Day 1: Arrival in Bali

On arrival, you will be met by your guide at the airport. 

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 at leisure. Relax in the tropical ambience of the hotel or head out for some independent exploration.

Overnight in Umabian.

Distance and journey times:

Denpasar Ngurah Rai international Airport – Umabian (34 km): 1 hour

Day 2: Explore Taman Ayun Mengwi and Tanah Lot temple

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.

Meet your guide in the afternoon for a visit to the Royal Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi. This temple is known for its unique multi-roofed structures and a beautiful setting -a perfect introduction to Balinese architecture.  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 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. 

Distance and journey times:

Umabian –Taman Ayun Mengwi (5 km):10 min

Taman Ayun Mengwi – Tanah Lot (17 km): 30 minutes

Tanah Lot – Umabian (19 km): 40 minutes

Day 3: Umabian – Jatiluwih – Bedugul – Munduk

After breakfast in the morning, checkout from the hotel and start the 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.

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.

Distance and journey times:

Umabian– Jatiluwih (22 km): 30 minutes

Jatiluwih – Bedugul (22 km): 45 minutes

Bedugul – Munduk (20 km): 40 minutes

Day 4: Munduk – Seririt – Pantai Kalisada – Lovina Beach

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.

Take a 2-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.

Proceed to the northern coast of Bali, towards the coastal town of Seririt. Drive along the northern coast and 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.

 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 unique cultural atmosphere.

After a day of exploring the area and seeing some of its highlights, check in at the hotel in Lovina.

Distance and journey times:

Munduk – Seririt – Pantai Kalisada (35 km): 1 hour 10 minutes

Pantai Kalisada – Lovina Beach (20km): 40 minutes 

Day 5: Lovina – Beji Temple in Sangsit – Kintamani - Mt Batur – Besakih Temple – Sidemen

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. Overnight in Sidemen.

Distance and journey times:

Lovina – Beji Temple in Sangsit (17 km): 30 minutes

Sangsit – Kintamani Mt Batur (50km): 2 hours

Mt Batur – Besakih Temple (30 km): 1 hour

Besakih – Sidemen (20 km): 40 minutes

Day 6: Sidemen – Tirta Gangga – Amed

In the morning, after breakfast, 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 around these beautiful and cheery grounds.

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.

Distance and journey times:

Sidemen – Tirta Gangga (35 km): 1 hour

Tirta Gangga – Amed (21 km): 40 minutes

Day 7: Amed – Seraya Peninsula – Ujung Palace – Candidasa

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 reef.

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.

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 for overnight.

Distance and Journey times:

Amed – Seraya Peninsula – Ujung Palace (40 km): 2 hours (only accessible by small vehicles)

Ujung Palace – Candidasa (15 km): 30 minutes

Day 8: Candidasa – Tenganan Goa Lawah – Klungkung – Denpasar

After breakfast, head out to explore Tenganan Aga Village, home to the Bali Aga people, Bali’s first inhabitants. 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.

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 most revered temples which are 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 or to Denpasar Airport for an evening return flight.

Distance and journey times:

Candidasa – Tenganan (7 km): 15 minutes

Candidasa – Goa Lawah – Klungkung (30 km): 1 hour

Klungkung – Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (45km): 1 hour 30 minutes

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