- ✓ Amble amongst Ubud's tumbling rice terraces
- ✓ Trek Munduk’s misty mountains, waterfalls & temple lakes
- ✓ Stay with a Balinese family in the hills of Tirtagangga
- ✓ Unwind on white-sand Gili beaches & southern Bali shores
Amble between Bali’s rice paddies, take a traditional cooking class and laze on tiny castaway islands. This itinerary is a brilliant mix of ancient culture, gorgeous scenery and pure relaxation, giving you a glimpse of the real Bali before ending up on the dreamy beaches of the Gili Islands. Wander through the rice paddies in Ubud, explore the sleepy, authentic east coast and set course for the white sands of the Gilis, where strictly no cars and no worries are allowed.
Day 1 - Arrive in Denpasar & travel to Ubud
You’ll be met on arrival at Denpasar airport and transferred to Ubud - which is a drive of around one hour. Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, surrounded by lush rice terraces, traditional villages and jungle, with plenty of opportunities to experience local life, art and Balinese traditions.
It’s a buzzy town and once you’ve settled in to your hotel head out to explore the small streets lined with warungs, art studios, bohemian bars and coffee shops.
Day 2 - Explore the countryside & local villages
After breakfast you’ll be picked up by your guide who will take you out of town and into the surrounding countryside. You’ll visit a traditional village to get a glimpse into local life, visit a rural temple and cross into an area covered with rice fields that tumble down the hillside. At the bottom of the valley, mystical royal tombs lie hidden amongst the cliffs.
Day 3 - Travel to Munduk & guided scenic hike
Today, you’ll leave Ubud behind and head further inland to Munduk, roughly 3 hours away. This peaceful mountain village in northern Bali, is surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, coffee plantations and misty valleys. You’ll be staying in cosy, cottage accommodation with beautiful valley views.
Settle in, then head out on a hike with a local guide into the countryside. You’ll stroll between tumbling rice paddies, along narrow paths and stop to visit a thundering waterfall.
Day 4 - Temple lake tour
This morning, you’ll visit a temple perched on an island marooned in the middle of a blue mountain lake. Wandering around the temple, you may be lucky enough to see a colourful procession of local Balinese people in traditional dress carrying fruit offerings. Ceremonies are regularly held in this temple, and you’re welcome to observe them at a discreet distance.
Day 5 - Travel to your homestay in Tirtagangga
Now for a glimpse into the real Bali with a homestay tucked away in the hills. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the village of Tirtagangga, roughly 3 hours away from Munduk. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place, surrounded by jungles, rice terraces and coffee plantations.
You’ll be staying with a local family in a simple, clean room. There’s no air-conditioning, but up in the hills the air is fresh and crisp, so you’re unlikely to miss it. During your stay, you’ll be treated to home-cooked meals. You’ll be warmly welcomed and can spend the rest of the day getting to know your hosts.
Day 6 - Guided walk amongst the rice paddies
This morning, you’ll head out with a local guide into the endless rice paddies. The terrain here is pretty steep, so the climb can be vigorous at times. You’ll see farmers working in the fields and pass by local homes. Look up into the palm trees and you may see people picking coconuts or ‘pumping’ wine. It’s quite something to behold. Back at the homestay you can spend time with your host family before enjoying another home-cooked dinner.
Day 7 - Travel to Amed
Today, you’ll be picked up from your homestay and driven to Amed, on Bali’s east coast. This laid-back coastal village is known for its excellent diving and snorkelling, with colourful coral reefs, shipwrecks and underwater sculptures attracting an abundance of marine life. Check in to your beach side hotel and relax. Take a stroll along the volcanic sands where, in the mornings, you’ll see local fisherman haul their boats full of fresh fish onto the beach.
Day 8 - 4WD sunrise tour
Before day breaks, you’ll drive in your 4×4 through fruit plantations and bamboo forests to reach the hilltop in time to watch the sunrise. Once there, take in the beautiful natural scenery with a cup of hot coffee or tea and enjoy a simple breakfast. As the sun gets higher, you’ll begin your journey down the hillside, stopping at the largest Salak Fruit plantation in Bali for a taste of this exotic fruit. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy sand, sea and snorkel, explore local markets and rice paddies or just laze around the pool at your hotel
Days 9 & 10 - Take a boat to the Gili Islands for R&R
Early this morning you’ll be transferred to Padangbai in time to board the fast boat for the 2-hour trip to the sparkling white beaches of the Gili Islands. Located just off the north coast of Lombok, these three islands are a castaway sensation. The sand is white, the water is unbelievably clear, and the atmosphere is completely carefree.
Your time on the Gilis is completely your own. There’s plenty of fantastic snorkelling spots around the island or you could take a boat trip to one of the other Gilis. And if you ever get tired of the beach, there is a stunning swimming pool to come back to at your hotel – grab a book and laze around under a parasol.
Days 11 & 12 - Fast boat to Bali & transfer to Sanur. Relax!
It’s time to head back to Bali. Would you like to spend longer on the Gili Islands? Just ask your Travel Specialist to add another night or two to your Travel plan.
Take the fast boat back to Padangbai where you’ll be met and transferred along the south coast to the beach resort of Sanur. Stretch out by the pool, take a leisurely walk along the beach and grab a cocktail at sunset. Simple. During your stay we’ll arrange a relaxing spa treatment for you.
Day 13 - Time to head home
Take one last dip in the pool before it’s time to head home. You’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK. Two nights on the beach not quite enough? Just ask your Travel Specialist to add a few extra nights in Sanur.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Rice Terraces & Paradise Beaches - Bali & the Gilis - In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.