Breathtaking Bali

Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods. After breakfast, we’ll travel to the village of Sebatu, home to a stunning collection of temples. The Balinese locals are a deeply spiritual people and here we’ll have the opportunity to explore these structures and learn how they continue to play an important role in the lives of the pious locals. After an illuminating guided tour, we’ll travel uphill and deeper into the village to visit the site of the area’s holy water. Here, our guide will help us put on a traditional Balinese sarong and lead us in how to pray to the gods. The color of each offering has a distinct significance and we’ll learn how each hue represents a different prayer. After the procession, dip into the holy water, considered an important cleansing ritual. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the green valley. The afternoon is yours to explore Bali independently or relax and enjoy your hotel’s amenities.

Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our Ubud hotel and head to a traditional Balinese kitchen for an exciting cooking class at Kayun Restaurant. Our lesson begins with a visit to the local market where we’ll handpick fresh ingredients with the guidance of our professional chef. Back in the kitchen, we’ll learn traditional Balinese cooking methods before crafting authentic local flavors from scratch. We’ll feast on the dishes we’ve created before continuing today’s journey to Candidasa. Along the way we’ll visit Kusamba, the traditional sea salt harvesting village, and Goa Lawah, a unique temple which is also home to thousands of bats.

Hotel | Ramayana Candidasa Resort & Spa or similar
Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll begin our exploration of East Bali. Our first visit will be to Tenganan Village, more commonly known as Bali Aga, the home of the original inhabitants of Bali. Continue to Tirta Gangga Water Palace where we’ll enjoy lunch at Tirta Ayu Restaurant, overlooking the many pools and gardens. This afternoon we’ll visit Besakih Temple, also known as the Mother Temple, the largest and holiest Hindu Temple in Bali. Comprised of 23 separate temples and perched nearly 1000 meters up the side of Mount Agung, the temple was designed to lead people upwards and closer to the top of the mountain which is believed to be sacred. After we’ve explored the Mother Temple, we’ll return to the hotel with time to rest and relax.

Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

After a morning at leisure, we’ll check out of our hotel and travel to Munduk by car. We’ll enjoy a scenic drive before making a stop at Ulun Danu Temple, the “Goddess of the Lake” Water Temple, where we’ll enjoy the beautiful setting and soak in the crisp northern air. We’ll continue to Candi Kuning, Bali’s traditional fruit and flower market atop a picturesque hill. Here we have free time to shop for produce, just take in the local market’s sights and smells or grab a quick bite to eat before we continue onward to Munduk.

Hotel | Puri Lumbung Cottages or similar
Included Meals | Breakfast

After breakfast we’ll take a short walk into the jungle where we’ll be greeted by the rushing sounds and spectacular sight of Munduk Waterfall. Despite being one of Bali’s most popular waterfalls, our morning visit is a great way to experience the beautiful cascade without the crowds. We’ll continue to one of the island’s best-kept secrets, Bhuana Sari Waterfall. Nestled in the tropical rainforest, this unique fall is reached by a 20-minute walk and is comprised of many smaller cascades that burst over a series of cliffs and resulting in a truly magical sight. We’ll enjoy some free time to take photos and enjoy lunch independently. Next, we’ll travel to our most breathtaking waterfall of the day. After a short drive, we’ll follow a small downhill trail for about fifteen minutes to picturesque Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. Explore the two parallel falls, divided by rocks, with some time to swim and cool off and relax in the large pool. Afterwards, we’ll return to our hotel refreshed and with free time to explore independently.

Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and journey to Rumah Desa where the discovery continues with palm readings and a hike through the rolling countryside. We’ll spend some time in the heart of a Balinese rice field, farming the crop alongside the farmers and water buffalo. After a hot and delicious lunch, we’ll bid farewell to the friendly locals at Rumah Desa and continue to Tanah Lot, one of the most photographed temples in Bali. Perched precariously on a rock just off shore, this temple is a must-see, particularly as we near sunset when the area takes on a surreal feeling. Afterwards we’ll continue to our hotel in Sanur.

Hotel | Nusa Dua Hotel & Spa or similar
Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

This morning is free to explore independently. This afternoon, we’ll visit Pura Luhur, undoubtedly one of the region’s most celebrated temples. Perched 250 feet above the water, we’ll have the perfect vantage points to view the beach below and see the huge waves rolling in from the Indian Ocean and crashing against the cliffs. During our visit we’ll see a Kecak dance, or Monkey dance, which features as many as 100 men swaying and chanting to the hypnotic music. This famous Balinese dance depicts an ancient story from the Ramayana when King Rahwana captured Sita, Rama’s wife. The dance shows the battle between Rahwana and Hanoman, leader of the apes. Before we return to our hotel, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Meals | Breakfast, Dinner