Highlights
- Savor the distinct flavors of Balinese food at a traditional cooking class
- Discover some of the best snorkeling in the world at Menjangen Island
- Trek through a lush valley to the Sekumpul Waterfalls, known as the best in Bali
- Take in the panoramic views from the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 2 | Traditional Balinese Cooking Class, Introduction to Balinese Painting Class | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Munduk, Cultural Immersion & Traditions at Local Village Home | Munduk, Bali |
| Day 4 | Trek to Umejero Waterfall, Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces | Munduk, Bali |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Pemuteran via Monastery & Waterfalls | Pemuteran, Bali |
| Day 6 | Snorkel Around Menjangan Island, Explore Pemuteran | Pemuteran, Bali |
| Day 7 | Hike Through West Bali National Park, Sunset Kayak at Banyuwadeng Bay | Pemuteran, Bali |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Amed, Visit Sekumpul Waterfalls & Tirta Empul Water Temple | Amed, Bali |
| Day 9 | Explore Lempuyang Temple, Go Diving in Tulamben Bay | Amed, Bali |
| Day 10 | Depart Bali |
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, 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: Traditional Balinese Cooking Class, Introduction to Balinese Painting Class
It's time for a Balinese cooking class! Meet up with your chef early this morning to visit the local market in Ubud. Together, you'll shop for a range of fresh ingredients for your lesson before heading to a nearby traditional kitchen to start cooking. Prepare a selection of local recipes, learning about Indonesia's traditional culinary techniques and flavors as you go. After cooking, taste typical dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), satay (skewered meat), lawar (finely minced spiced beef), or bebek betutu (slow-cooked spiced duck in banana leaves).
In the afternoon, you'll walk from your hotel in Ubud to a small art gallery in the village of Penestanan, a nearby artists' enclave. Here, under the guidance of a skilled teacher, you'll begin to learn the art of Balinese painting. During this two-hour course, you'll discover traditional painting techniques, such as sketching with pencil, outlining with ink, and painting with acrylics. Concentrate on using the customary motifs, which give the paintings such depth and meaning, learned straight from a master.
Day 3: Transfer to Munduk, Cultural Immersion & Traditions at Local Village Home
Check out of your hotel in Ubud and hop into a car for your private two-hour-long transfer to the town of Munduk. This little hamlet in the center of Bali is known for some of the best coffee on the island, its surrounding waterfalls, hiking opportunities, and fewer tourists. Visit the famous Ulun Danu Beratan temple on the shores of Lake Beratanone, taste the famous kopi luwak (coffee made from beans that have passed through the digestion of a small local mammal) at Munduk Moding Plantation, or pose for photos at the Insta-famous Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Day 4: Trek to Umejero Waterfall, Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The area around Munduk is sometimes known as the "waterfall capital of Bali," and today, you'll experience several of these famous cascades for yourself. Your first stop will be the town of Umejero, renowned for its coffee and clove plantations. Hike through these fields to Umejero Falls, a truly off-the-beaten-path spot characterized by orange rock walls and a natural pool at the base. Continue walking on the flat dirt path along the stream toward the hidden three-pronged Santhipala Falls, about 25 minutes away.
In the afternoon, you'll take a winding drive to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO Heritage Site located in the heart of Bali. Marvel at the gorgeous landscape of lush green terraces spread across the hills and valley. Follow the walking trails to the most picture-worthy spots within the rice paddies to truly appreciate the beauty. Learn about the subak irrigation system, a centuries-old technique the locals use to sustain the terraces and witness how it works in practice. At the end of the day, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Munduk to enjoy your evening in the village.
Day 5: Transfer to Pemuteran via Monastery & Waterfalls
Today you'll leave the tropical forest of Munduk behind and head toward Pemuteran on the northwest coast of Bali. Along the way, you'll visit one of the two Buddhist monasteries in Bali, Brahma Vihara Giri. The peaceful monastery, which blends elements of Buddhism with traditional Balinese design, has impressive views overlooking Bali's western region. Notice the beautiful reclining Buddha image and intricate, decorative carvings.
Your next stop will be the Sambangan Secret Garden, primarily to chase more waterfalls. Visit Aling Aling Waterfalls, a stunning group of four falls set amid the lush jungle at the end of a ravine. The falls are connected by a series of moderate but often slippery trails. Once there, you can swim in the cool waters, zip down the natural rock waterslides, or jump off the cliffs (in certain areas only).
Once you arrive in Pemuteran, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore and rest for the next day's adventures. This quaint fishing village is known as a jumping-off point for some of the best underwater experiences in Bali, but above water has plenty to offer. Lay on the black sands at Pemuteran Beach, volunteer at the Turtle Hatchery Project, work out those travel kinks with a Balinese massage, or trek up to the temple of Bukit Batu Kursi for panoramic views of the jungle and ocean.
Day 6: Snorkel Around Menjangan Island, Explore Pemuteran
Spend the morning snorkeling and boating around West Bali National Park and in the world-class reefs off the coast of Menjangen Island. This is one of the best areas in Bali (and the world!) for snorkeling, offering an array of marine life and pristine beaches. Your boat trip includes a local-style picnic lunch onboard or on the beach if the tide is right.
In the afternoon, you can explore more of Pemuteran at your leisure. Take a boat trip to the idyllic White Island just off the coast, join local fishermen for their daily catch at sunset, snorkel right off the beaches around town, or join a volleyball game on the beach. Short walks near the town will take you to viewpoints of the ocean and Java volcanoes and offer ideal sunset-watching spots.
Day 7: Hike Through West Bali National Park, Sunset Kayak at Banyuwadeng Bay
This morning, you'll head back to West Bali National Park for a guided, three-hour hike through this pristine natural haven. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll gain insights into the intricate world of native plants and their various applications. As you traverse the scenic trails, be prepared for delightful encounters with the park's diverse wildlife, including lizards, monkeys, and rare tropical birds, such as the Bali starling.
In the evening, you'll take in the serene beauty of Banyuwadeng Bay against the backdrop of the sunset.
This tranquil lagoon is best seen from a boat, especially a kayak or canoe. Watch the sun change the waters to pastel as you paddle through the gentle waves and the mangrove forests, with the majestic Java volcanoes providing a staggering panorama.
Day 8: Transfer to Amed, Visit Sekumpul Waterfalls & Tirta Empul Water Temple
Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour transfer along the north coast of Bali, leaving Pemuteran and heading toward the charming town of Amed. This fishing village on the island's eastern shore, a gorgeous and undiscovered corner of Bali, is known for its laid-back beaches, lack of crowds, fresh seafood, and easy access to world-class diving. Take in the views of Mount Agung from the black-sand Amed Beach, snorkel right off the shore of Jemeluk Beach, or catch a sunset from Sunset Point.
Along the way, you'll stop for an off-the-beaten-path adventure to visit the incredible Sekumpul Waterfalls, several different 262-foot-high (80 m) cascades that rush down the side of green mountains to the lush valley below. Considered Bali's best waterfall, you'll have the option of hiking to the viewing spot above the valley, heading down to the base of the falls and continuing on to the nearby Hidden Falls, or trekking even farther to the three cascades of Fiji Falls, a short hike along the creek.
Your last stop is at 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 9: Explore Lempuyang Temple, Go Diving in Tulamben Bay
Begin your penultimate day in Bali with a visit to one of the island's oldest and most holy temples, Lempuyang Temple. Also called Pura Luhur Lempuyang, this complex sits on the slopes of one of Bali's highest mountains, Mount Lempuyang, 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.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Spend the afternoon diving or snorkeling around the nearby Tulamben Bay. Grab your regulator and dive deep into one of the most popular diving destinations in Bali. Tulamben has three separate diving sites right off the nearby black-sand beach. The most famous is the USAT Liberty shipwreck, originally beached in Tulamben by a torpedo in 1942 and eventually sunk during the Mount Agung eruption of 1963. Nowadays, it's teeming with rich marine life and features thrilling swim-throughs, coral formations, and plenty of cargo space for divers.
The other two dive sites, Coral Garden and Drop Off, are full of colorful tropical fish, lively coral reefs, interesting geological formations, and even the occasional Buddha statue. The above-waters of the bay offer pretty black volcanic beaches, often covered with myriad jukung (traditional canoes), which the fishermen take out twice daily, or, seasonally, the work of salt workers, made using an ancestral salt harvesting method.
Day 10: Depart Bali
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