Monkeys & Volcanoes

After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to the cool highlands of Bedugul for a day of exploring Bali’s lakes and hills. Setting off from the south with your local guide, you’ll travel to the inland highlands where you’ll visit local markets, walk through lush forests and plantations and visit the iconic Ulun Danu Temple. With cool temperatures and lush green surroundings, this journey is a great way to travel to Lovina beach.

First off, you’ll be picked up and you’ll head for Bedugul, an area of the central highlands that is famous for its stunning beauty and three lakes. You’ll visit the area’s traditional market of Bedugul where a myriad of fruits, vegetables and orchids are for sale from the area’s gardens. There are also stalls selling exotic spices and souvenirs.

Ascend north, further into the hills, to reach Lake Bratan and the famous Ulun Danu Temple. Set on an island amid the peaceful water of the Lake Bratan, this temple is one of Bali’s most iconic and photogenic sites.

There should be time to discover the temple and lovely garden before you stop for lunch. Continue driving to a small mountain road overlooking two superb lakes: Buyan and Tramblingan. Stop for photos and to enjoy the scenery.

Arrival in Lovina will be towards the end of today, check in to your hotel and, after freshening up, enjoy dinner at leisure.

Aneka Lovina Hotel (AAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (B)

After breakfast, explore the beautiful, less visited province of Karangasem. Start with a visit of Tirta Gangga. Meaning 'water of the Ganges' this sacred water palace was built in the early twentieth century by the last king of Karangasem. It boasts many decorative ponds and fountains, lush plant life and natural bathing pools. Then, you will set off on a 2 hour trek from the small village of Kastala, through the rice fields down to Tanganan, one of several ancient villages in Bali.

At the end of the trek, you’ll explore Tangagan. The village is home to the Bali Aga people, Bali’s first inhabitants who where there even before the arrival of the Majapahit dynasty who came from Java. You’ll see the village’s primitive architecture as well as observe the weaving of rare “double ikat" pattern and basket weaving. Proceed to your hotel in Sidemen late this afternoon.
 

Subak Tabola Inn (AAA) - 1 night  - Swimming Pool (B) 

This morning you will get a true taste of the local culture, traditions and lifestyles with our ‘Balinese Experience’. With your guide and driver visit Mas, a small village located 10-15 km from Ubud and known for its wood carving tradition. Here you will have a chance to take part in activities that are ‘uniquely Bali’. You will first receive a blessing by a priest and then meet with an astrologer who will tell you more about your destiny by using ancient methods.

Then it’s time enter the traditional Balinese compound: discover the process of making traditional temple offerings or work with a local wood-carver to learn the methods of this ancient handicraft. Not only will you learn new skills but you will also immerse yourself in the typical life of a Balinese. A hands-on cooking class teaches you more about the cuisine and local ingredients. As the final touches are being put on the dishes, have a walk around the village compound to learn about the traditional architecture and layout of these rural seeing. Then, return to the house and sit down to dine on your tasty creations.

After lunch, discover the many charms of Ubud with a short city tour where you’ll visit Ubud’s Royal Palace in the heart of the small town. Built in the 16th century, the Palace is still home to Ubud’s King and its Royal family. Finish your day with a walk in Ubud Market where local vendors come to buy and sell food as well as handicrafts and textiles. (BL)

The majority of today will be free to spend as you please before you head to Sanur, Bali’s first beach resort. Laid-back Sanur, with its sandy beach and relatively calm, reef protected waters is a great location for families. You’ll have plenty of time here to wind down and relax at the end of your trip or to try one of a number of optional activities; perhaps take a surfing lesson or a trip to nearby Lembongan Island – (see the optional activities section for details and costs).

On your last afternoon in Sanur you’ll drive to Bukit, the extreme south of the island to reach Uluwatu. One of Bali’s most impressive temples, Uluwatu Temple, is majestically perched on the edge of a steep cliff that towers above the legendary surf breaks of the south island. At sunset, you’ll witness a dramatic kecak performance at the temple before continuing to Jimbaran for a farewell seafood dinner on the beach. 

Peneeda View Beach Hotel (AAA) - 4 nights  - Swimming Pool (Bx4, Lx1, Dx1)