BALI

MARKETS of UBUD and DENPASAR

Balinese markets and bazaars are a vivid feast for the eyes and a shopper's paradise. In Ubud's bazaar, food and produce markets, bright colors are everywhere from the stacks of rattan boxes, candles, sarongs, carved wooden masks, batik silk scarves, oil paintings, and overflowing baskets of bright tropical fruit.

Denpasar city is a shopper's paradise and we can provide insider access. This half day trip will visit a couple of department stores, which are far different than in the West, the traditional Balinese market Pasar Kreneng, to witness how the locals shop and browse all types of trinkets, hand-crafted souvenirs, wood carvings, and batik and tailored cloths, and local boutique shops.

EAST BALI NATURE TREK

This half- to all-day excursion affords views of Bali's finest landscapes. After a half hour drive to Eastern Bali, arrive in an isolated village for a gentle cross-country trek with incredible panoramic views of the blue ocean, mountain volcanoes and vaulting rice terraces. Our hike will pass through villages otherwise inaccessible, ending at the indigenous Balinese “Bali Aga” village of Tenganan, with its unique customs and ancient culture.

At trek's end meet our transport and head for lunch and short swim at Candi Dasa, a fishing village with a scenic lagoon, before returning back to hotel.

Bali by Helicopter

The Island of the Gods never looked so magnificent as from the vantage point of helicopter gliding over the terraced rice fields and blue lagoons. Several panoramic flights are offered, including the west and south coasts of Bali that highlights the beaches of Kuta and Legian, the mysterious Tanah Lot temple, and remarkable rice terraces.

Air transfer may also be arranged to the Gili Islands. We suggest flights of 30 to 90 mins.

Catamaran Cruise & Reef Club BBQ

Sail out into the Badung Strait, relaxing over refreshments as your Balinese crew hoist the massive mainsail to carry you across the seas to your private beach resort on Lembongan Island. Settle back and relax to the sounds of the sea, and the wind in the sail and on the way, see dolphins playing in the warm tropical waters or blue-green mahi mahi or gun-metal tuna, which become an incredibly fresh addition to your delicious BBQ lunch on the island.

Share the glittering open waters with fishing prahus carrying their cargoes to the smaller islands, and you see the great volcano, Gunung Agung (which the Balinese call “the Navel of the world”) emerging from the clouds.

UBUD ART ENCOUNTER

Traveling via scenic back roads, visit a "bali style" house compound built on traditional Balinese architectural principles; a silver work shop in Singapadu, the studio of a sculptor of fine quality woodcarvings at Mas; the gallery of a well known artist in Ubud meeting with the artist. Also strolling in the Sacred Monkey Forest, a nature reserve and temple complex in the heart of Ubud and a traditional market, selling spices and vegetables, and handicrafts, mostly made in the neighboring villages. Design aficionados may also tour and shop for furniture, masks, painting, decorative items in these artisan villages that dot the area.

ARTISANS, TEMPLES & SACRED MONKEYS

A day trip to explore Central and West Bali, with back road visits to a traditional Balinese house compound and silver workshop in Singapadu; a studio of a woodcarving sculptor at Mas and an art gallery in Ubud. Westwards to the Royal Water Garden temple Taman Ayun, surrounded by a moat in Mengwi; the Sacred Monkey Forest Alas Kedaton and Tanah Lot temple, a pagoda perched on the rock promontory, famous for postcard pictures of temple at sunset.

SACRED BESAKIH—MOTHER TEMPLE

A day trip visiting the small township of Klungkung Kertha Gosa, the ancient Courthouse, a beautifully painted relic of old Bali. After, continue up the winding road taking in views of the majestic rice terraces of Bukit Jambul, to Besakih, situated on the slopes of Mount Agung. This 14th-century temple complex is sacred to all of Bali's Hindu populace.

Note visiting the complex involves some moderate hiking and steps. (7-8 hrs)

ART, DANCE, ARCHEOLOGY & VOLCANOS

An all-day excursion viewing a performance of the Barong and Keris dance – drama, representing an eternal fight between good and evil, offers both comedy and trance. Visit a house compound built on traditional Balinese architectural principles; a silver workshop in Singapadu; the studio of a woodcarving sculptor at Mas; the gallery of a well-known artist in Ubud, the 11th Century archaeological cave Goa Gajah with its Buddhist and Hindu history; the cool waters of Sebatu Holy Springs; a coffee plantation and the coffee production process  and the active volcano Mt. Batur with its caldera lake at Kintamani.

Temple of Water, Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot

Afternoon tour visiting the Royal Water Garden Temple at Mengwi; the sacred monkey forest at Alas-Kedaton, and Tanah Lot temple, set on a huge eroded rock surrounded by seawater for sunset (weather permitting). En route try the traditional Balinese snack  Kelepon.

There's nothing quite like a stroll down Monkey Forest Road: start at the Art Market at the top, then meander down stopping for coffee and window shopping along the way, before retreating into the Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Apart from the thieving, but rather entertaining, macaques who inhabit this patch of thick jungle, there is also the Temple of the Dead further into the park. Return to hotel early evening.

Bird Park & Reptile Park

Visit the beautifully landscaped Bird Park with the largest and finest collection of Indonesian birds in the world plus fantastic birds from Africa and South America. See the baby bird nursery, stroll through giant walk-through aviaries that replicate the natural ecosystem of Bali Jungle and Papuan rainforest, enjoy the free flight bird show, feed the birds and visit the 4D Theater.

Next, visit the Bali Reptile Park, situated right next door, where you can have a close look at a large collection of reptiles, including an 8-meter long reticulated python, crocodiles, a large collection of snakes and lizards, and the possibility to interact and take photos with tame iguanas, tortoises and others.

Uluwatu, Kecak Dance & Jimbaran Bay

Uluwtu Temple, located on the southernmost tip of the country, is unique only-in-Bali setting where wild monkeys scamper around the cliff side over-looking the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean. We recommend an afternoon trip, taking in a fiery and spellbinding Kecak Dance performance at Uluwatu and the GWK Cultural Park with its superb views of Kuta, Benoa, and Sanur in the distance.  The day concludes with a delicious barbecued seafood dinner on the white sands of Jimbaran Bay. (5-6 hrs with dinner).

FASHION & YOGA

Meet with entrepreneur Nicolai Kredler, a yoga master and longtime Bali resident who founded the popular organic kid's clothing line Kids Organic.

Tour Kids Organic design studio and factory and learn about Nicolai's experiences in Bali and his business during a hosted lunch. (2-3 hrs with hosted lunch)

Diving & Surfing in Bali

If you want to get away from the crowds on South Bali, take a step back in time and visit the remote Gili Islands, just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Bali's neighbor island.

Automobiles and motorized traffic are prohibited on the islands, with bicycles and horse-drawn carriages serving as transport. Experienced divers often state that the diving around the Gili's has some of the best water in Indonesia. A couple of simple but pleasant hotels are located on the islands and a smattering of excellent seafood restaurants.

Surf Gili Trawangwan: The surf on this island breaks roughly half of the time, and when it does is quite good. Camps are offered from one to two weeks, visiting the top on and off-shore spots.

Diving Candidasa & Amed Reef

Diving in Candidasa & Amed offers great underwater experience with abundant tropical fish, extensive reefs and Tulamben, world-famous for the USAT Liberty divable shipwreck. Tulamben Bay offers incredible shore-diving with easy conditions – perfect for beginners and underwater photography.

Resident marine life includes large schools of Big-eyed trevally, Leaf scorpionfish, Bumphead parrot fish and pygmy seahorse. Outside Tulamben Bay are other wonderful sites such as Kubu, Magic Rocks, Emerald, Alamanda, and Batu Kelebit. Night diving is also organized.

Ubud Ayung River Rafting

Spectacular rafting is offered down the Ayung River. Suitable and safe adventure for all ages this rafting trip is a mixture of wild excitement, breath taking views, well guided and informative sightseeing.

Drifting through some of Bali's most appealing landscape, the Ayung River provides a thrill switching between Class I and II rapids, winding through deep valleys with cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs. On leisurely stretches through spy Hindu shrines that are brightly decorated on ceremonial days.

Ubud Monkey Forest & Sanctuary

Visit and play with some of the hundreds of gregarious long-tail macaque monkeys that call the Ubud Monkey Forest home. The monkeys roam around freely in the tree canopy and temple complex that is a sacred Balinese Hindu site. Interestingly, the Balinese believe the monkeys are capable of guarding temple sites against evil spirits and thus favor their presence in this holy place. The monkeys might get a little frisky with shiny things and cameras though, so watch your things!

Also exploring the Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah), located along the Petanu River valley with ornate carvings of Buddhist deities such as Hariti and Ganesha.

BIKING THE ELEPHANT SAFARI PARK

A leisurely bicycle tour starting at the base of Mt. Batur in Kintamani district and winds through 15 miles of lush valleys, small villages, century-old temples, emerald green rice fields and through the Elephant Safari Park, stopping to visit with the gentle giants.

Expert guides will explain the history of the land, culture, its people and take you on an unforgettable experience that will remain with you long after you leave Bali. During the ride, stopping to savor a variety of exotic fruits and spices ride before biking through the towering bamboo forest of Taro and end at the Elephant Safari Park.

TENGANAN TO TIRTAGANGA TREK

Tenganan to Tirtaganga is a half-day hike, taking the back trails of Bali. Starting in East Bali, close to the fishing village of Candidasa in the ancient Bali Aga village of Tenganan, this hike meanders around the lush tropical hills, verdant rice terraces, through local villages beneath massive Mount Agung above. The villages are very nice and commonly say hello.

At trek's end in Tirtaganga, the old water palace and bathing place of the King, enjoy jumping into cool fresh spring said to be a fountain of youth. 4 hours.

Rice Paddy Trekking in Jatiluwih

Escape the crowds on this rice paddy trek in Jatiluwi, a UNESCO World Heritage site—a delightful way to take in Bali's incredible landscapes. Your guide will escort you deep into one of Bali's most famous rice terraces Jatiluwih. , learning the art of traditional farming and complex irrigation system called subak.

This hour and a half trek goes through huge cascading rice terraces with peaceful unspoiled mountains in the background. There is a longer trekking option, about thee and a half hours, for those of you who are fit enough. Also learn about indigenous horticulture of Bali's famous coffee, cocoa, bamboo, bananas, and leaves that are used in traditional Balinese medicine. 1.5 hours.

Trek the Volcano —Sacred Mount Agun

After trekking through the early morning, watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Agung, the highest mountain on Bali and forming part of a chain of volcanoes that make up the back bone of Bali. Mount Agung has great spiritual significance to the people of the island, and is home to the ‘Mother Temple' of Besakih. It

Note: This 12-hour excursion is for advanced hikers. The best time to climb Mount Agung is in the dry season of April to October with January and February not possible due to heavy rain, flooding and landslides. 12 hours (2:00 AM to 1:00 PM), with about 2.5 hours hiking uphill.

SAFARI PARK

Home of hundreds of exotic animals representing over sixty species, including some rare and endangered species such as the Komodo Dragon, Orang Utan, and the Bali Mynah. At Bali Safari & Marine Park, you can choose to enjoy your safari journey from the elephant back with our Elephant Back Safari, interact with your favorite animal up close at the Animal Encounter space, experience the wildest fine dining surrounded by lions, meerkats, and porcupines at the Tsavo Lion restaurant, and unwind with the spectacular show of Bali Agung at a state of art theater in the park, Bali Theater or make your own big splash at our Water Park and Fun Zone.

ELEPHANT SAFARI PAR

Elephants aren't native to Bali, but that hasn't stopped the island from becoming a sanctuary for the endangered Sumatran subspecies. Some of the rescued and rehabilitated animals now reside in the Elephant Safari Park, located on immaculate grounds in Taro, about 12 miles north of Ubud, and is the oldest and largest facility, and considered the most dedicated to elephants cares and concerns.

In addition to the rides, there's an elephant show arena, a museum, an often-used elephant bathing area, a full restaurant, and plenty of opportunities to touch, feed, and pose with these gentle giants.

BALINESE MASSAGE

Whether at your resort or enjoy a massage at Iman Spa, which offers relaxing treatments by Nyoman Sparsa, who is known to be one of the best massage therapists in Ubud. The spa specializes in deep tissue massage, reflexology and acupressure.

Or join an nature spa excursion with Esprite Nomade in the hills outside Ubud. This tented-safari style picnic along the banks of Wos River (a 10-minute walk from Payogan Temple) lets you experience a 30-minute foot bath and massage plus sumptuous high tea complete with Indonesian oolong and fruit tarts, cocktails and canapes. To cap it off, bamboo flute music will serenade you while you enjoy all this experience.

BIKING the ISLAND OF THE GODS

Having founded the Asia bike touring scene in 1993 (www.veloasia.com), you know we love to ride. Spend the day getting to know the real Bali, biking through the verdant rural landscapes, riding past sleepy villages These bike trips are suited to all level of ages and skills, from babies, kids, teens to elderly people and from the beginner to the most advanced of riders and customized to preference.

Mid-ride, pause to bathe and cool off in the pools at the sacred water temple Tirta Empul, a temple built in the ninth century that has 13 ornate spouts. Each stream of cool fresh water represents purification—from fertility and love to protection from evil spirits.

Children's bike and baby/child seats are also available. All routes are designed with safety in mind. and at least 2 guides will accompany you while being followed by your support van. (1/2 or full-day)

Village Cycling, Fun Factory & Chocolate Making

A fun cycling trip on the scenic back roads outside of Canangsari village which winds through the lush countryside on quiet footpaths. During our ride, pause to visit the wonderful Elephant camp, where we can see a baby elephant or two.

Afterwards, spending time at the fun factory where we will sample chocolate and cocoa treats while learning about how chocolate is made. Children will also create chocolate elephants.

After the Fun Factory, continue cycling through farms and local villages to reach the Sangeh Monkey Forest. After playing with the monkeys, enjoying lunch overlooking the picturesque Ayung River. (1/2 day)

Elephant trekking and horseback riding can also be arranged for a differing experience.

Off The Beaten Trek and School Visit

This family trek heads into secluded and picturesque highlands of Bali's countryside, where the village life remains unaffected by mass tourism elsewhere on the island. At the beginning of the trek, visiting an elementary school in an isolated remote village, watching in the classrooms and speaking with the teachers and children. Here, your children are welcome to give an informal English lesson.

The trail hiked features both highland dry and wet agriculture, which your children will learn about while passing crops and plantations of vegetables, coffee, oranges, clove, vanilla beans, cacao, and more. We will enjoy beautiful views of the old city and northern coast of Bali, before descending through the jungle to visit Bali's largest waterfall, rarely visited by both locals and tourists.

The trek then continues to a vantage point for one of the most stunning views in Bali—the vaulting and intricate rice field terraces, one of the most sophisticated and oldest irrigation systems in Bali that have been used by Balinese farmers for thousands of years. At trek's end , enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. (1/2 day)

Balinese Village Day

Spend a day in a real Balinese village! A full day once in a lifetime experience of mingling with famously friendly Balinese villagers, sharing their daily routines. Activities include farming fields, herding armies of ducks, planting crops, and harvesting greens and other crops for a delicious lunch. Share time with local children and understand their lifestyle while they will be curious to discover more about your.

Where else to experience such a day but on Bali's most fertile soil of Tabanan below majestic Mount Batukaru, an area that for hundreds of years has been the island's main producer of finest varieties of rice. (1/2 day)

Rainforest Trek

An exciting trek suitable for all ages and abilities through a protected Rainforest Nature Reserve on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. A trained guide will lead this two-hour trek, sharing information about the diverse topical flora & fauna of the island, while passing giant bamboo, tall ferns, strangling trees, wild orchids, spiky rattans and more.

After exploring Bali's nature, enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch at The Giri, a deluxe rainforest camp where we can shower after the trek.  On the drive back, pausing to admire terraced rice fields in the area with time for photos and a short walk.

Balinese Art School

Not far from Ubud, this quiet art school and studio in a pleasant setting where we can meet with the artists and watch them painting, meticulously creating art depicting Balinese Hindu gods, as well as agricultural and cultural themes. Small pieces may take a few days to complete and larger works will take several months.

After touring the studio, meeting with young artists children will learn to paint their own small artwork with hands-on instruction. (3 hours)

Summer Bali Arts Festival

Balinese festivals are exciting and colorful events, including celebrants of all ages. The Balinese Arts Festival is every June and July (above). Have your children be a guest of honor in this delightful cultural celebration. The festival features hundreds of national and international cultural groups with daily performances of dance and music as well as numerous activities, during which literally the whole of Bali will be drawn to Denpasar to present their offerings of dance, music, and friendship. Ancient forms of classical Balinese dances will be resurrected during the festival. Also featured are culinary exhibitions, competitions, fashion shows, flower shows and displays of traditional handicrafts.