Highlights
- Explore the temples and terraces surrounding the Balinese town of Ubud
- Meet the temple-dwelling monkeys of the Sangeh Forest
- Spend several days island-hopping through the Komodo archipelago
- Spot giant Komodo dragons in their natural habitat
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 2 | Visit the Temple of Besakih, Tirta Empul Temple & Penglipuran Village | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 3 | Explore Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Ulun Danu Beratan Temple | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 4 | Snorkel & Dolphin Tour in Lovina, Explore Ubud | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 5 | Galleries, Monkeys & Temples Near Ubud | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 6 | Fly to Flores Island, Free Time in Labuan Bajo | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 7 | Discover Rangko Cave & Mirror Cave, Hike To Amelia Sea View | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 8 | Komodo Cruise Day 1: Kelor, Manjarite & Kalong | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 9 | Komod Cruise Day 2: Padar, Komodo & Taka Makassar | Labuan Bajo |
| Day 10 | Komodo Cruise Day 3: Snorkel at Kanawa, Fly to Bali, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud
Welcome to Bali! Meet your driver at Denpasar International Airport for your transfer to the lively city of 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, visiting the gorgeous Tegalalang Rice Terrace for swinging or ziplining, 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: Visit the Temple of Besakih, Tirta Empul Temple & Penglipuran Village
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Begin today with a visit to the "Great Mother Temple of Bali" at Besakih, the largest and most significant Hindu temple complex on the island. Situated on the slopes of volcanic Mount Agung, far-reaching views of the mountains and rice paddies surround the complex of over 80 temples and shrines, each dedicated to a different deity. The temple dates back to the eighth century, and despite being located in an active volcanic area, it has survived numerous eruptions and earthquakes over the years.
Your next stop will be the Tirta Empul Water Temple. This Hindu temple complex, which means "holy spring" in Balinese, includes a central courtyard with a natural bathing area, a petirtaan, used for ritual purification. Respectfully observe locals praying at the shrine or receiving cleansing in the spring-fed ponds, and spend time walking around this peaceful compound, learning about the rich traditions of Balinese Hindu culture.
Your final stop of the day will be at Penglipuran village, known for its well-preserved architecture, lush green surroundings, and a strong sense of community. Walking through the narrow stone pathways lined with traditional houses adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful gardens, you'll feel immersed in the authentic charm of Balinese village life.
Day 3: Explore Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
This morning, meet your guide and take a winding drive to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO Heritage Site located in the heart of Bali. Take a leisurely walk or bike through the gorgeous landscape of lush green terraces spread across the hills and valley. As you follow the walking trails to the most picture-worthy spots, you'll learn about the subak irrigation system, a centuries-old technique the locals use to sustain the terraces,and witness how it works in practice.
In the afternoon, you'll visit one of Bali's most iconic landmarks: Ulun Danu Beratan on the shores of Lake Beratan. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu, and is an important religious site for the Balinese. The complex, characterized by its distinctive multi-tiered shrines, is set against the backdrop of the misty mountains and serene lake. Wander through the gorgeous botanical gardens, which extend to the lake and feature local plant species, or among the five temples dedicated to Hindu deities.
Day 4: Snorkel & Dolphin Tour in Lovina, Explore Ubud
Today, you'll take an early-morning transfer from Ubud to the picturesque Lovina Beach, where you'll board a traditional outrigger and set off across the waters. Your tour of Bali's "dolphin playground" will begin before sunrise to catch the dolphins in action. Witness the wild dolphins frolicking through the ocean as the sun rises over their natural habitat. The tour, operated by local fishermen, is eco-friendly and ensures that the boats or humans don't harm or disturb the dolphins.
After you witness this incredible sunrise sight, grab a snorkel and hop into the crystal-clear waters of the bay. The underwater world will showcase vibrant coral gardens, a kaleidoscope of colors, and various marine life.
On your return to Ubud, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. Get in touch with your spiritual side at the revered Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) shrine, learn meditation at one of the many wellness retreats, or make a short trip to the beautiful Tegenungan Waterfall. Shop for handmade Balinese crafts at the Ubud Art Market, a lively open-air hub where you can buy traditional textiles, woodcarvings, jewelry, and paintings. Visit the neighboring Ubud Palace for a traditional, nightly legong dance performance.
Day 5: Galleries, Monkeys & Temples Near Ubud
Begin today with a tour of the Dewa Malen Art Gallery, dedicated to local wood carving and showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Dewa Malen, a talented local artist. Visitors to the gallery can witness the intricate process of wood carving, admire the many incredible creations, and learn the cultural significance of Balinese wood carving.
Continue to the protected Sangeh Monkey Forest, a jungle home to hundreds of macaques running loose among ancient Balinese temples and giant trees. The pala (nutmeg) trees aren't found anywhere else in Bali, and they shade the mossy temple of Pura Bukit Sari Sangeh, guarded by the many resident monkeys. It's a hidden masterpiece, established by the Mengwi Kingdom in the 17th century as a meditation center. Remember to respect the rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the monkeys and yourself.
Day 6: Fly to Flores Island, Free Time in Labuan Bajo
Check out of your hotel in Ubud this morning and transfer to Denpasar International Airport for your flight to the beautiful Labuan Bajo. A short flight from Bali, this small but bustling town on Indonesia's westernmost Flores Island is the gateway to the famous Komodo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned as the home to the most giant lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon.
Use the rest of the day to explore Labuan Bajo and it's immediate area. Swim with manta rays at Manta Point, take in the views from one of the rooftop pools, wander the boulevard along the beach, catch the sunset at the nearby Bukit Cinta (also known as the Staircase to Heaven), or try fresh fish at one of the many stalls of the Night Market.
Day 7: Explore Rangko Cave & Mirror Cave, Hike To Amelia Sea View
Continue your cave explorations at the Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave), a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers with seemingly endless corridors featuring ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Thanks to the high concentration of salt, these natural formations sparkle under the light of your flashlight—hence the reason for the name "mirror." The term also comes from a hole in the cave's roof, which mirrors the sunlight at certain times of the year.
End the day at Amelia Sea View, a scenic viewpoint perched atop a hill that provides a perfect vantage point of the lush green islands dotting the clear blue waters of the Flores Sea. The hike to the top is short, although challenging, but the views are worth it, and if you time it right, you'll catch a spectacular sunset before your ascent.
Day 8: Komodo Cruise Day 1: Kelor, Manjarite & Kalong
Today begins your multiday sailing adventure through Komodo National Park. After you check out of your hotel, you'll be transferred to the port to board your ship and settle into your cabin. Sail first to the island of Pulau Kelo, a tiny piece of paradise known for its white-sand beach—a prime spot for relaxing, snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. A short, steep, 10-minute hike to the high point of the island rewards you with views of the surrounding landscape.
Your next stop will be Manjarite Island, known for some of the archipelago's best snorkeling. While snorkeling in the shallow, clear water, watch for marine species like angel fish, baby sharks, and barracuda. End the day with a picture-perfect sunset at Kalong Island, also known as "Flying Foxes Island," due to the large population of bats that inhabit the mangrove-covered islet. Arrive at dusk to witness the memorable moment where around 300,000 of these bats take flight into the setting sun for their nightly hunt.
Day 9: Komodo Cruise Day 2: Padar, Komodo & Taka Makassar
Today you'll sail to Padar Island, where you'll begin an early-morning trek across the magnificent landscape to reach the island's highest point. The steep staircase can be challenging in places, but once you're at the viewpoint, you'll marvel that you can see beaches of three different colors just from this spot: black, pink, and white.
Your trek will continue to the famous Pink Beach, which gets its rosy hue from ground seashells. Relax on the beach, snap a few photos, and gear up for the next adventure: Komodo Island. This is the best place in the archipelago to spot the one and only Komodo dragons, which live nowhere else on Earth. These huge lizards can grow up to 9.8 feet (3 m) and average a weight of 150 pounds (70 kg).
End the day snorkeling with manta rays off the tiny, beautiful Taka Makassar, a spit of sand surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Relax in the sand and spot ocean creatures like black-tip reef sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish before boarding your boat for one last night on the water.
Day 10: Komodo Cruise Day 3: Snorkel at Kanawa, Fly to Bali, Depart
The final stop on your sailing trip of Komodo National Park is Kanawa Island, a popular destination for snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are home to diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays.
When you're ready, climb back aboard and set sail back to Labuan Bajo, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to Komodo Airport for your three-hour flight to Denpasar International Airport. Once you arrive back in Bali, you'll have plenty of time to catch your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!
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