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10 days / 09 nights
Ubud– Gili Trawagan – South Bali
Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is a feast for the mind, body and spirit. It evokes thoughts of paradise with its spectacular beaches, amazing coral reefs and natural beauty. Known for its looming active volcanoes, mystical carved temples, intriguing culture, dramatic rituals and friendly people, it exudes peace, serenity and the thrill of discovery all at the same time.
Arrive at Denpasar airport; meet your tour guide for private transfer to hotel in Ubud area.
Ubud and the surrounding villages remain the undisputed cultural heartland of Bali and recent growth has not diminished the breathtakingly beauty of the area. Over the years Ubud’s spectacular natural beauty has been recorded in large collections of timeless art, and stunning examples can be found when visiting the Agung Rai Museum of Art. Next the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary set in 27 acres of dense jungle in the Padangtegal area of Ubud is a must-see. Located about 10minutes from Ubud near The Monkey Forest is the mysterious Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah). Goa Gajah is a significant Hindu archaeological and spiritual site. Intricate and menacing carved faces on the cave entrance seem to ward off evil spirits. Lunch will be served at Sari Organic. After lunch, visit The Traditional Ubud Art Market, filmed in the movie, Eat, Pray Love is centered among the art producing villages of the area and is one of the best markets to find a myriad of interesting traditional and contemporary crafts.
Depart in the morning and drive to Munduk village. Enjoy a beautiful trek through coffee, cloves, cacao and other exotic tropical plantations near the village. Gain insight into mountain farm life and the importance of the plantations that once attracted Europeans. Visit a lovely waterfall and later leave Munduk and drive to Jatiluwih. Take a pleasant walk to discover the beautiful terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, visit the important holy Batukaru temple, which protects Bali from evil spirts. It is located on the southern slope of Batukaru Mountain, Bali’s second highest volcano.
This morning, about a 1 hour drive will take you to Penelokan Village located on the rim of Batur Volcano, one of the largest and most impressive active volcanos in the world. Visit the Wayans Family who own a small food stall and enjoy Balinese style coffee, tea and snacks as you enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Batur from their home. Here you will begin cycling, descending through coffee, tea and a mandarin orange plantations to Pisang Village. Along the way join farmers as they plant and harvest their crops. Pedal through rice fields and a tropical rain forest valley to Sebatu Village. Sebatu is home to thousands of talented artists, producing painted wood carvings and sculptures. It is also known for its music and elaborate dance customs. Pedal down to Pejeng Aji village known for the best Garuda Wisnu wood carvers and observe artists creating these intricate carvings. Continue cycling to Bentuyung Village mentioned in the book, Eat Pray, Love. During the 2.5 hour downhill bike ride (approx 25km) you can stop whenever you choose to take photos and visit with the local people. You will discover interesting details of village and family life. Visit a village temple and learn about Balinese spiritual beliefs and practices.
Today is free for your own activities or takes optional tours available.
White Water Rafting at Ayung River
The Ayung River provides a thrill that begins the moment you push off from the riverbanks. On more leisurely stretches through tropical forests you may be able to see brightly decorated Hindu shrines on ceremonial days. Discover hidden waterfalls. Swim in the pristine water and immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Ayung River Valley near Ubud, Gianyar – Bali. A professionally trained guide will safely maneuver you through 10 km of exciting class II & III rapids.
Cooking Class Wapa Di Ume
In Ubud, at the Wapa di Ume Resort you will learn secret recipes of traditional Balinese cooking. Early in the morning, visit Ubud’s traditional market to buy the ingredients for your culinary experience. Afterward, you will start cooking in the traditional Balinese kitchen compound amid gardens and rice fields. There is an organic garden to support the cooking class where you can choose from a myriad of spices and vegetables. Enjoy the serenity of tasting your creations on the wooden deck in view of beautiful rice fields.
In the morning, meet your tour guide and transfer to Padang Bay Harbor to catch your speedboat to Gili Trawangan Island. Upon arrival, meet your hotel representative and transfer to hotel.
The Gili Islands are a paradise of three small beautiful, tropical islands, known by the name Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air. They are located northwest of mainland Lombok. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all islands and the atmosphere of the islands is remote. Enjoy time to snorkel, dive or swim. All islands are surrounded by stunning beaches, shimmering clear water teeming with marine life, and spectacular views of majestic volcanoes in Bali and Lombok. Each Gili Island is so small that it can be traversed all the way around on foot within a couple of hours. You can also go by bicycle or traditional horse cart. Gili Trawangan is the most developed. Gili Air is closest to the Lombok mainland. Its western shore is deserted, while its eastern shore is more developed. A kilometer from Gili Trawangan is Gili Meno, the smallest of the three islands and by far the most peaceful and under developed, known for some of the best beaches in the area.
This morning return to Bali by speedboat. Meet your tour guide and transfer to hotel in South Bali.
Kuta/Seminyak/Legian/Jimbaran/Nusa Dua
The neighborhoods of Tuban, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak are an urban agglomeration of hundreds of hotels, clubs, restaurants, and shops. Away from the city rush are quieter Jimbaran and The Bukit Peninsula offering beautiful beaches and nature-carved cliffs.
In the afternoon visit the 11th century Uluwatu Temple located on the extreme southwestern tip of the island. It is renowned for its spectacular location on the edge of a steep cliff above the roaring waves of the Indian Ocean. The temple is inhabited by a large number of monkeys, renowned for snatching visitors’ belongings. You may want to stay for the amazing sunset and Kecak monkey dance that is performed every evening near the temple. The traditional Kecak dance is the fascinating Hindu dance and music drama of the Ramayana love story. It is unique in that it has no other musical background or accompaniment besides the chanting of male dancers, intoning a “keh-chack” polyrhythmic choir during most of the performance. The men performers are seated in tight, concentric circles with a central space reserved for the protagonist.
Dinner is served at Bumbu Bali Restaurant, an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience, which integrates the mysticism of Bali and its people with the finest produce of the island.
Private transfer to the airport for flight departure. Have a safe trip!
B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner