In April I led a WeRoad group around Bali for 8 days. It's an island with a bit of everything: green rice terraces, temples on lakes, volcano sunrises and lazy beach days, all with incense and amazing food along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Bali: Seminyak
Arrive at Denpasar airport and check in at the hotel in Seminyak. Shake off the jet lag with a sunset walk on the beach and a first Balinese dinner.
Day 2 – Jatiluwih & Lake Bratan
Head inland to the UNESCO rice terraces of Jatiluwih, then to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, the temple that seems to float on Lake Bratan. Stop at Wanagiri Hill for the famous Bali swings.
Day 3 – Waterfalls & a cooking class
Hike through the jungle to Sekumpul waterfall and learn to cook Balinese dishes in a village kitchen. Sleep near Kintamani, on the edge of the Batur volcano.
Day 4 – Mount Batur sunrise & Tirta Empul
Wake up at 2am to hike Mount Batur (1,717m) and watch the sunrise over Lake Batur and Mount Agung. Relax in the hot springs, then join the water purification ritual at Pura Tirta Empul before arriving in Ubud.
Day 5 – Ubud
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace and the art market, and walk the Campuhan Ridge at sunset. Ubud is full of great vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Day 6 – Tegallalang & back to the coast
Early walk through the Tegallalang rice terraces, then transfer south to Kuta and Seminyak for an evening at the beach.
Day 7 – Uluwatu & Kecak dance
Visit Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a temple on the cliffs above the Indian Ocean, and watch the Kecak fire dance at sunset. Farewell seafood dinner on the beach in Jimbaran.
Day 8 – Goodbye Bali
Last swim, some souvenir shopping and flights home.
Good to know
- Money: Indonesia uses the Rupiah (IDR). Cards work in most places in Seminyak and Ubud, but carry cash for markets and small warungs.
- Temples: Cover your shoulders and knees. A sarong is usually lent at the entrance.
- Mount Batur: Bring a warm layer and a head torch for the early start.
- Monkeys: Keep sunglasses, phones and food out of reach in the Monkey Forest.
Budget
Bali is great value once you're there. Local food and stays are cheap, while drivers, the Batur trek and temple fees make up most of the rest.
Return flights
Return flights from London to Denpasar with one stop (e.g. via Doha or Singapore).
750€
Travel Insurance
Remember to always have your insurance when you travel. I normally get an annual MultiTrip so it covers me all year round.
40€
Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner for 8 days, from warung lunches to seafood on the beach.
160€
Local Transport
Private van with driver for the inland days, airport transfers and Grab rides.
180€
Accommodation
Hotels with pool in Seminyak, a lodge near Kintamani and a villa among the rice fields in Ubud.
320€
Entry fees & Excursions
Mount Batur trek and hot springs, Ulun Danu Bratan, Tirta Empul, Jatiluwih and Tegallalang, Monkey Forest, Uluwatu, Kecak dance, cooking class and tips.
