Bali, beyond the crowds
From the rice terraces of Jatiluwih to the reefs of Menjangan, from sunrise on Mount Batur to the cliffs of Uluwatu: 16 days to discover the real Bali, away from rushed tours. The mountains of Munduk, the villages of the north and east, encounters with local families and artisans, at a gentle pace, with two days to unwind. An itinerary designed with a local guide, that I experienced first-hand.
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The itinerary
- Day 1, Arrival in BaliAirport welcome and transfer to your hotel in South Bali or Mengwi. Check in and rest after your journey.
- Day 2, Rest and relaxationA free day to recover from the flight before the tour begins: pool, garden, a stroll nearby or simply rest.
- Day 3, Temples and rice terracesTanah Lot, the temple set on the ocean, then the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih and Ulun Danu Beratan on its lake. Evening arrival in Munduk, in the cool of the mountains.
- Day 4, Lake Tamblingan and Munduk waterfallsA rainforest hike with a local guide, then a traditional canoe ride on Lake Tamblingan. In the afternoon, a walk to the Munduk waterfalls.
- Day 5, Buddhist temple and hot springsDrive to the northwest coast. Visit the Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist temple, then relax in the natural pools of the Banjar hot springs. Arrival in Pemuteran, a peaceful coastal village.
- Day 6, Underwater world and local encounterSnorkelling or diving in Pemuteran or around Menjangan Island, known for its clear water and coral. In the late afternoon, a visit to a local family: a Balinese cooking class and shared meal, or making traditional offerings.
- Day 7, Northern temples and the road to AmedVisit Pura Melanting, then Pura Beji and its stone carvings. Drive along the north coast to Amed, on the east of the island.
- Day 8, Amed's underwater worldSnorkelling or diving on Amed's reefs. For a quieter day: beach, fishing village and time at the hotel.
- Day 9, Tirta Gangga and Virgin BeachThe pools and fountains of the former royal palace of Tirta Gangga, then a swim at Virgin Beach. Arrival in Sidemen through the Balinese countryside.
- Day 10, Rafting and silver workshopA rafting trip through lush tropical scenery. In the afternoon, create your own silver jewellery with a local craftsman.
- Day 11, Kerta Gosa and Ubud's artisansVisit Kerta Gosa, the former royal court of justice in Klungkung, with its painted ceilings. Meet local artisans: woodcarving, batik, silver and gold work. Arrival in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali.
- Day 12, Sunrise on Mount BaturLeave in the night to climb the volcano with a local guide and watch the sun rise over Lake Batur. Back in Ubud by mid-morning, with the afternoon to rest. A good level of fitness is required.
- Day 13, Tirta Empul and ATV adventureA purification ritual in the sacred springs of Tirta Empul temple. In the afternoon, an ATV ride through countryside, plantations and rice fields.
- Day 14, Balinese dance, Uluwatu and MelastiA traditional dance performance, then Uluwatu temple perched on cliffs above the Indian Ocean. A stop at Melasti Beach before reaching your hotel in South Bali.
- Day 15, Free day in the southBeach, pool, souvenirs and good restaurants: a last day at your own pace.
- Day 16, Departure from BaliBreakfast depending on your flight time, then transfer to the airport.