Highlights
- Wander the streets of Tanah Lot and visit the temple surrounded by waves
- Explore the temple pools swirling around Taman Ayun and Tirta Taman Mumbul
- Savor the hike to Sekumpul Waterfall before exploring Jatiluwih Ricefields
- Near Ubud, see Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul temple, and Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- Learn about Balinese culture in Sideman, then plunge into Sanur's inviting sea
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Tanah Lot & Explore | Tanah Lot |
| Day 2 | Tanah Lot Temple Sunset Experience | Tanah Lot |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Munduk via Taman Ayun & Visit Tirta Taman Mumbul | Munduk |
| Day 4 | Sekumpul Waterfall Hike | Munduk |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Ubud via Jatiluwih Ricefield & Ulun Danu Beratan Temple | Ubud |
| Day 6 | Visit Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul Temple & Tegallalang Rice Terraces | Ubud |
| Day 7 | Balinese Culture in Sidemen | Ubud |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Sanur via Sukawati Market | Sanur |
| Day 9 | Depart Bali |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Tanah Lot & Explore
Welcome to Bali! Upon arrival at the airport, get your first taste of Balinese hospitality as you're greeted by your driver and taken to your hotel near Tanah Lot. After you check in at your hotel, take a stroll along the beach and soak in the stunning sunset views. Also, consider exploring the nearby temples and get a closer look at the iconic Tanah Lot temple, perched atop a rock formation in the sea. There are many shops where you can find local goods—ideal for a little souvenir shopping, and plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can grab a bite to eat and relax.
Day 2: Tanah Lot Temple Sunset Experience
Explore the Balinese Hindu culture and experience an awe-inspiring sunset around the sacred Tanah Lot temple. Stroll through lush rice paddies and take in the spiritual energy of the area as you make your way to the temple. As the sun dips below the horizon, watch the waves crash around the rocks on the beach and witness a breathtaking sunset over the temple and the sea.
Day 3: Transfer to Munduk via Taman Ayun & Visit Tirta Taman Mumbul
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before being picked up from your hotel and transferred to Munduk. On the way, take a stop to visit the historic Taman Ayun temple, built in 1634, and stroll around the complex to see its traditional architecture, garden landscapes, and courtyards. Then, take in the stunning views along Pupuan Road as you drive north, surrounded by lush jungle and terraced rice fields. Enjoy snapping pictures and admiring the beautiful scenery.
Discover Balinese culture and spirituality on a visit to the Tirta Taman Mumbul Hindu temple in Sangeh. Here, you'll learn about the purifying powers of the temple's pools and discover the intricate details of Hinduism. Soak up the atmosphere and culture of this unique destination as you'll also get to know the locals.Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Sekumpul Waterfall Hike
Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast this morning as an active day awaits. Hop in a car to Sekumpul village, where you'll meet your guide to go on a thrilling five- to six-hour trek through Bali's stunning nature. Get ready to explore picturesque rice fields, learn about local flora and fauna, and take a dip in some of the area's breathtaking waterfalls.
Day 5: Transfer to Ubud via Jatiluwih Ricefield & Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
A driver will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby to take you south to Ubud, the cultural center of Bali. Along the way, take in the beautiful scenery of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the traditional Balinese subak irrigation system and visit the sacred Batukaru temple located on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Next, you'll experience the calm of the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, located on the serene shores of Beratan Lake. Surrounded by the majestic mountain range of the Bedugul region, this "head of the lake" was built to honor Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers.
End your day in Ubud, settling into your accommodation.
Day 6: Visit Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul Temple & Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Head to Ubud's famous Monkey Forest and meet the long-tail macaques. The monkeys live freely in this nature reserve, specifically around the temple Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegai. Keep your belongings close because these monkeys can be cheeky. Next, visit the temple of Goa Gajah, which translates to "Cave of the Elephant." This religious sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the perfect blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture.
Later, discover Tirta Empul. This Hindu temple located in the village of Manukaya is dedicated to purification, and its name means "sacred source" in Balinese. The waters of the pools come from the Pakerisan River and have the reputation of being purifying. Dedicated to the gods Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Indra, Tirta Empul is considered one of Bali's most sacred temples. This is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the Hindu religion and further understand the spiritual culture of the Balinese.
Experience all the shades of green at Tegallalang and its famous rice terraces. Start with a scenic lookout point and admire the terraces from above. Then, take a stroll through them and appreciate their stunning details. Finally, browse the village shops, meet local woodcarvers and painters, and learn about traditional handicrafts.
Day 7: Balinese Culture in Sidemen
Learn about Balinese culture and traditions today. Start by observing the creation of sarongs. In Bali, they reflect historical and religious traditions and play an essential role in everyday life. Follow scenic paths to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of rice fields and plantations. This walk invites you into the everyday life of the locals to understand their daily schedule and the organization of the subak system. It is an actual social and environmental organization that allows you to see the management of agricultural resources in the Balinese countryside.
Next, learn how to prepare flour manually, and then discover three Balinese recipes cooked over a wood fire. You'll also be initiated into the offerings, try ceremonial cakes, and observe the talent of the inhabitants for weaving palm leaves. Take a Lontar workshop, where you'll transform dried palm leaves into rectangular pages engraving Balinese texts and manuscripts in Sanskrit. Learn the Balinese alphabet called Aksara Bali, and practice writing. You'll make jamu, a traditional plant-based drink known for its health benefits, and pain relieving ointment like Tiger Balm. Finally, enjoy a traditional lunch.Day 8: Transfer to Sanur via Sukawati Market
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before your private transfer takes you from your hotel to Sanur, a stunning beachfront town on the southeast coast of Bali. On the way, you'll have the chance to stop at the colorful Sukawati Market and explore its vibrant offerings of spices, fruits, textiles, and more. Once you arrive in Sanur, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the town, stroll along the promenade, dine at one of the many restaurants, visit the night market, relax at the beach, or rest at your hotel.
Day 9: Depart Bali
Depending on the departure schedule, you'll be picked up by your private driver and taken to the airport to catch your return flight. Have a safe trip to your onward destination!
More Great Indonesia Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Indonesia? Check out these other Indonesia itineraries, explore different ways to spend nine days in Indonesia, or discover the best time to visit Indonesia.
Map
