Indonesia: Enchanting Bali, Rural Lombok and Gili Islands

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Home to the country's royal family, the town is rich in art and at the center of Balinese craft and traditional dance. In 1936, the King of Ubud co-founded the Pitamaha Artists Cooperative, in which both Balinese and Western painting styles have mutually been flourishing. The town itself has developed dramatically over the past twenty years, with many shops and boutiques offering an ideal ground for unusual and unique retail therapy. Despite this growth, Ubud and its surrounding villages continue to be harmonious and unspoilt. Breathe in the breathtaking beauty, as you witness gently rolling, often terraced paddy fields, dotted with occasional Hindu temples. Rainforests with majestic, centuries-old trees, and dramatic gorges within the tranquil foothills, await your discovery.

Unravel the mysteries of ancient Ubud on this captivating exploration of prominent landmarks. Head to Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave, a ninth century sanctuary for Buddhist monks, known for its exquisite carvings. Travel on to the small settlement of Pejeng that sits tucked into the Petauan River Valley. Get a good look at the largest single-cast bronze kettle drum housed in the Pura Penataran Asih temple before you wander around the Purbakala Archaeological Museum. Stop by some of the smaller temples in the vicinity including the Pura Arjuna Metapa that sits amid a verdant paddy field. As you journey on to central Ubud, savor views of the terrace fields at Tegalalang. You could also choose to relish lunch in town and browse around the local market with its apparel, leather goods, and handcrafted jewelry before you head back. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Gili Meno in Lombok is a paradise if you are seeking an authentic Robinson Crusoe experience! Located just a kilometer from Gili Trawangan Beach it is considered the middle sibling of the three Gili islands. At just one kilometer wide and two kilometers long, Gili Meno is the smallest and most intimate, and yet boasts some of the best and least crowded beaches. You can walk around the entire island in less than two hours, ambling around paradise beaches. Adventurers, honeymooners and romantics alike will warm to the isolation of Gili Meno. You can enjoy some fabulous diving and snorkeling experiences, including night time dives to spot the giant moray eels, babyfish, as well an array of shellfish. One extra special treat at the island is the early morning visit of sea turtles as they venture from colorful corals up to the shore - witnessing this endangered species is a sheer delight!

Set off on this exciting snorkeling adventure to get up close with the spectacular underwater world off the Gili Islands. Settle into a comfortable boat as you head into the sea around the three tiny islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Don your snorkeling gear and dive into the crystal clear shallow waters that are home to hundreds of species of fish. Discover the beauty of colorful underwater coral reefs and chance upon exotic cuttlefish, sea turtles, and stingrays on the ocean floor. Snorkel to your heart’s content before you bid adieu to one of Lombok’s best dive sites and head back to shore. (Duration: 2 hrs; Breakfast Included; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Lombok is considered Bali's more charming neighbor. Despite being the same size, Lombok has managed to retain its privacy. If you seek authenticity, then venture to its black and white sandy beaches, lush forests, and fascinating trails through tobacco and paddy fields. At the center of the island lies a picturesque volcanic crater, ideal for travels with an adventurous spirit. Gunung Rinjani is Indonesia's second highest volcano. The island also boasts a fabulous surfing spirit, and several untouched, idyllic beaches, such as Mawun.

Head to the friendly, welcoming village of Tetebatu! Set high above sea level, you can enjoy wonderful views of the rural environs and cool, fresh air here. The village is en route to several local attractions, including the waterfalls of Aiktemer, Brain Kokoq, the weaving village of Pringgasela, and Suradadi. Witness the well-preserved Dutch colonial heritage houses. At Gangga village, wander past paddy fields and cacao plantations, before reaching a set of three waterfalls. Venture onwards to the holy 18th century Lingsar Temple that blends together two religions: Wetu Telu, which is practiced by the native Sasak people, and Balinese Hinduism. Wetu Telu has various elements of native animistic traditions, although the people consider themselves Muslim. Over time, the worshippers have also adopted several Hindu belief systems. There are four holy shrines, but the most fascinating element of the temple is an enclosed pond which contains holy eels! You can witness the eels and, according to custom, receive their blessing in exchange for an offering of hard boiled eggs.(Full Day; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 hr drive; Duration: 6 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable walking shoes along.)

Seminyak is the hedonist hotspot of Bali! Located north of the airport, Seminyak boasts a marvellous beach along a stretch of coastline that has made Bali world-famous. In the last thirty years, the area has developed into an urban metropolis boasting an ultra-modern lifestyle that never sleeps, always making it interesting for inhabitants and guests alike. You can experience stunning sunsets and a fabulous surf. When beachlife gets too much, there is a feast of restaurants, nightclubs and hotels to suit all tastes.

Visit one of Bali’s most iconic Hindu temples on this trip. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the afternoon by your local guide and driven to the magnificent temple complex of Uluwatu. Take in a spectacular sunset from your vantage point overlooking the Indian Ocean. Then, ride over to the rugged hills of the Bukit Peninsula, home to the ancient Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. The famous monument is one of the tallest statues of a Hindu deity in the world. Later in the evening, enjoy a traditional Kecak Dance performance by a lotus pond. Watch episodes from the ancient Indian epic, ‘The Ramayana’, reenacted by local dancers. After the show, head to a restaurant at Jimbaran Bay and enjoy a dinner of delicious Balinese seafood. Savor gorgeous views of the ocean along with your meal before heading back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please dress appropriately for a temple visit, covering forearms and legs)