Adventure from Bali to Lombok

Welcome to Indonesia, to Ubud, the largest Hindu city in Bali and its artistic and cultural heart. Our adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 18:00, where we meet the group leader and fellow travelers. If you arrive early, you might stroll through the traditional market stalls near the city center, pop into a local bar, or stretch your muscles after the flight with some yoga in one of the city's zen studios. After tonight's welcome meeting, perhaps we'll go out for a group dinner at one of the delicious local restaurants!

We start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader (about 2.5 hours). Discover the daily life of the village as you walk through lush rice fields, an alang-alang valley (a type of wild grass used for the roofs of traditional buildings) and stop at a Balinese home for coffee. The tour ends in the center of Ubud, where we will have time to explore the many cafes, galleries, and shops. In the evening, sit back and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Led not by musical instruments, but by human chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is considered a highlight by many travelers!

Today we explore the area from a different perspective, from the saddle of a bicycle. Let's enjoy a 2-hour and 30-minute tour through alleys, villages, and rice fields. It's a relatively easy ride - most of the route is downhill - and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a short rest. We will also stop to take a look at some finely carved small temples, before concluding your bike tour in Ubud. After refueling with lunch, we head to the hills up to the village of Sidemen with a private minivan. Against the backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mount Agung, the peaceful village of Sidemen is proof that Bali still has some areas untouched by tourism.

Let's take a morning walk (about 2 hours) around the rice terraces of Sidemen, visiting the craftsmen of the local songket weaving industry, including a traditional "bungkus" lunch. The walk is a great opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery before bidding farewell to Sidemen and heading towards the village of Sibetan. We receive a special welcome from the village chief and once settled in with a local family, we enjoy some free time in the afternoon. You might like to explore the traditional village a bit or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere here. Alternatively, you can take part in an optional cooking class and learn the secret ingredients and spices of traditional cuisine here. This evening, you will spend some time with the locals and be treated to a typical dinner featuring salak.

This morning we enjoy a guided walk through an ancient Salak plantation with the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here we will see plants of cultural heritage: the remains of a white mango tree that was first planted in Sibetan in the 16th century and a Jaka Moding plant (a type of palm) which is a relic plant. For lunch, you will taste Tipat Blayag (Rhombus); rice wrapped in coconut leaves, paired with chicken and vegetable side dishes. After exploring the village and its surroundings on foot, we will take to four wheels for a journey higher up into the mountains, driving along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur. The volcanic Mount Batur is situated within a desolate and spectacular caldera and with Lake Batur below, it's an awe-inspiring sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many villagers work as guides for climbing the volcano. Our accommodation for the evening is in a prime location to start the morning trek that awaits us tomorrow!

We wake up early in the morning at 3 to start the 1.5 to 2-hour hike to the summit of Mount Batur to reach the top before dawn. On a clear morning, it's possible to see the Lombok Strait up to the peaks of Mount Rinjani on Lombok. The view of the stunning sunrise over the valleys of Bali could be the most memorable part of the trip. Keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending from the volcano, there's the optional chance to soak in the hot springs with fantastic views of the lake and caldera. We move from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina, made famous by its dolphins patrolling the coastline.

Let's enjoy a day of snorkeling among the coral reef of Menjangan Island, part of the West Bali National Park. On the way back from our underwater adventures, we stop for a dip at Banjar Hot Springs, a small spring popular among the locals. In the afternoon, we stop to savor a tasty cup of coffee at Global Kafe, a diner whose profits support the Global Village Foundation, providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for people with disabilities and assisting individuals with illnesses with their medical expenses. Tonight, we're going to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cooking.

This morning we will say goodbye to Lovina and head towards Sanur. Along the way, we will visit the Munduk waterfall, Lake Bratan, and if we have time, we'll stop by a local market. Then, we will visit a local family and learn how to make a Balinese offering (and you'll discover the importance of this ritual) before continuing to Sanur to enjoy some free time in the afternoon.

Our tour continues with a minivan journey from Sanur to the port of Padang Bai (about 1.5 hours). Then we will take a fast boat that will take us from Bali to Lombok (about 1.5-2 hours). We stop for lunch at a simple warung, a traditional Indonesian-style cafe, before taking a minibus to Tetebatu (about 2 hours). Along the way, we stop at the village of Masbagik, known for its ceramic products and where we can see their making during a short walk around the village. The hillside retreat of Tetebatu is located in the center of Lombok, at the southern base of Mount Rinjani, and boasts spectacular views. Tonight, we enjoy an included dinner at a family-run restaurant offering traditional Lombok-style cuisine.

Let's enjoy a guided walk through lush rice paddies and discover how the farmers of the region have cared for the land for centuries, still using traditional water buffalo plows. Let's climb a bit higher and cross plantations of cloves and coffee and stop at a local warung to try a local coffee (about 2.5 hours in total). We visit the local village of Pringgasela to learn about traditional weaving and enjoy a delicious Sasak feast. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel and continue our journey to Labuhan Pandan, on the east coast of Lombok. This remote beach location is less visited by tourists but is a beautiful stretch of coastline. Tonight we will stay in a bungalow nestled in the peace and tranquility of the secluded east coast.

Today we're going on a trip to the nearby coral reef and enjoy some fantastic snorkeling from the boat. We'll stop for lunch on a secluded island with Mount Rinjani towering over Lombok. Tonight, we'll have a barbecue with fresh fish on the beach. This is island life and relaxation at its best, so let's enjoy it all!

Minibus journey around the spiritual center and sleeping giant of the island - Mt Rinjani (about 2 hours). Arrival around noon (12:00) at Senaru, a quaint rustic village nestled between the base of Mount Rinjani and the edge of the jungle. We take a guided tour of the local Sasak village to learn about the history and culture of these people who have long lived on the slopes of the mountain. Here, our local guide is part of a female guide association that trains and develops women in tourism. Finally, we will also take a walk to the spectacular Singang Gila waterfall.

Today we continue towards the western coast by minibus (about 2.5 hours). The Gili Islands (Tiga Gili) are a group of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Transfer by small boat to Gili Air (about 30 minutes), where we can enjoy the breezy atmosphere and stroll along beautiful white beaches that rival those of the nearby islands. Your hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the harbor. Your luggage can be transported by horse-drawn cart from the harbor to the hotel.

Today is entirely dedicated to leisure and relaxation on the island of Gili Air! This evening, enjoy an optional group dinner by the waterfront as you reminisce about the memories of your adventure in Lombok.

With no scheduled activities for today, you are free to leave at any time, provided that you adhere to the hotel's internal check-out time, which is usually at 11:30. However, this doesn't mean your adventure has to end! If you wish to extend your stay in the beautiful Gili Air, we can arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). Our journey in Indonesia ends here, until the next tour!