga Beach.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Umabian – Tunjuk (3km): 10 minutes Gangga Beach – Tanah Lot – Tunjuk (75km): 2 hours 30 minutes Tunjuk - Taman Ayun – Tanah Lot (26km): 1 hour Tanah Lot – Ubud (32km): 1 hour Tunjuk – Ubud (25km): 50 minutes

After breakfast, start the day with a sustainable tourism excursion at

Rumah Desa. Step off the tourist trail for an immersive experience during this Bali village tour. Transfer to Marga, a typical rural village in the Tabanan Regency. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this is the perfect place to experience authentic countryside lifestyles.

Be welcomed with a healthy drink in a family’s compound. The hosts will introduce themselves and explain about their daily activities on the farm. Learn about their traditional herbal remedies, see remarkable inscribed palm leaves and discover other aspects of typical Balinese life.

After exploring the family compound, join a farmer for an easy trek through the surroundings. Learn about the Balinese Subak irrigation system, a unique and effective method used by generations of local farmers. Pass through vibrant rice fields where, depending on the time of year, there may be a chance to assist the local farmers. Loop back to the house compound in time for a delicious, family-style lunch.

This afternoon bid farewell to the hosts in Marga village

In the afternoon, visit the Taman Ayun Temple near Mengwi. Built in 1634 as the family temple of the Mengwi Dynasty, it is truly a stunning piece of historic architecture, surrounded by a moat with multi–roofed meru shrines and intricately carved wooden gates.

Continue to the famous Tanah Lot Sea Temple. Set on a huge rock in the sea, and only reachable by low tide, this sacred temple is visited by all Balinese Hindu’s several times a year.

Note: For Deluxe option, visit Tanah Lot in the morning on the way to Rumah Desa in Desa Tua, Marga.

After this visit we head to Ubud for check in at the hotel early in the evening.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ubud – Tirta Empul (20km): 45 minutes Tampaksiring – Kintamani (22km): 45 minutes Kintamani – Rendang - Besakih (30 km): 1 hour

This morning after breakfast, drive to 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 seven metres tall and combine ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple attributes. There are numerous stairs leading down to the temple, so good walking shoes are recommended.

Continue to the nearby village of Tampaksiring village 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.

Drive further to the north to reach Kintamani, a volcanic region with breathtaking views of Mt Batur. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake, all surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim.

Lunch is served in a nearby restaurant.

Continue to Rendang, near Besakih, and enjoy beautiful views over verdant green rice fields and stunning views of Mt Agung, the highest volcano in Bali (2,567 m). Afterwards, visit Besakih Temple, known as the ‘Mother Temple’ of Bali.  Located on the western slopes of Mt Agung, Besakih is the largest and most religiously important temple on the island.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ubud – Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar (43km): 1 hour 15 minutes

After breakfast at the hotel, check out from the hotel and meet the guide to explore and discover the many charms of Ubud. Head to Sacred Monkey Forest and get into the local spirit by wearing a traditional sarong (the fabric wrap worn by men and women). After exploring Monkey Forest, visit to Ubud Palace and Ubud Market where local vendors come to buy and sell food as well as handicrafts and textiles.

From here, continue to the ARMA Museum which provides good insight in Balinese art and culture.

Continue to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar or to the next destination in Bali or Lombok.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast