This entire day is yours to enjoy as you wish here at your 5-star resort. If you prefer additional sightseeing or guided activities, here are some available privately-guided excursions that can be arranged:
Sunset Over Uluwatu + Kecak
Travel to the south of Bali mid-afternoon to visit the famous Uluwatu Temple, one of seven sea temples said to form a ‘chain’ around the island to protect it from evil sea spirits. Inhabited by troops of macaque monkeys and perched atop 220-foot cliffs, it is a prime spot for watching the waves and the surfers below. Here you will be treated to a traditional display of Kecak dancing against the dramatic backdrop of the setting sun. Dinner is served in one of the beach clubs, nestled in the wonderful white sandy curve of Jimbaran Bay, renowned for its seafood restaurants. Relax over an elaborate Indonesian feast, or rijsttafel, a Dutch word that translates to “rice table”, while soaking up the area's mellow vibe. Meals: Dinner
Antiquity of the East Coast - Besakih, Tirta Gangga or Tenganan
Meet your knowledgeable and friendly guide this morning and head east to the Hindu Besakih temple-- with a history dating back more than 1,000 years, the Mother Temple of Besakih (Pura Besakih), set astride the slopes of Mount Agung, is Bali’s single most important temple. Twenty-three shrines make up the complex: 17th-century Pura Penataran Agung, dedicated to Shiva, is the most significant. Continue to the nearby Tirta Gangga Water Palace. The king of Karangasem built his fantasy water palace at Tirta Gangga in 1948, and it’s one of east Bali’s most beautiful sights. Lush rice paddies back three levels of ornamental gardens with swimming pools, fountains, stone carvings, stepping stones, fish ponds, and airy pavilions.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with magnificent views over a lush valley onto the majestic Mt. Agung. After lunch, continue to the village of Tenganan, home of the Bali Aga, considered to be the original inhabitants of Bali. This village has remained almost unchanged for hundreds of years and you will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient culture. Meals: Lunch
Ancient Ubud + Rice Field Tour
The tour starts with a morning visit to the 9th century Elephant Cave, Goa Gajah, once a sanctuary for Buddhist monks. Located in Bedulu near Ubud, the cave is noted for its façade of intricate stone carvings. You then travel to the Penataran Asih Temple which holds the Moon of Pejeng, the world’s largest kettle drum, before exploring the Purbakala Archaeological Museum and the smaller temples in the area. A highlight of the tour is the chance to see the amazing rice terrace near the village of Tegalalang, as you make your way to Ubud. After a stop for lunch (not included), you will have the chance to explore the Pasar Seni artisan market before heading back to your hotel.
Ubud’s Ridges, Villages + Valleys
Enjoy a peaceful trek through the river valley of Tukad Wos, with fine views of the volcanic Mount Agung, passing small villages, temples, and rice fields, heading north along the famous Campuhan Ridge one of the finest trekking routes in Ubud. The trek starts at the 8th century Gunung Lebah Temple, which attracted the original settlement that eventually became Ubud. From here, you head north to the tall green grasses of Campuhan Ridge, between two rivers, the Cerik and the Wos. Enjoying fine views of Bali’s Mount Agung volcano, the trek passes through small village communities, emerald green rice fields and includes a stop at a Balinese compound where you can learn about traditional house-building techniques. On reaching a small restaurant on the banks of the River Wos, the trek will end with an enjoyable set menu lunch on the open-air terrace. Meals: Lunch
Mystic Carver Experience + Brahman Blessing
Spend the day with a local Brahman family learning traditional wood-carving techniques, assisting in preparing a delightful lunch, receiving a purifying blessing, before having your stars read by a highly respected astrologer. The Brahmans are all descendants of the holy priests who first brought Hinduism to Bali in the 9th century and this is an opportunity to spend the day with Gusde, a Brahman who lives with his family in the village of Mas, near the artisan town of Ubud. Gusde will welcome you into his traditional Balinese home where you will have the chance to try some local activities, such as wood carving and you will be taught to make your very own wooden turtle. Along with watching the local chefs creating a delicious lunch, you will also assist the family in preparing typical Balinese dishes to accompany the meal. After lunch there is the opportunity to receive a purifying Balinese Blessing from a respected priest, followed by a meeting with a highly regarded astrologer, who will chart your destiny. Before returning to your hotel, you will have the chance to explore the local life of the village. Meals: Lunch
Culinary Experience in Rural Bali
Discover the unique flavors of Balinese cuisine in a cooking class that offers a fascinating introduction to the exotic ingredients and unique culture of Balinese food. You will learn the techniques of preparation and cooking that are used on a daily basis in homes all over the island. Early this morning, depart by private car to the rural center of the island. Your destination is the home of a local chef, who will warmly greet you with coffee and snacks. From here, you’ll depart to a bustling small local market to purchase the ingredients for your cooking class and to learn about the local produce offered—jackfruit, snake beans and dragon fruit to name a few! From the market, continue to the nearby cooking school, set in the midst of picturesque rice paddies. Here, in an open-air kitchen, you will be guided through the techniques and flavors required to produce a range of mouth-watering dishes and, after approximately 1½ hours in the kitchen there is only one task left - to sit down and enjoy the sumptuous feast you have prepared at a dining table surrounded by beautiful views of rural Bali.
Early this morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the cookery class which is located in a rural setting in the centre of the island. The class starts with selecting the freshest ingredients for your menu, including meat, seafood, vegetables and spices.
Heading back to the cooking school, enjoy a traditional Balinese breakfast of coffee, tea, locally made cakes and fresh fruits before heading into the open air kitchen to begin the class.
You will be guided through the techniques and flavours required to produce a range of mouth-watering dishes and, after approximately 1½ hours in the kitchen there is only one task left - to sit down and enjoy the sumptuous feast you have prepared at a dining table surrounded by beautiful rice fields.
Royal High Tea
What could be better than enjoying a relaxing footbath and full body massage on the banks of the Ayung River in Mambal, before taking afternoon High Tea, enjoying the stunning views across the lush river valley. This is a chance to treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon on the banks of the Ayung River, between Seminyak and Ubud in the small village of Mambal, with a fragrant flower footbath, followed by a full body massage. With all your cares massaged away, you can then sit back to enjoy a traditional Balinese High Tea of hors d’oeuvres, sweets and locally sourced teas, while watching the sunset over beautiful views of the hillsides and river valley.
East Bali by Vintage Car
Enjoy a day of leisurely sightseeing in a Volkswagen Type 181, a military-style safari vehicle that provides a unique and exciting experience. Departing in the company of your friendly and knowledgeable local guide, your day begins with coffee and a scenic view across towards Mount Agung and the surrounding rice paddies. You’ll then you'll then head out to explore eastern Bali, paying visits to the Palace of Amlapura and the traditional village blacksmith at Budakling, before winding your way along backroads and forest trails towards the Tirta Gangga Water Palace. Following the coast to Taman Ujung, you’ll enjoy a delicious Balinese picnic lunch with home-made cider in the pavilion on the water. After lunch, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Meals: Lunch
Meals B