Active Indonesia Adventure: Bali, Lombok & West Sumatra - 15 Days

Highlights

• Create authentic Balinese dishes and taste "arak" at a cooking class in Ubud
• Camp overnight on the Sembalun Crater Rim before summiting Mount Rinjani
• Enjoy a tribal homestay with the Mentawai people of Siberut Island's rainforest
• Learn to make poison arrows and join a traditional hunt with local Mentawai
• Swim below the Pujujurung Waterfall, then unwind with a beach yoga session 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud

Selamat datang, welcome to Indonesia! Once you land on the island of Bali, your driver will meet you at Denpasar International Airport to transfer you to your hotel in Ubud. Surrounded by green rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples, Ubud is considered the spiritual center of Bali. Get the lay of the land by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk or visiting macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

If you're keen to relax and rejuvenate after your long flight, Ubud is also the ideal spot, with its plethora of wellness spas, yoga centers, and meditation retreats. Get a traditional Balinese massage, take a yoga class with a view of the jungle, or soak in a flower bath by the river.

Day 2: Discover Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tukad Cepung Waterfall & Tirta Empul

Prepare for a full day touring Bali's temples and nature, starting at Ubud's mesmerizing Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a landscape of verdant terraces carved into steep hillsides. Walk through the rice paddies to see old Balinese cooperative farming techniques and the traditional irrigation system called subak. Nearby, you'll find several traditional Balinese villages where you can witness local life and culture, including artisans creating handicrafts like wood carvings and batik textiles. Next, hike for about an hour down a narrow, rocky path to the hidden Tukad Cepung Waterfall, which cascades into a cave.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool below the waterfall, then head with your guide to the last stop of today's tour—the Tirta Empul Water Temple. This Hindu temple compound, which means "holy spring" in Balinese, includes a central courtyard with a natural bathing area (known as a petirtaan), used for ritual purification. Respectfully observe locals praying at the shrine or receiving cleansing in the spring-fed ponds. Spend time walking around this peaceful compound, learning about the rich traditions of Balinese Hindu culture. 

Day 3: Visit Lempuyang Temple & Tirta Gangga Palace, Balinese Cooking Class

Begin your last day in Bali with a visit to Lempuyang Temple, one of the island's oldest and most holy temples. Also called Pura Luhur Lempuyang, this complex sits on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, one of Bali's highest mountains, and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Climb 1,700 steps up the mountain to reach it, then explore several intricately designed, smaller shrines. For incredible views of Bali's highest volcano, Mount Agung, visit the famous Gate of Heaven, the iconic gateway that frames the volcano.

Your next stop will be the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a tranquil water garden on the eastern part of the island. Built in the early 20th century by the King of Karangasem, this enchanting water park features a collection of pools, fountains, and statues, all amid lush greenery with far-reaching views of the surrounding mountains. Walk along the octagonal stepping stones and feed the carp, swim in one of the spring-fed pools, or wander among the vibrant flowers and intricate sculptures.

In the afternoon, you'll join a cooking class in Ubud to learn how to make several typical Balinese dishes. Follow your guide to the local market for fresh ingredients, then head to a coconut plantation to tap the trees for their sap, which is used in making arak, a distinct Balinese liquor. Then, your chef will demonstrate various techniques to create authentic Balinese dishes, such as lawar (finely minced spiced meat) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck in banana leaves). At the end of the lesson, sample different types of arak and enjoy savoring the fruits of your labor.

Day 4: Fly to Lombok, Transfer to Senggigi, Explore at Leisure

This morning, check out of your Bali hotel, head to the airport, and catch a quick flight to the island of Lombok, where a driver will transfer you to your accommodation. Considered by some to be the "undiscovered Bali," Lombok has it all, without the crowds. It's also an ideal spot to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, as the island has retained much of its traditional heritage. 

After your hotel drop-off in the main tourist town, Senggigi, explore the distinct culture and landscapes of Lombok on your own. This beautiful island is home to golden sand beaches, jungle waterfalls, and an active volcano. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on paradisiacal beaches or explore the island independently. Optional tours include hiking to hidden waterfalls, snorkeling adventures, and visiting the local Sasak people. End the day with cocktails on the beach and a seafood feast.

Day 5: Hike to Sembalun Crater Rim, Overnight Camp on Mount Rinjani

Eat a hearty breakfast this morning before making the challenging trek up Mount Rinjani for sweeping views of Lombok and its surrounding islands. Mount Rinjani is considered an arduous climb, although it's possible for everyone. You won't find it technically challenging, but the significant elevation gain over short distances and soft, volcanic soil combine to make it ideal for intermediate and advanced hikers. Hike through dense jungle, past rushing waterfalls, and finally to the summit of this active volcano, Indonesia's second-highest mountain, standing at 12,224 feet (3,726 m).

On your way up the mountain, you'll stop for rest breaks and lunch before visiting a small Sasak village to learn about Indigenous architecture and life. The Sasak people, who traditionally live on the slopes of Rinjani, consider the mountain sacred. Once you reach the Sembalun Crater Rim after six to seven hours of hiking over 6.2 miles (10 km), you'll be at an elevation of 8,658 feet (2,639 m). Set up camp with the help of your guide and enjoy the incredibly clear skies and amazing views of the crater lake Segara Anak before getting some much-needed rest for your pre-sunrise trek tomorrow. 

Day 6: Early Morning Hike to Summit, Descend Mount Rinjani

You'll have an early wake-up call, around three in the morning, for your sunrise trek up to the summit of Mount Rinjani. Eat a light breakfast before beginning the challenging three-hour trek to the peak. Although a strenuous climb, the sense of accomplishment at summiting one of Indonesia's most difficult mountains will be more than worth it. When you reach the summit, marvel at the incredible sunrise over the volcano crater lake Segara Anak below, with panoramic views of Mount Agung, Lombok, Bali, and Sumbawa in the distance.

After a rest to appreciate the views and snap some photos, you'll begin your descent. Stop at your tent camp for a proper breakfast before hiking for four to five hours back to the base camp. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Senggigi for a very well-deserved night of relaxation. 

Day 7: Island Hop & Snorkel in the Gili Islands

Slap on some sunscreen and grab your towel and swimming costume for today's half-day aquatic cruise. After breakfast you'll board a boat for island-hopping and snorkeling between the Gili Islands. These three small pieces of paradise off the coast of Lombok are the islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. At each one, you'll enjoy world-class snorkeling, picturesque coves, and distinct charms, including sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and coral reefs teeming with marine life lying just offshore.

Starting at Gili Trawangan, snorkel to Wreck Point to spot its famous sunken ship. Look for sea turtles in the waters off Turtle Point on the serene Gili Meno. On Gili Air, several popular snorkeling spots include the Gili Air Wall, Haan's Reef, and Nemo City. In addition to sea turtles, keep an eye out for sharks, moray eels, colorful coral, and tropical fish. When ready, head back to Lombok to lie on the sand and chill out before it's time for dinner.

Day 8: Fly to Padang via Jakarta

Your driver will take you to the airport in Lombok this morning, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, on the island of Java. Depending on your itinerary, you may have a long layover here before boarding another two-hour flight to the city of Padang on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. If time permits, head out to see Pantai Indah Kapuk, a charming neighborhood in the harbor area of Jakarta that is about 30 minutes from the airport.

Once you arrive in Padang, check into your hotel, then head out to watch the sunset from the famous Air Manis Beach. While there, depending on the tide, you can wade to the picturesque Pisang Kecil Island. End the day by purchasing some fresh-caught seafood for a feast.

Day 9: Boat to Siberut Island, Trek To Traditional Mentawai Villages

Head to the ferry dock in Padang this morning for a 3.5-hour boat ride to the beautiful Siberut Island, part of the Mentawai Islands and home to Siberut National Park, which protects (along with miles of coastline and virgin rainforest) the ancestral homeland of the Indigenous Mentawai people. Once you disembark, join your guide for a trek across this pristine island, through dense jungle and over crystal-clear rivers, to a traditional Mentawai village. The friendly locals will invite you into their homes, known as uma, and invite you to immerse yourself in their culture and way of life for the night. 

Day 10: Mentawai Cultural Immersion with Bathing, Hunting & Dancing

Today, you'll continue your visit to the Mentawai village, starting with a traditional forest bath, making use of the crystal-clear rivers on the island, and socializing with the Mentawai community members and your fellow travelers. Then, learn how to make poison arrows from local tribe members. Watch as they create this essential hunting tool by extracting poison from the bark of a certain tree, mixing it with local herbs, and applying it to the tip of an arrow.

Then, test out your arrow on a hunting trip led by Mentawai leaders to learn hunting techniques that have been effective for generations. After your three-hour hunt, join local women for a lesson in making sago, a staple food of the Mentawai community, created from the starch of a sago palm tree. In the evening, you'll have the chance to watch a traditional dance performed by the villagers, along with music played on instruments such as drums, gongs, and flutes, before tucking in for the night.

Day 11: Boat to Sipura Island, Surf & Explore

Say farewell to the Mentawai community this morning, then catch a boat to the picturesque Sipura Island (also known as Sipora Island). The ferry can take four to eight hours, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the incredible ocean and island views. Once you arrive on Sipura, check into your beautiful resort, grab a surfboard, and strap on your leg rope, because Sipura is known to have some of the best waves in Indonesia.

The island's coastline has surf breaks for all levels, from beginner-friendly surf to experienced-only breaks. If you're a novice, you can join a surf lesson, or rent a board and go for it. Spend the rest of the day exploring the island, visiting the local villages, trying traditional cuisine at markets, lying on the white-sand beaches, or snorkeling in the clear waters. 

Day 12: Sipura Island Snorkeling Tour with Picnic, Dinner on the Beach

Enjoy a relaxing day on Sipura Island. Don your snorkel mask and fins and dive into the crystal-clear waters, where visibility is excellent. Explore the pristine coral reefs offshore with your guide, then head to the beach for a delicious picnic on the sand beneath the shade of swaying palm trees. Lay back with a fruit cocktail in hand and watch the waves lapping the shore, stroll along the beach, or open that book you packed but have yet to start. Here is your chance.

Once you've worked up an appetite (relaxing can do that to you), choose from various options for a romantic island dinner. You might head to a beachfront restaurant or enjoy a candlelit dinner on the sand at your beachside resort. Whichever you choose, sit back and enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Indonesian dishes with views of Sipura Island's gorgeous beaches and picturesque tropical landscapes as the sun sets.

Day 13: Hike to Pujujurung Waterfall, Paddleboarding & Yoga Experiences

Meet your guide this morning for an inland hike to connect with Sipura Island's natural beauty. Pack a water bottle and swimming costume as you'll be hiking to the beautiful Pujujurung Waterfall, a hidden gem deep in the tropical jungle. Immerse yourself in the sounds of birdsong and the smells of the lush rainforest on this easy hike, spotting local flora and fauna as you walk. Upon reaching the pool at the base of the falls, marvel at the cascading water and jump in for a refreshing dip.

Then, head back to the coast and hop on a standup paddleboard to experience the ocean from a different view. Watch for marine life like sea turtles, colorful fish, and dolphins as you paddle the warm, calm waters. Afterward, join an experienced yoga instructor for a rejuvenating and relaxing yoga session on the beach, harnessing the power of nature for your meditative practice. Take part in gentle stretching, mindful breathing, and meditation while you connect with the natural surroundings and nourish your mind, body, and soul. After your day of unwinding and recharging, enjoy your final evening on the island.

Day 14: Boat to Padang, Padang City Tour

Say farewell to Sipura Island and hop aboard a ferry back to Padang, where you'll spend the night before your flight to Jakarta. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and join a city tour to discover this vibrant and cultural city known for its rich history. See the Malin Kundang Stone on the shoreline of Air Manis Beach. An important feature in Indonesian folklore, this stone looks like a man washed up on the shore. Be sure to visit the iconic Jam Gadang clock tower, which was commissioned by the Dutch East Indies Government and constructed from a mixture of limestone, egg white, and sand.

Day 15: Fly to Jakarta, Depart

It's time to say farewell to Indonesia. Before you head to the airport, take the opportunity to sample some of Padang's distinctive spicy nasi padang cuisine, famous throughout Indonesia. When the time comes, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Padang's airport for your connecting flight to Jakarta and beyond. Selamat jalan! (Happy travels!)

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