Ubud and Surroundings

📍 Denpasar Ngurah Rai international Airport – Ubud (40 km): 1 hr 15 mins

Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar and be greeted by local guide and driver. From there, receive a private transfer to the town of Ubud. Located in the island’s centre, Ubud is the island’s artistic and cultural capital.

Check in at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud

Inclusions:

📍 Ubud – Gunung Kawi – Tampaksiring (20 km): 45 mins ; Tampaksiring - Kintamani (22km): 45 mins ; Kintamani – Tegalalang (22km): 45 mins Tegalalang– Ubud (10km): 20 mins

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

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

The first stop is a visit 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 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. Balinese people bathe here at least once a year for a ritual cleaning.

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

Stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant with all-encompassing views over Lake Batur.

In the afternoon, drive back to Ubud along a different road towards the area of Perkedui near Tegalalang for some of the most beautiful rice-terraced landscapes in Bali

Enjoy a one hour soft trek in Tegalalang, a verdant area with stunning views. Walk down the amazing rice terraces here with the guide and learn about the unique subak irrigation system that is unique to Bali. These quiet verdant paths lined by palm trees provide great photographic opportunities

End the trek at a cafe for a coffee break in this beautiful location away from the crowds.  

Return to Ubud late in the afternoon.

Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ubud – Mas – Ubud (15 km): 30 mins

Today, get a true taste of the local culture, traditions and lifestyles with a ‘Balinese Experience’.

After being picked up by the guide and driver, head on a short drive to Mas. This small village is located 10-15 km from Ubud and, in addition to being known for its ancient wood carving tradition, is a great place to take part in uniquely Balinese activities.

Start this ‘uniquely Bali” experience by meeting with an astrologer and receiving a blessing; he’ll tell using ancient methods, translated by the local guide, he’ll then foretell the future and give insight into destiny.

Next, work with a local wood-carver to learn the methods of making traditional handicrafts. In addition to learning new skills, this is a great opportunity to be immersed in the typical life of a Balinese person. For the beginner, it is recommended to start with bath soap. Draw a pattern on a carton paper and carve a turtle. All the necessary carving tools will be provided.

Assist in making Balinese dishes and watch the local chefs processing fresh ingredients to make a delicious meal. Then have a walk around the village while the dishes are prepared. Return to the house and dine on a tasty home-cooked meal with the hosts.

After lunch, return to Ubud for a visit to ARMA Museum (Agung Rai Museum of Art) and enjoy one of the best permanent collections of Balinese and Indonesian paintings. A visit to ARMA provides a great overview of the island’s rich artistic traditions.

Then, head to the sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. Be careful of any valuables while wandering this enchanting forest, as its cheeky inhabitants are known for being mischievous. Afterwards, head to the local market for a taste of local life as locals go about buying and selling anything imaginable. This is a perfect place to pick up souvenirs and practice negotiation skills!

Return to the hotel to freshen before witnessing a traditional dance performance.

Enjoy a set menu dinner in one of the famous restaurants in Central Ubud then continue witnessing traditional dance performance at a beautiful stage, set against the backdrop of magnificent temple surrounded by blooming lotus flowers and carved Kori Agung gateway (except Friday)

Overnight in Ubud

Note: For Friday, the balinese dance performance will be arranged in Ubud Palace.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Ubud – Klungkung (20 km): 45 mins ; Klungkung - Besakih (25 km): 50 mins ; Besakih – Rendang (7 km): 15 mins ; Rendang - Denpasar Ngurah Rai international Airport (70 km): 2 hrs 20 mins

This morning begins with a drive to Klungkung to 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 the battle of good versus evil.

Continue to Besakih, known as the ‘Mother Temple’ of Bali. Located on the western slopes of Mt Agung, Bali’s highest volcano (2,567 m). Besakih is the largest and most religiously important temple on the island.

Stop for lunch at Mahagiri Restaurant, and dine on fresh Balinese cuisine while surrounded by great panoramas over rice fields terraces with Mount Agung in the background.

To conclude the afternoon, head to the hotel at a selected beach destination (hotel not included) or to Denpasar Airport for a return flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch