The Timeless Charms of Bali
- A Secret Retreats journey -
This journey has been personally designed by Ibu Ati, who is a native Balinese who has traveled around the Archipelago to understand and share the diversity of its people and cultures. Here she shares her secrets about the Island of the gods
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- the fashionable Southern coast of Seminyak and Canggu
- the spiritual arty center of Ubud
- the nature, rice fields and lakes of the North
- the northern coast of Pemuteran
- the traditional village of Sideman facing Mount Agung
- the white sand beaches, coconut trees and coral reefs of Gili or Lembongan
“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it.” Eat, Pray, Love
The island of the gods has attracted number of artist, painters, poets, explorers, spiritual seekers for a century but despite the number of visitors coming every year, Bali has managed to keep a serene pace, where ceremonies rhythm daily life. The charm of the island lies in its thousands of temples, always decorated for ceremonies, the music of the gamelan, the green terraced rice fields, the lush forest and the sounds of the waves... Bali is tropical getaway, a romantic destination for couples... and for lazing on a nice white sandy beach with a coconut, for diving crystal clear waters, we propose 2 options Gili islands and Lembongan Island.
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Your Journey Day by Day
based on 2 people sharing a room
Dinner at leisure, we can book a Secret Table in Seminyak, you can enjoy Tugu dishes or plenty options nearby.
After lunch, departure for a drive in a Safari Jeep, accompanied by your guide, and visit of the temples of Tanah Lot first then Taman Ayun. Return to the hotel around sunset.
For lunch, we will go to a traditional house, in Denpasar - a friendly way to enjoy a fresh and succulent cuisine, surrounded by the decorations of a traditional house very well maintained. Continuation to Ubud, considered as the cultural capital of the island, we stop to visit the Monkey Forest on the way before arriving at your glamping site, offering a complete privacy in each tent and lumbung (rice barns), or your private villa (2 options) - between rice fields and valley.
Then we return to Ubud , the rest of the day is yours. While in Ubud, we recommend (booking long in advance recommended) to experience the tasting menu (vegetarian option available) at the Secret Tables and one of the Best Asia 50 restaurant Locavore.
When we reach the village of Munduk, we go for a walk to discover the lush vegetation: coffee, cloves, cocoa, wild orchids. Check in at Sanak Retreat with its bungalows scattered around rice fields with views of volcanoes and plantations. Enjoy the evening!
You can ask the concierge to arrange a tour in the surrounding countryside, meet local villagers and approach the heart of Bali, or you can go for a trek by Tamblingan Lake with a guide and ride in a canoe, or simply pamper yourself with a 90-minute session massage at the Spa. Extra charges apply for these activities. Or simply just enjoy sunbathing by the pool...
Head to the coast and stop at the Pukali temple, at the entrance to Pemuteran. Check in Villa Puri Ganesha Homes by the Beach, carefully and lovingly designed beachfront houses individually decorated with antiques and beautiful fabrics from all over Indonesia.
Note: the restaurant serves Pure Vegan and Pescatarian Cuisine.
In the morning, discover the colorful market of Seririt. Departure for the village of Sangsit and visit of the Beji temple, built in the 15th century and dedicated to the goddess of rice fields, Dewi Sri. Continue along the Batur Lake to the mountain village of Kintamani overlooking the volcano. We arrive at the end of the day at Sidemen village, surrounded by the rice terraces and plantations, on time for you to check-in at Surya Shanti Villa, an eco-resort with 2 infinity pools, a riverside spa, a restaurant overlooking the valley. A foot massage is offered upon arrival.
In the morning, leave for the local market of Sidemen to find the necessary ingredients for your Balinese culinary experience. Back at the hotel, discover a traditional Balinese kitchen facing the volcano Agung, and learn how to prepare some typical dished with our chef. On the menu:
- sate lilit (coconut chicken skewers)
- green papaya salad
- corn fritters
and more depending in the season.
For lunch, well... you eat what you have cooked! We will give you the recipe so you can try again back home. In the afternoon, you will visit Pasraman Vidya Giri, a Balinese activities school, which every day teaches the children of the village traditional dances, gamelan, meditation... in order to perpetuate Balinese traditions and values. This is a nice moment of exchange and sharing with the children
If you wish, you can bring small gifts, like soft toys, crayons, notebooks.
If you pick Lembongan, you will be transferred from the disembarking point on the beach to Batu Karang, overlooking the bay.
Included: access to the hotel pool and sun beds, towel, changing room, shower, luggage storage room.
You can also have lunch and/or dinner at the hotel's restaurant (at your own expense).
If you arrive from Lembongan, we normally recommend to add one more night in Bali (to be safe in case of delay of the boat, rough sea). Depending on your flight time, we drive to the airport (domestic or international) to continue your journey.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Batu Karang
The Timeless Charms of Bali
based on 2 people sharing a room
The total price includes:
Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis
Some meals as indicated in the program
All transfers from/to airport and between destination and during excursions (private car and speed boat)
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the program
The massage and all excursions and activities mentioned
Local English/French-speaking guide (other languages possible when required) for all tours mentioned in the program.
The total price does not include:
VISA – Most country do not need visa for Indonesia, but we recommend you to check when you issue airtickets. Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date.
Other meals that are not included in the program.
Drinks, personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
Options and other activities not included in the program.
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