Bali Bucket List

Upon your arrival in Denpasar, our representative ensures a seamless transfer to the Open House hotel, where you will stay overnight. In the afternoon, explore the iconic Pura Luhur "Uluwatu temple," perched 250 feet above the Indian Ocean. Marvel at the surfers' haven below and witness monkeys in the surroundings. The highlight is the captivating Kecak dance, featuring a hundred male performers depicting an ancient Ramayana story. Following this cultural spectacle, indulge in a seafood rijstaffel at a cozy beach shack-style restaurant overlooking Jimbaran Bay. The crescent of white sand and blue sea sets the stage for a perfect conclusion to your day in this coastal paradise.

After breakfast, go on a captivating tour of the nearby area, starting at Pura Goa Lawah, the "Bat Cave" Temple, one of Bali's six main temples. Journey to Kusamba, a traditional salt-producing area, witnessing the age-old salt-making process. Explore Klungkung Palace, notably the Kertagosa Pavilion, showcasing traditional Balinese architecture and housing Kamasan Paintings depicting Hindu legends. Conclude the day with a visit to Tenganan Village, home of Bali Aga, the island's original inhabitants. Immerse yourself in this well-preserved ancient culture that has endured for centuries. Each stop on this enriching journey unveils a unique facet of Bali's heritage and traditions. After your tour, you’ll be taken to Candi Beach Resort, where you will stay for two nights.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast, then embark on a journey exploring Bali's cultural treasures. Begin at Tirta Gangga, a restored water palace with pools, fountains, and lush gardens. Enjoy an authentic Balinese lunch at Bali Asli Restaurant with views of the valley and Mt. Agung. Continue to Besakih, the 'mother temple of Bali,' over a thousand years old and nestled on Mount Agung's volcanic slopes. The temple complex, comprising 23 related temples, witnesses daily prayers and attracts crowds on ceremonial days. Each site exudes historical richness, offering a glimpse into Bali's royal past, culinary delights, and spiritual heritage. Return to the resort in the afternoon for rest.

Today’s activities begin with breakfast and a visit to Penglipuran, a Bali Aga village immersed in history. Explore the well-ordered settlement surrounded by plantations and bamboo forests, showcasing the enduring importance of ancestral traditions and rules (Adat). Head to Kintamani for breathtaking views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, perched on the caldera rim. Witness the geological marvel of Mount Batur, a 'small' mountain shaped by millennia of volcanic activity. Conclude in Tampaksiring at Pura Tirta Empul, known for its clean spring water pools. Experience the holy rituals of body cleansing, attracting visitors from all corners of Bali for purifying baths in the sacred water. After your purifying bath, you will be taken to Bisma Eight, where you will stay for two nights.

Wake up, enjoy breakfast and start your adventure today at the Ubud Monkey Forest, a nature reserve and temple complex with diverse flora, temples, and crab-eating macaque monkeys. Explore the Ubud Royal Palace, the residence of the local royal family, discovering ornate architecture and the Asta Kosala Kosali house-building tradition. Enjoy free time in Ubud's bustling centre. Visit Neka Art Museum, showcasing art inspired by Bali's culture, along with a UNESCO-recognized collection of keris. Conclude with a scenic trek along the Campuhan Ridge, immersing in peaceful landscapes and traditional Balinese compounds. Your day is a blend of nature, culture, and art in the heart of Ubud.

Prepare yourself with a full breakfast for an enriching excursion into Central Bali, starting in Mengwi at the Taman Ayun temple complex, known for its association with the Balinese Royal Family. Drive to Bedugul Regency, famous for its picturesque landscapes and caldera lakes. Explore the vibrant market at Candi Kuning, showcasing Bali's fresh fruits, exotic spices, and scented flowers. Continue to the iconic Ulun Danu Temple, a 17th-century Hindu Shivaite water temple on Lake Beratan. Marvel at its serene beauty, especially during the rainy season when it appears to 'float' on the calm waters, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. After your temple visit, you’ll be transferred to the Munduk Moding Lodge, where you will stay overnight.

Embark on a southward journey after breakfast, pausing at Jatiluwih to admire UNESCO-recognized rice terraces with stunning vistas. Optionally, walk along some terraces (*) before heading to Gunung Batukaru, Bali's second-highest mountain, revered by locals. Explore Pura Luhur Batukaru, a temple nestled in the dense forest. The final stop is the 17th-century Royal Palace Puri Anyar Kerambitan, where the royal family's belongings share tales of old Bali within a vast antique-filled compound. This palace has hosted feasts for global figures, reflecting its significance and cultural richness. After this impressive palace visit, you’ll be transferred to Waka Gangga, where you will stay for the next two nights.

After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic journey to Belimbing, exploring beautiful rice paddies and enjoying a 7km trek around coffee and chocolate plantations. Refresh with tea or coffee at the tour start point. The trek, not strenuous, traverses rice-paddy terraces, with your guide explaining local farming practices. Visit the sacred Benben Waterfall for a cleansing ritual, followed by lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, don Balinese national dress for a temple visit with sacred monkeys. Witness a Hindu offering ceremony, led by a temple priest, incorporating ornate bantens and the essential element of holy water. Reflect on these spiritual experiences before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Embark on a spiritual journey at Tanah Lot, an integral sea temple in Balinese mythology, accessible only at low tide. Witness the temple's sacredness with a freshwater spring containing holy water, attracting Balinese from across the island for cleansing rituals. Arrive in time for a mesmerizing sunset, offering abundant photographic opportunities. After this spiritual encounter, drive to Seminyak for an overnight stay at the Colony hotel, continuing your exploration of Bali's rich cultural and natural wonders.

Enjoy your breakfast, and then the day is yours to do as you please until it is time to transfer to the airport in order to catch your onward flight.