Ubud (Day 1-2)
Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud, Bali's largest Hindu town, and artistic and cultural heart. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Afterwards, perhaps head out to for a group meal at one of the delicious local restaurants.
Start the day with a guided walking tour (about 2.5 hours). Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields, an alang alang valley (type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings) and stop by a Balinese home for coffee. The tour ends in central Ubud, where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening sit down to a Kecak dance performance. Driven not by musical instruments, but by human chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is considered a highlight by many travellers.
Accommodation:
- Resort (Day 1)
- Resort (Day 2)
Included Activities:
- Campuhan Ridge & Village walk (Day 2)
- Kecak dance performance (Day 2)
Optional Activities:
- Saraswati Temple Lotus Garden - Free
- Whitewater rafting - IDR740000
Meals Included:
- Breakfast (Day 2)
Special Information: If you have prebooked an airport arrival transfer upon arrival at Bali please make your way to the Golden Bird Lounge after clearing immigration. After you exit customs walk to the Golden Bird Lounge which is on the right side (around 50 meters from where you exit customs). The Golden Bird lounge is before the area where all the drivers are waiting.
Ubud / Sidemen (Day 3)
Today you’ll explore the area from a different angle – from the saddle of a bike. Enjoy a 2.5-hour tour through backstreets, villages and rice fields. It’s a relatively easy ride – much of the route is downhill – and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a brief rest. You’ll also stop to check out some small, intricately carved temples, before concluding your bike tour back in Ubud. After refuelling at lunch, head for the hills to the village of Sidemen, travelling by private minivan (about 2 hours). Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, the peaceful village of Sidemen is proof that Bali still has some pockets that are untouched by tourism.
Accommodation:
- Hotel
Included Activities:
- Bayung Gede (Kahyangan) Village to Tampak Siring cycling tour
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Special Information: Bicycle helmets are included on your ride, and there is a support vehicle if the going gets too tough.
Keep in mind, it's a little cooler up here, thanks to the elevation. You may need to pack some warmer clothes.
Sidemen / Mt Batur (Day 4)
Take a morning walk (approximately 2 hours) around Sidemen, visiting the craftspeople of the local songket weaving industry, a traditional 'bungkus' lunch is included. The walk is a great chance to take in the beautiful scenery. Continuing your journey higher into the mountains, drive along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur (approximately 2 hours). Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 metres/5633 feet) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera and with Lake Batur below, it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. Your accommodation at the base of Mt Batur is a hotel with a restaurant. This is a great location to start tomorrow's early morning trek without extra travelling time.
Accommodation:
- Hotel
Included Activities:
- Village tour
- Traditional Village Lunch
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information: There are often mosquitos and bugs around Lake Batur, so be sure to pack your insect repellent. Long pants and sleeves will also be useful to protect from insects.
Mt Batur / Lovina (Day 5)
It’s a very early start today – you’ll have to wake at 3 am to begin the 1.5 to 2-hour walk to the summit of Mt Batur in order to reach it before sunrise. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. The view of the gorgeous sunrise over the valleys of Bali may well be the most memorable part of your trip. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in hot springs with fantastic views over the lake and caldera. Then make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina (approximately 3 hours). Lovina is famous for the dolphins that patrol its coast. It's also a great spot for fine food, traditional massages and yoga.
Accommodation:
- Hotel
Included Activities:
- Sunrise volcano climb
Optional Activities:
- Hot springs - IDR300000
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Special Information: The summit trail starts more easily, while heading to the crater it climbs steeply with switchbacks over volcanic rocks and gravel. A good level of fitness is required. The path can be slippery, particularly after rain so good shoes are essential. Please bring your headtorch and a warm layer to wear at the summit. The climb may be cancelled during heavy rain and unsafe conditions.
Lovina (Day 6)
Enjoy a day of snorkelling amongst Menjangan Island’s coral reef, part of the Bali Barat National Park. You will travel 1.5 to 2 hours by road (each way) and then take a boat ride of around 20 mins into the National Park at Menjangan. On the way back, you’ll stop for a soak at Banjar Hot Springs, a small spring popular with locals. Tonight, head to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cuisine before sitting down to a home-cooked meal.
Accommodation:
- Hotel
Included Activities:
- Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour
- Banjar Hot Springs
Optional Activities:
- Yoga class - IDR120000
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information: After a storm or erratic weather there can be a problem with rubbish in the water around Menjangan, and also throughout Bali's coastal areas.
Intrepid does not support dolphin-watching trips as an optional activity, as there is little regulation of this activity. Previous travellers have raised concerns over many motorised boats pursuing dolphin pods.
Munduk / Bedugul (Day 7)
After breakfast, head to the tiny hilltop village of Munduk (approximately 1 hour) where you’ll walk through aromatic clove and coffee plantations to a spectacular hidden waterfall, (it’s a good idea to pack warm clothing as the early mornings and evenings can be quite cool). Continue inland and stop at Lake Bratan for a delightful view of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu-Buddhist temple set on a small island in the lake. Its then a short drive to the picturesque mountain town of Bedugul where you will spend the night.
Accommodation:
- Hotel
Included Activities:
- Munduk - Waterfall walk
- Lovina - Seririt Market visit
- Bedugul - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Special Information: Our accommodation here has no air conditioning, as it is not generally required in the cooler climate of Bedugul.
Sanur (Day 8)
Start the day with a drive to a village called Angserim (approximately 30 minutes), where you’ll join a local family in making a traditional Balinese blessing. Be welcomed into their home with a refreshing drink and delicious cake, before learning how to make an offering (canang) and gain a better understanding of this daily ritual that you will see all over Bali. Afterwards, visit their small herb garden and enjoy the surrounding views overlooking Batukaru Mountain. Continue by minivan to Sanur (approx 1.5 hours) and enjoy some free time there in the afternoon. Perhaps enjoy a stroll along Bali's first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible – just a short distance away from the beach.
Accommodation:
- Hotel
Optional Activities:
- Hidden Rice Fields Trek Urban Adventure - IDR500000
- Bali VW Cocktail Safari Urban Adventure - IDR800000
- Bali VW Spa Safari Urban Adventure - IDR1150000
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Tetebatu (Day 9)
Travel by minivan from Sanur to the port of Padang Bai (approximately 1.5 hours). Then you'll take a fast boat that takes you from Bali to Lombok (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Stop for lunch in a basic Warung – a traditional Indonesian style cafe, before taking a mini bus to Tetebatu (approximately 2 hours). On the way, stop at Masbagik Village which is well known for its pottery products and where you will get to see the pottery being made and enjoy a short walk around the village. The hill retreat of Tetebatu is situated in the centre of Lombok, at the southern base of Mt Rinjani, and boasts spectacular views. Tonight you will enjoy an included dinner at a family run restaurant that provides traditional Lombok style cuisine.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse
Included Activities:
- Masbagik Village Walk & Pottery Demonstration
- Puyung Local Village Lunch
Optional Activities:
- Gendang Blake Performance - IDR150000
- Tradional wedding - IDR750000
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information: Traditionally in Lombok, weddings are normally held on Sundays. Sometimes our local leaders may know about a wedding that coincides with your visit to Lombok. If this is possible your group leader can organise for you to attend a local wedding and help you to understand the many customs that you will see and experience. You will need to be dressed appropriately so they will organise traditional clothes to be hired and a small donation is given to the bridge and groom. Please note this activity is only offered when a wedding coincides during your village visit.
Labuhan Pandan (Day 10-11)
Enjoy a guided walk through lush rice fields and see how the region's farmers have tended the land for centuries, still using traditional water buffalo ploughs. Climb a little higher and pass through clove and coffee plantations and stop at a local warung to try some local coffee (approximately 2.5 hours total). Visit the local village of Pringgasela to learn traditional weaving and enjoy a delicious Sasak feast. In the afternoon return to the hotel, then travel to Labuhan Pandan on the East Coast of Lombok. This remote beachside location is little visited by tourists. Tonight we will stay in our bungalow accommodation amid the peace and quiet of the secluded coast.
Take a trip out to the nearby coral reef and enjoy some fantastic snorkelling off the boat. Stop in at a secluded island for lunch with Mt Rinjani towering over Lombok. Tonight, eat a fresh seafood barbecue on the beach.
Accommodation:
- Beach Bungalow (Day 1)
- Beach Bungalow (Day 2)
Included Activities:
- Pringasella Village walk (Day 1)
- Snorkeling (Day 2)
- BBQ dinner (Day 2)
- Island Picnic Lunch (Day 2)
Meals Included:
- Breakfast (Day 1)
- Breakfast (Day 2)
- Lunch (Day 1)
- Lunch (Day 2)
- Dinner (Day 2)
Senaru (Day 12)
Travel by minibus around the spiritual centre and sleeping giant of the island, Mt Rinjani (approx 2 hours). Arrive around midday at Senaru, a small, rustic village nestled between the base of Mt Rinjani and the edge of the jungle. Take a guided tour of the local Sasak village to learn about the history and culture of these people who have long lived on the slopes of Mt Rinjani. Here our local guide is part of a female guiding association that trains and develops women in tourism. You will also take a walk to the spectacular Singang Gila waterfall, and perhaps take a refreshing shower underneath it.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse
Included Activities:
- Waterfall walk
- Sasak village walking tour
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Gili Air (Day 13-15)
Continue to the west coast today by minibus (approximately 2.5 hours). The Gili Islands (Tiga Gili) are an archipelago of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Transfer by small boat to Gili Air (approximately 30 minutes), where you can take in the breezy atmosphere and stroll down stunning white beaches that rival those of the neighbouring islands. Your hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the port. Your bags can be transported by cidemo (horse cart) from the port to the hotel.
The island is your oyster and today is completely free to relax or explore. Perhaps take in another snorkeling trip, or catch a ferry across to the other islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno and see who has the better beaches. This evening enjoy an optional final group dinner on the beachfront as you say farewell to your fellow travellers.
Your trip comes to an end today. Perhaps extend your stay on the blissful Gili Air.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Day 1)
- Hotel (Day 2)
Optional Activities:
- Yoga Class - IDR120000
- Cooking Class - IDR395000
Meals Included:
- Breakfast (Day 1)
- Breakfast (Day 2)
- Breakfast (Day 3)
Special Information:
Our accommodation on the island has private outdoor bathrooms, with a lockable external door.
If you are flying out of Bali Denpasar Airport, or Lombok International Airport, please allow enough time for boat and land transfers before your flight. We suggest you don't book flights out of Bali before 7pm or before 1pm from Lombok.
Check out time is 11.30am.
