BLISSFUL BALI

Touch down at Ngurah Rai International Airport and make your way to the meeting point where a driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel in Legian (if you’ve booked your transfer with us). Checkin and get settled. At 5pm, meet our Local Insider who will accompany the group throughout the trip. You’ll receive an introductory talk alongside your fellow travellers, before heading to the hotel restaurant by the beach for a welcome dinner and cocktail – a perfect way to break the ice.

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Jatiluwih – a Unesco World Heritage-listed expanse of rice terraces, situated 700m (2,296ft) above sea level at the foot of Mount Batukaru (the second-highest peak in Bali). There, you’ll learn first-hand about the process of preparing Canang Sari (a traditional, hand-made Balinese offering) and place one of these sacred symbols of gratitude at Batukaru Temple. In the afternoon, you'll take an immersive trek to a local village, passing rice fields, rivers and a 700 year old Banyan tree, before tucking into a local lunch. You’ll then continue further into the highlands toward Munduk, your home for the night.

This morning, you’ll visit the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. These 40m (131ft) tall, side-by-side waterfalls are some of the most alluring on the island, set against the backdrop of dense tropical rainforest. The rock pool below is an idyllic spot to cool off with a refreshing swim before enjoying a delicious picnic of nasi bungkus (rice wrapped in a banana leaf, typically served with meat and vegetables) – an Indonesian classic. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to the town of Ubud – often regarded as Bali’s cultural heart due to its flourishing arts, crafts and dance scene.

Ready to get flexible with some FlyHighYoga? Pioneered in Ubud in 2012, this aerial style of yoga uses elasticated belts to enable all kinds of unusual stretches, leaving you feeling revitalised and relaxed. If yoga isn’t for you, don’t worry – grab a drink at the studio cafe and watch from the side. Spend a few hours exploring Ubud or relaxing by the pool before attending a cooking masterclass in the afternoon. Expertly guided by your host, Puspa, you’ll discover a myriad of techniques and flavour combinations, typical of authentic Balinese cuisine. Savour your own creations for dinner.

It’s a very early start today as you'll head to Mount Batur and begin a guided hike up the 1,717m (5,633ft) high active volcano. Upon reaching the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with mesmerising panoramic views as the island glows beneath the rising sun. Depending on the weather, you may even find yourself above the clouds for an even more dramatic spectacle. At the bottom, tuck into a well-deserved lakeside breakfast. Afterwards, it’s time to return to the coast for the next stop of your journey – Candidasa.

Today, you’ll have the chance to explore a beloved island landmark, Lempuyang Temple. It’s renowned for its Gates of Heaven, which perfectly frame Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, making for an unmissable photo opportunity. Next, you’ll stop by Tirta Gangga, an elegant collection of fountains, gardens and statues at a former royal palace. Take a dip in the spring-fed pool to cool off from the heat. Spend the afternoon at leisure back at the hotel – either on the beach or by the palm-tree flanked pool.

Say a temporary goodbye to Bali this morning as you catch a speedboat from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan (around a 90-minute journey). Although it’s the largest of the three islands in the Gili archipelago, just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Gili T – as the locals call it – is only 3km long and 2km wide, home to a population of just 1,500 people. With its pristine beaches, gentle waters and vibrant nightlife, you’ll experience a totally different side to Indonesia in this tropical haven. * Please note that in the event of extreme weather conditions, we have to re-route our Gili trip to stay overnight in Amed.

Following breakfast, head out on a snorkelling trip. The islands are home to an abundance of turtles – keep your eyes peeled as you swim through the clear water. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot green turtles, but also keep an eye out for hawksbills (a critically endangered species recognisable by their narrow, pointed beaks). Clean equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Along Gili Meno’s west coast, you’ll also find a circle of 48 life-size stone statues on the seabed – a captivating exhibition designed to help coral and marine life flourish.

In the mood for rest and relaxation? Spend today however you like. Unwind by the pool, practise yoga or book yourself a rejuvenating massage at the spa. Alternatively, use the time to explore Gili Trawangan at your own pace. You’ll be able to walk round the entire island in a couple of hours, or you can rent bikes and cycle (there are no motorised vehicles here). Come nightfall, wrap up your beach break with cocktails and a barbecue.

You’ll return to Bali this morning, departing Gili Trawangan for Padang Bai by speedboat after a leisurely breakfast. From there, continue on to Canggu – the final stop of your trip. After checking into the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this laid-back surf resort, known for trendy cafes, colourful street art and a plethora of boutique shops. Wander through town, take a stroll along the beach or chill poolside. It’s entirely up to you.

Kick-start the final full day of your trip by taking an optional surfing lesson. With mellow and predictable waves (particularly around Echo Beach and Batu Bolong), it’s a great spot for beginners. Later on, visit a local temple to take part in a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony with a mangku (priest). At the end of this spiritual experience, the priest will add a tridatu (a three-colour bracelet) to your wrist, symbolising the circle of life. Cap off the trip with a sumptuous farewell group dinner at a local restaurant.

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers at the hotel around midday as your Balinese adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and making your way to the airport to catch your flight home – or choose to extend your stay in Indonesia.