Over 10 days, you will exercise your leg muscles as you hike to the top of Mount Batur at sunrise and get your adrenaline kicking as you go water rafting along the Ayung River. This adventurous itinerary, which includes Bali's top destinations, will start with three days in Ubud, where you'll learn about Bali's history as well as have time to explore this scenic and cultural city independently. In Amed, a small fishing village, you'll discover the vibrant tropical colors of Indonesian fish while snorkeling before visiting Lempuyang Temple and then heading to Sanur with a stopover at White Sand Beach.

Highlights

  • Purify yourself in the holy water of Tirta Empul
  • Visit the impressive Tukad Cepung Waterfall
  • Enjoy a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur before bathing in a hot spring
  • Discover tropical ocean colors while snorkeling near Amed
  • Take a photo at the gates of Lempuyang Temple

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Ubud Ubud, Bali
Day 2 Traditional Ubud Tour Ubud, Bali
Day 3 Ubud River Rafting Ubud, Bali
Day 4 Discover Ubud Surroundings Ubud, Bali
Day 5 Mount Batur Sunrise Hike - Hot Springs Amed, Bali
Day 6 Boat Excursion and Snorkeling Amed, Bali
Day 7 Visit Lempuyang Temple Amed, Bali
Day 8 Transfer to Sanur - White Sand Beach Sanur, Bali
Day 9 Free Day in Sanur Sanur, Bali
Day 10 Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ubud

Jalan Goutama road is famous for places to eat and go out
Jalan Goutama road is famous for places to eat and go out

Welcome to Indonesia!

Upon arrival at the airport in Denpasar, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Ubud. Depending on how you feel, you may choose to catch up on some sleep, visit the vibrant Ubud market or one of the many restaurants for dinner.

Day 2: Traditional Ubud Tour

You can bathe in holy water at Tirta Empul Temple
You can bathe in holy water at Tirta Empul Temple

You will have the morning free to yourself. You may choose to spend the morning relaxing at your private pool or opt to explore some of the city's attractions such as Campuhan Ridge Walk, the nearby rice terraces or a local warung for lunch.

After lunch, you will meet your driver before heading to the Tampaksiring area. Here, you will visit Gunung Kawi Mausoleum, an ancient tomb of the last king of the Udayana dynasty, where you descend down the tomb's 300 steps. Afterward, you will head to Tirta Empul, where you can purify yourself in the holy water. 

To conclude a busy day, we will take a short tour through Ubud by visiting the Royal Palace, which is a great place to watch traditional dance shows. You will then have some time to explore Ubud's busy central market which is filled with affordable clothing and souvenirs (but be sure to negotiate the prices down).

You can go out to one of Ubud's many lively restaurants for dinner or stay in and eat at the hotel.

Day 3: Ubud River Rafting

Rafting in Ayung River
Rafting in Ayung River

This morning, you will be served a floating breakfast in your private pool. Afterward, you will meet your driver at your hotel before heading to the Ayung River for a fun afternoon of water rafting.

Before starting your adventure, you will be briefed and given a helmet, lifejacket, and a paddle. You will have lunch at the river and prepare for an active and fun day of racing along with the quick current as well as enjoying the lovely scenery of the Balinese rainforest and ricefields.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore Ubud at your leisure.

Day 4: Discover Ubud Surroundings

Kehen Temple
Kehen Temple

After breakfast today, your driver will take you to the Kehen Temple, a spot most tourists don't know about. This is a great place to take in the breathtaking Balinese architecture and natural views from the hilly outcrop it's built on without the usual hustle and bustle of tourists.

Afterward, you will visit the holy springs of Tirta Sudamala. By washing your body in the holy water, according to the Hindu religion, you are asking for God's blessing to remove negativity and bad energy from your life. You will enjoy lunch in a local home where you will be able to learn more about Balinese culture before heading to Tukad Cepung Waterfall.

As sun rays filter through the trees above the impressive falls and create natural beams across the canyon-like rock formations. Before swimming under the waterfall, be sure to snap some Instagram-worthy pictures!

You will be back in Ubud by the afternoon with the evening free to relax or explore at your leisure.

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Day 5: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike - Hot Springs

View of dramatic clouds from Mount Batur
View of dramatic clouds from Mount Batur

Early this morning, you will depart for an unforgettable tour to the top of Mount Batur. You will leave the hotel at around 3 am for the one hour drive to Kintamani. After two hours of hiking, you'll reach the top of this spectacular volcano in time for the sunrise. You'll then have some time to take in the magical scenery, golden glow of the rising sun, and dramatic views of the clouds below. On the way back down, be on the lookout for some of the newly formed craters around the volcano.

At the bottom of the volcano, which you would have descended by 9 am, take a moment to enjoy a well-deserved rest in the hot springs with a view of Batur Lake.

Once you're ready to leave, your driver will take you to Amed, a small fishermen village, where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 6: Boat Excursion and Snorkeling

The colorful corals and fish
The colorful corals and fish

You will have this morning free to relax at the picturesque and quiet beach, enjoy a Balinese massage or explore the village.

In the early afternoon, you will go on a boat excursion to discover two to three different snorkeling spots with a local guide. As you drop into the warm ocean, you will discover an entirely different world under the water and you can prepare to have your breath taken away as you discover the colors of the tropical fish and corals.

The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner in the village or to relax in your hotel.

Day 7: Visit Lempuyang Temple

The Temple Gates at Lempuyang
The Temple Gates at Lempuyang

In the morning, you will visit the Lempuyang Temple where you will climb 1 700 steps leading up to this sacred spot. This temple, which is known as the "Gate to Heaven", is a famous photographic spot. Going in the morning is a good idea as it means you will avoid some of the tourist crowds.

The afternoon is free. You may choose to do some more snorkeling, book a massage or explore at your leisure.

Day 8: Transfer to Sanur - White Sand Beach

Sanur at sunrise
Sanur at sunrise

In the morning, you will depart for Sanur. On the way, you will stop at White Sand Beach, which is rare on an island where most of the beaches have black sand. This beach isn't as populated with tourists as some of the other beaches and you'll actually find more locals relaxing on the beach. After having lunch, you will continue the journey to Sanur.

Your afternoon and evening in Sanur are free for you to wander through the town or along the promenade, dine at one of the many delicious restaurants, visit the night market, relax at the beach or catch up with some rest at your hotel.

Day 9: Free Day in Sanur

Sanur beachfront
Sanur beachfront

You will have the day free to relax at a beach in Sanur, book an outdoor activity or do some sightseeing.

Suggested activities include:

  • Visit the Sanur Boardwalk at sunrise for mesmerizing views.
  • Enjoy a final day of tanning and swimming at Sanur Beach.
  • Get active by arranging a watersport activity such as windsurfing, using a Jetski or stand up paddling.
  • Book a day trip out to Nusa Penida and visit the famous Kelingking Beach.

Day 10: Depart

A plane getting ready for departure from Denpasar airport
A plane getting ready for departure from Denpasar airport

Enjoy a final Balinese breakfast and perhaps some last-minute sightseeing before your driver meets you to transfer you to the airport in time for your international return flight. Travel safely!

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Map

Map of Bali Adventure: Ubud, Amed & Sanur - 10 Days
Map of Bali Adventure: Ubud, Amed & Sanur - 10 Days