Highlights
- Experience a relaxing Balinese massage at a traditional Ubud spa
- Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the unspoiled Gili Islands
- Spend the morning with elephants at a local sanctuary
- Set your alarm for a sunrise hike to the top of an active volcano
- Take a spin around the island's only ATV track
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Seminyak | Seminyak, Bali |
| Day 2 | Explore Seminyak, Balinese Spa Experience, Sunset at Tanah Lot | Seminyak, Bali |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to East & West Nusa Penida | Seminyak, Bali |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Gili Trawangan, Free Time on the Island | Gili Trawangan |
| Day 5 | Island Hop & Snorkel in the Gili Islands | Gili Trawangan |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Ubud, Visit Tegenungan Waterfall | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 7 | Elephants, Monkeys & Rice Terraces in Ubud | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 8 | Sunrise Hiking at Mount Batur, Ubud Spa Experience | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 9 | Ubud Adventures: ATV Ride & Whitewater Rafting | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 10 | Depart Bali |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Seminyak
Welcome to Bali! After you arrive at Denpasar International Airport, you'll meet your driver in the arrivals hall for your transfer to your hotel in the beachside town of Seminyak, a coastal town in southern Bali known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury resorts. Take the remainder of the day to adjust to the local time and rest, or explore the area at your leisure. Spend time lounging on the beach under the colorful umbrellas at Seminyak Beach, experiencing the white sands at Double Six Beach, or enjoying the beach clubs at Kayu Ayu Beach.
You can also participate in water activities like surfing, standup paddleboarding, and kayaking at any beach. Taste the worldly flavors on Eat Street, get a foot rub and a hair trim at Bali Barber & Spa, or pamper yourself with a traditional Balinese massage with a view at one of the many beachside spas.
Day 2: Explore Seminyak, Balinese Spa Experience, Sunset at Tanah Lot
Take the morning to explore more around the charming town of Seminyak. Grab a surfboard to ride some of the famous waves of South Bali off such beaches as Uluwatu or Padang Padang. Discover South Bali's other vibrant beachside towns, such as Kuta, for waterslides and beachy cafés. For one-stop entertainment, head to Finn's Recreation Club, which offers a chance to participate in various watersports, hit up a waterpark, and relax at a spa.
Later in the day, you'll head to Bodyworks Spa for your scheduled treatments. Nestled within the hustle and bustle of Seminyak, the spa is renowned for its signature treatments using ancient Balinese techniques and ingredients. Try the Balinese Boreh Body Wrap, a traditional remedy that "wraps" you in local herbs and spices, followed by a massage. Another must-try is their Balinese Mandi Lulur, a gentle exfoliation using a scrub made from rice and turmeric, followed by a flower petal bath.
End the day by watching the sunset over Tanah Lot, an iconic sea temple on a rocky outcrop along the island's southwestern coast.
Day 3: Day Trip to East & West Nusa Penida
This morning, hop on a ferry for a day trip to the nearby island of Nusa Penida. Start on the west with a visit to Angels Billabong, a natural rock lagoon carved into seaside cliffs known as "nature's infinity pool." The short hike to the clear turquoise waters gives you exhilarating ocean views and the lagoon. Enjoy a swim in the calm waters, but only at low tide—at high tide, the waters get too rough for safety.
Next, head to the nearby Broken Beach. The cove's feature and namesake is the archway that wraps around the bay, allowing water to flow in and out from the ocean. Continue to Kelingking Beach, an Insta-famous spot known for its white sands, clear blue sea, and surreal rock formations. These rocky outcroppings resemble the spine of a giant dinosaur, giving it the nickname "T-Rex Bay." End at Diamond Bay, an untouched bay on the island's eastern tip known for its famous cliff lookout and the pointy, diamond-shaped rock just offshore.
Day 4: Transfer to Gili Trawangan, Free Time on the Island
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
It's off to new shores as you transfer to Serangan Harbor to catch your morning ferry for Gili Trawangan. The largest of the three Gili Islands located off the coast of Lombok Island, "Gili T" has a reputation as a party spot but also has its fair share of sandy beaches and yoga studios, along with crystal-clear water beloved by snorkelers and divers. Upon arrival, a horse and cart will take you to your hotel (there are no cars or motorized vehicles on the island).
After you settle in, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. An essential activity in Gili Trawangan is a visit to Sunset Point on the southwest part of the island to watch the sunset from the many lively beach bars or overwater swings. If you want to immerse yourself in the island's rich history and culture, stop at the Gili Trawangan Cultural Center, which showcases traditional art and music and offers classes in Balinese cooking and crafting.
Day 5: Island Hop & Snorkel in the Gili Islands
Today, you'll catch another boat for a day of island-hopping and snorkeling between the Gili Islands. These three small pieces of paradise, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, offer world-class snorkeling, picturesque coves, and their own distinct charms. Each island has its share of sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, and coral reefs teeming with marine life lie just offshore.
Starting at Gili Trawangan, you'll snorkel to Wreck Point to spot its famous sunken ship. Look for sea turtles in the water off Turtle Point on the serene Gili Meno. On the luxurious Gili Air, several popular snorkeling spots include the Gili Air Wall, Haan's Reef, and Nemo City. In addition to sea turtles, keep an eye out for sharks, moray eels, colorful coral, and many tropical fish. You'll head back to Gili Trawangan in time for dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Ubud, Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
Say goodbye to the Gili Islands and head back to Bali today, where you'll settle into the charming town of 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, taking a restorative yoga class with a view of the jungle, or exploring one of the many galleries in Ubud's thriving art scene.
Later on, take a short hike to Tegenungan Waterfall, a mesmerizing natural wonder deep in the jungles near Ubud. Trek to the viewing platform for your first sighting of the rushing water before maneuvering down the well-maintained path that winds through the lush forest, providing glimpses of the surrounding flora and fauna. Bring your swimsuit, as the pool at the base of the falls is ideal for a refreshing dip.Day 7: Elephants, Monkeys & Rice Terraces Near Ubud
Start today with a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you prepare to spend the morning at a nearby elephant sanctuary. This local refuge in Ubud allows you to interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat while learning about local conservation efforts. The trip's highlight will be bathing with the elephants, where you help lead them to the water and splash in the refreshing river.
The adventures continue with a visit to Ubud's mesmerizing Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO-listed landscape of verdant terraces carved into steep hillsides. Hop on the Instagram-famous swing, get an aerial view of the terraces from a thrilling zipline ride, or walk through the paddies to get an inside look at traditional Balinese farming techniques. Tegalalang is also home to several traditional Balinese villages, where you can witness local life and culture up close.
In the afternoon, you'll visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a popular tourist attraction in Ubud. The forest sanctuary, established in the 14th century and sacred to the local Balinese, is home to over 700 long-tailed macaque monkeys. Learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts, observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, and even feed them. Also home to several temples, you can walk through the forest to visit these intricate shrines while monkeys wander free.
Day 8: Sunrise Hiking at Mount Batur, Ubud Spa Experience
Wake up before dawn for what's sure to be a highlight of the trip—a sunrise hike up Mount Batur, one of Bali's highest active volcanoes. This challenging trek begins with flashlight-only hiking and ends with an incredible view of the sunrise, rising smoke from the crater, and the surrounding mountains. On the two-hour trip, you'll be accompanied by a local guide, who will share the history and mythology of the mountain on the trail. Sturdy shoes and warm clothing are recommended for the uneven path and chilly summit.
After your sunrise excursion up the mountain, return to Ubud for a much-deserved spa experience. Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Balinese massage in the incredible jungle setting, accompanied by local music and ingredients. In addition to the blissful deep-tissue therapy, try reflexology, body scrubs made from local herbs, aromatherapy flower baths, acupressure, or holistic facials.
Day 9: Ubud Adventures: ATV Ride & Whitewater Rafting
Start your engines and journey into the jungle to experience Bali's first (and only) ATV track. Your adventure starts at Koko Bambu Restaurant, a beautiful natural bamboo structure, where you'll watch the safety video and demonstration. Once you've received your helmet, it's time to hit the track! Then, you'll get in your vehicle, and after a brief warm-up session, you'll be ready to put wheels to the pavement on the course, which spans 2.7 miles (4.5 km) per lap.
Day 10: Depart Bali
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