BALI, LOMBOK AND THE GILI ISLANDS

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll set off on a morning walk to Campuhan Ridge. It’s the perfect introduction to Bali, as you wind along jungle trails and gaze across countless pretty rice fields, bathed in the gorgeous morning light. We’ll stop off for a coffee with some locals who’ll teach us how to make a traditional Balinese offering using flowers. We’ll continue the cultural learnings at a private family temple, where you’ll be taught about the symbolism of statues and altars inside. Next up is Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, one of the island’s most picturesque, where overgrown moss adds atmosphere to the intricate stone carvings and shimmering pools of water. You’ll get to take part in a purification ritual, which involves bathing in holy waters and cleansing your spirit. Whether or not the ritual moves you, this is a valuable experience to understand and respect the quiet power of Bali’s spiritual heritage.

Total estimated daily travel time: 30 km / 2.5 hours
Total estimated walking at Campuhan Ridge: 2.6 km / 1.5 - 2 hours

A key principle of this itinerary is not to overload our schedule. Bali is a place to slow down, to take in the moment and enjoy the finer things in life. That’s why we’re leaving today largely open for you to enjoy the island at your own pace. You might want to explore Ubud or organize an excursion to the coast, or you could simply take advantage of the gardens, pools, spa facilities and onsite art museum (yes, that’s right) in our dreamy Balinese resort. If you would like some guided fun, feel free to join a morning Fly High Yoga class or, to really get the adrenaline pumping, some white water rafting!

Set your alarms early this morning, as we’ll be heading out for one of the most essential Bali experiences, watching the sunrise from Mount Batur. This active volcano offers magical views across the island’s tropical landscapes, which look their absolute best under the warm hue of the rising sun. We’ll set up shop at an open air restaurant, so you can tuck into breakfast as the sun shines onto the mountain and namesake lake. We’ll follow that up with an invigorating dip in a hot water pool beside Lake Batur, before we transfer to our next destination, Candidasa. After checking-in to our next hotel the rest of today is yours, whether you want to continue the adventures or catch up on sleep is up to you!

Total estimated daily travel time: 91km / 3 hrs

If yesterday’s early start has you craving a lie-in, then be our guest! However, we will be heading this morning to Lempuyang Temple and its famous Gate of Heaven, perhaps one of the most iconic spots in Bali. After that we’ll visit the ornate gardens of Tirta Gangga, a former royal palace where you can explore the grounds. Back at the hotel, you can spend the rest of today as you wish. Spa time, perhaps?

Total estimated daily travel time: 57 km / 2.2 hours

Today we leave the island of Bali behind in favor of the magical Gili Islands. This tiny archipelago is just off the coast of Lombok, and though we’ll be staying on the largest of the three islands – Gili Trawangan – it’s still only 3km long and 2km wide. We’ll arrive in style onboard a speedboat at around lunchtime, before checking into our luxurious island resort. Spend the day lounging by the pool, chilling on a sandy beach or exploring the island’s amazing nightlife.

Total estimated daily travel time: 72.8 km / 3 hours

The definitive experience to have in the Gili Islands is to explore under the water, so today we’ll head out on a snorkeling trip around the archipelago. Gaze in awe at the kaleidoscopic communities of fish populating coral reefs, hang out with sea turtles and get up close to the hauntingly beautiful statues of Gili Meno, a series of 48 human-sized stone carvings on the seabed, which also act as an artificial reef.

Snorkeling time: 4h

This is our last day on Gili Trawangan, so you choose how you’d like to spend it. Our Local Insider is on hand to advise on potential activities like boat trips, bicycle rentals or a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary. The island is so small that you could even walk along the entire coastline in a few hours. Don’t worry though, we won’t judge if you prefer to kick back at our beach resort all day. Just be sure to get involved for our evening barbecue and cocktail dinner – the perfect way to toast to our time on the Gili Islands!

Now it’s time to explore the magical island of Lombok. Think of this place as Bali before it was discovered by mass tourism. Just as beautiful, but far less trodden. Our first stop will be the charming Pringgasela Weaving Village, where you’ll marvel at the craftsmanship behind Sasak cloth before tucking into a delightful Sasak lunch in a local villager’s home. The Sasak people come from a culture closely related to Balinese and are mostly found on Lombok. After lunch we’ll head to our home for the night, Tetebatu Village. After settling into your accommodation, we’ll regroup in the evening for a mini parade led by local Gendang musicians, which ends at a community center with a traditional Sasak dinner prepared by local women.

Total estimated daily travel time: 82 km / 2.5 hrs
Total estimated fast boat travel time: 63 km / 30 mins

This morning you’ll be guided on a light cycling adventure around Tetebatu village, the ideal way to get a glimpse of local life and soak in the stunning views of rolling hills and pretty rice fields. After lunch we’ll head to Senaru, our home for the evening, stopping en route at the spectacular Pusuk Sembalun viewpoint for breathtaking mountain panoramas. After arriving at the hotel you can spend your evening in Senaru as you wish.

Total estimated cycling time:  8 - 10 km / 1.5 - 2 hrs 
Total estimated daily travel time: 83km / 3 - 4 hrs 

Our time in Lombok is centered around the regions surrounding Mount Rinjani, the domineering volcano keeping watch over the island. The best way to explore the mesmerizing tropical scenery of this region is on a half-day Senaru Panorama Walk. You’ll be led by expert local female guides, starting in the foothills of the volcano, near the Gunung Rinjani National Park border, and winding through bamboo groves, village gardens and expansive rice terraces. Discover tropical plants, encounter playful long-tailed monkeys, cool off in tumbling rainforest waterfalls and get a taste of rural village life. The walk culminates with a phenomenal crescendo as Mount Rinjani itself emerges into view, rising above the countless rice terraces to grace you with its majestic presence. You’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch with a view, before transferring to our hotel in Senggigi beach, on the island’s sublime west coast. We’ll spend one last evening together at a farewell dinner, to reminisce on the trip of a lifetime.

Total estimated Panorama walking time:  4 - 5 km / 4 - 5 hrs 
Total estimated daily travel time: 83km / 2 hrs

Sadly our time in Indonesia has come to end. You’ve been spiritual in Bali, kicked back on the beaches of Gili Trawangan and basked in the majestic beauty of Lombok, but after breakfast it’s time to go our separate ways. Whether or not your adventures in Lombok are at an end is up to you, but if you do need to make it back to Bali, don’t hesitate to ask us for help in arranging return transport.

Optional airport transfer estimated travel time: 46.5km / 1.5hr
Optional fast boat transfer estimated travel time: 118.8km / 3hrs