Tours

Explore the island in comfort and with expertise

Kintamani & North Coast Loop

From Crater Peaks to Coastal Calm: A Journey Across Bali’s Heart

A good introduction to the contrasting landscapes of central, northern, eastern, and southern Bali.
Long distances, and a round trip, so an early start required. Travel to Kintamani, which overlooks Batur Volcano and the Crater Lake. Climb the steps to Penulisan, Bali's highest temple, for another fine view. Continue north, then descend steeply via a smaller winding mountain road through fruit orchards, to the North Coast. Lunch at Alam Anda or Mimpi, beside the ocean.
On across the lava flows at the base of Bali's highest volcano Mount Agung. Spectacular and desolate coastal and mountain scenery gives way to beautiful green rice terraces as the road winds southwards again. Stop for refreshments at Tirtagangga Water Palace or beside the ocean again at Candi Dasa. If there is time, stop at Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave. Then either head home directly, or return via the towns of Klungkung (famous Kertagosa painted ceiling), and Gianyar (centre of traditional Balinese weaving).

Batur Highlands Discovery

Fire & Water: Volcano Views and Sacred Springs

First stop is the 11th century temple Gunung Kawi, then it's only a short distance to Tirta Empul, the holy springs overlooked by former-President Sukarno's Bali palace.
Next stop is at Basang Ambu to see a coffee plantation. Continue up to a vantage point to view Mt. Batur and the vast caldera from which it emerges. Walk up to Bali's highest temple at Penulisan. Visit the Geopark Batur museum at Penelokan, if you wish.
Then descend into the crater and visit Toya Devasya Natural Hot Springs beside the lake. Venture a short way onto the twisting rollercoaster gravel road that traverses the still-black and jagged lava flow from the 1917 eruption. Several possibilities for a lunch stop along the way.

Bedugul Highlands & Northern Valleys

Whispers of the Clouds: Temples and Plantations of Munduk

Sangeh is Bali's original monkey forest, a grove of tall stately nutmeg trees. On up to Bedugul. See the interesting Candi Kuning fruit and vegetable market, and the famous and beautiful lakeside Ulun Danu temple.
Continue around a second crater lake - passing monkeys beside the road - and then pass a third lake surrounded by jungle, and drop down to Munduk and Mayong passing through coffee, vanilla and clove plantations in the Pupuan area and eventually through some of Bali's finest rice terracing, north of Antosari. Lunch at the Puri Lumbung (or similar) in Munduk, or at the Cafe Belimbing in Belimbing Village.

Eastern Kingdoms & Coastal Charm

Secrets of the Seraya Coast: Water Palaces & Ocean Roads

This route winds its way across the fertile green southern flanks of Mt Agung, on the way to the Tirtagangga water palace, then crosses to Amed, a remote but increasingly popular beach destination on the north-east coast. There are two ways back from Amed to Amlapura - the long way via the spectacular coastal road around the extreme eastern end of Bali to Seraya, or the much shorter and more direct way.
In Amplapura, visit the interesting old Puri Agung Karangasem, the royal palace of the kingdom of Karangasem, which at one time extended across half of neighbouring Lombok island. Return along the coast via Candidasa. Lunch at Tirtagangga or Amed, or for interestingly authentic Balinese food, at Bali Asli Restaurant, in Gelumpang.

Temples & Traditions in the East

Spirit of the Highlands: Sacred Temples and Timeless Terraces

Covering partly the same ground as Tour #4, this is a scenery-rich trip which passes through fine rice terraces, the island's most spectacular volcanic scenery, and includes one of Bali's oldest and most interesting temples Pura Kehen, as well as the not-to-be-missed mountain village of Penglipuran. Much of the route is rarely seen by tourists.
If the first temple whets the appetite for more, Besakih, Bali's famous mother temple, can be included, followed by Bukit Jambul, and a return via the towns of Klungkung (famous Kertagosa painted ceiling), and Gianyar. If Besakih is not included, add some more beautiful scenery, and return to Klungkung via Selat and Sidemen.Lunch can be taken at Mahagiri Restaurant, Rendang, or at Bukit Jambul.

Bedugul Lake District

The Emerald Lakes Circuit: Bali’s Botanical Heartland

It's easy to spend an enjoyable day in Bali's 'Lake District'. Head straight for Bedugul the most direct way, or via Petang and Pelaga via the more scenic route. Visit the fruit and vegetable market at Candi Kuning, followed by the extensive Botanical Gardens. Lunch at Strawberry Hill Restaurant, then continue to the beautiful picture-postcard lakeside Ulun Danu temple.
Next to one of the world's former top 50 golf courses Bali Handara in its magnificent setting. If time permits, continue past the second lake, Lake Buyan, passing monkeys beside the road - and then lastly look down on Lake Tamblingan, still surrounded by jungle. Return directly to Villa Melati.

East Bali Heritage Trail

Echoes of the Ancients: Temples, Caves & the Gate of Heaven

A number of optional stops of interest lie along this route. Goa Gajah is an ancient hermit's cave. Yeh Pulu is a very old carved stone frieze that was rediscovered relatively recently under rice terraces. Gianyar is the traditional centre for Balinese weaving. Klungkung boasts the famous Kertagosa painted ceiling in the former Bali court of justice, which portrays rather gruesome punishments, more associated with those in Hell.
Goa Lawah is the bat cave, which some will enjoy. Next comes the Ujung Royal Water Palace at Karangasem, and lastly comes the fascinating 'Bali Aga' village of Tenganan, famous for its unusual traditions and the production of the unique hand-woven 'geringsing' double ikat. The temple of Lempuyang and its famous 'Gate of Heaven' is the furthest point on this route, but a visit will mean much less time is left for other stops. Several lunch options.

Ubud’s Ancient Heritage & Glass Bridge Finale

Hidden Ubud: Ruins, Rituals & the Glass Bridge Walk

Some historical sites to begin with. The Archaeological Museum displays items from the surrounding area, where Bali's pre-Hindu ruins from the Buddhist era are found. Nearby is Pejeng where Pura Penataran Sasih houses a 1,000 year old bronze drum, and Pura Kebo Edan houses an ancient gigantic statue.
Goa Garba has very old ruins on the edge of a deep gorge. Stop in Gianyar, the traditional centre for Balinese weaving, or continue straight to the Butterfly Park at Kemenuh and/or the Puppet Museum, followed by the spectacular Tengenungan waterfall. The grand finale of this tour is a walk across the Glass Bridge (height 66 m / length 188 m). Various lunch options.

Western Temples & Terraces

Jatiluwih Journey: Rice Terraces, Waterfalls & Sunset Temples

Taman Ayun is the Island's second most important temple. Next visit Leke-Leke waterfall, followed by Bali's most spectacular rice terraces at Jatiluwih, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Batukau is a mysterious and isolated temple completely surrounded by dense tropical jungle high on the slopes of a volcano of the same name, where the air is cool. The famous island temple of Tanah Lot may be included (time permitting) to see the sunset. Several lunch choices overlooking the rice terraces.