Essence of Bali

Highlights

A perfect itinerary for first-time visitors, this itinerary showcases the best of Bali across eight action-packed nights. Split your time equally between spiritual capital Ubud in the hills of central Bali, and the laidback beaches of Sanur. From these two fine destinations you’ll explore the island in-depth: taking in treks through the staggering rice fields, a traditional Balinese cooking class, visits to iconic temples and volcanoes, and a day trip across to the rugged Nusa islands. With private transfers and tours, and accommodation at a very high standard, you’ll discover the ‘Island of Gods’ in comfort and style.

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1 Ubud: Arrive into Bali Denpasar and transfer to Ubud

Welcome to Bali! You’ll be met on arrival at Denpasar International Airport by a private guide and driver, who’ll then transfer you from the south coast city up into the hill town of Ubud. This will be a drive of around 1hr15m. Once arrived at your hotel you’ll check-in and have the rest of the day at leisure to recuperate after your long flight.

Once a small and very traditional village, then later considered the heart of Bali’s hippy scene, Ubud has now grown into one of Indonesia’s top destinations. The sprawling town has seen a surge in interest in recent years in part to the book and film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, but its appeal hasn’t yet been spoiled, with tranquil temples, impressive Hindu architecture, and green rice terraces found around every corner. These sit alongside trendy cafes and boutique shops selling the island’s famous craftsmanship and local artists’ works. There are plenty of museums and cultural performances to enjoy, particularly unique traditional Balinese dances.

DAY 2 Ubud: Full day tour of Ubud’s art & culture

After breakfast, you will meet your private guide and driver and then set off for a full-day tour in and around Ubud. Begin with a drive north of Ubud and through the beautiful village of Tegalallang, known for its cascading rice terraces, where you will stop for a short walk. Continue to Tirta Empul Palace, known for its holy spring water temple, at which you can join the locals in a purifying dip.

You’ll then drive through more scenery of lush rice terraces in Tampak Siring village and to the Gunung Kawi temple which dates back to the 11th century Udayana dynasty, and comprises 10 rock-cut ‘candi’ (shrines), each of which stands seven meters tall and is carved into the sheer cliff face. Finish at the House of Masks and Puppets, a fascinating museum housing cultural items from all across the Indonesia archipelago. Arrive back at your hotel late afternoon.

DAY 3 Ubud: Ricefield hike & cooking class with a local artist

After an early breakfast you’ll be transferred out of central Ubud and to a tranquil village around 30 minutes into central Bali. Here you’ll meet Mr Bagus Dharma, a respected local artist who specializes in traditional Keliki painting style – usually intricate monochrome depictions of rural scenes – keeping it alive through his work and his instruction of local children. He’ll show you around his residence and studio, then lead you on a walk through the cascading rice paddies which surround, along the way explaining the heralded ‘Subak’ system of rice cultivation.

Pass through placid villages, spice plantations, and verdant forest, arriving at a second local home where you’ll enjoy a fabulous local lunch. This too will be an educational experience, touring the gardens and vegetable plots of the home, then getting hands-on to help prepare your own meal. Under the instruction of your host you’ll prepare an array of succulent Balinese dishes, then later sit down to enjoy them while looking out across blissful scenery. You’ll then be transferred back to Ubud and have the rest of the day free.

DAY 4 Ubud: Full day tour of East Bali

Today you’ll take an enthralling tour around the stupendous scenery of East Bali. Head north from Bali to first stop at the iconic Ulun Danu Bratan temple, which appears to float on the shores of Bratan Lake. You’ll then turn deeper in eastern Bali, seeing the dramatic slope of Mount Agung rise up in front of you. Travel up to a series of scenic lookout points on Bali’s tallest volcano, before descending to visit the impressive ancient sanctuary of Besakih, known as the ‘mother temple’ of Bali.

Enjoy a traditional Balinese lunch in a rural restaurant, which will help get your energy levels up for an afternoon trek of around two hours through placid villages, rolling hills, and emerald rice paddies. The trail ends at Tenganan, a picturesque village inhabited by the Bali Aga people. You’ll stroll around the village, meeting the locals and learning about their lifestyles, before returning to Ubud in the late afternoon.

DAY 5 Sanur: Transfer down to Sanur with sightseeing en route

After a leisurely morning, you’ll leave Ubud and be transferred down to Bali’s south coast, taking a detour through southeast Bali for some unforgettable sightseeing. Your first visit will be to the mountain-top temple of Penataran Lempuyang, with its striking ‘three dragon’ staircase, and famous ‘Gates of Heaven’, which frame the peak of Mount Agung and offer one of Bali’s very best photo opportunities. You’ll also stop at Tirta Gangga literally ‘water from the Ganges’ a former Balinese royal palace, with its beautiful water pools, gardens, and huge koi carp. You’ll then continue to Sanur, arriving early afternoon with the remainder of the day spent at leisure.

Found on Bali’s southeast coast, Sanur was the island’s original beach resort, welcoming the first waves of international tourism from the 1960s onwards. Although it’s developed a great deal over the last couple of decades, Sanur has retained a quieter, village-like feel – a world away from brash and busy Kuta or Seminyak – and remains the beach of choice for many due to its relaxed atmosphere and excellent hotels.

DAY 6 Sanur: Day at leisure; sunset dinner tour of Uluwatu temple

Today is free of plans – enjoy your excellent hotel, or take a relaxing walk along the beach or through the village! If you’re feeling active, arrange a diving or snorkeling tour locally, or indulge in activities such as cooking classes, rice field walks, or gallery tours – all of which can be arranged through your hotel.

In the late afternoon, you’ll be picked up and taken out to the Uluwatu Temple, around 45 minutes away, which has a dramatic clifftop setting at the base of the Bukit peninsula. Your guide will take you for an introductory tour around this 11th-century construction, sitting 70m above the crashing ocean waves, before finding you a prime spot to watch the sunset. As the sun falls you’ll watch on for the nightly Kecak fire dance; witness around 50 performers circle a roaring fire while re-enacting scenes from the Ramayana, accompanied by traditional instruments, masks, and dress.

Afterward, you’ll be taken for a delicious Balinese dinner in a nearby restaurant, then later returned to your hotel in Sanur.

DAY 7 Sanur: Day at leisure

You have another day at leisure in blissful Sanur. Arrange further activities locally, or simply kick back, enjoy the magnificent surroundings, and reflect on your adventures over the last few days.

DAY 8 Sanur: Speedboat tour of the Nusa islands

Visible on the horizon all across the southeast coast, the Nusa islands are three sparsely populated outcrops that offer a rugged, wild escape from busy Bali. Today you’ll take a speedboat tour of the three islands: Nusa Lembongan, tranquil Nusa Ceningan, and the largest and wildest of the three – Nusa Penida. Along the way you’ll kick back on isolated golden beaches, gawp at 300ft high towering cliffs, and roll overboard for some fantastic snorkeling stops. Lunch will be served during the tour, and you’ll be returned to Sanur in the late afternoon.

DAY 9 Sanur: Departure day

Sadly your adventures in Bali have come to an end. At the appropriate time, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred by road back to Bali Denpasar International Airport, a drive of around 30 minutes.