Best of Bali II.
10 Days/9 Nights
Overview
To the uninitiated, Bali might seem just like another popular tourist destination, but for anyone who visits its shores, it is impossible not to be touched by certain magic from the 'Island of the Gods'. The predominantly Hindu Island, gives visitors the chance to have a unique and fascinating cultural experience, while still being able to partake in any number of exciting or relaxing activities, like surfing, golf, massage, and diving. Bali is an island paradise, with lush rice field terraces, stunning volcano and lake views and beautiful beaches, but it is often the warmth and friendliness of the Balinese people, that make any stay on the island so memorable.
Tour at a Glance
Day 1 Arrival Bali / Transfer Jimbaran / Uluwatu Sunset & Kecak Dance / Overnight Jimbaran
Day 2 Goa Lawah / Kusamba / Kertagosa / Tenganan / Overnight Candidasa
Day 3 Tirta Gangga / Bali Asli Lunch / Besakih / Overnight Candidasa
Day 4 Penglipuran / Kintamani / Tampaksiring / Overnight Ubud
Day 5 Monkey Forest / Ubud Palace / Neka Museum / Ubud Ridge / Overnight Ubud
Day 6 Taman Ayun / Candikuing / Ulundanu / Overnight Bedugul
Day 7 Jatiluwih / Batukaru / Kerambitan Palace / Overnight Tabanan
Day 8 Spirit of Belimbing / Overnight Tabanan
Day 9 Tanah Lot / Transfer Seminyak / Overnight Seminyak
Day 10 Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival – Transfer Jimbaran – Uluwatu Sunset & Kecak Dance
Today when arrive in Denpasar, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Jimbaran area.
In the afternoon visit Pura Luhur “Uluwatu temple”, undoubtedly the region’s most illustrious temple. Perched 250 feet above the water on a sheer cliff, it’s a perfect vantage point to the beach below, - one of the best for surfing on the island. Watch the huge wave’s rolls in from the Indian Ocean and crash against the cliffs – and keep an eye out for monkeys, as they love Uluwatu as much as we do!
One of the highlights of this excursion is the opportunity to witness a traditional display of Kecak dance, which is regularly performed at Uluwatu. The Kecak dance features up to a hundred male performers who form a circle and sway and chant to hypnotic music. This ritual dance is based on an ancient story from the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana. King Rahwana captures Sita, the wife of Rama and the drama depicts the battle between King Rahwana and the monkey god, Hanuman.
A seductive crescent of white sand and blue sea, Jimbaran Bay has a reputation for having some of the best seafood on the island and after your visit to Uluwatu you will have the chance to dine in a cosy and comfortable beach shack-style restaurant overlooking the Jimbaran Bay. The fresh seafood rijstaffel (selection of dishes) and ambient beachside location provide the perfect end to a perfect day.
Approximate duration of the visit:
- Uluwatu & kecak dance: 2 hours
- Seafood dinner: 2 hours
Approximate distance
- From airport to hotel (The Open House): 7km / 15 minutes
- From hotel (The Open House) to Uluwatu Temple: 19km / 45 minutes
- From Uluwatu Temple to Jimbaran Bay: 18km / 40 minutes
- From Jimbaran Bay to hotel (The Open House): 1.1km / 5 minutes
Meal included : Dinner
Accommodation : The Open House (Deluxe Suite)
Day 02: Goa Lawah – Kusamba – Kertagosa – Tenganan
Today’s tour begins with a visit to at Pura Goa Lawah, or the “Bat Cave” Temple, which is among the six main temples in Bali. Continue to Kusamba, one of the salt-producing areas in Bali with traditional process.
Next stop is Klungkung Palace is also known as Puri Agung Semarapura. The Kertagosa Pavilion is one of the best-preserved parts of the palace and an excellent example of traditional Balinese architecture. The pavilion once functioned as the Hall of Justice and among the artefacts on display can be found the Kamasan Paintings depicting famous Hindu legends throughout the ages.
Later visit the village of Tenganan, home of the Bali Aga, considered to be the original inhabitants of Bali. This village has remained almost unchanged for hundreds of years and you will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient culture.
Approximate duration of the visit:
- Goa lawah: 1 hour
- Kusamba: 1 hour
- Kertagosa: 1 hour
- Tenganan: 1.5 hours
Approximate distance
- From hotel (The Open House) to Goa Lawah: 55km / 1 hour 45 minutes
- From goa lawah to Kusamba: 600 meters / 5 minutes
- From Kusamba to Kertagosa: 10km / 17 minutes
- From Kertagosa to Tenganan: 38km / 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Tengana to hotel (Candi Beach Resort): 6km / 15 minutes
Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Candi Beach Resort (Deluxe Garden Room)
Day 03: Tirta Gangga – Bali Asli Lunch – Besakih
Begin your journey by visiting Tirta Gangga, the former royal palace in eastern Bali. Tirta Gangga water palace is a maze of pools and fountains surrounded by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues. The one-hectare complex was built in 1946 by the late King of Karangsem but was destroyed almost entirely by the eruption of nearby Mount Agung in 1963. It has been lovingly re-built and restored and has an air of authentic royal magnificence.
Moving on to Bali Asli Restaurant in Karangasem for an authentic Balinese lunch with views over a lush valley onto the majestic Mt. Agung (weather permitting).
Later visit The Hindu Besakih temple that is also known as the ‘mother temple of Bali’. Over one-thousand years old, the temple is situated at around 1,000 metres on the volcanic slopes of Mount Agung, the island’s largest mountain. Besakih is Bali’s largest temple comprising 23 individual but related temples. Every day pilgrims can be seen praying at this house of worship and, on special ceremonial days, there could be thousands of people here paying their respects to their gods.
Approximate duration of the visit:
- Tirta gangga: 1 hour
- Bali Asli Restaurant: 2 hours
- Besakih Temple: 1 hour
Approximate distance
- From hotel (Candi Beach Resort) to Tirta Gangga: 25km / 50 minutes
- From Tirta Gangga to Bali Asli Restaurant: 7 km / 15 minutes
- From Bali Asli Restaurant to Besakih Temple:
- From Besakih Temple to hotel (Candi Beach Resort): 6km / 15 minutes
Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Candi Beach Resort (Deluxe Garden Room)
Day 04: Penglipuran – Kintamani – Tampaksiring
Your exercise today begins with visit Penglipuran. It’s a well-ordered village surrounded by plantations and bamboo forests. A Bali Aga village, the local community still adhere to the strict rules and regulations (known as the Adat) that were laid down by their ancestors many centuries ago. Tradition and time-honoured ways are still very important here and you will have time to explore this enthralling settlement.
Next heading to the village of Kintamani, the best spot, weather permitting, for views of Mount Batur, an active volcano which sits alongside Lake Batur. Scanning the horizon from left to right, you will observe that Kintamani sits on the caldera rim of a huge volcano, and Mount Batur, directly in front of you, is merely a ‘small’ mountain that has been created by thousands of years of volcanic activity.
The last stop today is Tampaksiring where you visit the temple Pura Tirta Empul. This is one of the temples which have pools of very clean spring water. Until now there are holy rituals of washing and cleaning the body. People from all over Bali come here to take a bath in this holy water (Panjoran).
Approximate duration of the visit:
- Penglipuran: 1 hour
- Kintamani: 2 hours
- Tampaksiring: 2 hours
Approximate distance
- From hotel (Candi Beach Resort) to Penglipuran: 41km /1.5 hours
- From Penglipuran to Kintamani: 17km / 25 minutes
- From Kintamani to Tampaksiring: 20km / 36 minutes
- From Tampaksiring to hotel (Bisma Eight): 16km / 45 minutes
Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Bisma Eight (Garden Suite)
Day 05: Monkey Forest – Ubud Palace – Neka Museum – Ubud Rigde
Today’s journey is Ubud Monkey Forest. A lush nature reserve and temple complex on the outskirts of Ubud. The forest is home to more than one hundred species of trees, several interesting temples, and hundreds of crab-eating macaque monkeys (*). Here you can spend a while observing their characteristics and mannerisms.
Next, the local royal family still reside in the palace, but you are free to wander around most of the compound, discovering the ornate architecture and learning about the Asta Kosala Kosali tradition of house building, a method not dissimilar to the ancient art of Feng Shui. This will be followed by free time to explore the numerous shops and boutiques that are plentiful in the centre of town.
Later visit Neka Art Museum, where the collection of art on display is inspired by the natural beauty, life, and culture of Bali. You can also see the museum’s wonderful collection of keris, the often
beautifully crafted dagger that is strongly associated with the culture of Indonesia and recognised by UNESCO for its cultural importance.
Continue north along the Campuhan ridge, arguably one of the best trekking routes around Ubud. This area has been considered a holy place for centuries. Enjoy the peaceful scenery while you walk between the tall green grasses. It’s truly a majestic walk. The trek also visits one of the Balinese compounds situated in the area, where you can learn about traditional house building and interact freely with the inhabitants. Your guide will assist you in this exchange.
(*) The macaque monkeys here can be a considerable annoyance. Please heed the advice from your guide on the precautions you should take when visiting temples or forests inhabited by monkeys.
Approximate duration of the visit:
- Monkey Forest: 1 hour
- Ubud Palace: 1 hour
- Neka Museum: 1.5 hours
- Campuhan ridge trekking: 1.5 hours
Approximate distance
- From hotel (Bisma Eight) to Monkey Forest: 3km / 10 minutes
- From monkey forest to Ubud Palace: 2km / 10 5 minutes
- From Ubud Palace to Neka Museum: 550 meters / 5 minutes
- From Neka Museum to Campuhan ridge: 2km / 10 minutes
- From Campuhan ridge to hotel (Bisma Eight): 2km / 10 minutes
Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Bisma Eight (Garden Suite)
Day 06: Taman Ayun – Candikuning - Ulundanu
Your excursion begins with a drive into Central Bali and small town of Mengwi. Long associated with the Balinese Royal Family, Mengwi is home to the superb temple complex at Taman Ayun. Translating as ‘beautiful garden’ Taman Ayun is considered by many to be one of island’s most attractive temples and is still used today by people from all over Bali for special ceremonies and events.
Continue drive to Bedugul Regency (district), part of the island’s central highlands region renowned for its stunning beauty and three caldera lakes (Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan). The first stop on today’s tour is the market at Candi Kuning. Bali is famous for fresh fruits and exotic spices and there are plenty of seasonal varieties to discover at the market, together with stalls selling beautiful, scented flowers used for ceremonies and offerings.
Heading further north, the iconic Ulun Danu Temple is the next destination. This important Hindu Shivaite water temple is located on a small jut of land within the calm waters of Lake Beratan. If the water level is high (normally only during the rainy season) it gives the illusion that this 17th century temple is ‘floating’ on the lake.
Approximate duration of the visit
- Taman Ayun: 1 hour
- Ulundanu Temple: 1 hour
- Candikuning market: 45 minutes
Approximate distance
- From hotel (Bisma Eight) to Mengwi (Taman Ayun): 19km / 1 hour
- From Mengwi (Taman Ayun) to Candikuning market: 42km / 1 hour
- From Candikuning market to Ulundanu Temple: 850 meters / 10 minutes
- From Ulundanu Temple to hotel (Saranam Resort): 10km / 20 minutes
Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Saranam Resort (Saranam Room)
Day 07: Jatiluwih – Kerambitan Palace
After breakfast, return south stopping to view the rice terraces at Jatiluwih en route. Recognised by UNESCO, these seemingly endless rice paddies offer superb vistas in all directions and are a marvel to behold. There will be an option to walk along some of the terraces (*) before returning to your vehicle and heading back to your hotel.
Next stop is Gunung Batukaru, Bali's second-highest mountain. It is the highest peak in the Bedugul volcanic area but is dormant. Batukaru is worshipped by the Balinese, and has a temple, Pura Luhur Batukaru, devoted to it. Batukaru is relatively unpopular with climbers as it is covered in a dense forest which restricts views.
Last stop today is the 17th-century Royal Palace Puri Anyar Kerambitan. Its royal family represents Bali in its current progressive form, with roots in Balinese history dating from the 13th century. The current prince, Anak Agung, is enjoying his retirement at this modest old palace and loves sharing stories of old Bali within the vast shambolic antique-filled compound. Feasts have been presented here for the likes of Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Supertramp, to Prime Minister Fukuda of Japan, ministers, and ambassadors from all over the world.
(*) Please note the rice terraces are often wet and slippery and we recommend footwear with good grip.
Approximate duration of the visit
- Jatiluwih rice terrace: 1.5 hours
- Batukaru Temple: 1 hour
- Puri Anyar Kerambitan: 1 hour
Approximate distance
- From hotel (Saranam Resort) to Jatiluwih: 16km / 45 minutes
- From Jatiluwih to Batukaru Temple: 10km / 25 minutes
- From Batukaru Temple to Puri Anyar Kerambitan: 27km / 1 hour
- From Puri Anyar Kerambitan to hotel (Waka Gangga): 10km / 20 minutes
Meal included : Breakfast
Accommodation : Waka Gangga (Villa Garden View)
Day 08: Spirit of Belimbing
Start the tour early from your hotel and enjoy a comfortable scenic journey along country roads to the Tabanan area in the remote region of Belimbing. Along the way, you will observe many beautiful sculpted-terrace rice paddies. When you arrive at the start point of the tour, you will be served refreshing tea or coffee plus tasty cookies before starting the 7km trek around the coffee and chocolate plantations. The trek is not arduous but will take you up and down the rice-paddy terraces (*). As you walk, your guide will identify fruits and vegetables and explain how local people grow and harvest their crops.
The trek terminates at the secluded Benben Waterfall, considered sacred by the Belimbing inhabitants. Bring your bathing costume and take a few minutes to bathe in the waters and thus cleanse away bad spirits and if you are young and in love, ensure good fortune for you and your partner in the future! A Balinese Hindu priest is on hand to assist you.
From Benben Waterfall, you will be transferred by road back to your hotel for lunch followed by some relaxation time to reflect on the morning’s cultural and spiritual experiences.
Later, around 4pm, you will be attired in suitable Balinese national dress and taken to one of Belimbing’s ancient Hindu temples located in the jungle. There you will encounter the sacred monkeys that live in the temple. A temple priest will enact a Hindu offering-to-the-gods ceremony involving bantens (ornate creations of meals cooked with meat and vegetables and decorated with flowers) followed by the drinking and spraying of holy water, an essential element of Balinese Hinduism.
After the ceremony, you will be transferred back to your hotel in time for dinner and with yet more spiritual experiences to reflect upon.
Approximate duration of the visit
- Spirit of Belimbing with lunch & blessing: 6 hours
Approximate distance
- From Puri hotel (Waka Gangga) to Belimbing village: 35km / 1 hour
Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Waka Gangga (Villa Garden View)
Day 09: Tanah Lot Temple
With its spectacular location, Tanah Lot is an integral part of Balinese mythology and one of seven sea temples that are said to form a ‘chain’ around the island. The temple is only accessible at low tide but despite its offshore location in the Indian Ocean, it features a freshwater spring at its base which is said to contain holy water. As a result, the temple is extremely sacred and Balinese visit from all over the island to drink the water and splash it over their bodies to cleanse themselves of any bad spirits. The temple’s inner sanctum is located on top of the rocky outcrop and only accessible to Balinese Hindus. You will arrive in time for sunset when photographic opportunities abound.
Continue drive to Seminyak area where you will overnight
Approximate duration of the visit
- Tanah lot temple: 2 hours
Approximate distance
- From Puri hotel (Waka Gangga) to Tanah Lot Temple: 10km / 26 minutes
- From Tanah Lot Temple to hotel (The Colony): 24km / 1 hour
Meal included : Breakfast
Accommodation : The Colony (Superior)
Day 10: Departure
The day is at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight.
Approximate duration of the visit: -
Approximate distance
- From Puri hotel (The Colony) to airport: 16km / 45 minutes
Meal included : Breakfast
Accommodation : None
PRICE: The price is subject to your travel dates and the number of people traveling. The itinerary can be customized according to your preferences. Contact us for detailed quotation!
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