Indonesia Island Hopping: Bali, Gili Air & Nusa Penida - 15 Days

Day 3: Transfer to Ubud, Visit Goa Gajah Cave & Suwat Waterfall

Today, you'll travel to the town of Ubud. Upon arrival, head out on a visit to the temple of Goa Gajah, which translates to "Cave of the Elephant." This religious sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects a beautiful blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. A stone carving of an intimidating character called "Boma" is found at the temple's entrance. Don't worry: Boma's job isn't to scare the faithful and visitors but to dissuade evil spirits from entering the site!

Later, visit Suwat Waterfall, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. Carefully follow a narrow and steep path down to this heavenly place. Then take a canoe ride, or go for a swim. 

Day 4: Ubud VW Safari Car Tour

Discover the highlights around Ubud in style on a vintage VW convertible tour. Start with a short walk to Tibumana Waterfall for a quick swim in the refreshing waters surrounded by forest. Afterward, head to the 11th-century Gunung Kawi temple, where elaborate royal shrines are carved into the cliff face in a deep ravine, giving the site its name of the "Valley of the Kings." Your next stop is the temple of Tirta Empul (its name means "sacred source" in Balinese), located in the village of Manukaya. The waters here come from the Pakerisan River and have the reputation of being purifying. 

It's then on to one of Bali's most photographed views: Tegallalang and its stunning rice terraces, which cut into the hillside like giant green steps. Next, in Ubud's Monkey Forest, meet the troops of monkeys that freely roam the nature reserve and the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple. The curious monkeys are fun to be around and can be particularly mischievous—keep your belongings close! End your adventure with a trip to the lively Gianyar Market. Here, you can awaken your taste buds with flavorful Indonesian specialties and get insight into local life on the island.

Day 5: Climb Mount Batur at Sunrise

Rise before dawn today to meet your driver and hit the road toward Mount Batur. When you reach the slopes of this active volcano, start your ascent, climbing to an altitude of over 5,577 feet (1,700 m) above sea level. The trek takes about two hours, and when you finally reach the top, you'll watch the sunrise from above the clouds and be rewarded with breathtaking views over the island. 

Below you'll see the outline of Lake Batur and, in the distance, the other volcanoes of Bali: Abang, Agung, and Batukaru. After a well-deserved break enjoying the sunrise, start the trek down and meet your driver. Reward your tired legs with a visit to the hot springs of Pura Batur on the way back, where you can rest in the soothing waters to regain your strength.

Day 6: Ubud Temples & Traditional Village Excursion

Today, your private driver will take you to Ubud's lush countryside to visit some of the region's most magnificent temples. Your first stop is Pura Besakih, the mother temple of Bali and the largest on the island. This impressive complex consists of 23 small temples, all related to each other, situated at the foot of Mount Agung. Next, head to Bangli regency and Pura Kehen temple, Bali's highest terraced temple. This ancient Hindu temple complex boasts many unique architectural features and sweeping views from its elevated position.

Continue to Penglipuran Village, a beautiful town in the highlands of Bangli, which is known for its layout and well-preserved culture. Here, you can enter a traditional village house and admire the classic setup of a rural Balinese abode. Take the road to the east coast, stopping in Semarapura (better known as Klungkung). You'll find Kerta Gosa, a former courthouse and floating pavilion near this former royal capital. Once you've had the chance to look around and explore, return to Ubud for the evening. 

Day 7: Transfer to Gili Air

Indonesia has a beach to suit all moods, and today you'll experience the laid-back vibes of its small islands. Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and take you from Ubud to Padangbai (the journey takes about 1.5 hours). When you reach Padangbai's port, your driver will show you where to check in for your 2.5-hour speedboat ride to the island of Gili Air.

Gili Air is the smallest of the three Gili Islands, perfect for a few days of relaxation. The Gilis are charmingly car-free, so you'll reach your hotel on foot or by horse cart. Once you arrive, rest, watch the sunset over the ocean, or seek out sea turtles on a snorkeling excursion.

Day 8: Snorkeling Trip Around the Gili Islands

Today, underwater adventures await with a snorkeling cruise around the three Gili Islands. You'll be picked up at your hotel and taken to meet your captain in the morning. Then, hop on a small wooden boat to begin your snorkeling cruise. Stop at some of the best snorkeling sites, where you can jump into the water with your fins and mask to admire the multicolored fish and coral. If you're lucky, you might snorkel alongside turtles—they're often spotted in the waters here. Refuel with lunch on one of the islands before returning to your hotel to spend the rest of the day as you see fit.

Day 9: Day Trip to Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno

Each of the Gilis has its own character, and spending time on more than one of the islands is a great idea. Wander to the port and buy a ticket for a day trip to the neighboring island of Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan. Gili Meno is ultra-relaxed, while Gili Trawangan is more lively, with many restaurants and bars to enjoy.

Once you've arrived at your destination, don't forget to check the speedboat timetable to plan your return to Gili Air. Then head off to enjoy your day. You can rent a bike to explore or stop at a beach bar where you can order a refreshing drink delivered to your beanbag or overwater hammock. 

Day 11: Explore Nusa Penida Island on a Full-Day Trip

Transfer to Nusa Penida's Kelingking Beach, arguably the most beautiful beach in the area. Start at the top of the cliffs of Kelingking, overlooking the horseshoe-shaped bay, and admire the magnificent views on both sides of the cliffs. You may even spot manta rays swimming through the clear water if you are lucky. If you're up for an adventure, it is possible to walk down a steep, slick path to the sand at the foot of the cliff. The effort is worth it, as this spectacular beach is rarely crowded. Depending on the tide, it may be possible to swim here. 

Later, explore three of Nusa Penida's beaches. Start at Broken Beach, on the island's west coast. This quiet cove takes its name from the archway that spans across the bay. Admire the views, then continue to Angel's Billabong to watch the waves crash into a blast of moss against the cliffs. At the end of the day, head back to Crystal Bay. It's the perfect setting for a sunset cocktail, which you can purchase from nearby shops.

Day 13: Transfer to Jimbaran, Visit the Fish Market

Leave Nusa Penida, and head to Sanur by speedboat. Once you've arrived at Sanur Harbor, your private driver will pick you up and bring you to Jimbaran. Take the opportunity to go to the famous Jimbaran Fish Market. Choose your favorite seafood in the market—it might be tuna, trevally, octopus, or jumbo prawns—and then take it to a small local seaside restaurant to grill and enjoy with rice and vegetables. 

Day 14: Visit Bali's Most Beautiful Beaches & Explore Uluwatu Temple

Today your driver will take you on an unforgettable day of beach-hopping as you discover the beautiful beaches of the Bukit Peninsula, such as Padang Padang Beach, Thomas Beach, Green Bowl Beach, and Pandawa Beach. You can spend as long as you like at each beach and visit as many or as few as you like.

Finish the day with a visit to Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple to take in a spectacular sunset. The temple is located on a cliffside, and you can walk around it to enjoy the landscape and surrounding scenery. Keep in mind that the monkeys here are masters of the place! As night falls, stay for the grand spectacle of a Kecak show. Pronounced "ketchak," this dramatic Balinese dance is performed by around 50 people and narrates stories from the Hindu epic of the Ramayana.

Day 15: Depart Bali

Depending on the departure schedule, you will be picked up by your private driver and taken back to the airport in Denpasar. 

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