Experience Bali: 5 Days / 4 Nights

After breakfast, depart Ubud for an excursion to Mount Batur. Drive along small, scenic roads offering beautiful views of the rice fields and daily life of Balinese farmers. The first stop is the unique temple of Gunung Kawi. Set amidst lush rice terraces, these 11th century temples feature 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face. They stand at 7-metres tall and combine ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple attributes. There are numerous stairs leading down to the temple, so good walking shoes are required. Continue to the nearby village of Tampaksiring to explore Tirta Empul, a temple famous for its sacred spring water. All Balinese bathe here at least once a year for ritual cleansing in holy waters dedicated to Vishnu. Then drive further to the north until reaching Kintamani, a volcanic region in the shadow of Mount Batur with breathtaking views. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake, all surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. Stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant with all-encompassing views over Lake Batur. In the afternoon, drive back to Ubud along a different road towards the area of Tegalalang for some of the most beautiful rice terrace landscapes in Bali. Enjoy a one-hour soft trek around Tegalalang and head through some of the amazing rice terraces with the guide who will explain the unique subak irrigation system that is common to Bali. Rice fields are a signature of Bali, and these quiet verdant paths lined by palm trees provide great photographic opportunities. We’ll also stop at the monkey forest to watch its cheeky inhabitants play in the wild., before return to hotel.

Overnight in Ubud.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, check out and start for a full day exploration of Bali’s lakes and hills. Drive towards Bedugul, an area of the central highlands that is famous for its stunning beauty and three lakes. Stop at the Royal Temple of Mengwi which was built in 1634 to serve as the family temple of the Mengwi dynasty. Admire this stunning piece of historic architecture, surrounded by a moat with multi–roofed meru shrines and intricately carved wooden gates. Next up is a visit to the traditional market of Bedugul where a myriad of locally-grown fruits, vegetables and orchids are for sale. Browse the stalls alongside the locals, learning about the different uses of spices and herbs in Balinese cooking. Carry on to Lake Bratan, one of Bedugul’s three natural lakes. Admire the views of the peaceful waters and snap photos of Ulun Danu, a 17th-century temple located on the lake’s edge. Around midday head to the slopes of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second highest mountain, for lunch. After refueling, take a light trek through Jatiluwih’s UNESCO heritage listed rice fields. Enjoy the endless views of verdant rice terraces and learn about the traditional techniques used by Bali’s farmers to irrigate the crops and produce rice. Having explore the highlights of Bali’s Bedugul highlands, return to the coast and the hotel. You’ll arrive at Tanah Lot late in the afternoon. Known as Bali’s most famous temple, Tanah Lot is a highlight not to be missed. Dramatically set on a small island on the coast, this temple makes for a spectacular setting for you to drink in the sunset. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your South Bali beach hotel.

Overnight in Jimbaran

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning is free at leisure.

Later this afternoon, drive to Uluwatu Temple which is majestically perched on the edge of a steep cliff. At sunset witness a dramatic kecak dance performance at the temple which is not accompanied by music but the steady chant of male performers. Return to the charming town of Jimbaran for a BBQ seafood dinner under the stars on one of Bali’s more expansive beaches. The seafood warung serves an enticing platter including prawns, grilled fish, squid, clam/shell, accompanied by rice, vegetables (Indonesian spinach), and sambal (spicy sauce).

Overnight in Jimbaran.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, the day as leisure until you meet your guide and driver at hotel for your transfer to airport for your departure flight.