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Spirit of Bali & Nusa Lembongan

Spirit of Bali & Nusa Lembongan

From $ 1,535 AUD

Description

Why do I need an organised small-group tour through one of Asia’s most visited islands, you ask? Well, a nine-day real adventure of the sights, sounds and smells of traditional villages, untouched countryside, striking beaches and true Balinese cuisine isn’t easy to come by, but we’ve done all the hard work for you. Take part in a water purification ceremony, experience an authentic cooking class away from the crowds, learn the ancient art of Jamu and focus on wellness and relaxation with plenty of free time for you to explore at your own pace. You’ll be understanding why Bali is so highly regarded as a slice of paradise, but you’ll get to carve your own path past some of the serene highlights that it has to offer.

Trip Name
Spirit of Bali & Nusa Lembongan
Last Updated
2020-09-06
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Learn about true Balinese cuisine at an in-depth cooking class, sourcing ingredients from local markets and the onsite farm, and preparing a range of delicious vegetarian dishes, with the option of catering for other dietary desires.
  • Participate in water purification ceremony at the traditional Tirta Sudamala temple, in which your body and soul will be cleansed in this ancient ritual.
  • Discover the quintessential but secluded landscapes of rice fields and terraces on a guided Campuhan Ridge and local village walk with a knowledgeable local leader.
  • Understand the traditional medicinal properties and health benefits of the Javanese Jamu drink, sourcing the local ingredients and preparing some yourself.
  • Take a day trip out to the outlying Nusa Penida off the east coast of Bali and realise why this island is acclaimed for its panoramic vistas, stunning beaches and sapphire waters.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Ubud
Welcome to the arts and cultural hub of Bali. You are in store for a trip dedicated to wellness, rest and relaxation, and what better place to begin than the verdant highlands of Ubud. This evening, there will be a group meeting at 6 pm to discuss the details of the trip, as well as to meet your leader and travel group. If you do happen to arrive early, good for you! There is so much to see in and around this bustling town, so perhaps wander through the laneways in search for some artisan clothing or souvenirs, book yourself in for a relaxing spa treatment or go in search for the quintessential landscapes of rice terraces. After your important meeting, why not get your group together and find some delicious food at one of the warungs (local restaurants) in town – your group leader will have some great recommendations.
Day 2 - Ubud
Start the day with a guided walking tour (about 2.5 hours). Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields, an alang alang valley (type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings) and stop by a Balinese home for some coffee. Your tour ends in central Ubud, where you can see the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore, so how about visiting the Saraswati Temple & Lotus Garden, or try a yoga class? It’s up to you. Ubud has been recognised as a town focused on health and wellness, and this extends to their food offerings. With so much to choose from, including a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, you won’t go hungry.
Day 3 - Ubud - Undisan
Say goodbye to Ubud early this morning and continue through the Balinese countryside. You’ll pay a visit to a local market outside of Ubud, where your local guide will teach you about different roots, fruits and vegetables, like mangosteen and salak (snake fruit). There may even be the chance to taste some local sweets! Continue on to the Pemulan Bali Farm – a cooking school set inside a lush green farm. Here, you’ll take a walk around, learning about the tropical plants, fruits and herbs grown on the property, how to harvest and care for them, and what their uses are for cooking and also in traditional medicines. Once you’ve gathered enough produce to cook with and enjoyed a Balinese coffee or tea, head back to the cooking station and prepare a series of vegetarian dishes, including some Balinese curries, gado gado and vegetables wrapped in banana leaf. There is also the option to prepare some meat-based dishes, if you would like. A main focus on the cooking class today is making a Base Gede – a traditional Balinese spice paste that is used in many local dishes. Today will be consist of cooking, eating, more cooking, then more eating – all to make sure that none of your delicious creations go cold! After your class continue on to Undisan village (approximately 2 hours), where you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or simply laze by the pool.
Day 4 - Undisan
Start your morning right with a one-hour meditation class and healthy breakfast, before learning about the traditional drink of jamu. Jamu is a type of herbal drink originating on the Indonesian island of Java known for its medicinal properties, and uses many roots and spices, like turmeric, to cleanse the body and mind. You’ll pick up ingredients in the local vegetable gardens and learn about the health benefits of these small digestives. In the afternoon, head to the Tirta Sudamala temple, where you have the option to partake in a traditional purification ceremony. This involves putting your head under a series of fountains in and near the river. A local guide will explain to you the customs of this ceremony, plus a little bit about Balinese Hinduism and the importance of these rituals. Please be mindful that you will need to wear a sarong in the temple grounds and wear appropriate bathing attire should you choose to participate. Later on, head back to your resort in Undisan for some well-deserved relax time.
Day 5 - Sanur
Today, drive from Undisan to Sanur (approximately 1 hour). Sanur is a popular holiday spot in Bali on the east coast and has a laidback coastal vibe. You’ll have the afternoon to explore the surrounding area, or if you’d like, just pull up a towel on part of the sandy beach and take it easy. You are on holidays, after all. Tonight, there’s the option to visit a healthy beachfront restaurant with the group to watch day turn to night overlooking the Bali Sea.
Day 6 - Nusa Lembongan
Take private transport from your hotel to the Sanur port, then board a boat to Nusa Lembongan island (a 30-minute journey). You’ll then head directly to your hotel to drop off your bags. This afternoon, salute to the sun on an included yoga class within walking distance of your accommodation. You may like to keep the relaxation going by booking in an afternoon massage – at such a reasonable price in Indonesia, you’d be missing out not to have at least one!
Day 7 - Nusa Penida - Nusa Lembongan
Today, make tracks for Nusa Penida, the larger of the three islands off the east coast of Bali, and perhaps the most stunning. You’ll take a bemo (local minivan) from your hotel to the Yellow Bridge. This bridge is the only way the two islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Cenigan are connected, and you can only make it across by walking. From here, take a 30-minute boat ride to Nusa Penida. Your group will hop in a minivan and explore the island, going from the crystal-clear waters of Angel Billabong, the rock formations of Broken Beach and up to the stunning overlook of Kelingking Cliff – if you’re an anybody on Instagram at the moment you would’ve seen this vista all over your feed, and there’s a reason for that. Continue on to Crystal Bay, and once you’re day-tripped out, head back to your resort for a swim, and maybe a cocktail if you fancy!
Day 8 - Canggu
Have a relaxing morning in this slice of paradise, and in the afternoon, take a boat back to the Bali mainland. Transfer to a minivan and head to the other side of the island, where you’ll check in to your boutique hotel in Canggu. Canggu is a popular surf spot and has a heap of beachfront cafés and bars, with some great nightlife. Why not tonight take a walk down the beach and stake out a place to grab a beer and watch the chill day surf spot turn into a heaving hub of activity. After such a calm and relaxed trip, there’s certainly a reason to let loose!
Day 9 - Canggu
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! We highly recommend spending an extra couple of days in and around Canggu, and if you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). While here, why not book in for a surf class or hire a board to catch some waves or continue the zen mentality with some yoga and a Balinese massage.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-12-202027-12-2020AUD $ 1,535-

Accommodation

Resort (6 nights),Hotel (2 nights)

Transport

Private van,ferry,boat

Map