This two-week adventure combines the best of Bali with an unforgettable detour through the wild Komodo Archipelago. Starting on the "Island of the Gods," you'll hike to waterfalls, canoe to Balinese temples, meet the monkeys of Sangeh, and sample mouthwatering street food from local markets. Then it's off to the island of Flores to set sail on a two-night cruise through the stunning Komodo National Park. Snorkel with manta rays and spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, then head back to Bali to end your adventure soaking up some sun on the breathtaking beaches of the Bukit Peninsula.

Highlights

  • Hike the waterfalls & hot springs of Munduk
  • Canoe to the lakeside Balinese temple of Ulun Danu Beratan
  • Cruise through the pristine waters of the Komodo Archipelago
  • See Komodo dragons up close in their natural habitat
  • Relax on the beaches of the Bukit Peninsula

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive at Denpasar Airport, Transfer to Tanah Lot Tanah Lot, Bali
Day 2 Explore Tanah Lot  Tanah Lot, Bali
Day 3 Transfer to Munduk Munduk, Bali
Day 4 Munduk Waterfall Trek & Hot Springs Munduk, Bali
Day 5 Canoe to the Lakeside Temple of Ulun Danu Beratan Munduk, Bali
Day 6 Transfer to Ubud, Visit Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Ubud, Bali
Day 7 Explore Local Villages & Markets  Ubud, Bali
Day 8 Transfer to Sanur via Sukawati Market Sanur, Bali
Day 9 Fly to Labuan Bajo, Board Komodo Cruise Komodo Island
Day 10 Experience Komodo National Park Komodo Island
Day 11 End of Cruise, Fly to Denpasar & Transfer to Jimbaran Jimbaran, Bali
Day 12 Bukit Beaches Tour, Pura Luhur Uluwatu & Kecak Show Jimbaran, Bali
Day 13 Free Day in Jimbaran Jimbaran, Bali
Day 14 Transfer to Denpasar Airport & Depart Denpasar, Bali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Denpasar Airport, Transfer to Tanah Lot

A scenic drive welcomes you to Tanah Lot

Welcome to Bali! Upon arrival at the airport in Denpasar, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in Tanah Lot. The drive from the airport out to the island can take a couple of hours, depending on traffic, but it's a beautiful one, passing through small villages and past endless green rice paddies and lush forests.

Once you arrive in Tanah Lot, you're free to spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Relax and enjoy the legendary Balinese hospitality, order a massage or a cocktail, or go for a wander around the neighborhood.  As evening falls, head out for some food in the charming center of the old town, which has plenty of shops, cafés, local warungs (family-run cafés), and fine dining options to suit every taste.

Day 2: Explore Tanah Lot

Visit the stunning sea temple of Tanah Lot

Today is free to get settled in and explore at your leisure. Visit the beautiful Tanah Lot Temple, walk along the local rice fields, enjoy a bike ride, or laze around by the pool—the choice is yours! If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other activities available to book, like surf lessons, kite surfing, windsurfing, standup paddleboarding, and horse riding.

Day 3: Transfer to Munduk

Drive through lush rice terraces to reach Munduk

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive you north along the stunning Pupuan Road to your next destination: Munduk. Keep your eyes wide open and your camera ready on this scenic drive through rice terraces and lush jungle areas. 

Day 4: Munduk Waterfall Trek & Hot Springs

Photo taken by Alexandra G
Trek through the Balinese countryside to hidden waterfalls 

Embark on a waterfall trek in the heart of the lush Balinese vegetation today. Cross rice fields and pass bright green landscapes as you experience a tableau of the island's traditional rural life. Your destination is a series of crystal clear lagoons and hidden waterfalls, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim. Afterward, your driver will transfer you to the local Bajar Hot Springs, where you can soothe tired muscles before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 5: Canoe to the Lakeside Temple of Ulun Danu Beratan

Canoe to the serene Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Set off early this morning for a canoe trip along the glistening Lake Beratan, where you can paddle among the peace and serenity of the surrounding scenery. At the shore, you'll discover the famous Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression, while the mountain range of the Bedugul region provides a scenic backdrop. This water temple is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers, and is used for offering ceremonies. “Ulun Danu” literally translates as “head of the lake."

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Day 6: Transfer to Ubud, Visit Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest

Sangeh Monkey Forest is a favorite with families

Today you'll say your goodbyes to Munduk and meet your driver for the transfer to Ubud, the cultural center of Bali. Along the way, visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These famous rice fields form a natural amphitheater, giving a beautiful overview of the Balinese subak irrigation system.

Next, stop to say hello to the cheeky monkeys at Sangeh Monkey Forest. Spread over 15 acres of forestland with giant nutmeg trees and some ancient ruins, the main attraction here are the hordes of funny yet wise Balinese monkeys.

Day 7: Explore Local Villages & Markets 

Chili Munduk
A local dish of chili Munduk

Discover the local villages and rich culture around Ubud today, as your driver takes you on a journey through the surrounding countryside. Stops include a visit to the village of Celuk, where you can search for treasures among its many silver artifacts, from jewelry to decorative items. Next, it's on to the village of Mas, famous for its traditional art of wood carving. Here you'll get the chance to enter the workshops of the craftsmen to observe them at work and admire their skills.

Round off your day with a stop at the markets of Gianyar, where you can sample some local street food from the bustling market stalls. Mingle with the Balinese locals and awaken your tastebuds with Indonesian specialties, as you gain an authentic experience of local life on the island.

Day 8: Transfer to Sanur via Sukawati Market

Head to the beautiful coastal town of Sanur 

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for an hour's drive south to the coastal town of Sanur. On the way, you can stop at Sukawati Market to find thousands of fruits, spices, and souvenirs of all kinds. This market is well known by the Balinese, who come to sell all kinds of textiles, baskets, paintings, fruits, and vegetables at low prices, in a friendly atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Sanur, the afternoon and evening are free for you to wander through the town or along the promenade, dine at one of the many delicious restaurants, visit the night market, relax at the beach, or catch up with some rest at your hotel.

Day 9: Fly to Labuan Bajo, Board Komodo Cruise

Cruise towards the spectacular Komodo Archipelago

The next phase of your adventure begins today, as you head to the airport to catch a flight to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to the local port, where you'll board a ship for a two-night cruise around the spectacular and wild Komodo Archipelago.

After settling into your cabin, enjoy the seaside views as you navigate your way through the Savu Sea and Komodo National Park. At sunset, from the vantage point of your "floating hotel," you'll get to see thousands of giant black bats make their nightly migration from their home in the mangroves to hunt on the island of Flores.

Day 10: Experience Komodo National Park

See Komodo dragons in their native habitat

Continue your cruise today through the heart of Komodo National Park. Consisting of three main islands—Komodo, Rinca, and Padar—and several smaller islands, this UNESCO-designated area encompasses pristine pink sand beaches, lush mountains, and thriving coral reefs. 

Stop for a guided hike to observe the park's magnificent Komodo dragons in the wild, then continue cruising to a secluded bay for a dive into the crystal clear waters. Throughout the day, the crew will prepare delicious dishes for meals, and you'll drop anchor for snorkeling and swimming opportunities.

The day's highlight is a stop at a manta ray cleaning station, where you'll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with these giant, peaceful creatures in their natural environment.

Day 11: End of Cruise, Fly to Denpasar & Transfer to Jimbaran

Beachside swings at Jimbaran

Rise early this morning for an incredible walk to the summit of Padar Island. After a 25-minute trek, you'll reach the top and be rewarded with panoramic views across the archipelago and a spectacular tropical sunrise. Back on the boat, you'll have the morning free to relax and enjoy your final hours on the water before sailing back to the port. Upon disembarking, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Denpasar, where a driver awaits to whisk you toward Bali's south coast and the beautiful beachside fishing village of Jimbaran.

Day 12: Bukit Beaches Tour, Pura Luhur Uluwatu & Kecak Show

A playful monkey at the clifftop temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Today your driver will take you on an unforgettable day of beach-hopping, as you discover the beautiful beaches of the Bukit Peninsula. Stopping at Padang Padang Beach, Thomas Beach, Green Bowl Beach, and Pandawa Beach, you'll have plenty of time to relax and explore the coastline at your own pace.

End your drive with a visit to Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple to take in a colorful sunset. Located on the cliffside, you can walk around and enjoy the landscape and surrounding scenery. Keep in mind that the monkeys here are masters of the place! As darkness falls, you'll attend an awe-inspiring Kecak show at Uluwatu Cliff Temple. Pronounced "ketchak," this dramatic Balinese dance is performed by around 50 people and narrates stories from the Hindu epic of Ramayana.

Day 13: Free Day in Jimbaran

Spend your final day at the beach

Your final day in Bali is free to spend at your leisure—relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spectacular beaches, or taking a walk through the lively open-air Kedonganan Fish Market

Day 14: Transfer to Denpasar Airport & Depart

Farewell, Bali!

It's time to say your goodbyes to Bali as your driver transfers you to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Great 2-Week Indonesia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Indonesia? Check out these other 2-week Indonesia itineraries, with trekking trips, cultural adventures, and best-of trips to hit the highlights. 

Map

Map of Journey Through Bali & Komodo - 14 Days
Map of Journey Through Bali & Komodo - 14 Days