Explore Authentic Bali - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bali & Transfer to Ubud

Welcome to Bali! A driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel in Ubud. During the drive, you'll enjoy views of the island's twisting roads, quaint villages, and terraced rice fields. Once you arrive in Ubud and check in at your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day and evening free to relax. Explore the town's boutiques and cafés, take a yoga class, visit Ubud Palace, or learn about Balinese art at the excellent Agung Rai Museum of Art or the Neka Art Museum. Wander through Ubud Monkey Forest to see three historic temples and a native population of Balinese macaques—keep your distance and avoid direct eye contact, as the monkeys can get aggressive!

Finish the day with a traditional Indonesian meal. Dishes to try, include bebek goreng (crispy duck) and satays of grilled beef, chicken, or shrimp.

Day 2: Sightsee in Ubud & Take a Cooking Class

This morning you'll meet a Balinese chef and visit a local market to browse a wide selection of tropical fruits, organic vegetables, spices, and more. Shop for ingredients for today's cooking class, during which you will learn about traditional culinary techniques and flavors of Indonesia. After dining on the dishes you prepare together, you'll continue with an afternoon of sightseeing.

Visit Tirta Empul, a Hindu water temple. The central courtyard of the compound features a natural bathing area used for ritual purification—the temple's name means "Holy Spring." You'll likely observe locals praying at the shrine, then entering the water to pray and bathe at a series of water spouts. Next, you'll drive to the countryside and go on a short walk to Tibumana Waterfall. Although swimming is not allowed, you can walk across the rocks at the waterfall's base and dip your feet in the water.

 

Continue to the stunning Tagalalang Rice Fields near the village of Ceking, where the terraced paddies look like ocean waves. You can enjoy the views from up high or trek down for a closer look at the unique water irrigation system used by Balinese farmers. This is one of the most photographed places in Bali.

Day 3: Learn About Local Traditions at Rumah Desa

This morning, you'll drive to the village of Marga. Enjoy a warm welcome from a Balinese family at Rumah Desa Balinese House and Cooking Studio, where you'll learn about Balinese ways of life and learn to cook some traditional dishes. The program includes a walk through nearby rice fields to learn about the region's agriculture. After a leisurely lunch, continue onward to visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll overnight in Munduk.

Day 4: Canoe on Tamblingan Lake

Early in the morning, you will go on a walk through the plantations of Munduk to reach a hidden waterfall. Go for a swim if the weather's nice, then continue on your walk to the shores of Tamblingan Lake for an excursion in a traditional canoe. During your canoe ride, you'll enjoy views of the amazing temple of Ulun Danu Tamblingan. Hike to more waterfalls in the afternoon, including GitGit waterfall, one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls of Bali, and Aling Aling, with a natural slide, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. 

Day 5: Explore Sacred Temples & Secluded Coasts

Today's itinerary takes you to Brahma Vihara Arama, the largest Buddhist monastery on the island. It's located on a hillside and features a beautiful statue of a reclining Buddha. Then continue to Pura Pulaki, a Balinese Hindu temple built in a religiously significant place where the mountains meet the sea. Needless to say, the views are spectacular. The temple was founded in the 16th century, but archaeological research indicates that the site may date back to prehistoric times. You'll spend the night in Pemuteran, one of Bali's lesser-known beaches. With mountains in the background and black volcanic ash shore, Pemuteran is a great example of Bali's natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

Day 6: Snorkel Around Menjangan

Explore an underwater world today when you go snorkeling around the island of Menjangan in Bali Barat National Park. You'll have a picnic lunch on the boat, then some free time in the afternoon to relax at your hotel in Pemuteran. Optional activities include fishing, volleyball on the beach, bird-watching, hiking, or an excursion to White Island.

Day 7: Go For a Dip at Les Waterfall

The journey continues to the impressive cascades of Les Waterfall, set in the Balinese countryside. After a refreshing dip in the large pool at the bottom, you'll go on a scenic drive along the coast to Amed, where you'll spend the next two nights. This sleepy beach is an ideal place to relax but, should you feel more active, Amed offers an abundance of stunning corals and marine life to discover just off its shores. 

Day 8: Visit a Water Palace

Today's adventure takes you to the famous water palace of Taman Ujung. According to legend, the temple has fertility powers. After lunch, visit Pasir Putih, a beautiful beach where you can go snorkeling or just relax on the sand.

Day 9: Relax on Bias Tugel Beach

On the last leg of the trip, you'll have lunch looking out at the beach in Padangbai. Then spend the afternoon at Bias Tugel Beach, a gorgeous white sand beach with clear water perfect for swimming. It's located close to the Padangbai Harbor, but thanks to the coastline's unique geography, the beach is considered "hidden." Take in one last Balinese sunset before the trip comes to an end.

Day 10: Depart Bali