Winter Highlights of Bali & Nusa Penida - 15 Days

Highlights

• Visit the sacred sea temples of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu
• Snorkel alongside colorful coral and tropical fish off Pemuteran
• Seek out stunning waterfalls, hot springs, and temples around Ubud
• Trek to the peak of Mount Batur to watch the sunrise over Bali's volcanoes
• Discover the quiet, unspoiled beaches of Nusa Penida

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer 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 tropical 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: Rice Field Walk & Tanah Lot Sea Temple

Today you'll set out on a walk through a local village, letting yourself be guided by the splendor of the landscape as you stroll through lush rice paddies to reach the sea temple of Tanah Lot. This magnificent Balinese landmark is even more impressive at high tide when the waves crash around the rocky outcropping on which the temple rests. Built during the 16th century, this is one of Bali's "directional temples," whose strategic locations along the coast were said to protect the island from evil spirits. Many important Hindu ceremonies are still held here, and locals consider it a sacred place rich with energy. 

After exploring the temple and its surrounding beaches, spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Go for a relaxed 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, paddleboarding, and horse riding. As evening approaches, you can make your way back to Tanah Lot for a spectacular sunset over the temple and ocean.

Day 3: Transfer to Pemuteran via Pupuan Road & Brahma Vihara Monastery

Your driver awaits this morning for the drive to your next destination of Pemuteran. Head north along the stunning Pupuan Road, and keep your eyes wide open and your camera ready as you pass a tableau of rice paddies, hill terraces, and jungle. Along the way, you'll also visit the Brahma Vihara Monastery, the only Buddhist monastery in Bali. Its hilltop setting affords beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and the locals are warm and welcoming to visitors.

Upon arrival at the hotel in Pemuteran, the rest of the day is at your leisure. This laid-back, beachfront town is a hidden gem of Bali's northwest coast, known for its volcanic sand beaches and its proximity to Bali Barat National Park, which boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island.

Day 4: Menjangan Snorkeling Excursion 

Set sail with a local boat to the underwater paradise of Menjangan Island for a half-day snorkeling adventure. This island is part of the Bali Barat National Park, a nature reserve known for its pristine coral. Snorkel through this colorful underwater world, admiring the brilliant diversity of marine life. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen—the sun here is extremely strong! After a picnic lunch, head back to Pemuteran, where you can relax by the pool before enjoying some authentic Indonesian cuisine in the evening. 

Day 5: Transfer to Munduk via Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Banjar Hot Springs

It's time to bid Pemuteran farewell and get back on the road toward Munduk, a charming village in the mountains of northern Bali. On the way, you'll stop to explore the famous Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, located on the shores of Beratan Lake. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding the temple's base creates a magical floating impression, while the mountain range of the Bedugul region provides a spectacular backdrop. This water temple is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers, and is used for offering ceremonies. 

Day 6: Trek to Sekumpul Waterfall 

Lace up your hiking boots today and meet your driver for a transfer to the village of Sekumpul. Here, your guide will be waiting to take you on a five to six-hour trek through unspoiled nature to reach several of Bali's most impressive waterfalls. Along the way, you'll pass through scenic rice fields, learn about the distinctive flora and fauna of the region, and even cool off with a dip in some of the jungle cascades. 

Day 7: Munduk Trek & Coffee Culture

Today's excursion takes you deep into the countryside around Munduk as you learn about the region's agriculture and one of its most famous exports. See the springs where farmers get water for their crops, stroll through plantations of coffee, avocado, vanilla, magnolia, and mandarin, and watch how the farmers work their land. Along the way, you'll be treated to a soundtrack of singing birds and insects, and if you're lucky, you might even spot one of the area's wild civet cats.

Your local guide will teach you about the four varieties of coffees grown locally (Liberica, Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa), each with its own distinctive flavors and notes. Watch the process of growing, harvesting, processing, and preparing, then sit down to enjoy a cup alongside a lunch of freshly picked produce. Your walk continues afterward to the cascades of Bali's highest waterfall before your guide takes you back to the parking area to meet your driver.

Day 8: Transfer to Ubud via Jatiluwih Ricefield & Batukaru Temple

Your driver awaits this morning to transfer you south 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. Continue to the village of Wongaya Gede to see the sacred Batukaru Temple, located on the slopes of the dormant Mount Batukaru volcano, before reaching Ubud and getting settled into your accommodation.

Day 9: Ubud Vintage Volkswagen Safari 

Discover the highlights around Ubud in style today with a vintage Volkswagen convertible tour. Along the way, you'll follow winding roads past rice fields, villages, waterfalls, and temples. Stop off at Tegallalang Rice Terrace, where you can walk through the rice paddies, take a ride on the famous Bali Swing, go shopping for souvenirs and trinkets along Tegallalang Crafts Street, or sit in a café sipping on a kopi (Balinese coffee) and enjoying the view.

As the day heats up, swing by Tibumana Waterfall and cool off with a quick dip. Spend some time in contemplation at Gunung Kawi Sebatu, an enchanting water temple, and Tirta Empul, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Bali where the waters are said to have magical powers. Watch as people cleanse themselves in the ancient pools, following a tradition that dates back centuries.

Don't miss a trip through the nearby Monkey Forest to meet mischievous long-tailed macaques and watch them play in the giant nutmeg trees and temple ruins. Round off your tour with a visit to Gianyar, where you can sample some local street food from the bustling market stalls.

Day 10: Climb Mount Batur at Sunrise

Rise before dawn today to meet your driver and start today's exhilarating trip to 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 therapeutic waters to regain your strength.

Day 11: Ferry to Nusa Penida Island

Today's drive takes you south to the coastal town of Sanur, where you'll board a ferry and set sail for the idyllic island of Nusa Penida. Located just 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Bali, this small island is one of the three Nusa Islands and arguably the most beautiful, with emerald jungles, crystal clear waters, and pristine, white-sand beaches free from crowds. After checking into your accommodations, settle into a slower pace of life and head to the beach for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 12: Explore the Beaches of Nusa Penida

Today's full-day tour introduces you to the most breathtaking stretches of the coast on Nusa Penida. Your excursion starts at the clifftops of Kelingking Beach, where you can overlook the horseshoe-shaped bay and take in magnificent views from both sides of the cliffs. If you are lucky, you may even spot manta rays swimming through the clear water. Adventurous travelers can 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, but your guide will make sure currents are favorable.

Continue to Broken Beach on the island's west coast and discover a quiet cove that takes its name from the archway that spans across the bay. Then it's onto Angel's Billabong to watch the waves crash into a blast of moss against the cliffs. End the day at Crystal Bay, where a quiet little stretch of sand is the perfect setting for a sunset cocktail to toast your final night on the island.

Day 13: Boat Transfer to Jimbaran, Fish Market Tour & Seafood Dinner

Say your goodbyes to Nusa Penida this morning as you make your way back to Sanur by speedboat. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you south to the Bukit Peninsula and the laid-back fishing village of Jimbaran.

As dinner nears, take a tour of the lively and colorful Jimbaran fish market and choose a platter of your favorite seafood—from fresh-caught tuna to octopus to jumbo prawns. Then it's on to a small beachfront restaurant, where your feast will be grilled and served to you alongside your favorite local vegetable and rice dishes. 

Day 14: Bukit Beach Tour, Uluwatu Temple & Kechak Show

Today your driver will take you on an unforgettable day of beach-hopping along the scenic Bukit Peninsula, visiting gems like the popular surf spot of Padang Padang Beach, the vast stretch of palm-fringed sands at Thomas Beach, and the secluded magic of Green Bowl Beach.

Finish the day with a visit to Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple to take in a spectacular sunset. Perched on a 230-foot (70 m) cliffside overlooking the ocean, this is one of Bali's seven "sea temples" built in the ninth century to protect the island from evil spirits. Take a stroll through the grounds to take in the sweeping views and meet the temple's resident monkeys. As darkness falls, stick around for the evening's Kecak show, a dramatic Balinese spectacle of fire and dance performed by a troupe of 50 that narrates dramatic stories from the Hindu epic of Ramayana.

Day 15: Transfer to Denpasar & Depart

After a final morning at the beach, your Balinese escape draws to a close as your driver takes you to Denpasar to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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