Explore Indonesia's Jungles & Sea: Bali & Lombok - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud & Explore Ubud

Welcome to Bali! A driver will welcome you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Ubud, about an hour away. Considered by some to be Bali's spiritual heart, Ubud is surrounded by terraced rice paddies and jungle. Once checked in, explore the cultural capital of Bali by wandering its charming streets and discovering its traditional attractions like Balinese fine arts, cultural dances, and music. If you're looking for a more active adventure, try an optional cooking class, Spa treatment, or rafting trip to take in the area's lush forests and apple-green rice terraces. 

Day 3: See the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple & Holy Springs

Your driver will be waiting in the lobby to take you to the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terraces near the village of Ceking. These terraced paddies are one of the most photographed places in Bali, and when you arrive, you'll see them from high above as they wrap around the valley. Trek down to learn about the unique water irrigation system Balinese farmers use and take advantage of the great photo opportunities. Next, discover the spiritual side of Balinese culture with a visit to the Tirta Empul temple. You'll have time to wander the temple complex and witness locals praying in the shrine and bathing in the "Holy Spring."

Learn about Balinese traditions as you observe the use of the 11 water spouts in the central courtyard for spiritual cleansing. In the afternoon, if you're up for it, discover Bali's rich culture and history with a visit to the ancient archaeological site of Pakerisan, Gunung Kawi Temple. Enjoy a guided tour of this unique site and explore the impressive collection of shrine reliefs carved into the rocks, providing spectacular views of the valley below. 

Day 5: Ferry to Senggigi (Lombok), Explore

Get ready for sand and surf today! You'll meet your driver at your hotel and transfer to Bali's Padangbai Harbor, where you'll board a two-hour ferry to another Indonesian island: Lombok. Enjoy the views and fresh sea air as the boat cruises across the inviting waters. Upon disembarking, meet your driver to transfer to your hotel in Sengiggi. This beautiful island is home to golden beaches, jungles, and Mount Rinjani, an active volcano over 12,000 feet (3,700 m) above sea level. 

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on paradisiacal white-sand 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 6: Experience the Sasak Culture, Snorkel near Gili Nanguu

Discover a lesser-known, more authentic side of Lombok. Today's excursion combines local experiences with a snorkeling trip off the island's southern coast. Join your guide for a transfer to the south end of Lombok. Along the way, you'll make several stops to witness the daily life of the island's residents, most of whom are from the Sasak ethnic group, like stopping at the colorful morning market in Ampenan Village or a typical fishing village. You'll have the opportunity to see Sasak women making traditional earthenware pottery, using the same techniques used for generations.

After this insightful look into Sasak culture and daily life, head to Lembar Harbor, filled with colorful motorized outrigger boats. You'll then board one of them, cast off from the harbor, and travel 30 minutes to Gili Nanggu for the opportunity to snorkel and swim in the pristine waters. When it's time, you'll return to Lembar and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 7: Day Trip to Hike Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfalls

Leave for a day trip to the north of the island to see some of Lombok's unique attractions and stunning scenery. Your first stop is the local markets of Lending Bajur, where locals buy daily commodities, such as rice, vegetables, fish, and spices, before continuing to Pusuk Forest to observe monkeys in their natural habitat. Then proceed to Sendanggila Waterfall, located at the foot of Mount Rinjani.

Next, head to Senaru Village on Rinjani's slopes to check out the spectacular Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, just a short trek away. Lunch will be at the beautiful Pondok Senaru cottage complex, after which you can head to a nearby Sasak village to learn about Indigenous architecture and life. Afterward, return to Sengiggi, stopping at Malimbu Beach on the way. Offering great views of the Gili Islands, this is a good spot to take a few photos and have a swim. 

Day 8: Discover Gili Layar & Renggit

Gili Rengit and Gili Layar are small unpopulated islands on the southwest peninsula of Lombok. Located in the Sekotong area, they're famous for their white-sand beaches along the coastline and are clustered by surrounding tiny islands. Less visited due to the distance, their marine life is still natural and unspoiled. Swimming and snorkeling are the best activities, as you'll find substantial coral reefs. You'll head to these lesser-known islands with an experienced guide who will escort you to the best snorkeling spot, where you'll see fish, coral, and giant starfish.

Following the excursion, a driver will bring you back to your hotel. 

Day 9: Transfer to Bali, Depart Bali

Depending on the departure schedule, you'll be picked up by your private driver and taken to the airport to catch your return flight. Have a safe trip to your onward destination!

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