Highlights
- Enjoy jungle hikes to waterfalls and hot springs near Munduk and Ubud
- Cycle through a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
- Learn about traditional weaving techniques at a Balinese textiles workshop
- Take an exciting whitewater rafting trip down the Telaga Waja River
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Munduk, Optional Activities | Munduk |
| Day 2 | 4WD Excursion in the Pekutatan District | Munduk |
| Day 3 | Tour Munduk & Tamblingan Lake, Drive to Ubud, Cycling Tour | Ubud |
| Day 4 | Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur, Optional Activities in Ubud | Ubud |
| Day 5 | Kintamani Cycling Tour, Optional Activities in Ubud | Ubud |
| Day 6 | Explore Hidden Canyon & Tegenungan Waterfall | Ubud |
| Day 7 | Drive to Sidemen, River Raft Excursion, Textiles Workshop | Sidemen |
| Day 8 | Drive to Uluwatu, Explore the Beaches of Bukit Peninsula | Uluwatu |
| Day 9 | Surfing Lesson, Balinese Massage, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance | Uluwatu |
| Day 10 | Optional Activities in Uluwatu, Depart Bali |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Munduk, Optional Activities
Selamat datang, welcome to the Indonesian island of Bali! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to Munduk, a village in the serene northern highlands of the island. During the two-hour drive, you'll enjoy scenic views of the lush landscapes and rice terraces. When you arrive, check into your hotel and relax, or head out to start exploring the area on your own. Walk into the village, passing by coffee and clove plantations, and head to Ngiring Ngewedang Restaurant & Coffee Corner for views over the forested mountains paired with a delicious coffee or cocktail.
If you're not too tired from the journey, take a two-hour hike through the heart of the Balinese jungle to Munduk Waterfalls, passing through tea plantations and rolling hills. Then, continue to nearby hot springs surrounded by nature. Those who are feeling adventurous can hike a three-hour roundtrip to the Twin Lakes Viewpoint to enjoy sweeping views of Buyan and Tambingan lakes. Finish the day with a traditional Indonesian meal. Dishes to try include bebek goreng (crispy duck) and satays of grilled beef, chicken, or shrimp. Once you've had your fill, return to your hotel in Munduk to prepare for tomorrow's exciting tour.
Day 2: 4WD Excursion in the Pekutatan District
Today's half-day adventure begins early. After breakfast, hop in a Jeep for a five-hour guided exploration of west Bali's natural wonders. Spend about one hour trekking along the Blingbing rice terraces before continuing to Blehmantung waterfall, nestled in Pujungan village in the Pupuan district, an area with rural landscapes, agricultural plantations, and coffee production. You'll trek up a steep path for about two hours, surrounded by cool, mountainous scenery to reach the falls, admiring tropical greenery and glimpses of coffee plantations along the way.
Next, drive off-road for two hours to reach the Pekutatan district, where a Balinese lunch awaits. Feel the excitement of driving a 4WD vehicle through the expansive rubber plantation here while traversing mountainous terrain and navigating muddy tracks, river crossings, and valleys. Afterward, you'll head back to your accommodation in Munduk to have dinner and rest.
Day 3: Tour Munduk & Tamblingan Lake, Drive to Ubud, Cycling Tour
You'll leave Munduk this morning and drive for two hours to Ubud, the cultural center of Bali. But first, get a deeper look at Munduk and its surroundings on a half-day guided tour. Walk through plantations in the countryside to reach hidden waterfalls and cool off with a swim before continuing on your walk to Tamblingan Lake. Admire this ancient crater lake from its shores and visit the small temples dotted around the lake's shores, including the 10th-century Hindu temple of Ulun Danu Tamblingan. Enter the temple grounds to see the intricate stone carvings and traditional Balinese architecture.
Next, you'll visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by pedaling a mountain bike along the winding countryside paths. As you cycle through the lush greenery of Bali's most beautiful rice terraces, watch as farmers go about their daily tasks with the help of their buffalo. Stop in a local café for a refreshing drink overlooking the rice fields before your driver takes you to your hotel in Ubud for dinner.
Day 4: Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur, Optional Activities in Ubud
Early in the morning, you'll begin the six-hour journey to Mount Batur. Start the ascent before dawn and climb to the top of the volcano to watch the sunrise. Down below, you'll be able to see the outline of Kintamani Lake (Lake Batur). In the distance, you'll spot the other volcanoes of Bali: Abang, Agung, and Batukaru. After enjoying the sunrise, you'll start the trek down and meet your driver. Then, visit Pura Batur and rest in the natural hot springs to regain your strength.
Your driver will take you back to Ubud, where you can rest or explore the town. Discover the local art scene with a visit to the Blanco Renaissance Museum, exhibiting the works of the late artist Antonio Blanco. Stroll through the Ubud Monkey Forest, a serene sanctuary housing gray long-tailed macaques. Conclude the evening with a traditional Balinese dance performance at Ubud Palace, complete with live music and elaborate costumes.
Day 5: Kintamani Cycling Tour, Optional Activities in Ubud
This morning's adventures begin early, as you're picked up from your hotel for a four-hour cycling tour through 18 miles (30 km) of forest trails, past historic Hindu temples, local communities, and verdant plantations. Beginning near the well-known volcano of Mount Batur and overlooking Kintamani Lake, you'll make stops to explore a traditional Balinese village, take in the scenery from various viewpoints, and drop in at farm stands to sample exotic fruits from the source. The ride ends in Ubud, where your driver will transfer you back to your hotel.
If you're still up for more activity this afternoon, continue exploring Ubud. Get the lay of the land by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk, visiting the gorgeous Tegalalang Rice Terrace for sedate swinging, thrilling ziplining, or shopping at Ubud Art Market and Sukawati Art Market, with local crafts, souvenirs, and textiles. For a relaxing afternoon, try a traditional Balinese massage, take a yoga class with a view of the jungle, or soak in a flower bath by the river.
Day 6: Explore Hidden Canyon & Tegenungan Waterfall
The Hidden Canyon in Sukawati is a hidden gem tucked away from the bustling main roads and markets. Today, you'll trek for about two hours along narrow paths, traversing riverbeds and navigating through rocky formations to reach this secluded paradise and admire the canyon's crystal-clear streams. Enjoy the thrill of discovering secret alcoves on this off-the-beaten-path experience.
Next, you'll be guided on another relatively easy hike, this time with the Tegenungan Waterfall as your destination. Trek down to the waterfall through lush greenery and tropical vegetation. Upon arrival, enjoy the sight of the waterfall cascading down over rocky cliffs into a large pool below. One of the highlights is the opportunity to swim or wade in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls. The cool and clear waters provide a delightful way to cool off, especially on a hot day.
Day 7: Drive to Sidemen, River Raft Excursion, Textiles Workshop
Today, you'll depart Ubud and head toward Sidemen Valley in the countryside, an hour's drive east. Begin the morning with an easy trek in Sidemen amid stepped rice terraces. Over two to three hours, you'll encounter farmers and lush fruit orchards teeming with cloves, salak, cocoa, and tropical spices. Next, gear up for three exhilarating hours rafting through tropical jungles on a 9-mile (14 km) experience on the Telaga Waja River. You'll paddle through exciting rapids, discover villages nestled amid lush greenery, and witness cascading waterfalls along the river's edge. Conclude with a local lunch by the riverside.
Upon returning to Sidemen, explore textile manufacturing workshops, witnessing the traditional Indonesian weaving techniques of Ikat and Songket, characterized by their intricate designs. Ikat involves tie-dyeing yarn before weaving, while Songket incorporates gold or silver threads into the fabric. Your driver will return you to your accommodation in Sideman, where you can try authentic Balinese cuisine like nasi campur, a mixed rice dish with meats and sambal (spicy chili paste), or lawar, a salad with grated coconut and minced meat or seafood, at a local warung (eatery).
Day 8: Drive to Uluwatu, Explore the Beaches of Bukit Peninsula
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Drive three hours southwest to Uluwatu, a hilly peninsula on Bali's southwest tip, renowned for its temples, coastal cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and off-the-beaten-path vibe. After checking in, you'll have free time for the rest of the day. If you're feeling tired, take a rest beside the hotel pool. Or, if you're more energetic, set off and explore the Bukit Peninsula on foot, walking along a coastal path or visiting nearby beaches like Padang-Padang, renowned for its dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs and family-friendly tidal swimming pools.
Geger is another spot, beloved by tourists and known by locals as one of the best stretches of sand in Bali. Or, if you're in the mood for a walk, consider a trip down the 350 stairs to Green Bowl Beach. As the afternoon ends, head to Melasti Beach, one of the best places to watch the sunset. Then, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Uluwatu, where you can rest for an exciting morning on the water.
Day 9: Surfing Lesson, Balinese Massage, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance
Bali is famed as one of the world's premier surfing destinations, and even if you've never surfed before, you'll be able to give it a try today. Meet up with your surfing teacher and learn the ropes before setting out onto the waves for a couple of hours this morning. Then, with your feet back on dry land, step into a local spa for a soothing hourlong body or foot massage. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour around the Temple of Uluwatu, which sits on a cliff's edge, 230 feet (70 m) above the waters below.
The temple is dedicated to a Hindu god, and you'll learn all about its rich history and sacred significance before enjoying a traditional kecak dance performance. This dance recreates the ancient Hindu story of Ramayana, featuring a large group of performers chanting and dancing in beautiful, decorative costumes. Your expert guide will share intriguing insights as the performance continues. After the performance, return to your hotel to prepare for your final day in Bali.
Day 10: Optional Activities in Uluwatu, Depart Bali
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