Highlights of Bali: Ubud and Mt Batur

Arrive this afternoon at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar and be greeted by the guide and driver. From there, receive a private transfer to Ubud, in the central of Bali. Ubud is the island’s artistic and cultural capital.

Check in at the hotel in Ubud and enjoy the remainder of the day unwinding at your hotel or explore the surrounding streets. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud.

The city tour of Ubud today begins with a visit to the Peliatan Royal Palace for a look at its traditional Balinese architecture. Next is a stop at the ARMA Museum, which provides excellent insight into Balinese art and culture.

Following the palace and museum visits, drive to Ubud’s sacred Monkey Forest to meet its cheeky inhabitants and the lush tropical jungles in which they live. Afterwards enjoy some free time at Ubud Market and watch as local vendors sell everything from food and clothes to souvenirs and art -great place to get a feel for local life in the area.

Lunch is served in a local restaurant. From here, there is a chance to enjoy beautiful views over Tjampuhan Valley.

In the afternoon, continue to Tegalalang rice terraces for views of some of the most beautiful rice terrace landscapes in Bali. Enjoy a 1-hour leisurely trekking experience from Café Dewi, a cafe with panoramic views, located in Pakudui. Walk down the amazing rice terraces with the guide and 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. Return to Café Dewi for a coffee break and another look at the beautiful scenery of the area before heading on.

The last stop of the day is on the way back to Ubud in Petulu. The area is well-known by nature-lovers who come to witness the roosting of thousands of herons who gather here in the late afternoon every day. Return to the hotel in Ubud to freshen up and take a rest.

In the evening, head out to witness an incredible traditional dance performance followed by a dinner of local specialties.

Overnight in Ubud.

Today, after breakfast, start with a visit to the royal Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi for a look at its beautiful ponds, multi-tiered roof structures and traditional Balinese architecture. Literally translating to “beautiful garden”, this is one of the loveliest temples in Bali. Discover its charms yourself, as you cross a bridge across the enveloping canals into the courtyard. Stroll along the footpath and take in the beauty and meaning of the nine-jet fountain.

Next we drive north to Bedugul then visit Ulun Danu Temple. A water temple on the shores of Lake Bratan, it is used for offerings to the Balinese water goddess. Afterwards, make a quick stop at Candi Kuning, a traditional fruit and vegetable market, for some fresh fruit, before having lunch. Lunch is served in a local restaurant.

Continue with a visit to Bali’s UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih, one of the most famous and stunning views on the island, for panoramic views of its iconic rice terraces. Located on a slope near the holy mountain of Batukaru, this area is known as the ‘Rice Granary of Bali’, and is one of the best examples of subak-style rice farming. Here, we go for a one-hour leisurely walk through the rice fields for an up-close look at the verdant scenery.

Late in the afternoon, arrive at the incredible sea temple of Tanah Lot - one of Bali’s most famous temples. Set dramatically on a small island just off from the beach, watch as the sun sets behind the horizon in one of Bali’s most iconic places to watch sunset.

Once you’ve explored the temple grounds, finish your journey, arriving back in Ubud for the rest of the day at your leisure in this beautiful upland town that’s not only scenic but also the centre of traditional dance and culture on the island. Dinner at leisure

Overnight in Ubud.

After the breakfast, begin the Highlights of Bali Tour today by departing Ubud for an excursion to Mt Batur. Drive along small, scenic roads offering beautiful views of the rice fields and the daily life of the Balinese farmers.

Along the way, Twe make the first stop to visit the unique temple of Gunung Kawi, an 11th-century temple and funerary complex in Tampaksiring. Set amidst lush rice terraces, the complex features 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face. They stand seven metres tall and combine ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple attributes. There are numerous stairs leading down to the temple, so good walking shoes are recommended.

Continue to the nearby village of Tampaksiring to explore Tirta Empul, a temple famous for its sacred spring water. The site serves as a legendary setting of a traditional tale about good versus evil. All Balinese bathe here at least once a year for a ritual cleaning in these holy waters dedicated to Vishnu.

Continue heading north until reaching Kintamani, a volcanic region with breathtaking views of Mt Batur. Upon arrival, take some time to enjoy the area’s impressive panoramic views. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake. The entire area is surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. Although Mt Batur (1,717 m) is not the tallest volcano in Bali, it is the most active and is surrounded by an impressive caldera. Stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant here, with all-encompassing views over Lake Batur.

Later in the afternoon, we return to Ubud by a different road towards the area of Bangli. Stop en route at Penglipuran, a traditional countryside village known for its unique building style and architecture and Kehen Temple, often called ‘Mini Besakih’. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Ubud.

The Highlights of Bali Tour wraps up today. After breakfast and check out, head out for an excursion in east Bali. Make a first stop in Klungkung to visit Kertagosa. This ancient justice court retains the most detailed ceiling paintings in Bali depicting punishments that were given to criminals in the old days.

Continue further with a visit to Besakih, known as the ‘Mother Temple’ of Bali. Located on the western slopes of Mt Agung, Bali’s highest volcano (2,567m), Besakih is the largest and most religiously important temple on the island. Lunch is served in a local restaurant overlooking rice fields as far the eye can see. Later in the afternoon, be transferred to the airport for an evening return flight.

You have seen all the highlights Bali has to offer in such a short Bali trip. If you continue to travel to Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) or any far-flung countries such as Bhutan, North Korea or China, our travel specialists can tailor-make for you another unforgettable trip.