The highlights of beautiful Bali

Ngurah Rai International Airport - Sanur

Day 1: Welcome to Sanur!

Welcome to paradise! Your Balinese break begins in the heart of Sanur, a coastal town boasting a popular stretch of beach. From here, views of the sunrise and sunset are particularly mesmerising, so slow down to take it all in as you stroll across its soft sands. Admire the colourful jukung fishing boats that line the shore, rest for a while on a lounger beneath swaying palms, and why not swap your walking shoes for barefoot bliss?

When you feel suitably rested, pay a visit to the Le Mayeur Museum, home to the vibrant paintings of Belgian artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur, alongside his collection of Balinese art and artifacts. Finish the day with a fresh seafood dinner by the beach, before retiring to your accommodation for the night.

Sanur - Ubud

Day 2: At leisure in Ubud

From Sanur you'll transfer to Ubud, the heart and soul of traditional Balinese dance and crafts, set amidst a lush jungle setting. Partake in a relaxing and revitalising yoga class here, before visiting the Bali Swing - an iconic attraction allowing you to swing (almost) freely over a splendid jungle-clad valley dotted with palm trees. Finally, shop for unique finds at the Ubud Art Market, where stalls brim with all manner of locally-handmade goods, before settling down for dinner and an overnight stay.

Ubud - Jimbaran - Ubud

Day 3: A day of mesmerising experiences

From your base in Ubud, set out today to explore a range of iconic Balinese attractions: you'll first pay a visit to the Tanah Lot Temple, rooted in centuries-old mythology and famously located on a rugged rock formation off the Balinese coast. Spend some time in complete awe here, soaking up the rich Hindu heritage before making tracks for Padang Padang Beach - a beach near the city of Padang, known for its world-class surf scene. Try your hand at this invigorating sport before carrying on the day's adventure with a trip to the Uluwatu Temple, to witness an incredible Kecak fire performance - a truly breath-taking and unmatched display of traditional Balinese dance. Stop for a charming dinner in Jimbaran before heading back up north to Ubud, where you'll spend another night.

Ubud - Munduk

Day 4: Journey to Munduk

After a day filled with wonder, today you'll pack your bags and journey on to your next destination, Munduk, in northern Bali.

Stop en-route to visit Mengwi's Taman Ayun Temple, a Hindu landmark with stunning green surroundings and water features. As you drive on, you'll pass through the sprawling rice terraces of Jatiluwih, a vibrant and quintessentially Balinese landscape that will stay etched in your mind long after your trip has come to an end.

Today you'll also enjoy a coffee plantation tour, and if you're a coffee connoisseur, be sure to try the famous kopi luwak; it boasts a rich, smooth and sweet flavour, which you can savour as you learn about its intriguing production process.

Munduk

Day 5: Unforgettable outdoor adventures

Be sure to get your fill of hearty fare at breakfast, as a day packed with adventures awaits! Hop into a Land Rover for a safari and jungle-trekking experience, taking you to the gushing Aling-Aling Waterfall and on to the Twin Lakes Viewpoint - from up here, the far-reaching vistas across Tamblingan and Buyan Lakes are simply unforgettable. Also take some time today to explore the Munduk Waterfall and its surrounding rice fields, losing yourself in Bali's otherworldly natural landscape.

Munduk - Ubud

Day 6: Scenic strolls steeped in spirituality

Saying goodbye to Munduk, you'll head back to Ubud today, stopping at a collection of incredible landmarks as you go. First up is the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a picturesque Hindu Shaivite structure located on the shores of Lake Beratan. Stroll its mystical grounds before continuing on to the Bali Botanic Garden, for an equally scenic yet very different experience in Bali's mountainous Bedugul region; as Indonesia's largest botanical garden, it is sprawled out across 160 hectares of jungle and forest grounds. Finally, visit the Tirta Empul Temple and take a dip in its holy springs, before arriving back into Ubud to check into your accommodation and relax.

Ubud

Day 7: Enriching experiences in Ubud

A day of splendid activities in Ubud is on the cards! Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a nature reserve and temple complex that's home to more than 1,000 long-tailed macaques. The rest of the day will be spent partaking in a Balinese cooking class, during which you'll learn how to whip up delicious traditional dishes, and exploring the lush grounds of Campuhan Ridge Walk; the hiking trails there are soft and easy and the views are wonderful, making for an altogether pleasant outdoor experience. Return to your accommodation afterwards, to relax and rest for an overnight stay.

Ubud

Day 8: Scenic settings & historic sights

Prepare for another day of fantastic outdoor pursuits in and around Ubud! Today, you'll gear up for a leisurely cycling tour through the rice paddies of Ubud, followed by a visit to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Take a moment here to soak up the surrounding views of this iconic setting, which will have you feeling worlds away from everything you know. Next you'll explore the historic Gunung Kawi Temple (also known as The Valley of The Balinese Kings), an ancient and significant temple complex carved into the cliffs of Tampaksiring.

Ubud

Day 9: A last day amidst Ubud's charms

Your last day in Ubud will be rich in memorable experiences: pay a visit to the Ubud Palace complex, once the official residence of the royal family of Ubud, and sit down for a break to watch a traditional Balinese dance performance. Take another cooking class to enrich your Balinese culinary skills, then visit the stunning Saraswati Temple: featuring a beautiful lotus pond, it is filled with charm and artistry, and makes for a visit that's both grounding and charming. This is your last day in Ubud, filled with a lovely mixture of cultural, thought-provoking and relaxing activities, so be sure to make the most of it!

Ubud - Nusa Penida Island

Day 10: Scenic beaches & marine thills on Nusa Penida

Bid farewell to Ubud, and prepare for a road and ferry journey to your next port of call: the island of Nusa Penida. Located off of Bali's southeastern coast, it's perfect for a change of scene and offers a lovely venture off the typical tourist trail.

On your first day here, visit Kelingking Beach and take in the stunning views of the cliffs and ocean; go snorkelling off the shores of Crystal Bay to explore the colourful marine life that resides beneath the water's surface; and visit Broken Beach with its natural rock archway and crystalline waters. After a most memorable day, head to your accommodation for a restful night's sleep.

Nusa Penida Island

Day 11: Take a deeper dive into Nusa Penida

Enjoy a second day getting to know the many charms and natural riches of Nusa Penida, with an itinerary that includes: taking a mangrove tour and exploring the island's unique ecosystem; crossing the Yellow Bridge to the charming island of Nusa Ceningan; and enjoying a refreshing deep in the crystal-clear waters of the latter's Blue Lagoon. Having had a taste of what these stunning islands can offer, you'll soon find yourself wishing you could stay here forever.

Nusa Penida Island

Day 12: One last day of indulgence

It's time for one last day in paradise! Before you're due to return to Bali the following day, be sure to fill your time with fantastic activities. Go snorkelling or diving around the coconut palm-fringed Gamat Bay, recline on the remote sands of Atuh Beach, and discover the unique formations on display at the Thousand Islands Viewpoint. The day can be spent however you please, so make sure to enjoy and fully relax your senses!

Nusa Penida Island - Ngurah Rai International Airport

Day 13: Farewell, Bali!

Today you'll return to Bali, where you'll still have some time to tick a few more attractions off your list: explore the Tirta Gangga royal palace and its beautiful gardens, stroll through the Bali Museum to learn about the island's history and culture, and visit the pura Besakih Temple, also known as Bali's Mother Temple.

Finally, say your last goodbyes to Bali as you transfer back to the airport for your onward flight home. Safe travels!