Highlights
- Explore the rocky tidal pools on Tegal Wangi Beach near Bali's Nusa Dua
- Practice meditation under the sea during a wellness retreat on Moyo Island
- Snorkel and learn the art of underwater photography in Amanwana Bay
- Join a water purification ritual at the temple of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Nusa Dua, Free Time | Nusa Dua |
| Day 2 | Morning Visit to Uluwatu Temple, Sunset Drinks at Rock Bar | Nusa Dua |
| Day 3 | Visit Taman Ayun & the Tanah Lot Temples, Jimbaran Seafood Barbecue | Nusa Dua |
| Day 4 | Beach Hop Between Tegal Wangi, Melasti & Green Bowl | Nusa Dua |
| Day 5 | Helicopter to Moyo Island, Begin Wellness Retreat | Moyo Island |
| Day 6 | Wellness Retreat (Day 2): Underwater & Sunset Meditations, Traditional Bath | Moyo Island |
| Day 7 | Wellness Retreat (Day 3): Waterfalls, Snorkeling & Photography Workshop | Moyo Island |
| Day 8 | Helicopter to Ubud, Tour Mas Village & Ubud Art Market | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 9 | Explore Jatiluwih Rice Terrace & Ulun Danu Beratan, Local Wine Tasting | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 10 | Experience a Sebatu Purification Ritual, Balinese Dance Course | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 11 | Depart Bali |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Nusa Dua, Free Time
Welcome to Bali! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll meet your driver in the arrivals hall for your transfer to your hotel in Nusa Dua. This is a coastal town in southern Bali known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury resorts.
Take the remainder of the day to adjust to the local time and rest, or explore the area at your leisure. Spend time lounging on the white sand beaches, indulge in a Balinese massage to relieve the long-flight tension, hit up a golf course, or learn about the area's history at the Pasifika Museum.
Day 2: Morning Visit to Uluwatu Temple, Sunset Drinks at Rock Bar
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today takes you to the spectacular setting of Uluwatu, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This 11th-century Hindu temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, is dedicated to the Hindu god of the sea, Dewa Baruna. The temple is also home to a large population of monkeys, considered sacred and believed to protect the temple from evil spirits.
Explore the temple grounds and learn about the history and traditions of Balinese Hinduism. While there, you'll also witness a kecak dance performance held on the temple grounds. This Balinese dance and music form originated in the 1930s in Bona, Bali, and is performed by male dancers who use their bodies and voices to create a mesmerizing rhythmic chanting sound.
Later in the day, you'll catch a spectacular sunset from the famous Rock Bar in the town of Jimbaran. The bar, designed in a modern and minimalist style, is accessible by a steep cliffside tram or stairs. The views are more than worth the trip! Watch the sun slowly melt into the ocean as you enjoy live music, entertainment, and creative cocktails.
Day 3: Visit Taman Ayun & the Tanah Lot Temples, Jimbaran Seafood Barbecue
Start the day with a journey to nearby Tabanan to visit the Taman Ayun, a UNESCO-recognized temple dating back to 1634 and a part of the renowned rice field. Meet with your guide at your hotel and set out on the one-hour scenic drive, which takes you to the sprawling complex that makes up the temple and past the large surrounding moat.
Continue your temple tour at Tanah Lot, a 16th-century temple dramatically perched on a wave-lashed rocky outcrop. The temple, dedicated to Balinese sea gods, is only accessed via a narrow causeway during low tide. Watch the spectacular sunset, meet the sacred monkeys said to protect the temple, or browse the few on-site shops for local handicrafts.
Head to a beach in nearby Jimbaran in the evening for a traditional seafood barbecue. The fish is caught fresh and grilled over an open flame. Enjoy grilled prawns, squid, lobster, spicy sambal sauce, and steamed rice, as you enjoy the beachy atmosphere. Afterward, return to your accommodation in Nusa Dua.Day 4: Beach Hop Between Tegal Wangi, Melasti & Green Bowl
Spend the day exploring the fantastic beaches around Nusa Dua, starting at Tegal Wangi Beach, known for its elaborate rock formations and white sand. Discover all the corners of this serene, hidden gem, including the many rocky tide pools, climb around the rocks, and swim in the shallow, clear waters.
Next, visit Melasti Beach, tucked away at the base of towering cliffs amid the jungle. This spectacular beach in a protected cove is ideal for swimming, photography, and long walks along the secluded sand. End your day at the picturesque Green Bowl Beach, accessed via a steep staircase, which lends it an off-the-beaten-spot atmosphere. After you make the quick hike, snorkel or surf in the clear water, and, at low tide, explore the gorgeous sea cave nearby.
Day 5: Helicopter to Moyo Island, Begin Wellness Retreat
Say goodbye to Nusa Dua and board a helicopter to the nearby Moyo Island for the incredible Underwater Wellness Retreat offered by the luxurious Amanwana Resort. This three-day getaway on the hidden, nearly uninhabited island is the first of its kind, designed to use the ocean's healing powers as a focus for your meditation, exploration, and growth.
Before you dive into the enriching programs offered by visiting practitioners, take the rest of the day to explore Moyo. Visit a local Sasak village to experience their traditional way of life, relax on one of the pristine beaches, take a nature walk through the rainforest to spot local wildlife like macaques, or snorkel in the protected waters of Amanwana Bay.
Day 6: Wellness Retreat (Day 2): Underwater & Sunset Meditations, Traditional Bath
Wake up early to begin your day with a dry static apnea breathwork session. Your expert instructors will ensure you follow proper safety protocols during this controlled breathing technique to improve your lung capacity. Continue your breathwork with a wet static apnea underwater meditation, combining breath-holding with the floating effects of submerging underwater.
After this morning's breathwork, take part in a traditional mandi rempah, a Balinese herbal soak made using spices such as ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, flowers, and roots. The bathing experience promotes healing and relaxation, as you immerse yourself in the fragrant water to physically and spiritually cleanse yourself.
At the end of the day, join a guided group meditation during sunset. As the sun goes down over the ocean and jungle, you'll practice your new breathing techniques and relax your mind. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner at the resort, then rest for another day of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Day 7: Wellness Retreat (Day 3): Waterfalls, Snorkeling & Photography Workshop
This morning, continue your retreat with a hike along the rainforest trail to the enchanting Mata Jitu Waterfall, hidden deep within the jungle. Look for local wildlife and appreciate the dappled light through the green canopy, providing much-needed coolness from the tropical sun. Don't forget your swimsuit, as the pools beneath the falls are ideal for a refreshing dip. Continue down the trail to nearby Barry's Falls for another breathwork session, guided by both your instructor and the sound of the cascading water.
Next, return to the pristine waters of Amanwana Bay to snorkel in the vibrant marine ecosystem. The excellent visibility, intricate coral reefs, and diverse life, such as sea turtles, reef sharks, and dolphins, make this one of Indonesia's best spots to explore the underwater world. After you explore for a while, join an underwater photography workshop. Enhance your skills with expert instruction, and discover how to utilize composition, lighting, and framing to catch some incredible underwater shots.
Day 8: Helicopter to Ubud, Tour Mas Village & Ubud Art Market
Say farewell to the peaceful Moyo Island and helicopter back to Bali, where a driver will be waiting to take you to the charming town of Ubud. Surrounded by green rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples, Ubud is Bali's cultural capital. Get the lay of the land by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk.
In the afternoon, meet your guide for a transfer to Mas Village, known for its intricate wood carvings sold worldwide. Watch the talented artisans create different shapes and creatures from the wood and learn all about the carving process, an art form passed down since the 15th century. Purchase one of these incredible pieces of wood art to take home straight from the artist, or save your shopping for the next stop back in Ubud.
Discover more of the incredible handicrafts of Bali at the Ubud Art Market, a bustling open-air hub with a wide selection of traditional Balinese crafts, such as textiles, woodcarvings, jewelry, and paintings. When the sun sets, head to the Gianyar Night Market. As you stroll through the market, sample several Balinese favorites like satay, nasi goreng (fried rice), and traditional sweets, like laklak (rice pancakes) or pisang goreng (banana fritters).
Day 9: Explore Jatiluwih Rice Terrace & Ulun Danu Beratan, Local Wine Tasting
This morning, meet your guide and take a winding drive to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO Heritage Site located in Bali. Take a leisurely bike ride through the gorgeous landscape of lush green terraces spread across the hills and valley. As you follow the trails to the most picture-worthy spots, learn about the subak irrigation system, a centuries-old technique the locals use to sustain the terraces, and witness how it works in practice.
Enjoy a winery tour at lunchtime at the famous Hatten Wines, where you can taste several wine varietals made from locally grown Balinese grapes. After the tasting, eat lunch made from fresh, in-season ingredients on the accompanying restaurant's terrace, savoring the sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards.
In the afternoon, you'll visit one of Bali's most iconic landmarks: Ulun Danu Beratan on the shores of Lake Beratan. The temple, dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu, is an important religious site for the Balinese. The complex, characterized by its distinctive multi-tiered shrines, is set against the backdrop of the misty mountains and serene lake. Wander through the gorgeous botanical gardens extending to the lake and featuring local plant species or among the five temples dedicated to Hindu deities.
Day 10: Experience a Sebatu Purification Ritual, Balinese Dance Course
Today, meet your guide for a journey through the lush green landscape of Sebatu to the sacred water temple of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, caved into a hillside overlooking the valley. Here, you can participate in a traditional purification ritual. Cleanse in holy waters, offer prayers to the deities, and join in age-old traditions led by local priests during this spiritual experience. The serene area has lush tropical gardens and intricate Balinese architecture, adding a sense of sacredness to the occasion.
Later in the day, visit the beautiful village of Blahbatuh, about 10 miles (17 km) southeast of Ubud, known for its styles of art and dance. Once you arrive, you'll watch a Balinese performance of a barong and keris dance (a show depicting the epic battle between the good spirit Barong and the evil Rangda) and practice a few steps yourself in a workshop. Learn more about Bali's traditional music, gamelan, at Sidha Karya Gong Foundry, where you can also purchase instruments and dance costumes to take home with you.
Day 11: Depart Bali
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