Ubud and Surrounds

On arrival this afternoon at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will provide the private vehicle transfer to Ubud. Located in the island’s centre, Ubud is the island’s artistic and cultural capital. Upon check-in, enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today enjoy a full day of escorted touring around Ubud, and this morning depart Ubud for an excursion to Mt Batur. You will drive along small, scenic roads offering beautiful views of the rice fields and the daily life of the Balinese farmers. Your first stop is to visit the unique temple of Gunung Kawi, which is set amidst lush rice terraces. These 11th-century temples feature ten rock-cut Candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face. They stand at 7-metre-high and combine ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple attributes, and there are numerous stairs leading down to the Temple (good walking shoes are required). Next, continue to the nearby Tampaksiring village to explore Tirta Empul, a temple famous for its sacred spring water. All Balinese will bathe there at least once a year for a ritual cleaning in these holy waters dedicated to Vishnu. Drive on further north until we reach Kintamani, a volcanic region where Mount Batur is standing with its breathtaking views. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake, surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant with all-encompassing views over Lake Batur. In the mid-afternoon, drive back to Ubud by a different road towards the area of Perkedui near Tegalalang for some of the most beautiful rice terraces landscapes in Bali. In mid-afternoon, enjoy a one-hour soft trekking in Tegalalang, a panoramic region located in Perkedui. Walking down the rice terraces with your guide, learn about the unique subak irrigation system that is common in Bali. Rice fields are a signature of Bali, and these quiet, verdant paths lined by palm trees provide great photographic opportunities.

End the trek at Teras Paddy Cafe and enjoy a coffee break at this beautiful location away from the crowds, and then return to Ubud late this afternoon.

Today you will get a true taste of the local culture, traditions and lifestyles with our ‘Balinese Experience’. 

Meet your guide in the hotel foyer and embark on a short drive to Mas. This small village is located 10-15 km from Ubud and is known for its wood carving tradition, and you will have a chance to take part in activities that are ‘uniquely Bali’. First, meet with an astrologer and receive a blessing; he’ll tell you more about your destiny by using ancient methods translated by your local guide. Next, you will work with a local wood-carver to learn the methods of making a handicraft. Not only will you learn new skills, but you will also immerse yourself in the typical life of a Balinese. For the beginner, it is recommended to start with bath soap for the media, draw the pattern on carton paper and begin to carve a turtle, and you will be equipped with the complete necessary carving tools. Assist in making Balinese dishes and watch the local chefs process fresh ingredients to make a delicious meal, then enjoy a walk around the village while the dishes are prepared. Return to the house and dine on your tasty meal. After lunch, return to Ubud with a visit to ARMA Museum (Agung Rai Museum of Art) and enjoy one of the best permanent collections of Balinese and Indonesian paintings. A visit to ARMA provides a great overview of the island’s rich artistic traditions. Enjoy a visit to the Monkey forest and after the market where you will see the local people buying and selling everything possible, and if you want to buy souvenirs, you have to negotiate! Return to your hotel to freshen before witnessing a traditional dance performance and in the evening, enjoy a late set menu dinner in one of Ubud’s heralded restaurants, The Bridges.

This morning begins with a drive to Klungkung to visit the former Royal Courts of Justice known as Kertagosa. The highlight here is an elaborately decorated ceiling featuring the wayang style of painting depicting the battle of good versus evil. Next, continue to Besakih, known as the ‘Mother Temple’ of Bali. Located on the western slopes of Mt Agung, Bali’s highest volcano (2,567 m), Besakih is the largest and most important temple on the island. Finally, enjoy lunch at Mahagiri Restaurant, where you’ll dine on fresh Balinese cuisine while surrounded by great panoramas over rice fields terraces with Mount Agung in the background. At the end of the afternoon, our driver will drop you off at your hotel on your selected beach destination (not included) or at Denpasar airport for your return flight.