Bali discovery trip

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. You are greeted by your guide and driver at Ngurah Rai International Airport for your transfer to the hotel. You will have time to relax at your hotel and adjust to the pace of Bali.

Overnight at GREEN FIELD RESORT in Ubud.

In the morning you’ll visit a small, charming temple, built along a holy spring in Tirta Empul. This is one of the dedicated spots where the Balinese people fetch holy water for their numerous rituals. A bit further, you’ll find the Gunung Kawi, monumental rock shrines, dedicated to a long lost royal family of the 11th century. Have lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants of Ubud, overlooking a steep valley. In the afternoon, it is time for the arts.

The Neka Museum harbors some world class paintings of renowned Indonesian and famous foreign masters. Walking through the themed halls, you’ll discover the beauty of paintings inspired by Balinese culture. Finally, visit to the central market with lots of souvenirs and The monkey forest of Ubud, where hordes of monkeys will welcome you!

Overnight at GREEN FIELD RESORT in Ubud.

Embark on a culinary adventure unlocking the secrets of the authentic Balinese cooking, using traditional ingredients and preparation methods, in a fully equipped community village kitchen. Your day starts early at the Ubud markets, where you can pick from fresh herbs and spices, crisp vegetables and a choice of cuts of meat, before heading off on guided ‘padi’ expeditions. Upon your return to the village, you will be warmly welcomed and expertly guided by your host, who will help you to discover how to create your very own delicious authentic Balinese dishes. After lunch, return to hotel.

Overnight at GREEN FIELD RESORT in Ubud.

After breakfast, continue your trip towards Munduk village with a first stop at Mengwi, home of the splendid Taman Ayun. The 17th century royal temple sheds a magnificent light on the secrets of traditional Balinese temple architecture. Very few other temples were constructed along such 'ideal' lines. Three terraces blend harmoniously into one another, each of them representing different worlds, dedicated to the Negative and Positive Forces in the universe.

Afterwards continue to Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple Bali, set in a plateau area with tropical rainforest surrounding it on the slope of Mt. Batukaru. Batukaru temple is included in one of the six main temples (Sad Kahyangan) in Bali Island as described in Kusuma Dewa papyrus manuscript. Then continue to Jatiluwih, featuring a breathtaking view of rice terraces unfolding from the foot of the mountain to the coastal side. It has been well appointed as one of UNESCO World Heritages since the site has been able to maintain the local culture heritage in form of water irrigation system managed traditionally called by the name of Subak. After lunch, proceed to Munduk for your next accommodation.

Overnight at PURI LUMBUNG Cottage in Munduk.

After a relaxed breakfast, drive south while enjoying beautiful vistas on the on the coffee e clove growing area of Munduk. On the rim of one of the lakes of Central Bali, you will prepare for a descent into the rain forest. Most of the time you’ll walk downhill, learning how many of the local tropical plants have a medicinal use. Occasionally you will unexpectedly pass a forgotten temple on a site, reclaimed by the forest. The views to the lake and the surrounding lush rain forest is inspiring. A short boat ride on a traditional wooden canoe brings you to the other lake shore. Very few people venture out into this direction. During your trip it is so quiet you can hear the birds singing. Forest slopes seal off this area from the rest of the world.

On the last leg of the trip, stroll along a primitive settlement, attached to a beautiful designed Balinese temple. The uneven roofs of its meru, rise from behind the temple`s twin gate entrance. Your vehicle is waiting to take you to Pura Ulun Danu, a place of worship for the Goddess of shores of Lake Tamblingan, the source of water for Bali. Combining typical Hindu and Buddhist temple architecture, it is one of the most photographed temples of Bali. It acquired the status of a kayangan jagat or directional temple, meaning it is revered by all Balinese across the island. At about 1.200 meters above sea level, with mighty Mount Catur rising from its eastern shore, the climate is pleasantly cool all year round. Along wide highlands and strawberry farms, the road leads back to your hotel.

Overnight at PURI LUMBUNG Cottage in Munduk.

Depart to East Bali. The trip continues driving small mountainous roads to Penelokan. Enjoy the marvelous vistas over Lake Batur, Gunung Agung, and Mount Batur, a smoldering volcanic cone right in the middle of a large caldera. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Continue to Pura Besakih, aptly named the Mother Temple, a sprawling complex of numerous shrines and temples. Some of the biggest ones are obviously dedicated to the Hindu trinity Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, while the smallest ones seem to relate to various castes or even the different regions of Bali. Ceremonies held here are feasts for the eyes and attended by thousands of people. The temple is built against the slope of Mount Agung. Afterwards continue to Klungkung and visit Kerthagosa, formerly a justice hall in 18th century.

Proceed heading to your accommodation in Ramayana Candidasa and check-in at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will take you to a village high in the mountains and start a descent through beautifully landscaped rice terraces and rarely visited villages. The path leads towards Tenganan, home of the original inhabitants of Bali. All the way down, there is an inviting sight of the deep blue Indian Ocean right in front of you. After an inspiring hike, you reach Tenganan, one of the several ancient villages in Bali, where people who call themselves `Bali Aga`. A high wall surrounding their village, adds to the self-chosen isolation of this community, adhering to strict principles. This place is world famous for its ikat.

Then continue to Tirtagangga, a royal watergarden, composed mainly by water, plants and sculptures. It is situated in the middle of rice fields around the natural springs of Rejasa. It belongs to the same royal family that owns the palace you just visited! The water from one of the natural springs of Tirtagangga has always been regarded as holy. Tirta means blessed water, gangga comes from Ganges, the holy river in India. The holy water is required for ceremonies of the temples in the surrounding area. After lunch, return to your hotel in Candidasa.

Overnight at Ramayana Candidasa

Morning at leisure until departure time, meet your guide at the lobby and direct transfer to Denpasar airport or continue for an extension stay in south Bali.

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