Itinerary in brief:
- 3 nights Ubud
- 4 nights Tanjung Benoa
- 4 nights Gili Trawangan
- 1 night Tanjung Benoa
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK today.
Day 2: Arrive in Bali
Your Balinese adventure starts today, and once you have collected your luggage, your private transfer will whisk you off to the artistic and cultural capital of Bali. Ubud is located in the centre of the island, and is a wonderful oasis – the closer you get, the calmer you feel!
Upon your arrival, you will check into your hotel for your 3 night stay.
Day 3: Bali Coffee, Views, and Culture day tour
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by your driver and guide to start this fascinating tour.
Your first destination is Tegalalang, where you will witness stunning views over the beautiful rice terraces surrounding Ubud. You will then drive on to Sebatu, where you will get to visit a working coffee plantation.
While there, you will be shown the fruits, the processing, and then the roasting process. They continue to use the traditional roasting process, using a wok over a wood fire – exactly the same method that has been used for many generations. You now get to the highlight of the coffee plantation visit… the tasting! You get to taste coffee made from the freshly roasted beans, it really is a great treat!
Following lunch, you continue on to Penglipuran, a traditional countryside village well known for its tidy rows of Balinese entrance gates and its unique architecture.
Your tour ends with a visit to the sacred Kehen Temple, built majestically on a hill on a series of eight terraces, which encloses a huge banyan tree in its courtyard. The temple is set in a forest background, offering a unique environment and a mesmerising ambiance.
Day 4: Ubud
Today we have left the whole day free for you. We highly recommend a morning visit to Monkey Forest (we suggest a morning visit as it is much quieter) where you can wander through the forest at your own pace.
A popular past-time in Ubud is yoga, and is another highly recommended activity to partake in, whether you are a yoga pro, or a complete novice, everyone is welcome!
If yoga isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other ways to unwind – why not go for a spa treatment, or people watch at one of the many cafes?
Day 5: Ubud to Nusa Dua
Your day will be spent discovering the charms of Ubud as you visit museums and local markets.
Start with the Rudana Museum, which specializes in fine art, where you’ll get the chance to go on a private walking tour with an expert at the museum, and learn about the symbolism and cosmology of this impressive building, and the collection of fine arts housed within it.
Your next stop will be the Blanco Renaissance Museum. Antonio Blanco is arguably the most famous artist to have lived and worked in Bali, and his former home has been converted into this wonderful museum with an extensive collection of this work.
After a lunch at the fabulous Indus Restaurant (where you will get to enjoy the most spectacular views!), the tour continues with a visit to the ARMA Museum (Agung Rai Museum of Art) – here you will get to view collections of Balinese and Indonesian paintings and sculptures. It is a fantastic experience, and really gives you a sense of the islands rich artistic traditions.
A quick stop at the Tillem Gallery offers you an insight into its fine wood carvings, before you commence your final excursion at the famous Ubud Market. Here you can get in one last shopping trip and pick up any last minute trinkets, textiles, or handicrafts.
Your driver will then take you from the cultural Capital of Bali, and towards South Bali and your next destination – the beach!
Day 6: Nusa Dua
Your first full day by the beach! We have left this day free for you to relax and take in your new surroundings.
Maybe spend the day exploring the area and its stunning beaches, or simply settle down by the hotel pool with your favourite book.
Day 7: Bali Lakes and Hills Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, your driver and guide will pick you up and whisk you off on a brilliant full day excursion, visiting Bali’s Lakes and Hills.
Your first stop will be at the Royal Temple of Mengwi, which amazingly was built in 1634 to serve the family temple of the Mengwi dynasty. This temple is truly a stunning example of historic architecture, enclosed by a moat, with multi-roofed shrines and intricately carved wooden gates.
You’ll then be taken to the central highlands, famous for its breath-taking beauty and three lakes. While there, you’ll get to visit the traditional market, perfect for picking up a few more souvenirs and keep-sakes!
Heading north and further in the hills, you will reach Lake Bratan. Set on an island amid the tranquil waters of the lake, Ulun Danu Temple is one of the most iconic and photographed historic sites, when you get there, you’ll certainly see why.
It’s now time to return to the south, via the rice fields of Jatiluwih, where you’ll get to partake in a leisurely one hour trek through the terraced rice fields while learning about the rice production in Bali.
Day 8: Nusa Dua
Today is another free day, perfect for a day on the beach. Why not find an empty spot, order a cocktail from one of the many bars, and truly relax in this idyllic setting.
Another great option is to visit a different area in southern Bali – perhaps get a taxi up to Seminyak, a great place for boutique clothes shops, and a gorgeous long strip of beach, buzzing with beach bars and sun loungers.
Day 9: Nusa Dua to Gili Trawangan
Your day today involves travelling to the remote island of Gili Trawangan. You'll be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport for the short flight to Lombok. On arrival, you will be met and taken to Teluk Kode, where a boat will take you over to the paradise Gili Islands.
The Gili islands are famously beautiful and unique, made even more special by the lack of motorised transportation! The best way to get around the islands is by foot, bicycle, or horse drawn carts.
Day 10: Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan (otherwise known as “Gili T”) is the biggest island located off the coast of Lombok, followed by Gili Meno, and finally by Gili Air.
Don’t get us wrong, it is by no means a big island – you can cycle the perimeter in about an hour, and we highly recommend you do! Hire bikes and snorkel gear, and spend the day making your way around the island, taking time to splash and swim in the water. Top tip, make sure you take some bottled water with you!
Day 11: Gili Trawangan
Gili T is the perfect place to chill out on the beach with a good book, however if you are looking for some activities, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
You can sea kayak, trek up to the view point for wonderful views over the Gili islands, Bali, and Lombok, or perhaps make scuba diving your new favourite hobby!
Day 12: Gili Trawangan
Today is your last day on this remote island, and the perfect day for a spot of pampering. There is an abundance of spas and salons on Gili T, so book in for a relaxing massage, pedicure or foot scrub.
To end the perfect day, head to the West of the island just before sunset – here you will find many beach bars with bean bags and chairs set out. Take a seat, order a drink, and watch the sun turn the sky orange, before it sets behind Bali’s Mount Agung – this truly is something to remember.
Day 13: Gili Trawangan to Nusa Dua
You will be repeating your journey today, by heading back to Bali. A boat will take you to Lombok, where a car will meet you and take you to the airport for your short hop flight back to Bali. Your driver will then take you back to your hotel in Nusa Dua, for one last night in Bali.
Day 14: Depart Bali
Your Indonesian adventure has now come to a close. Hopefully memories of the tranquil and cultural Ubud, beach bliss of Nusa Dua, and island life in Gili Trawangan, will be with you for life… or at least until you are drawn back to this friendly and diverse country!
Your driver will collect you for the last time, and take you to meet your onward flight.
Day 15: Arrive UK
