central bali tour

Central Bali Tour

Central Bali is chock full of amazing sites, and this full-day Central Bali tour lets you see them all. Click through to read more.

Table of Contents

See the best that central bali has to offer.

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Enriching Nature and Culture

Spirituality is central.

Central Bali is a great place to experience some of the island’s most prominent spirituality, and this tour seeks to honor that. After lunch, the english-speaking tour guide will lead you to Tirta Empul Temple at Tampaksiring. Really, it’s not just one temple, but rather a collection of temples that serve to represent unending credence. To the Balinese, this conglomerate of temples is one seriously holy scene, and the beautiful architecture surrounding it is evidence. After absorbing this strong sense of spirituality, wandering around the fields of Ceking Rice Terrace in a small plantation village known as Tegalalang may just take on a whole new meaning for you. Coconut trees dapple the fields for a wonderfully tropical feel. By the time you return to your hotel in the evening, you’ll feel totally enriched with a day spent in Central Bali.

TIP: You might also like the Eat, Pray, Love tour.

Keep in Mind Before You Go

For a full-day tour, whatever the destination may be, it’s best to be prepared. You’ll be able to explore Central Bali even amidst the rain, so be sure to bring appropriate attire. Slip-resistant footwear is also recommended during the easy walking period. All entrance fees, parking fees and petrol surcharge are included in the cost of this Central Bali Tour. However, lunch and recommended gratuities are not included, so be sure to factor that in as you pack up for the exciting day of exploration ahead!

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Bali Buddies Tips

• Looking for the best flight deals to Bali? Compare prices on  Skyscanner
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• Want to explore Bali on a bike? Rent a bike via Bikago.
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Privacy Overview

Central Bali Tour

Central Bali captivates visitors with its enchanting beauty, characterized by lush landscapes, terraced rice paddies, and rich cultural tapestry.

Highlights:

Ubud | Gianyar | Kintamani

Sacred Monkey Forest

Ubud Palace

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Ubud Art Market

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Tegenungan Waterfall

Elephant Cave

Tirta Empul Holy Springs

Celuk Art Village

Gunung Kawi Temple

Penglipuran Village

Kintamani Lookout

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Things to know.

We provide private tour service with a dedicated English-speaking driver and comfortable cars for your trip. Prices are inclusive of petrol and regular parking fees for 10 hours. Tour itinerary and schedule can be customized to your preferences.

Vehicle options:

• IDR 650,000 -Standard MPV (up to 4 passengers)
• IDR 800,000 – Large MPV (up to 6 passengers)
• IDR 1,000,000 – Luxury MPV (up to 6 passengers)
• IDR 1,200,000-  Minibus (up to 12 passengers)

Transfers to and from your hotel within 30 kilometers of the Ngurah Rai International Airport (Such as Denpasar, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Seminyak, Pererenan, Canggu, Ubud, Airport, etc).

For pick-up from different areas, please contact us.

For your convenience, we provide 3 payment options:

• Cash upon arrival
• Bank transfer
• Secured payment link with Credit Card
• The prices are inclusive of 21% GST.
• If the trip exceeds 10 hours, an additional charge of 10% per hour will be incurred.
• Entrance fees and tickets are not included in the prices.
• Any cancellation must be informed with at least 48 hours notice.

Central Bali Day Tour Ideas

 Ubud Palace – Monkey Forest – Ubud Market – Elephant Cave

Kintamani lookout – Penglipuran Village – Gunung Kawi – Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall – Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Tirta Empul Holy Springs

Or customize your own Full Day Tour

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Ubud, Goa Gajah and Central Bali Tour

• 9.70 / 10 55 reviews | 370 travellers Great trip around Ubud that would not be the same if we didn't have our driver and guide Mawa with us! Mawa had an excellent energy, shared with us many information about the balinese culture and every site we visited and last but not least he took some great photos of us Highly recommended! 10 Anonymous
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
• Hotel pick up
• X (Twitter)

Be surprised by Ubud , the  Tirta Empul temple Goa Gajah cave and  Bali's other treasures with this tour around the stunning centre of the island.

Description

From your hotel in Bali, we'll head in the direction of  Batubulan , where warriors, dragons, gods and spirits will be waiting to greet us... these are the dancers who take part in the barong dances and you'll see a demonstration of this unusual choreography, typical from the region, learning all about their significance of the various characters which feature.

We'll continue to learn about the traditions of the island, visiting a typical Balinese house in Batuan , an insular village that still maintains the most ancient customs and ways of life in Indonesia. Then we'll make our way to Ubud , an area famous for its markets, palaces, Hindu temples and the friendly animals which will accompany us as we tour the area... the famous Ubud monkeys !

Having taken some free time to eat lunch, we'll hit the road again, to visit the  Tegallalang rice fields . These fields, found on stepped terraces, make for one of the most famous and memorable sights on the island, and around the corner, we'll see the  Tirta Empul temple , whose fountains are considered sacred and purifying according to the local legend...

With our visit to the Tirta Empul over, we'll make our way to  Goa Gajah,  also known as 'the elephant cave'. What secrets might it hold inside?

Then after seeing the grotto, we'll take you back to your hotel.

Hotel pickup

Hotel pickup is included in the following areas:  Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Denpasar, and Nusa Dua . If your accommodation is located in another area, you'll have to pay an additional charge in cash on the day of the tour.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Hotel pickup and drop–off

Transport by private air–conditioned vehicle

English–speaking guide

Private and exclusive tour

Not included

Entrance tickets

When to book?

You can book up until 8 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Bali Local Host Show more

Corporate name: Bali Local Host

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

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The tour exceeded my expectations! The temples were stunning. Highly recommend!

Enjoy a day exploring the highlights of central Bali. Our journey begins in the heart of Ubud at Pura Taman Saraswati, a beautiful water temple featuring classic Balinese architecture and an impressive foyer featuring ponds filled with blooming pink lotuses. We continue on to Gunung Kawi, one of Bali’s most unique archaeological sites. Gunung Kawi Temple is two rows of ancient royal tombs on the banks of the Pakerisan River overlooked by terraced rice fields. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we travel to Kintamani to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Batur. The route back to your hotel takes you to our last stop, one of Bali’s holy springs called Toya Devasya. An infinity hot spring pool sitting on the edge of Lake Batur. This is the ultimate relaxing way to end the day.

Note: please bring extra clothes

What To Expect

Pick-up is available from the most centrally located hotels in Kuta, Legian, Tuban, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Tanjung Benoa areas. For other areas with additional charges. Pick-up from other areas is not recommended.

• Nusa Dua will be charged USD 4 or IDR 50,000/Person
• Ubud, Canggu, Pecatu, Uluwatu, Tabanan, and Tanah Lot will be charged USD 10 or IDR. 150.000/Person
• Candidasa, Singaraja will be charged USD 20 or IDR 300.000/Person

1 hour 30 minutes. Admision Ticket Free

Our journey begins in the heart of Ubud at Pura Taman Saraswati, a beautiful water temple featuring classic Balinese architecture and an impressive foyer featuring ponds filled with blooming pink lotuses. Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, literature and art, the temple is well-hidden in Ubud center and the perfect starting point for our day.

1 hour. Admision Ticket Free

Gunung Kawi, one of Bali's most unique archaeological sites. Gunung Kawi Temple is two rows of ancient royal tombs on the banks of the Pakerisan River overlooked by terraced rice fields. The holy Pakerisan River flows through the center of Gunung Kawi cutting the site into two separate sections with a bridge to connect one side to the other. It is believed the holy waters of the Pakerisan sanctify Gunung Kawi and the beauty of the place evokes a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.

we travel to Kintamani to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Batur. With ribbons of black lava running down from its peak to the valley below, Batur's crater is holy and a sanctuary at the top is dedicated to a fertility goddess.

The route back to your hotel takes you to our last stop, one of Bali's holy springs called Toya Devasya. An infinity hot spring pool sitting on the edge of Lake Batur, you'll put on your bathers and enjoy the spiritual waters that offer an unmatched, majestic panorama of Mount Batur. This is the ultimate relaxing way to end the day.

It's then time to say goodbye, as you transfer back to your hotel.

What's Included

• Land transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
• English Speaking Licensed Guide service
• Entrance Fee
• Goods and service tax
• Swimming at Devasya Hot Spring
• Meals / beverage
• Personal expenses

Cancellation policy

A 100% cancellation fee will apply if tour is cancelled within 48 hours prior to tour departure.

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Central Bali Tour

Bali, Indonesia

Description

Experience the wonders of Central Bali with our captivating Central Bali Tour . Begin your day with a convenient hotel pickup, followed by an enchanting Barong & Keris Dance Performance. Explore the mystical Elephant Cave Temple and witness the beauty of Tegenungan Waterfall. Immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple and enjoy a delicious lunch. Discover the flavors of Bali with a coffee break at a Coffee Civet Plantation. Marvel at the stunning Ceking Rice Terrace and enjoy an exhilarating Swing activity. As the day comes to a close, we'll ensure a comfortable return to your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Central Bali.

Tour Itinerary :

Full Day Central Bali Tour Price

We offer regular tour price and inclusive tour price that you can choose. Please pay attention at below details :

Regular Tours Price :

• USD $59/car (Regular car : 1-6 pax)
• USD $69/car (Volkswagen jeep : 1-3 pax)

Inclusion :

• Regular car / Volkswagen jeep/ Minibus
• English Speaking Driver
• Cold Mineral Water.

Exclusion :

• Entrance fee,
• Lunch or dinner expanses
• Dance performance and activities ticket.

Inclusive Tours Price :

• USD $70/pax. Booking for 2 pax minimum.
• Regular car / Volkswagen jeep
• Entrance fee
• Dance performance
• Activities ticket (Amazing Swing Activity)
• 1 x civet coffee break/pax and 14 cups of various coffee and tea. There will be surcharge if you wish to buy coffee powder or souvenir to take. Please pay by yourself.

Term and Conditions :

• The tours will take around 10 hours. There is additional charges USD 8 for extra time/hour.
• The Tour will assist by English Speaking Tours Driver
• Time and tour site is subjected to change based on your request.
• The price already include with 21% Government tax and Services
• For your convenience, please give a note on ‘Special Request’ if you choose Regular Tour Price or Inclusive Tour Price.
• Payment can be done by cash (directly to the driver in the end of the tour) or via bank transfer and pay pal account in rupiahs, USD, and Euro.
• Payment with other currency will convert based on daily exchange rate

We guarantee that the quality and efficiency of our service Will be superior. Our top priority is to provide the best we can offer to make your time with us an Unforgettable experience.

Booking Tour Now!

Bali has lots of interesting tourist attractions, so it's no wonder Bali is the best tourist spot. So we summarize these tourist attractions into our tour packages.

Top-Rated Tours in Bali to Save Time and Money

Home | Travel | Asia | Indonesia | Bali | Top-Rated Tours in Bali to Save Time and Money

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Bali tours  are the best solution for those who are short on time and want to visit the island’s essential destinations or for those who don’t want to rent (or are afraid of renting) a motorbike in Bali.

In this article, you will learn about the  day-trip tours in Bali that allow you to experience  the main places to visit in Bali in only 4 days. In addition, I’ll recommend the order to take these  top-rated Bali tours in order to get the most out of the pickup service that most of these excursions include and the best areas to stay in Bali to save time between tours.

Apart from those 4 main excursions in Bali, I will recommend other tours you can add later to visit some of the most important attractions in Bali.

Most of them are Private Bali tours, but I’ll also recommend some small group Bali tours powered by top tour operators & local travel companies.

Best Bali Tours for those who are short on time

If you’re traveling to Bali for a short period of time and want to see the main attractions, check out these four  recommended Bali day tours.  I’ve ordered them by relevance according to my personal opinion. If you’re doing a 3-day Bali itinerary, you can do the first three Bali activities mentioned below.

Ubud and Central Bali Tour

Places visited: Ubud + Tegalalang + Tirta Empul + Goa Gajah

Language: English-speaking tour guide

Price: $84.50 per group of up to 5 people ( Check availability )

Itinerary:  On the way to Ubud, you will stop in Batubulan to witness a  traditional Barong dance  and in Batuan to see a  traditional Balinese house.

Once in Ubud, you’ll visit the famous  Ubud Palace,  where the royal family still lives, the  Ubud Traditional Art Market,  the best place to buy local art, and  Pura Taman Saraswati.  Additionally, you’ll visit the  Monkey Forest  where you can meet the funny monkeys that live there.

After lunch, you’ll visit the  Tegalalang rice fields , where you can take a photo of one of the best-known postcards of Bali, the rice terraces, and visit the  Tirta Empul  temple, a very sacred place. The Balinese go to this temple to purify themselves with the sacred water that comes out of 12 pipes located on a stone pool.

Finally, you will visit the  Goa Gajah  temple, known as the Cave of the Elephant, which is renowned for its entrance that simulates the jaws of an evil monster.

Tips:  Take this tour as soon as you arrive in Bali. It includes pickup, so if you’re in the south area where the Denpasar airport is, you will be transferred to the island’s center, saving the price of the transfer to Ubud.

If you’re doing a Bali 7-day itinerary , I recommend you ask at the end of the tour if they can drop you off in Ubud instead of returning to Denpasar, which will leave you the next day to enjoy other things to do in Ubud before hiring the next tour.

In the event that you don’t have enough time to spend a day off, I also recommend that you stay at one of the wonderful hotels of Ubud at the end of the previous tour, since you’ll be closer to the places you’ll visit on the next Bali day tour.

EASTERN BALI EXCURSION

For the second day Bali excursions, there are two options. The first one is a  Bali small group tour  that will take you to three of the most important temples on the island, while the second option, a  private Bali Tour,  will take you to only one of those temples as well as a waterfall and a traditional village.

Personally, I prefer the first tour, considering that the visit to the two temples, which is missing from the second Bali excursion, seems like something very interesting to do in Bali. Furthermore, you can still visit the most popular waterfall on the island during the Bali tour that I suggest for the third day.

Bali Tour 1st option

Places visited: Lempuyang Temple + Tirta Gangga +  Besakih Temple

Price: $73.19 per person ( Check availability )

Itinerary:  Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to start your trip to Bali’s eastern area. The first stop on this Bali excursion is the  Lempuyang temple . Good physical condition is required, as the tour involves walking and hiking up steps at this temple. Its most famous feature is the “Gate of Heaven,” from which you can see incredible views of Mount Agung.

The next visit will be to the  Tirta Gangga  palace, which stands out for its gardens full of fountains, pools and stone statues. The landmark of this garden is a pond where you can walk on small platforms as if you were walking over the water.

After lunch, you will go to the Mother Temple,  Pura Besakih,  the largest and most sacred temple of the island, which is one of the essential places to visit in Bali . The complex comprises 22 different temples and is one of the highlights of this Bali tour.

Bali Tour 2nd option

Places visited: Gianyar market + Penglipuran village + Besakih + Tukad Cepung

Itinerary:  You will be picked up at your hotel to visit the  Gianyar market  first, where you can taste the local cuisine. After that, you’ll go to the  traditional village of   Penglipuran , where vehicles are not allowed, as they try to preserve the ancestral traditions. There, you’ll visit a bamboo forest, one of the most important Balinese resources, used for the construction of Balinese houses and buildings.

To end the morning you will visit some of the 22 temples of  Besakih  and have lunch at the village of Redang.

In the afternoon, you can refresh yourself at a hidden waterfall inside a cave in  Tukad Cepung.

Tips: Regardless of the Bali tour option you choose, in order to make the most of your time, I recommend you stay in Ubud that night, so ask your Bali private driver to take you back to this city.

Bali Tours with Local Private Tour Guides to the main highlights

Places visited: NungNung Waterfalls + Ulun Danu Beratan + Jatiluwih Rice Fields + Tanah Lot

Language: Good English Speaking Tour Guide in Bali

Price: $90.20 per group of up to 5 people ( check availability )

Itinerary:  Once the driver picks you up at the hotel, the first stop will be  Nungnung  waterfall, one of the most spectacular spots on the island, with a 230-foot drop. Additionally, it’s perfect for taking a bath because there’s a deep pool at the base of the waterfall.

Later, you’ll visit one of the icons you can’t miss on your trip to Bali , the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, floating on Lake Batran. This is, with no doubt, one of the most photographed images of the island.

Next, you will visit the Jatiluwih rice fields, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and where you can appreciate the beauty of the rice terraces. If you are doing this Bali activity during the best time to go to Bali, these fields will be a very intense green color.

Finally, you’ll head south to see one of the most awe-inspiring Bali temples , Tanah Lot. Located on an islet a few feet from the sea, it is only accessible at low tide at dusk. From here, you can see an amazing sunset that I encourage you to enjoy with a corncob roasted with hot sauce. You can find this delicacy in the many food stalls around the temple.

Tips:  At the end of this Bali tour, I recommend you stay in one of the amazing Bali hotels that are in Canggu or Seminyak to reduce travel time the next day.

Also, the activity that I suggest for the fourth day is a  Bali half-day tour,  leaving the morning free to visit Canggu beach ( a popular surfers’ destination with a very interesting atmosphere) or to visit Seminyak beach (where you can relax in one of its popular Beach Clubs).

South of Bali Excursions

Places visited: Padang Padang Beach + Luhur Uluwatu Temple+ Kecak dance + Jimbaran Beach

Price: $62 per group of up to 5 people ( check availability )

Itinerary:  The first stop on this tour is the  Pedang Pedang beach , which was popularized by the movie “Eat Pray Love”.

Afterwards, you’ll visit the  Luhur Uluwatu  temple, located on a cliff 230 feet above the sea; it is one of the most curious temples in Bali. From here, you can enjoy an incredible sunset, since the temple is located east of the Bukit Badung peninsula, so you can see how the sun sets over the horizon on the sea.

At dusk, you will enjoy a  Kecak show,  Bali’s most famous traditional dance where men seem to go into trance as they sing by the fire together, which accompanies the rhythmical movement of the Balinese dancers.

Finally, you will visit the  Jimbaran cliffs  and have dinner in one of the best places to have seafood and fresh fish in Bali.

Tips: The other Bali Tours  you can do the next day mainly start from Seminyak and Kuta, so I would advise staying in this area.

The Best Day Trips To Go on From Bali

If you are spending 10 days in Bali or more, most people choose to visit some of the Indonesian islands accessible from Bali by ferry. These are the best excursions from Bali to other popular islands:

Nusa Islands from Bali Excursions

These three islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida,  belong to Bali and are very close to the main island. The NUSA islands stand out for their incredible seabeds, mangroves, and idyllic beaches, so this is one of the  best day excursions from Bali.

Self Guided Nusa Penida tour from Bali

If you want to take a self-guided tour from Bali, you can take a Ferry to Nusa Lembongan, which is connected to Ceningan by bridge, and from there, take a local boat to Nusa Penida or take ferry to Nusa Penida directly.

Nusa Penida & Lembongan Tour FROM BALI

However, if you want to go with a guide and have the advantages of a small group Bali tour, I recommend this  Nusa tour from Bali.

During the tour, you will snorkel in three different areas of the island , with the possibility of seeing manta rays, turtles, and many colorful fishes. After lunch, you will embark on a kayak tour around the mangroves.

Tours from Bali to the Gili Islands

Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, known as the Gili Islands , are three tiny islands that lie off the coast of Lombok. Although these islands do not belong to Bali, the short distance from the Gili Islands to Bali makes the visit one of the most popular excursions from Bali.

Self-guided Gili islands tour from Bali

Take a ferry to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air and explore them on your own.

In terms of which Gili Island to visit, consider that Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular for its nightlife and vibrant atmosphere, while Gili Air is smaller and quieter. The latter is where couples often spend their honeymoons, since you can find some of the best villas in Bali here; however, the prices of accommodation are higher than in the rest of the Gili Islands.

For snorkeling, all the islands are a great option.

3-day Gili Island Tour from Bali

If you prefer to take a small group Bali tour to the Gili Islands, this is the best excursion.

After being picked up at your Bali hotel, you will be taken by ferry to  Gili Trawangan.  Once there, you’ll stay at a beachfront resort and have the day off to explore the island by bike or to snorkel, with high chances of seeing sea turtles if you do it in the location shown in our Gili Trawangan guide. At dusk, head to the west of the island to enjoy an amazing sunset.

The next day, you’ll go by boat to snorkel at three different points on  Gili Air  and swim with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, you’ll be taken to a resort on Gili Air and you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore the island on your own.

On the last day, you can get up early to enjoy the incredible sunrise from Gili Air and take one last bath before saying goodbye to the Gili Islands.

Excursion from Bali to Lombok

There are many activities to do in Lombok, such as the popular trekking to Rinjani volcano in two days. However, these tours are not organized by Bali tour operators , so you must take a ferry from Bali to Lombok.

Bali tours for the most adventurous travelers

If you’re an adrenaline junkie and want to make the most of your trip to Bali, these are the  best Bali excursions you should go on. If you do, make sure to buy good travel insurance to Bali before you go.

Sunrise tour at Batur Volcano

If you like adventure and natural landscapes, you cannot miss this tour. They’ll pick you up at your hotel to take you to the slopes of the  Batur volcano , where you’ll start your way up. Although it’s not a strenuous hike, it’s necessary to be in good physical condition. Before the sun rises, you should be at the top, where you’ll see the beginning of a new day while eating banana pancakes and eggs cooked with volcanic steam.

Rafting on the Ayung River

The Ayung River is perfect for rafting throughout the year , with a class IV rating during monsoon season and a class II rating during the rest of the year. During the tour, which takes approximately two hours, you can see the natural scenery, wildlife, and exotic plants of Bali.

Diving in Tulamben Bay

On this Bali tour, you can marvel at the seabed of Bali while diving. One of the most incredible places to dive on the island is  Tulamben Bay , where you can see blue manta rays, along with octopuses, scorpion fish, tiger fish and moray eels.

You can also see the remains of the USAT Liberty, a shipwreck, close by.

If you do not have previous experience with diving, you should start with this tour, which is valid as a credit for the PADI diver course in the open sea. If you are already a certified diver, then this is your tour.

Whether you’re going to do extreme sports or not, I recommend you buy travel insurance for Indonesia. I had to use it when some monkeys bit me in the Monkey Forest of Ubud. Here you can find a 5% discount to get the cheapest travel insurance.

5% OFF your travel insurance

Other guided tours in Bali

These other  guided tours in Bali  can be interesting if you have more time there and want to learn a little more about the culture of the island.

Denpasar guided tour

During this guided tour around the capital of Bali, your

guide will take you to the  Bali Museum,  where you’ll learn more about the history of the island and can find a collection of impressive prehistoric art.

The next stop will be the  Badung market , which operates 24 hours a day, where you will find all kinds of local food.

Finally, you’ll visit the  artistic center of Bajra Sandhi,  where you’ll find wood carvings and Balinese works of art.

Guided visit to the traditional village of Penglipuran

If you choose the first option for the tour on the second day, you’ll miss the guided tour to the  Penglipuan traditional village  and to the  Tukad Cepung  waterfall; you can take this tour afterward that also includes a visit to the  Bali Swing,  a swing hanging by a 98-foot rope in the dense Balinese jungle.

Other activities in Bali

Finally, these are other Bali activities that you might find interesting:

• Biking tour to Tegalalang rice fields from Ubud
• Balinese cooking class
• Balinese Wedding – Get married in Bali
• Bali Waterfalls Tour
• Floating breakfast in Ubud and balloon ride

I hope that these Bali tours save you time and money. Don’t forget to come back here to tell us how your experience was.

Bali Tours Video

Before you go, I’ll leave you with some of the essentials for your trip to Bali:

Essentials to save on your trip to Bali

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Find the BEST DEALS for the top accommodation options in Bali .

Get a 5% discount on your travel insurance for Bali .

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Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

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Happiness Promise

There are hundreds of thousands of guides and tour operators around the world. Figuring out who to trust is stressful and hard.

That’s why we started 10Adventures Tours, we’re here to make it easy to find a great guide or tour operator. We handpick the best local guides and tour operators for 10Adventures, working to ensure you have great guides and a great trip.

We know it sucks to show up in a different country and find out the tents are junk, the guide incompetent or the route different from what we thought we were getting.

We want to give our users peace of mind that you’ll have a great trip and offer a guarantee that we will work with you to make it right.

How does this work? Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.

Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.

We work hard to make sure you have a great trip. If something isn’t right, please email  [email protected]  and we will get to work right away.

Group Trips

Group travel can be chaotic and messy, which is why going on a trip with family or friends is the fun part and planning the trip, well… isn’t. But what if the group travel experience of your dreams could be organized without the hassle of you needing to plan every detail?

With 10Adventures group tours, you’ll be the mastermind behind an unforgettable trip without the need to worry about logistics, payments, or who can get time off for a holiday.

The VIP-level service of our Travel Advisors allows you to organize the adventure of your dreams, customize it exactly how you want to, and watch the savings roll in as more of your friends and family sign up for the once in a lifetime experience you created. It’s that simple!

Take the first step on your next group adventure by contacting one of our Travel Advisors today.

The window to travel as a family only narrows with time. Make the most of it by exploring the world together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why share a travel experience with people you don’t know? Spend your hard-earned vacation surrounded by close friends on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shared travel experiences strengthen bonds and are the perfect way to come together as colleagues to solve challenges in a way that just can’t be done in an office environment.

Connect with members of your club or social circle over shared interests like food, culture, and the outdoors.

• VIP Service: Have a dedicated Travel Advisor who is always a call or a click away.
• Cost Savings: More people mean a lower cost per person. And there are additional discounts for children and shared rooms.
• Customizable: You are in charge and choose the start date, length, itinerary, accommodations, and other services.
• Easy Payment: Flexible payment schedule, and most importantly separate invoices so you aren’t left paying for other people.
• Private: Just you and your group making memories that will last your lifetime.
• Quality Time: There’s no better way to travel than alongside family and or friends. Enjoy quality time exploring the world with those you love most.

Best of Central & East Bali

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Spend one week getting to know the heart and spirit of beautiful Bali

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

About this tour:

What travellers are saying about 10Adventures

Jennifer W.

Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights are included.

Don't worry about meals. 6 breakfasts are included.

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for Best of Central & East Bali

The hotel accommodation on this tour is 3-star, but you can upgrade the accommodations to more luxurious options or better room types for an extra charge.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers Standard rooms are of double and triple occupancy and those willing to have a single room will have to pay a supplement.

Sri Bungalows Hotel in Ubud

A tranquil setting tucked amongst the rice paddies and tropical gardens of Ubud, this cozy bungalow stay is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.

Sawah Indah Villa Hotel in Sidemen

A charming hotel set in the Sidemen Valley with a refreshing outdoor pool and modern amenities.

Anda Amed Hotel in Amed

Come to know Bali’s eastern coast at this tropical seaside resort just a stone’s throw from the sandy beach.

Swastika Bungalows Hotel in Sanur

Located nearby the pristine Sanur Beach, this laid-back hotel will have you wanting for nothing during your stay.

Standard Accommodation

Sri Ratih Hotel in Ubud

Unwind in the tranquil outskirts of Ubud at this gorgeous hotel outfitted in traditional yet modern Balinese style furniture.

Surya Shanti Hotel in Sidemen

Enjoy the view of the Tukad Yeh Unda river at this relaxing villa oasis in Sidemen.

Puri Wirata Hotel in Amed

Fall asleep to the sound and smell of the fresh Bali Sea at this stunning hotel in Amed.

Respati Beach Hotel Hotel in Sanur

This lovely hotel in Sanur is located just a stone’s throw from the beach and features great amenities like a refreshing outdoor pool.

Superior Accommodation

Alaya Resort Ubud Hotel in Ubud

Experience Ubud in luxury at this elegant resort overlooking endless rice paddies and featuring world-class amenities.

Samanvaya Hotel in Sidemen

Enjoy your stay at this rustic-chic village hotel in Sidemen set against the stunning backdrop of terraced rice fields. Take advantage of the open-air restaurant here and the beautiful outdoor swimming pool.

Santai Hotel in Amed

Relax and unwind at this stunning beachfront hotel enveloped in lush tropical gardens.

Segara Village Hotel in Sanur

Set on the pristine Sanur Beach, this luxe hotel is modelled after a traditional Balinese village and features modern amenities to make your stay more comfortable.

Deluxe Accommodation

Planning a group trip?

Learn how we help group of friends, outdoor clubs and families get the tour they’ve been dreaming about.

Best of Central & East Bali Tour Details

Overview for best of central & east bali.

Discover the real Bali on the 7-day partially-guided Best of Central & East Bali Tour. With the help of expert local guides during guided portions of the trip, you’ll discover Bali’s rich and fascinating history and spirituality. Visit the remarkable Tirta Empul Temple, where Balinese prayers echo ancient traditions. Take in the endless rice fields of Gunung Kawi and its 11th-century facade.

Step up the pace with a beautiful hiking experience in Kenderan with its stunning forests and waterfalls. Enjoy a selection of incredible optional excursions in Ubud with white water rafting, temple ceremonies or an afternoon of pampering at a spa.

With so much to see in do on the island of Bali, the Best of Central & East Bali Tour will make sure you don’t miss a single thing!

Itinerary for Best of Central & East Bali

Arrival in bali and transfer to ubud.

Individual arrival in Bali and optional transfer to your hotel in Ubud. Ubud is centrally located and known as the artistic centre of Bali making for an ideal place to begin your adventure.

Experience Ubud

Today there is a wide range of optional excursions (not included) possible for exploring the small town of Ubud and its surroundings. Interesting temples and palaces as the Elephant Cave, Tampak Siring or the famous Pura Besakih (the mother temple) and Kintamani to view its picturesque Batur Lake & Volcano are a few of the top suggestions. Trekking around Ubud’s rice fields, white water rafting and spa treatments are also available. Interesting dance performances in former palaces or temple ceremonies are well worth a visit! And last but not least, the many galleries in and around Ubud are a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Villages and Mountains of Karangasem

Today’s program brings you through the heart of Bali via a beautiful trip, to the Karangasem area. This is one of the most authentic areas of Bali with tranquil villages, friendly inhabitants and untouched scenery with mountains, green valleys, elegant running small rivers. In the afternoon you will arrive in the serene village of Sidemen, surrounded by a beautiful rice fields landscape, dominated by Bali’s highest volcano, the Gunung Agung (3,014m).

Explore Sidemen and Continue to the Village of Amed

The landscape and atmosphere of Sidemen and its surroundings are a real invitation for a beautiful walk and a taste of traditional village life. It will make you feel like stepping far back in time. In the afternoon a short drive will bring you to your comfortable hotel in the quiet coastal village of Amed. However, on the way to Amed, you will visit Amlapura, an old town from the ancient Karangasem Kingdom. A short drive eastwards of Amlapura, you can witness Taman Ujung, a water palace that was built by the last King of Karangasem.

Discover Amed

Find yourself enveloped in a remote paradise at your lovely hotel on the quiet beach of Amed. Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy exploring the ocean, full of colours and can even spot a shipwreck from the Second World War found just under the water’s surface.

Drive to Sanur and Visit the Tirtagangga Water Palace

After a relaxing morning, a spectacular drive along the coast and over the mountains will bring you to the cozy coastal town of Sanur, where you will spend your last night of the trip in a nice hotel with a swimming pool and located nearby the beach. On the way to Sanur, you will visit Tirtagangga Water Palace, which was once a place for the Royal Bathing Garden of King Karangasems’ family where the mountain springs flow with fresh water. You will also visit ‘Goa Lawah’ (Bat Cave) which is a cave with thousands of bats hanging on its walls. When you pass by Klungkung-a small town that once was the capital of the Balinese Kingdom, you can visit Kertha Kosa, the former court of justice and Bale Kambang, a nice open pavilion with a historic legacy, surrounded by a spring.

This morning following breakfast your week of adventures in Bali come to an end. Pack up and check out to depart.

Tour Highlights

Highlights for best of central & east bali.

Explore the renowned temples of Bali with an expert guide and learn sacred Balinese prayers.

Pause for lunch among the sprawling rice fields at a peaceful garden temple.

Select from a wide range of thrilling optional excursions like white water rafting on the Ayung River.

Enjoy incredible hiking in Kenderan, taking in its waterfalls, forests, and unique village.

What's Included

What's included for best of central & east bali.

6 breakfasts are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, except for airport transfers which can be arranged as an optional extra. In some cases, the transfers are shared.

Also Included

• Local English-speaking guides

Not included

• International flights and taxes
• Personal expenses
• Optional excursions
• Bali retribution fee (around 10 USD)

Optional Extras

• Extra nights at any point of the tour
• Airport transfer
• Spiritual Tour:
• White Water Rafting
• Trekking Kenderan - Morning Trip

Dates & Prices

Dates and prices for best of central & east bali.

This partially guided tour to Bali is always run as a private tour for your group only and the prices depend on the size of your group, as well as the chosen hotel category. Please note that the prices might be higher during the Indonesian National Holidays.

The prices below are per person sharing a double room and groups of odd sizes can either opt to book single rooms for an extra charge or have a triple room for a reduction (please inquire for more information).

Tour with Standard Accommodation

• Guided Solo Traveller: from $830 USD
• Guided Groups of 2: from $425 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 3-5: from $390 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 6+: from $360 USD per person

Tour with Superior Accommodation

• Guided Solo Traveller: from $990 USD
• Guided Groups of 2: from $505 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 3-5: from $470 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 6+: from $430 USD per person

Tour with Deluxe Accommodation

• Guided Solo Traveller: from $1,295 USD
• Guided Groups of 2: from $660 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 3-5: from $590 USD per person
• Guided Groups of 6+: from $590 USD per person

Accommodation

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Tour Booking Process

Booking process for best of central & east bali.

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Frequently asked questions for Best of Central & East Bali

How hard is the Best of Central & East Bali Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. There are no strenuous or technical activities involved, however, you should be ready to spend multiple hours on your feet exploring the Indonesian beautiful nature and cities.

Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website , though you should verify with your government.

What does partially-guided mean?

Booking a partially-guided tour is a perfect choice for those who like to be in charge of some of their time while travelling, but also don’t want to be on their own during activities. In most cases, a partially-guided tour doesn’t have a tour leader assigned to a group, but some or most of the activities, such as hikes, city walks, or historic site visits, are led by different guides. Also, in most cases, booking a partially-guided tour is way cheaper than booking a fully-guided tour!

Are meals included on the Best of Central & East Bali Tour?

When is the best time to travel to Indonesia?

The best time to travel to Indonesia is from April or October when the weather is warm and pleasant. Indonesia can be travelled to all year long, however, it tends to be rainier from November to March.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance .

How do I get to Bali to start this tour?

Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (DPS) which can be reached from many major airports all over the world.

Is the Best of Central & East Bali Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Indonesia?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Indonesia?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Tour Difficulty

Difficulty for best of central & east bali.

Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

This tour was made for you!

Start filling out your booking details. Once you submit your request, we'll review availability for this tour and contact you within 24 hours to further customize your perfect adventure.

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Make lifelong memories with the people you care about most. We specialize in custom & private active travel experiences.

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Spend your time making memories, not planning them. Enjoy a stress-free vacation and leave the trip logistics to us.

You matter to us.

No bots here. A real human is always a click or a call away to ensure you get the adventure of your dreams.

Travel authentically.

Immerse yourself in the destination with highly-vetted, local tour operators who love to showcase where they live.

We make it easy for travellers to book private travel experiences, so they can make memories exploring the world with the people that matter most.

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This is Luxury Travel

Discovering central Bali in one day

Bali is famous for its rich culture, picturesque landscapes, and rice fields. This one day tour allows you to sample the highlight of Bedugul, Jatiluwih and Mengwi. Read on for the itinerary and practical tips

Content of this article:

Starting from Ubud

Our excursion began in Ubud. Ubud is a great place to stay while in Bali. It is centrally located on the island so you can do multiple day tours. Check my recommended   tour for Eas t and West Bali in one day . It also has great accommodation and great food, so after a day on the road, you can relax in comfort. Check out my review of Samastiti villa and my top 10 restaurants in Ubud . You need to book those in advance as they are often fully booked, so plan ahead. On this tour to central Bali,   it took us 40 minutes to drive to the Mengwi Royal Family temple. The road goes through rice fields surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks and is very scenic.

Mengwi Royal family temple

Our first stop was in a town called Mengwi. The town has a long history and association with the Balinese Royal Family. The town is famous for its sacred temple complex, Taman Ayun.

Taman Ayun is the royal family temple. It was built in 1634 and is very impressive. Amongst its 3 courtyards and surrounded by water, the most impressive is the central courtyard. Tourists are not allowed inside, but you can walk around get a great view from a raised platform towards the end of it. There are gorgeous flowers along the path and a peaceful forest behind. It was surprisingly empty when we visited it.

It is one of the most beautiful and visited attractions of Mengwi. The temple is still in use by the local community for many purposes. They sometimes held ceremonies in the temple.

There is an art exhibition and a movie theatre. So even if you don’t have a guide, you can sit comfortably in a cool room and learn more about the temple and life in Bali.

It costs 30000 Rp. to enter and is worth the visit. It is only 40 minutes drive from Ubud and a lot less crowded than the main temples around Ubud.

Bedugul Market

After witnessing the glorious temple, we headed to the Bedugul Regency. It took us about 40 minutes to drive from Mengwi to Bedugul.

Bedugul village is high in the mountains. The road to get there is utterly beautiful and famous for its natural scenery.

TIP: Bing a small sweater as the temperature here is often cooler than Ubud or the South of Bali

We first went to the fruit market. Producers have been bringing their fruits and vegetable here for centuries. Candi Kuning is a very colorful market. The market is full of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Bali is also famous for its exotic spices all over the world. There are many beautiful flower shops as well. The market displays the perfect blend of color as well as scent.

Bedugul has many fruit producers because the altitude makes the weather cooler, so it is better to grow fruits and vegetables. It has, however, now become quite touristic and many people will try and sell you things. It is a great market to visit if you are not familiar with markets.

TIP:  Don’t forget to bargain in the market

Bedugul temple Ulun Danu.

We got the chance to experience the awe-inspiring lakes in this district. First, we visited Lake Beratan, also known as Lake Bedugul. The lake is covered with a diversity of flowers and beautiful Cyprus trees. We visited the famous Ulun Danu Temple, which is located on the edge of Lake Beratan. The temple is famous for its unique architecture.

Ulun Danu is actually composed of four temples, but the most scenic one is by the water. It is the perfect selfies spot!

One interesting feature about the temple is that when the level of water in the lake increases, it gives a glimpse of the temple as it is floating on the lake water. It gives a very magical look to the lake as well as the temple. The local Balinese people visit the temple regularly.

The entrance fee to the Bedugul temple is 50000 Rp. Per person

The Bedugul Botanical garden

Our next stop was the Bedugul Botanical garden. It is only a few minutes’ drives from the temples and well worth a visit if you like plants. You can enter with your car (but motorbikes are not allowed). It is a very large park so having a car is useful. There are many huge and scenic trees on the way. There is also a cactus house and an orchid garden.

There is a museum of flowers used in ceremonies, but it was closed when we went.

TIP: The entrance of the park is very busy with local families and schools, but if you drive a bit, you can find much quieter areas towards the back.

If you are traveling with kids, there is a zipping and tree adventure park called treetop adventure. We didn’t do it, but it looks super fun

TIP: Don’t lose your entrance ticket as it will be asked at the exit

The price for a car and 2 persons was 45,000 Rp.

Jatiluwih Rice fields.

The road from Bedugul to Jatiluwih is scenic, with lots of little villages and steep rice fields. It takes about 40 minutes of small curvy road.

The rice terraces of Bali are a pure depiction of art. You can enjoy the fascinating sunset from the rice terraces. These unbeatable in natural beauty, rice terraces are even recognized by the UNESCO. You can walk around as much as you want before returning to your hotel.

Don’t however think you will be alone; it was very busy when we went with even traffic jams on the road!

We had lunch there. Food was very average and overpriced, but the view of the ricefield was worth it. There are about 10 restaurants with huge terrace, and they all sell very similar food.

There is a 40,000 Rp. Fee Per person to enter the road that goes through Jatiluwih.

After Jatiluwih, it was already time to return to Ubud. It took us a bit more than oe hour to drive back

This is a great day tour that allows you to sample some of the best features in Bali. Beautiful temples, nature, and scenic rice field.

For more day tours suggestions, read my article on West Bali and East Bali. There are so many amazing things to do in Bali!

If you need a place to stay, check out Samastiti Villa in Ubud . They can also help you find a reliable driver for the trip.

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• Stop overpaying for hotels! To find the cheapest price on hotels, I use HotelCombined which you can access here. They allow to compare the price of websites like Agoda, booking or Expedia and the prices are often very different depending on what website to use. So stop overpaying for hotels and book here .
• Never leave without travel insurance . Get affordable coverage from World Nomad by clicking here
• If you need airport transfer or local transfer, check Bookaway . They offer both private cars and public transfer and have lots of options
• I book my activities and tours with GetYourGuide , they have a good tour selection and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• If you need a visa , get assistance processing it at ¡Visa.
• Find creative flight itinerary. To book flight, Kayak is a great website to find the cheapest options. They usually have more options than google travel as also show flight combinations between airlines.

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• Nusa Lembongan – Nusa Penida
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• Sustainability Policy
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• Experiences
• Signature Experiences
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• What You Will Do
• Additional Information
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Discover the ‘rice bowl’ of Bali with a Signature Experience crafted by Jans Tours. Showcasing magnificent rice paddies and the region’s emerald hills with pristine nature, the experience takes you to cultural and historical sites that reflect the island’s rich heistage.

Pick up at 08.00 am at your hotel in South Bali, and start driving towards the central highlands of the rich and vast TABANAN regency. Drive through the village of KAPAL notable as the center of shrine production. witness the hustle and of daily life in the TABANAN MARKET. The journey continues to one of the key temples located at the foot of the mountain. the 11th-century BATU KARU TEMPLE (2270m above sea level). In JATILUWIH, Observe the man-made marvel of rice with 3-course gourmet lunch served at a private venue amidst the rice fields available to Jans Tours guests only. Drop off at the hotel after visiting the iconic TANAH LOT TEMPLE, an ancient temple perching on top of an outcrop amidst crashing waves during high tide

• Operates daily, advance booking required (minimum 48 hours prior to the tour commencing) • Dedicated English-speaking guide (Other languages available on request) • Includes private transfer services, applicable entrance & parking fees, mineral water, and insurance cover • Dress comfortably and wear comfortable sandals/sports shoes (shoulders must be covered during temple visit) • Bring your hat, insect repellent, and sunscreen

Hidden Gems Of Bali

Ubud Highlights

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Authentic East Bali

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​BAGUS BALI TRIP

Barong & Rangda performance

Central Bali Tour

Our Central Bali Tour includes two different options. Just let us know which one you prefer. In the evening of our Central Bali tour, you also have the option of attending a Barong dance in Batuan on the way back to your accommodation.

CENTRAL BALI TOUR - OPTION 1

Batik factory, Batubulan : Batubulan village is famous for its batik processing and hand woven cloth. Its beautiful designs, inspired by religious mythologies to everyday encounters, spread throughout the world.

Stone carving, Batubulan : This village is also a center of intricate stone carving made from soft, volcanic rock, which is traditionally made to decorate temples and palaces.

Gold & silver jewelry, Celuk village : In Bali, jewelry is made by clans of silver and goldsmiths, who for centuries have been creating intricate objects for temple heirlooms, rituals and fine jewelry.

Batuan Temple : A Pura Puseh temple built in 1020 AD in classical Balinese temple architecture style with elaborate carvings and numerous ancient, unique statues.

Bali Luwak Coffee Plantation : See various tropical plants, such as coffee robusta, pineapple, Balinese snake fruit (salak), fruit stars, cacao, jack fruit, durian, and many more. There is also an opportunity to taste coffee luwak, the most expensive coffee in the world.

Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace) : A historical building complex that is the official residence of the royal family of Ubud.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary : A nature reserve and Hindu temple complex that is an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for Ubud village. (This may be substituted with a visit to the art market.)

Kintamani : A village on the western edge of the larger caldera wall of Mt. Batur volcano.

CENTRAL BALI TOUR - OPTION 2

Batuan Temple: A Pura Puseh temple built in 1020 AD in classical Balinese temple architecture style with elaborate carvings and numerous ancient, unique statues.

Wood carving, Mas village : Famous around the world for its wood carving, Mas has a distinctive style in the art of carving of wood sculptures that creatively expresses both humanism and naturalism.

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) : An archaeological site of significant historical value featuring a relic-filled courtyard, rock-wall carvings, central meditational cave, bathing pools and fountains.

Gunung Kawi Temple : An ancient temple and funerary complex dating from the eleventh century.

Tirta Empul Temple (Holy Spring Temple), Tampaksiring : At this temple, we will first make an offering at the temple and then go into the holy spring, which is an oportunity to purify your soul.

Kintamani (photo by Michael Margolis )

UBUD CENTER

THE UBUD CENTER IS ALL ABOUT UBUD TOWN & TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER, UBUD ACTIVITIES, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES , CAR RENTAL , INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT AND OTHER THINGS TO DO IN UBUD BALI – INDONESIA

UBUD PRIVATE TRANSFER PRICE

Things To Do In Ubud Centre

Read more >> 28+ things to do in ubud, bali, indonesia, recommended transportations in ubud.

Discover the ancient trails of Ubud and don’t forget to buy a traditional sarong with your tour. Ubud  is known as “the cultural capital of Bali”, where you can see the beautiful sights and surroundings it has to offer.

Exclusive visits to cultural temples, fascinating museums, and breathtaking nature sanctuaries within or near Ubud itself. This is only one of many possible excursions from Ubud. We can arrange trips anywhere in Bali and beyond that are sure to be unforgettable.

Read this for more packages >> Bali Vacation Packages All Inclusive 2023-2024

Ubud Interesting Places to Visit

Best activities in ubud.

Popular attractions in Ubud-Bali

The island of Bali has become incredibly popular, with a string of international resorts in its beautiful southeast corner. While it’s still underrated by many travellers for its spectacular natural beauty and traditional culture, it’s also a pretty awesome place to visit. Here is my list of what I think are the best things to do on this amazing island. activities packages

Ubud Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest is the perfect destination for day trips from Ubud. It’s located 27 km from Denpasar airport, just by way of beautiful paddy fields and a road that twists through thick vegetation. The monkeys scamper around nearby monkey-sized trees and vines while tourist take selfie photos with them. There’s almost always a monk around just waiting to be photographed with you (be aware that monkeys get really grumpy if they don’t have their bananas!).

Ubud tour a is Bali Day Tour package with interesting places around Ubud. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. to one of the places famous for its unique Bali Coffee Plantation, here you can also try the Bali swing package. The tour will continue to visit Tegalalang rice terrace,Butterfly Garden and also the Tegenungan waterfall.

UBUD KINTAMANI TOUR

Ubud Kintamani tour is a Bali Day Tour package by visiting interesting places around Ubud and Kintamani. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. Places will be visited such as Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Kintamani Volcano and Coffee Plantation.

LEMPUYANG TEMPLE TOUR

Lempuyang Temple Tour is an East Bali Tour package by visiting interesting places around Karangasem Regency. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 04:00 a.m. Places to visit are such as Lempuyang Temple the gate of heaven Bali, Tirta Gang ga and Virgin Beach.

BESAKIH TEMPLE TOUR

Besakih Temple tour is a North Bali Tour package by visiting interesting places around northern Bali such as Karangasem and Bangli Regency. The tour itinerary will be visiting the mother temple of Bali called Besakih Temple, amazing view of Batur volcano. Ulun Danu Batur Temple, Coffee Plantation and Tirta Empul temple.

UBUD WATERFALL TOUR

Ubud Waterfall tour is a Bali Day Tour package by visiting interesting waterfalls around Ubud. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. We visit Tegenungan waterfall, Tibumana waterfall, Kanto Lampo waterfall and Tukad Cepung waterfall.

BERATAN TEMPLE TOUR

Beratan Temple tour is a West Bali Day Tour package by visiting interesting places around the West of Bali. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. Places we visit are such as Beratan Temple, Taman Ayun Royal Palace, Twin Lake, Gitgit waterfall or Banyumala waterfall.

TANAH LOT TEMPLE TOUR

Tanah Lot Temple tour is a South Bali Tour package by visiting interesting places around South of Bali. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 10:00 a.m. Places we visit are such as Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple with Kecak dance, Padang – Padang beach and Jimbaran for seafood diner.

UBUD ART VILLAGE TOUR

Ubud Art Village Tour is a Ubud Artistry Tour by visiting the most famous villages in Ubud for the art. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. The places we visit during the trip are such as Celuk village for gold and silver smiths, Mas village for wood carving, Batuan village – famous for Balinese style painting art, and Batubulan village for handmade Balinese Batik.

 PRICE: IDR 400.000 / USD 32 per car  09:00 – 15:00  Price includes a private car suitable until 7 persons

UBUD DAY TOUR PACKAGES

Ubud Airport Transfer

Denpasar Airport or Ngurah Rai International Airport is the only airport in Bali. It is one of the busiest airports in Indonesia. Ngurah Rai Airport is the main gateway for most tourists visiting Bali. The airport is located 25 kilometres from the Centre of Ubud. Therefore, we provide Ubud airport transfer services for our tourists during their holidays in Ubud – Bali

BALI TO LOMBOK FAST BOAT

Bali to Lombok with the fast boat is a transfer service for you and your group with better service experience. Our services is provided by Bali fast boat transfer, Lombok fast boat transfer, Gili fast boat transfer, Lembongan fast boat transfer, Nusa Penida fast boat transfer and Ubud fast boat transfer with professional drivers and local guides. We work professionally and we will do our best for customer because our main goal is to keep the customer completely satisfied. So, don’t hesitate to call us. We always stand by to discuss and give an information you may need and we will give quick response to you.

Ubud Taxi is a private service experience for you and your friends. During the tour you will be guided by a very experienced driver. See the famous tourist destinations in Ubud which you have planned. Ubud Driver services are services for a Private Car, Group Tours and also Bali Bus Rentals accompanied by friendly and professional Private Tour Drivers. All our vehicles are equipped with AC. We guarantee the cleanliness of the car and comfort to our guests.

BALI ACTIVITIES TOUR

BALI ACTIVITIES TOUR PACKAGE IS THE BEST PACKAGE YOU MUST TRY. ENJOY VARIOUS PACKAGES AS WE HAVE SUCH AS ATV QUAD BIKE, MOUNT BATUR TREKKING, WHITE WATER RAFTING AND COOKING CLASS.

The Adventure Activities Package in Bali is one that we recommend for your vacation in Bali. We offer you a variety of activity packages where you will be guided by a friendly and professional driver and guide who will take you to the destination of your tour package. Our staff will always ensure your safety and satisfaction with the package services that we provide.

Ubud ATV Quad Bike

Ubud ATV Quad Bike is one of the most popular sports tours in Bali. Ubud ATV quad bike will bring you adventure in the beauty of rural nature in Bali. This track will take you riding a motorbike through forest tracks and rivers. This activity lasts for 2 hours and you will also be accompanied by a guide who will with you while enjoying this tour.

Ubud Sunrise Trekking

Mount Batur Bali is an active volcano that is visited by many tourists who want to climb in Bali. Travelers will climb Mount Batur with an altitude of 1717 m above sea level. This trek will take around 2 hours to reach the top of the mountain. We offer hiking tours with sunrise and mountain Batur views. This hiking tour will be one of your memorable experiences in Bali.

Ubud White Water Rafting

Ubud White Water Rafting is an experience of rafting on the longest river in Bali. This package is probably one of the most popular water sports in Bali. We offer 2 hours rafting experience. You are presented with views of rice fields and waterfalls while doing this tour package. This package offers a private pick-up hotel where you stay, hotel drop off service and lunch is included.

Ubud Downhill Cycling Tour

Ubud Downhill Cycling Tour is a popular tour package that we offer to our guest. This Ubud downhill cycling tour will bring you to explore citrus plantations, forests in Bali, rice fields and also rural life of the people of Bali. This tour will start from pick-up at your hotel and a bicycle tour will continue from the summit of Mount Batur where you have a stunning beautiful view of Mount Batur.

Ubud Center Cooking Class

Ubud Cooking Class is one package that you should try in Bali. This package will offer you cooking techniques from local residents in Bali. A guide will teach you cooking techniques with Balinese spices. It will also take you around the traditional market to show you ingredients that must be used and prepared to make very good Balinese dishes.

Ubud Elephant Ride Tour

Ubud Elephant Ride Tour is one of the preferred tour packages in Bali, especially for children. Bali has many places where you can ride these big animals. This experience will take you through the forest and also the river or even a tour to ride elephants in the countryside. Enjoy this package with 15 minutes or more riding an elephant and you can also take pictures with this cute animal.

UBUD CENTER – BALI FULL DAY TOUR

BALI FULL DAY TOUR PACKAGE IS A TOUR PACKAGE BY VISITING ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN BALI. THIS TOUR PACKAGE WILL BRING YOU TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL PLACES AND UNIQUE CULTURE IN BALI. THE TOUR PACKAGE THAT WE PROVIDE TO YOU WILL BE 8 to 9 HOURS WITH A COMFORTABLE CAR AND A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER Bali Full Day Tours will last around 8 to 9 hours during your vacation in Bali. We offer a friendly driver and guide who will guide you by doing exceptional service for your convenience and a pleasant tour while you are in Bali. While in Bali, the tourist destinations we are visiting will amaze you. A very pleasant experience with the best tourist destinations in Bali that we have selected. Please see our tour package below that we have planned in order to perfect your vacation in Bali.

Ubud Full Day Tour

Ubud full day tour is Ubud Centre tour, a Bali Full Day Tour package with interesting places around Ubud. This tour will begin with the hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. to one of the places famous for its unique Luwak coffee (coffee made by animals) here you can also try the Bali swing package, then the tour will continue to visit Tegalalang rice terrace, Butterfly Garden, and also the Tegenungan waterfall.

Bali Lempuyang Tour

Bali Lempuyang Tour is a Full Day Bali Tour Package. On this tour package we visit Lempuyang temple. Famous for the beautiful scenery of the mountain and the gate of heaven. Your tour will start at 8:00 or earlier. Lempuyang tour package is the tour that is preferred by many tourists. This package will also visit Tirta Gangga water palace and also the Taman Ujung water palace to see the ocean view from the top.

North Bali Tour

North Bali Tour is a Full Day Tour Package in Bali. On this tour package we visit places of interest in northern Bali. Starting with the hotel pickup at 9 am and continuing to visit the largest temple in Bali, where local residents call the temple Besakih. Then the tour will be continued by visiting Beratan temple in Kintamani, visiting the Penelokan Village with its volcanic views and also Penglipuran traditional village.

West Bali Tour

West Bali Tour is a Full Day Bali Tour Package. On this tour we visit the western part of Bali. This tour package will begin at 9.00 am by visiting Taman Ayun temple with its ancient beauty. Then the tour goes to Beratan temple. It is a temple located in the middle of the lake with its beautiful natural beauty. We also visit the twin lake view and end by visiting Gitgit waterfall.

East Bali Tour

East Bali Tour is a Full Day Bali Tour Package. On this tour package we visit Tirta Gangga water Palace. this place is very favoured by tourists who like to take photos because the unique natural beauty of this place. The tour continues by visiting the famous Pura Lempuyang with beautiful views of the mountains and the gates of heaven. and then we go Virgin Beach as the last place to visit.

South Bali Tour

South Bali Tour is a Bali Full Day Tour package. This tour package will start at 12.00 am. This one-day trip will invite you to visit Tanah Lot temple with its amazing ocean views. Then we continue by visiting Uluwatu Temple, the most famous Balinese temple in the southern part of Bali. You will enjoy a stunning sunset view accompanied by Balinese kecak dance. and the tour will end with a seafood dinner in Jimbaran.

UBUD CENTER – BALI HALF DAY TOUR

BALI HALF DAY TOUR PACKAGE IS A TOUR PACKAGE IN A HALF DAY BY VISITING ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN BALI. THIS TOUR PACKAGE WILL BRING YOU TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL PLACES AND UNIQUE CULTURE IN BALI. THE TOUR PACKAGE THAT WE PROVIDE TO YOU WILL BE 5 to 6 HOURS WITH A COMFORTABLE CAR AND A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER

Bali Half Day Tours will last around 5 to 6 hours during your vacation in Bali. We offer a friendly driver and guide who will be doing exceptional service for your convenience and a pleasant tour while you are in Bali. While in Bali, the tourist destinations that we offer to visit will amaze you. A very pleasant experience with the best tourist destinations in Bali that we have selected. Please see our tour package below that we have designed to perfect your vacation in Bali.

Ubud Half Day Tour

Ubud Half Day Tour is a Half Day Tour Package in Bali. This is a short tour where you will visit the most interesting places in Bali that are very close to each other. This tour will take you to visit the attractions in Ubud such as Tegenungan Waterfall, Coffee Plantation, Ubud Rice Terrace and Bali Swing. Ubud half day tour is a very pleasant experience in half a day for those of you who don’t have much time to stay in Bali Ubud.

Ubud village and Kintamani Volcano Tour

Bali Village and Kintamani volcano tour is a Full Day Tour Package in Bali by visiting Kintamani volcano view and local Balinese art with industrial products. Your tour will be accompanied by a friendly driver and also as your guide to visit the art shops in Bali. Communicate your place of visit to our experienced driver. To make your tour more comfortable all of our cars are also equipped with air conditioning. We will ensure you to get a memorable tour experience.

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Bali Tours & Holidays

There are 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, but none shine brighter than Bali. 

From the green slopes of Mt Batur to the Bintang bodegas on Seminyak’s main party strip, Bali is a volcano-dotted, beach-fringed paradise that’s serene and sensational by turns. But beyond the mega-resorts and yoga studios, you'll find the essence of Bali in the temples, out-of-the-way mountain towns, local markets and lazy fishing villages. Our Bali tours are about  diving the impossibly blue waters off Lovina, being welcomed into a Balinese family home , soaking in the Banja hot springs, or sipping smoothies in Ubud’s cafes . As always, when it comes to paradise, the hardest bit is choosing what to do first.

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Bali at a glance, capital city.

Denpasar (population 789,000)

4.2 million

(GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)

Learn more about Bali

Local culture.

Between the 12th and 20th centuries, Bali has often been treated as a pawn in the games of kings, rajahs and generals. More often than not, its fate has been closely tied to neighbouring Lombok with fierce battles between the two islands over the centuries as different rulers vied for regional dominance. This history of varied occupation can be seen in Bali today, with elements of Hinduism and Islam present in modern Balinese society. However, there is no historical animosity between the religions, or even between the islands of Lombok and Bali.

One of the defining moments in Bali’s history took place in the 16th century when the collapse of the Majapahit dynasty encouraged the spread of Islam from the surrounding states into the Javanese kingdom. Rather than live under Islamic rule, many Hindu elites chose to escape to Bali. These elites included many artists, dancers, musicians, actors and court-supported artisans, as well as some more artistically inclined priests. The result was an intense proliferation of cultural arts across Bali, no doubt inspired by rich Balinese folklore featuring epic battles of good and evil, gods and mortals. This reputation persists today, with many travellers falling in love with the island’s intricate temple carvings, dance performances, colourful sarongs and handicrafts.

When you combine a love of arts with world-class beaches and deliciously fiery sambals, it’s no surprise Bali’s tourism industry is soaring. It’s not unusual for someone to ask you whether this is your second, third or fourth visit to the island. Many locals rely on tourism to some extent, either by working as tour operators or running hotels, yoga studios, massage parlours, bars, cafes or restaurants.

The destination’s popularity with  Australians  means there’s a gradual cultural creep in larger cities like Seminyak, where Melbourne-style cafes and international clothing labels are particularly popular. If you escape the resorts and head further north from Denpasar, you’re more likely to encounter traditional warungs (eateries) and villages untouched by tourism sprawl.

One last word of advice: always watch where you put your feet. Locals will traditionally place small offerings on the footpaths outside their homes or businesses up to three times a day. 83.5% of the population identifies as Hindu and religion plays a large part in Balinese life. In fact, there is a small religious ceremony associated with just about every aspect of Balinese culture, whether it’s the beginning of a soccer game, celebrating the full moon or cleaning the house.

Food and drink

At first glance it might seem difficult to pinpoint Bali’s exact culinary identity. The mishmash of Indonesian and pan-Asian influences means you’re likely to come across menus that sometimes feel part Thai, Malaysian, Indian and Vietnamese. But no matter what you order, the food will always be fresh and bursting with flavour. Dishes are typically made fresh each day, with curries and pastes prepared by hand using traditional methods.

The most authentic food in Bali is usually found streetside at eateries called warungs. Warungs are common in every village and city, and a good place for a quick feed on a budget. Many will specialise in a small menu of popular local dishes.

Top foods to try in Bali

Babi guling:  This is slow cooking Balinese-style. A whole pig is stuffed with chilli, turmeric, ginger, galangal, shallots, garlic, coriander seeds and aromatic leaves and rotated over an open fire. This dish is commonly seen at celebrations.

Satay:  Sometimes spelt ‘sate’ on local menus, Indonesia is famous for its tasty meat skewers (usually chicken) cooked over hot coals and slathered in moreish peanut sauce.

Nasi campur:  Nasi campur feels like a bit of a buffet. Your plate typically comes with a scoop of nasi putih accompanied by small portions of a number of other dishes, including meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp krupuk.

Nasi goreng:  The old favourite among tertiary students is nothing like the local version. Nasi goreng, literally meaning "fried rice”, is a popular rice dish with pieces of meat and vegetables, and a fried egg added on top.

Sambal:  A fiery paste made using a chili base smashed with secondary ingredients like shrimp paste, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, shallot, scallion, palm sugar, lime juice, and rice vinegar.

Learn more about some of the dishes to try in Bali

Eating vegetarian in Bali

Going vegetarian is relatively easy in Bali as many dishes are already meat-free. Tofu and tempeh are also a standard part of the local diet. Key vegetarian dishes to look out for include nasi saur (rice flavoured with toasted coconut and accompanied by tofu, tempeh, vegetables and sometimes egg), urap (steamed vegetables mixed with grated coconut and spices), gado gado (tofu and tempeh mixed with steamed vegetables, boiled egg and peanut sauce) and sayur hijau (leafy green vegetables, usually kangkung – water spinach – flavoured with a tomato-chilli sauce).

The abundance of fresh fruits in Bali means you can buy fresh coconuts and juices (or fruity cocktails) almost anywhere you go. If you're looking for something with a bit more punch then you could order a Bintang, the national larger or maybe arak – a local liquor made from fermented rice and coconut palm flowers.

Learn more about local drinks to try in Bali

Festivals and events

Many festivals in the Balinese calendar revolve around religious and spiritual occasions marked by periods of prayer or silence, and followed by lots of festivities and feasting. Some festivals might be inconvenient for travellers, such as the Day of Silence, but they’re also a great opportunity to gain an insight into local life that many don’t get to see.

Multiple surf contests are held throughout the year at different times and in different places. Check with local surfing schools for up to date information.

Top festivals in Bali

Nyepi (Day of Silence):  Bali’s major Hindu festival, Nyepi, or the Day of Silence, celebrates the beginning of a new year and is marked by inactivity. Legends say that this is a strategy to convince evil spirits that Bali is uninhabited and therefore not worthy of visiting! Jokes on them. The day involves prayer, meditation and quiet reflection.

Bali Arts Festival:  For an island with a strong history of cultural arts, it’s no surprise the Bali Arts Festival has pride of place in the annual calendar. Based at the Taman Wedhi Budaya arts centre in Denpasar, travellers can see village-based dance groups competing for local pride across several traditional dance categories. The date changes each year but is typically held between mid-June to mid-July.

Bali Kite Festival:  From July to October, the skies of southern Bali fill with huge, colourful monsters, critters and imaginative creations. Scores of kites are launched by the locals as part of this special spiritual event. It is believed the kites urge the gods to provide abundant harvests.

Indonesian Independence Day:  Held on 17 August each year, this day celebrates Indonesia's independence from the Dutch in 1945. Expect to see legions of marching school children, flags, kites and fireworks. Don’t expect to get anywhere quickly either on the day or the days leading up to it.

Galungan and Kuningan:  Galungan celebrates the death of a legendary tyrant called Mayadenawa. The celebrations come to a head with the Kuningan festival, which is when the Balinese say thanks and goodbye to the gods. The exact dates of these two festivals vary as they are planned using the 210-day wuku (or Pawukon) calendar.

Learn more about Bali's festivals

Geography and environment

Bali is undoubtedly Indonesia’s most popular province thanks to its abundance of beautiful beaches, leafy jungles and impressive mountains. Located just east of Java and west of Lombok, the Bali province includes not only the island of Bali but also a few of the smaller neighbouring islands, such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.

Bali's highest mountain is Mt Agung (3,031 m, 9,944 ft), which is also known as the "Mother Mountain”. One of the other popular volcanoes on the island is Mt Batur. Both of these volcanoes have contributed to Bali’s incredibly fertile soil, which has allowed the rice crop trade to flourish.

Bali is located just 8 degrees south of the equator, which means it enjoys a fairly even climate year-round. The average year-round temperature hovers around 30°C (86°F), with a humidity level of about 85%. It's also surrounded by coral reefs and is part of the Coral Triangle, an area with the highest biodiversity of marine species. Over 500 reef-building coral species can be found here, which is seven times the entire Caribbean.

Bali’s problems with environmental pollution are well-documented, and it’s fair to say that the nearly 5.7 million tourists who visit annually are contributing their fair share. In late 2017, Indonesian officials declared a “garbage emergency” after a tide of plastic washed up a 5.8 kilometre (3.6 mile) stretch of coastline. We encourage all travellers to carry a reusable plastic bottle with them, a reusable tote bag for carrying items and to try and minimise their use of plastics wherever possible.

While you’ll find many of the main tourism hubs, like Seminyak and Kuta, filled with international fashion labels, there are also many local boutiques offering a wide variety of hand-made goods. These include traditional wood carvings (and even some famously phallic bottle openers), silver jewellery, colourful sarongs, eco-friendly bags, bamboo satchels, recycled furniture and a near limitless range of body oils and fragrances. Of course, if you’re looking for a traditional ‘I Heart Bali’ t-shirt or Bintang singlet, these are never in short supply either.

Like many parts of South East Asia, bargaining is a big part of the local shopping experience. Getting a good price comes down to how well you can haggle, but it’s important to have fun, bargain in good faith, and remember to smile. You’ll usually find better prices, and more negotiable shop owners, away from the main tourist strips.

Health & safety

Intrepid Travel treats the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia? Go to:  SmartTraveller

From Canada? Go to:  Travel.GC.CA

From the UK? Go to:  GOV.UK

From New Zealand? Go to:  SafeTravel.GOVT.NZ

From the USA? Go to:  Travel.State.GOV

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information. Go to:  WHO.INT

Further reading

Bali travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

Sitting a snug 8 degrees from the equator, Bali’s climate is classic tropics. There’s a dry season and a rainy season, and not a whole lot in between.

The best time for a Bali tour (weather-wise) is the July to August peak season, or from December to the first week of January.

Although if you’d like to avoid the crowds (and why wouldn’t you) shoulder months like April, May, June and September make an excellent alternative.

The weather is dry and slightly less humid, and the island in general is a lot more relaxed.

October isn’t too bad either, especially if you’re into water sports like scuba diving, surfing or snorkelling (the rainfall is much lighter than in November).

Do you need a visa for a Bali tour?

The short answer is maybe – depending on your nationality. Passport holders from over 60 countries (including the   UK ,   Australia   and the   United States ) can enter Indonesia with a free tourist visa on arrival which allows you to stay for 30 days for tourism purposes. An immigration officer will date stamp your passport when you arrive and you will not be able to extend your stay. If you overstay there are hefty fines of IDR 1,000,000 (approximately 70 USD) per day.

If there's a chance you might want to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to pay for a visa on arrival or apply for one prior to travelling at an overseas Indonesian consulate or embassy.

To enter Bali, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• proof of onward or return ticket
• proof of funds to pay for your expenses during your trip
• completed immigration card (this will usually be given to you on the plane or at the arrival terminal)

Local laws require that you must be able to show your valid passport at any time when required to do so by an immigration office. We recommend taking a clear photocopy of your passport photo page, and visa (after arriving), to carry with you.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 27 June 2023 

Should I tip on a Bali tour?

Tipping isn’t compulsory in Bali, or anywhere else in Indonesia. But, like most countries, it’s very much appreciated.

Remember that many Balinese rely on tourism as a main source of income, and a tip is always appreciated.

What is the internet access like in Bali?

In tourist centers like Kuta, Seminyak, Denpasar, and Lovina internet access should be fine, and there will be plenty of internet cafes (or cafes with free internet) to choose from if your Wi-Fi isn’t up to scratch.

In more rural areas, there could be little or no coverage, particularly during homestays. Just remember to plan ahead. 

What are the toilets like in Bali?

Restaurants and hotels in developed tourist centers will have Western-style flush toilets.

In more rural areas the traditional squat toilet will be more common.

We recommend packing a bottle of hand sanitizer if you plan to visit rural parts of Bali.

Can I drink the water on a Bali tour?

Drinking water from taps isn’t recommended in Indonesia, but for environmental reasons try to avoid buying bottled water every day. There are a number of filtered canteens you can purchase or bring a supply of water filtration tablets that you can drop into your bottle wherever you go.

If you’re travelling on an Intrepid Travel trip, we always carry with us a large drum of water in our truck to refill your bottles on the road. Our hotel operators will also provide water free of charge to refill your bottles.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Bali?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Bali.

T hey may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas.

Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Bali.

What is ATM access like in Indonesia?

ATMs are found widely throughout Bali, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so be prepared for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

Is Bali safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Homosexuality is legal in most of Indonesia, however, revisions to Indonesia’s criminal code are currently being considered that would criminalise gay sex and same-sex relationships. Advocacy groups fear this would represent a profound setback to human rights in Indonesia as a result. The LGBTQIA+ community has also been known to be targeted and harassed by police.

Bali, with its Hindu majority, has always been more liberal, tolerant and relaxed in attitude, however public displays of affection are still not the norm for any couples anywhere in the country. Upscale hotels will likely not have any issues with same-sex travellers sharing a bed, however if you are staying in budget or family-run businesses and are allocated separate beds, you might feel more comfortable not drawing attention to your relationship. 

Because sex, in general, is a taboo subject in Indonesian society, the issue of sexuality is unlikely to arise while travelling here. Indonesia is generally safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers, provided you are willing to be discreet and cautious with public behaviour.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

The best of Bali: top ways to find your own piece of paradise

Oct 29, 2023 • 9 min read

Surfing the "pipeline" at Padang Padang is just one way to get the Bali feeling © Wonderful Nature / Shutterstock

With its unique Hindu culture, dramatic tropical landscapes and long tradition of delightful hospitality, Bali is one of the most exciting places for activities on the planet.

Whether you like to surf, practice yoga, trek on volcanoes, dive pristine reefs or go white-water rafting, Bali offers all sorts of dynamic and fascinating experiences. On the “island of the gods,” you’ll find an opportunity for relaxation and pampering, too – it's not all about adventure and adrenaline.

To get you started, here's our pick of the best things to do on a trip to Bali.

Grab a surfboard and catch the Bali pipeline

Bali is celebrated as one of the top spots for surfing on the planet. While the island is legendary for world-class waves such as Uluwatu, Padang Padang (“the Balinese Pipeline”) and the aptly named Impossibles, countless other spots are perfect for intermediate surfers or beginners.

Canggu and Kuta Beach are the best hubs on the island for novice surfers. Canggu has plenty of board rental stands and surf schools offering lessons; check out Echo Beach for relatively mellow waves where you can find your feet. More board rental places and surf schools can be found along Kuta Beach, and the waves here are – under normal circumstances – even more chilled for learning.

However, a lot of beginners find out the hard way that high tide at Kuta brings steep, heavy shore-breakers that are often challenging even for experienced surfers. Aim to have your lessons close to low tide and save the tougher waves for later in your surfing career.

If you'd rather escape the crowds, Medewi in West Bali is one of Bali’s least-known waves. The point itself is covered in boulders, so it’s best for intermediate or experienced surfers, but you'll find 10km (6.2mi) of sandy-bottom beach breaks on either side of Medewi that rarely see another surfer.

Raft the white waters of the Ayung Valley

Jungle rivers cascade down from the volcanic highlands in the center of Bali, carving great ravines that are one of the most unexpected features of Bali’s geography. The southern hills are quite densely populated with these rivers, and rafting is often the best way to experience still-unspoiled jungle canyons.

Bali’s rivers may not offer the world’s most challenging rapids, but what you lose in adrenaline, you gain in the sheer pleasure of seeing the Ubud area from a totally unexpected angle. It’s hard to believe that such pristine forest valleys can exist just a stone’s throw from bustling Ubud town.

Mason Adventures is one of the most reputable rafting companies and runs the longest rafting trips along the Ayung Valley, clocking in at 12km (7.5mi). You can combine an Ayung Valley rafting trip with a 30km (18.5mi) mountain bike tour that runs almost entirely downhill.

Go on “safari” in Bali’s wild west

It's different in West Bali. Away from the crowds, you can watch in awe as critically endangered Bali starlings flit overhead while wild ebony leaf monkeys loop through the canopy and giant monitor lizards flick their tongues to taste the air. Herds of Menjangan deer even come right up to the beach bungalows – they’re famous for coming to cool their heels in the shallows.  

You can only visit West Bali National Park with a guide, but even if you’re traveling independently outside the reserve, it’s impossible to shake the impression that West Bali has something fundamentally “wild” about it. To catch the mood, try trekking in the surprisingly arid hills of the cactus country or along the vineyard-filled north coast, or watch macaques run free at the many temples in the area.

Just east of the national park boundary, The Menjangan is the most unexpectedly wild resort on the entire island. Even if you’re not staying here, you can rent cycles and book guided walks and horse-riding and birdwatching tours.

Align your chakras and live the yogi dream

Yoga has been practiced on the Hindu island of Bali for over 1000 years, but the boom years for commercial yoga began in the early years of this century. Ubud in particular has made a name for itself as Southeast Asia's yoga capital.

Yoga Barn , which began with one humble yoga shall (practice space) in 2007, has grown to become a fixture on the Ubud scene, with seven studios running a whopping 130 classes a week. There’s a restaurant, a cafe, a yoga store and even accommodations for students who come here for teacher training or specialist courses.

More low-key, offering only 60 classes a week, Radiantly Alive has become a firm favorite with local yogis in the know. It’s located on a quiet alleyway in the old town and is popular with students who enjoy a more intimate, communal atmosphere. Radiantly Alive also has a yoga studio in Canggu.

Dive Bali’s tropical waters surrounded by splendor

Lying at the center of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia boasts some of the richest marine habitats on the planet, and Bali has its share of top diving and snorkeling spots. The entire north coast, which is spared the waves of the south, is a watery wonderland for diving and snorkeling aficionados. The island of Nusa Lembongan is a good place to start; Bali Hai runs diving day trips to “Manta Alley” and other local sites, as well as full PADI certification courses.

Menjangan Island off Bali’s northwest tip also offers world-class diving without the crowds. You'll see the entire spectrum of reef fish alongside turtles, reef sharks and, if you’re lucky, dolphins and whale sharks. The Menjangan rents kayaks and can arrange guided diving and snorkeling trips to the island.

Chill out at a private Bali beach club

Bali is famed for its beaches, and the island has a surprising number of wild, often deserted strands alongside busy “town beaches” such as Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu. If you tire of the crowded sand, a day at a private beach club can be an unforgettable experience.

Potato Head in Seminyak has become a Balinese icon. Much more than just a beach club, this lively spot has two infinity pools, a music venue and several landmark restaurants, including Ijen, Bali’s first zero-waste restaurant. Along the beach from Potato Head, Mrs Sippy boasts Bali’s biggest saltwater pool and brands itself as a Mediterranean-inspired oasis.

Over at Canggu, Finns Beach Club has become a Bali institution, with five bars (including two sunken pool bars), three restaurants and a live music space, all spread across a beautifully designed property between two pools and the ocean.

If you’re in Sanur, check out Byrdhouse Beach Club , a vibrant extension to the lovely Segara Village Hotel , run by the same local family since the 1950s. Byrdhouse features a 25m-long infinity pool, spacious beachfront lawns, quality dining spaces and what is probably the best Jacuzzi cocktail bar you’ll ever find.

Pamper yourself in a holistic Bali spa

Whether you choose to bliss out with an après-surf massage on the beach or have a marathon all-day pampering session in a five-star spa, Bali takes vacation relaxation to the next level. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Fivelements Retreat near Ubud are open to non-guests and rank among the best spa and wellness retreats on the planet.

The Sacred River Spa at the Four Seasons has it all: spa treatments, traditional healers and chakra ceremonies in spellbinding surroundings overlooking the Ayung Valley. Fivelements specializes in holistic treatments inspired by Balinese traditions, with a focus on plant-based cuisine, sacred arts and romantic day experiences that are perfect for couples. Both spots also offer yoga and other wellness packages.

Glo Spa Bali is also highly recommended for its massages and beauty treatments, which attract plenty of repeat visitors. If you’re traveling on a budget, head to one of the Yes Spa Bali establishments in Kuta or Legian, where you can enjoy excellent traditional Balinese massages for less than US$8.

Walk with pink buffaloes on a paddy field tour

Water buffalo have become increasingly rare in Bali since mechanized farm tools took the place of plows, but you can still spot a few of Bali's rare pink buffalo hard at work in the fields, particularly in West Bali. Join a half-day guided paddy walk with pink buffaloes near Pekutatan for fascinating insights into the role that these magnificent creatures play in the rice-growing cycle, and the complex rituals behind rice farming on the island.

Climb up Batur volcano at sunrise

The 1717m (5633ft) summit of the Batur volcano is perhaps the best place to take in the sunrise on an island that Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru called the “morning of the world.” From the crater rim, the view takes in Mt. Agung – the island’s highest peak and the spiritual abode of the gods in Balinese culture – and Mt. Rinjani on distant Lombok .

You’ll have to set your alarm incredibly early to witness the splendor. Most tours start with a hotel pickup between 1am and 2am so hikers can complete the 3.5km (2.2mi) trek and be up at the summit by sunrise.

Photograph Asia’s most colorful traditional fishing fleet

The fleet of selerek (traditional Balinese fishing boats) at Perancak inlet are one of the most astounding – and least known – sights on the entire island. Looking like day-glow Viking longboats with curiously decorated crow’s nests (many shaped like chariots) and longtail engines spiking out from their vibrantly colorful hulls, these boats will astound any visitor who takes the trouble to reach this unspoiled corner of West Bali.

Stroll across the emerald expanses of Jatiluwih Paddies

Lying just 15km (9.3mi) north of Ubud, the pretty rice terraces of Tegallalang are a prime tourist destination. But with each passing year, more development comes to Tegallalang, and at sunset especially, it’s hard to soak up the beauty of the valley with all the noise from honking tour buses.

For a better introduction to the great paddy landscapes that cover less-visited parts of Bali, head for the immense Jatiluwih terraces, around 40km (25 miles) northwest. This idyllic stretch of countryside is perfect for wandering alone, but consider hiring a local guide if you want to understand the intricacies of the 1000-year-old subak irrigation system , which is inscribed on Unesco’s cultural heritage list.

This article was first published Aug 23, 2012 and updated Oct 29, 2023.

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