Bali
Overview
Indonesia’s smallest island, Bali, ranks atop most travelers’ bucket lists. The island adheres to traditional Balinese Hinduism, making for a unique cultural visit. Explore the peacefulness of temples and rice paddies on the island, commonly called “the island of gods.”
Your adventure begins in Ubud, known as the art and culture capital of the island. Explore the network of alleyways in this little town to discover cafes and boutique shops, be welcomed into the home of a local family, and visit ancient temples of extraordinary craftsmanship.
Spend a few days on the beaches of the Gili Islands, an archipelago group of tiny islands between Bali and Lombok. Snorkeling around coral gardens, observing marine life, and sipping fresh coconut water as you lay on the white sandy beaches in paradise.
And let’s not forget that you’ll hike to the top of Mount Batur volcano to watch the sunrise!
Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport by 2:00 pm and take included transportation to your accommodations in Ubud, Bali's cultural and artistic capital.
Take in the views of Ubud's hilly jungle landscapes of green rice fields and palm trees. Wander the town and discover its many art shops, museums, and boutique shops. Not feeling up to exploring the town? Relax in the pool at the accommodation to help ease that jetlag.
Get to know your new friends while enjoying some delicious Balinese cuisine and begin to settle into your new surroundings.
Begin your day with a visit to the Ubud Palace, known for its intricate Balinese architecture, traditional stone carvings, and lush gardens. Afterward, visit Gunung Kawi Sebatu, a temple built in the 11th century dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water.
Enjoy lunch overlooking the beautiful Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and take a photo on the Bali Swing.
Return to Ubud in the late afternoon and have some time to explore the town or relax at the accommodation before dinner.
There is no better way to immerse yourself in Bali than spending time with locals. Today, you will learn about Balinese culture from a local host family.
Your hosts will walk you through Ubud's Ganyar traditional market, where you will buy fresh produce for your cooking demonstration.
Be welcomed into a Balinese family home to understand the unique architecture and how homes are designed to pay respect to ancestors and the Balinese gods. Participate in a craft workshop to learn how to make a traditional offering.
In the afternoon, take a short drive to the village's temple and participate in a private purification ceremony.
Wake up at 2:00 am and gear up for a memorable experience. Today, you are hiking to the top of a volcano to watch the sunrise! We promise it will be worth it.
Begin your 5.5 mile (9 kilometer) hike in the dark, up Mount Batur, taking most travelers two or three hours to complete.
Take in the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys with a hot cup of Balinese coffee while giving yourself gratitude for completing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In the afternoon, explore Ubud with optional activities ranging from visiting a local waterfall to pampering yourself with a spa or simply exploring the numerous art galleries and boutique craft shops downtown.
Say goodbye to Ubud and begin your journey to the Gili Islands, an archipelago of three small coral islands known for their powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Arrive at Gili Trawangan, your base for the next two nights. Relax by bathing in the sun and dipping in the fresh waters of the Bali Sea while sipping on freshly cut coconut.
In the late afternoon, rejuvenate your body with a yoga class. In the evening, join your friends for a beachfront dinner. Welcome to heaven!
Explore the Gili Islands on a traditional wooden Balinese boat with a glass floor.
Snorkel and swim among tropical coral gardens and see the underwater sculpture called Nest that features 48 life-sized human figures arranged in a circle on the ocean floor. If you are lucky, you may encounter sea turtles that call the Gili Islands home.
After a full day of swimming and exploring the islands, return to Gili Trawangan for a free evening to relax or perhaps dance at a beach party.
For those early risers, head to the beach for an optional morning standup paddleboard session and yoga class. Rejuvenate your body and appreciate the calmness of the morning on this tropical island.
Spend your last few hours on the Gili islands as you please before taking a ferry back to the larger island of Bali. This is a good time to go for a bike ride around the island or simply relax and soak up your vacation time!
Arrive at Sanur, a tranquil seaside town known for its laid-back atmosphere. Check out some local markets or grab a drink during sunset before joining your friends for your last dinner on the trip.
On the final day of our adventure, wake up and soak in Bali together and reflect on your experience over the past week.
Take a morning stroll along the beachfront promenade or one final swim in the sea.
Take included private transportation with your group to the airport for your flight back home.