DETAILED ITINERARY

Indonesia’s resort island of Bali is known for having some of the best beaches in the world, as well as wonderful coral reefs, green rice paddies and lush forested volcanoes. It offers a laid-back beach holiday in a warm and welcoming country with glorious mountainous scenery, beautiful lakes, gushing waterfalls, pretty flower gardens, sacred rivers, secret canyons, rocky coastal cliffs and stunning sunsets over the aquamarine ocean.

Seminyak, with its high-end shops and restaurants, Nusa Dua on the Bukit Peninsula, and Sanur are popular resorts in the south with splendid beaches, whilst the beachfront city of Kuta is known for its nightlife, with many lively bars. Canggu is surrounded by rice paddies and has a more relaxed vibe, with a strong surf and some great street art.

Spectacular Nusa Penida Island is located southeast of the mainland, and can be reached in 40 minutes by boat from Sanur Harbour. With its white sands, silky blue water and palm trees set at the foot of an enormous limestone cliff, Diamond Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Kelingking Beach is also simply stunning.

The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three tiny islands to the east of the mainland. Each idyllic island offers crystal clear turquoise waters, superb diving, cooking classes and other cultural experiences. Gili Meno and Gili Air (which has no cars) are best for couples and families, whilst Gili Trawangan is a party island that attracts backpackers. The islands can be reached in 90 minutes by fast boat from Padang Bai Harbour.

The best snorkelling beaches are on the east, northeast and west coasts of the mainland, where the sea is calm and there are vibrant coral reefs in shallow waters close to shore. For scuba divers the USAT Liberty shipwreck, which lies off Tulamben in the east, is one of the top dive sites in the world.

As a Balinese Hindu country the island has many lovely temples, including the magical Uluwatu Temple situated on a limestone cliff on the Bukit Peninsula at the southern tip of the mainland. Here you can witness stunning performances of the traditional Kecak Fire Dance in a clifftop amphitheatre at sunset.

The Tanah Lot Temple (meaning ‘Land in the Sea’) is situated north of Canggu and is equally stunning. It is set in a small rock cliff detached from the mainland and has long been a pilgrimage site. As Bali lies at the intersection of two large Ley Lines, it is regarded as a spiritual sanctuary, with powers of energy and healing, so is well known for yoga and meditation retreats.

Heading into the interior, adventure lovers will want to experience the Bali Swing, a series of gigantic swings set high above the lush jungle about 20 minutes outside Ubud and a tremendous Instagram opportunity! The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are a scenic valley of rice paddies north of the town, whilst you can see monkeys roam free in Monkey Forest.

You will find Tegenungan Waterfall in the lush forest just outside Ubud. A 15 minute trek through the jungle will take you to this powerful waterfall, with its thundering 15m cascade. You can’t wade underneath it, but you can view it from the rocks and take a dip in the catchment pool. As it’s a very steep walk, we suggest doing this in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day.

To reach the enormous Sekumpul Waterfall in the north, you will need to trek for 40 minutes down to its foot, where you will be rewarded with the sight of a beautiful rainbow when the sun shines.

In addition to enjoying the jungle and relaxing on splendid beaches, many resort activities are available including water sports such as paddle boarding and surfing. Bali is also a foodie’s paradise, with an excellent and eclectic dining scene ranging from local Indonesian dishes to burgers, fusion and vegan. Be sure to try ‘nasi goreng’ (fried rice packed with vegetables, with egg on top), which is one of Indonesia’s favourite dishes.

It’s really easy to get around in Bali - either by scooter, cab or with your own personal driver. Wherever you stay and whatever you do, you will be assured a warm local welcome and a genuine connection to Bali’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Economy flights from London are included, as well as resort transfers.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.