Bali
Ubud, East Bali, Seminyak
10 days
DAY 1
Arrive in Bali where you will be met by a JoYOUs Journey partner and take to COMO Uma Ubud, a peaceful retreat in the heart of Ubud. This hotel is a chic, contemporary resort that combines the charm of a traditional Indonesian village with upscale modern design. Scattered across a rural hillside connected by narrow paths lined with tall, lush and leafy walls, the rooms exude a relaxing sense of calm with their spacious interiors and large terraces or conservatories overlooking landscaped courtyards or infinity-edged plunge pools. Enjoy gourmet international cuisine at the resort’s restaurants or unwind at the spa which offers a range of holistic experiences in this beautiful setting surrounded rice fields and small villages.
DAY 2
Ubud, Bali
Experience arts, culture and spiritual traditions in Ubud, exploring scenic villages, holy temples, a museum and a sacred forest sanctuary. Start with cleansing your mind, body and soul at the holy water pool of Tirta Empul in Tampak Siring, a place often used for purification rituals and important Hindu ceremonies. The temple is located beside the Presidential Palace which was built for Indonesia’s first president. Drive past scenic rice field terraces and lush green landscapes to discover Gunung Kawi, an 11th-century temple with 10 rock-cut candis (shrines) dedicated to King Anak Wungsu and his favorite queens. Admire Balinese paintings and woodcarvings at the Puri Lukisan Museum which showcases a priceless collection of Indonesian art curated by an Ubud prince over decades. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and enjoy an organic Balinese lunch overlooking rice fields and plantations.
DAY 3
Ubud, Bali
Equipped with a torchlight and headlamp, which are provided for your use today, set off on an afternoon hike to the top of Mount Batur. The journey to the peak takes about three hours, depending on your level of fitness and the conditions on the day. The first half of the journey is an easy walk along a gentle path that leads you to the rim of the volcano. Stop here for a well-earned break before continuing uphill for about 30 minutes to reach the peak. Soak up incredible views of nearby Mount Agung and Mount Abang. If the skies are clear, you may also catch sight of Mount Rinjani further in the distance. Then settle in to watch the magical sunset over the horizon.
DAY 4
East Bali, Bali
Meet the guide at noon, and you will be transferred to East Bali. Nestled in a breathtaking location between the sea and Bali’s sacred Mount Agung, Alila Manggis delivers an inspired architectural design that allows free-flowing interaction between the resort’s buildings and surrounding nature. The guest rooms are housed in four two-story buildings that are set at a 45-degree angle to the beach, allowing sea views from every room and suite. The central pool is ideal for a moment of restful relaxation while the spa offers an added element of indulgence and the restaurants deliver a gourmet experience showcasing locally-grown ingredients from the organic garden.
DAY 5
East Bali, Bali
Drive to Iseh Village for a scenic bike ride through East Bali’s volcano valleys, rice terraces and tropical rainforests with views of Mount Agung looming in the background. Hop on a push bike or e-bike and make your way to Sibetan village, which is known for their snakeskin fruits. Feel free to chat with the local farmers and taste fresh fruits plucked from the plants. Sibetan village is also home to the island’s leading rice wine producers. Continue towards the east to Virgin Beach, also known as Prasi Beach. Hidden on a secluded stretch of coast located between two hills, the beach is nestled between the villages of Prasi and Bugbug. The beautiful, white sandy beach stretches across the bay and you can spend time here swimming or simply soaking up the ocean views.
DAY 6
East Bali, Bali
Witness the serenity of Tukad Cepung, a dream-like waterfall hidden inside a cave. This is one of Bali's most impressive natural wonders. The journey starts with a short trek along an easy jungle trail followed by wading across a river to reach canyon-like rocks. Admire the waterfall that cascades through a gap between the cliffs as the morning sun shines into the cave. Continue to Besakih Temple, one of the most sacred sites in Bali. Located on the south-western slope of the Agung volcano, at an altitude of 3,280 feet, the temple was designed to resemble Mount Meru with six consecutive terraces and staircases that lead to the central lotus throne. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking a rice terrace valley.
DAY 6-8
Seminyak, Bali
Meet the guide at noon, and you will be transferred to Seminyak. Known as the boutique shopping and spa district of Bali and located on a quiet stretch of beach in one of Bali’s hippest neighborhoods, Alila Seminyak is an idyllic retreat that blends contemporary architecture with lush, landscaped gardens and vertical green spaces.
Committed to minimizing its environmental footprint, the hotel features a contemporary, integrated design with environmental, energy and resource-efficient systems. The rooms and suites deliver thoughtfully designed spaces built for comfort and artisanal living. Enjoy lounging by the infinity pool with breezy cocktails at the Beach Bar or indulge in gourmet dining at the hotel’s restaurants or a little extra pampering at the spa.
DAY 9
Seminyak, Bali
Travel to the south-western tip of Bali to discover Uluwatu, a dramatic temple perched at the top of a cliff. Uluwatu was built in the 11th century and is revered as one of Bali's nine key cardinal temples. The temple is also home to a population of playful monkeys. This is the perfect setting for sunset viewing and you may wish to stay for the Kecak dance performance which takes place each evening between 6:00 and 7:00. Continue with dinner at Bumbu Bali. The benchmark for quality, taste and presentation, Bumbu Bali serves inspired dishes by Heinz von Holzen, a chef and culinary connoisseur who spent 15 years discovering the nuances of the island's local cuisine.
DAY 10
Depart for home taking with you amazing memories of your trip to Bali already dreaming of when you will start your next travel adventures.