Based in the picturesque village of Ubud, the cultural and spiritual centre of this idyllic island, you will spend 3 days and 2 nights exploring the culture of Bali. Home to stunning sacred temples, rice paddies, steep ravines and forests it is also where Elizabeth Gilbert author of best-selling “Eat, Pray, Love” found her inspiration.
A haven for the artistic, spiritual and alternative, Ubud is teeming with vegan cafes, crystal shops, chakra cleansing workshops and boho shopping galore. It also has its fair share of ancient sites such as; the Royal Palace, the cheeky inhabitants of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Tirta Empul temple complex, intricately carved Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and Gunung Kawi with its rock-cut shrines.
DAY ONE - TEMPLES & RICE PADDIES
After an early breakfast, we drive to Batukaru Temple. Located at the base of Mount Batukaru, this ancient Balinese Temple boasts a variety of shrines, protected by tiered roofs. As we continue our journey onto Ubud we will next visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. This area is a famous tourist attraction for beautiful rice terraces and has been designed with exquisite beauty in its hollowing rice field.
The final stop of the day is Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, a magnificent water temple complex. After admiring the striking temple with its accompanying ponds and gardens, it’s time to put on a traditional sarong and sash, and head to the Holy Spring to take part in a blessing ceremony.
DAY TWO - MOUNT BATUR HIKE AND SOAKING IN HOT SPRINGS
Rise and shine! It’s 2am and time to depart the hostel for the trek of Mount Batur! The sacred mountain draws tourists from all over the island for its breath-taking views over Lake Batur. You’ll make it to the top just after 6am and arrive at the conveniently named ‘Sunrise Point’.
We will then head directly to Toya Bungkah Hot Springs for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Here you can take a dip in the natural hot spring pool and soothe your calf muscles! After lunch, we will head into Ubud where you will have free time to navigate all the hustle and bustle Ubud centre represents.
DAY THREE - WATERFALLS, MONKEY FOREST & SUNSET IN TANAH
We will make our way to Tegenungan Waterfall, located in the sacred river of Petanu River. This is a really fun waterfall to visit in Bali. After you’ve dried off, it’s time to embrace the craziness of Alas Kedaton Monkey forest, populated by hundreds of grey long-tailed macaques. You will be led throughout the complex by a local guide who will share with you the history of the complex… and fend off any cheeky monkeys!
Our trip will end in Tanah Lot. We’ll first watch the sunset over the stunning Tanah Lot Temple, a historic landmark that has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples in Bali. To top off this exciting trip, we will be watching Kecak dancing – a traditional Balinese dance.