Rice Terraces & Paradise Beaches – Bali & the Gilis
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Tumbling rice paddies of Ubud
Ubud is the bohemian centre of Bali, an atmospheric world of small artist studios, yoga schools, restaurants and cafes. Spend two nights ambling amongst the rice terraces that flow down the hills and into the valleys like rich green waterfalls. Watch daily life unfold in authentic villages, learn about coffee production and soak up the inspiring spirit of the place.
Days 3-5 – Munduk and the temple lake
Today, you’ll leave Ubud behind and head inland. You’ll be collected by a private car and transferred to Munduk, roughly 3 hours away. Discover a breezy highland world of misty mountains, forest waterfalls and serene temple lakes in Munduk, a hilltop retreat with heaps of local character. Trek through the valleys and orchards, soak up the gorgeous views and suck in the cool mountain air. Follow scenic trails through vanilla, coffee and clove plantations to glimmering lakes and visit island temples in the hills.
Days 5-7 – Bali homestay in the hills
After breakfast, you’ll be collected by private car and transferred to the village of Tirtagangga, roughly 3 hours away. Take a glimpse into the real Bali with a homestay tucked away in the hills. Meet the villagers, taste home-cooked meals and trek through the rich green valleys. It’s a wonderful, warm-hearted way to get a feel for daily life in Bali, where the views are beautiful and the people even more so. You’ll spend two nights amidst some of Bali’s most stunning scenery.
Days 7-9 – Bali’s secret spices
Today, you’ll be picked up from your homestay and driven approximately 1 hour to the scenic rocky coast of Candidasa. Cook up a classic Balinese storm on the laid-back beaches of the east. Snorkel through coral gardens and whip up tasty traditional dishes in an open-air kitchen. While the beach at Candidasa has mostly been swallowed by the sea, the atmosphere is deliciously drowsy and the food is to die for. You’ll take an authentic cooking class complete with sea views, learning how to create some local favourites.
Days 9-12 – White sands of the Gilis
Next, you’ll leave Candidasa early in the morning to go to Padangbai, about 20 minutes away, where you’ll board the fast boat for the 2-hour trip to the sparkling white beaches of the Gili Islands. Visit a laid-back barefoot escape with swaying coconut palms and an underwater world begging to be explored. Snooze in the sunshine, take barefoot strolls, feast on sizzling seafood and snorkel with sea turtles. The Gili Islands are a castaway sensation. The sand is white, the water is unbelievably clear, and the atmosphere is completely carefree.
Days 12-14 – Beaches of southern Bali
Today, you’ll head back to Bali, travelling by fast boat. In Padangbai, you’ll be picked up by your driver for a shared mini-bus transfer along the south coast to the lively beach resort of Sanur. The transfer will take about an hour. It’s a great place to end a busy trip to Bali, with narrow beaches, spa treatments and seafood by the bucket-load. Stretch out by the pool, take a leisurely walk along the beach and grab a cocktail at sunset. Simple.
At the end of your holiday, you’ll be transferred from Sanur to the airport, which takes about half an hour, to begin your journey home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Rice Terraces & Paradise Beaches - Bali & the Gilis - In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
