Highlights
- Wander around Ubud's charming streets and learn to cook Balinese cuisine
- Discover Bali Safari Marine Park to observe local wildlife, like the Komodo dragon
- Climb Mount Batur in the early hours to witness a stunning sunrise
- In Borneo, cruise the Sekonyer River through Tanjung Putting National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud & Explore | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 2 | See the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple & Holy Springs | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 3 | Visit a Rumah Desa | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 4 | Explore Bali Safari Marine Park | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 5 | Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Summit | Ubud, Bali |
| Day 6 | Fly to Pangkalan Bun (Kalimantan), Borneo Rainforest Cruise | Kalimantan |
| Day 7 | Borneo Rainforest Cruise, Meet the Orangutans | Kalimantan |
| Day 8 | Disembark Cruise, Return to Bali, Transfer to Sanur & Free Day | Sanur, Bali |
| Day 9 | Depart Bali |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud & Explore
Day 2: See the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple & Holy Springs
Your driver will be waiting in the lobby to take you to the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terraces near the village of Ceking. These terraced paddies are one of the most photographed places in Bali, and when you arrive, you'll see them from high above as they wave around the valley. Trek down to learn about the unique water irrigation system Balinese farmers use and take advantage of the great photo opportunities.
Next, discover the spiritual side of Balinese culture with a visit to the Tirta Empul temple. Explore the temple complex and witness locals praying in the shrine and bathing in the "Holy Spring." Learn about Balinese traditions as you observe the use of the 11 water spouts in the central courtyard for spiritual cleansing. The last two spouts are reserved for funeral rites.Day 3: Visit a Rumah Desa
Start your Balinese morning with an interactive visit to a family-run Rumah Desa. A driver will pick you up and take you through rice fields as you make your way to meet a local family who will welcome you to their Rumah Desa, a traditional house in the countryside. The family will introduce you to various aspects of Balinese daily life through fun, engaging, and enriching activities. You'll also spend time in the village's rice fields and plantations, learning about Balinese farmers' unique agricultural techniques. After this immersive morning, sit down to a traditional lunch.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Explore Bali Safari Marine Park
Day 5: Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Summit
You'll wake up early this morning for a private transfer to Kintamani, a village at the base of Mount Batur (5,633 ft/ 1,717 m), an active volcano in northeast Bali. With your local guide, hike for two to three hours before daybreak toward the summit along a well-trodden stone and packed dirt path. You'll reach the top just before dawn, and your hard work will be rewarded as the sun rises, seeing the first day's light cast its colors over the sleeping island below. This beautiful spectacle is a memorable Bali experience. After sunrise, return to Kintamani village on foot, where you'll return to your hotel in Ubud.
Day 6: Fly to Pangkalan Bun, Borneo Rainforest Cruise
A driver will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to Pangkalan Bun, a city on the island of Borneo. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred about 20 minutes directly to Kumai to reach the Sekonyer River, a tributary of the Kumai River. Here, you'll board a klotok, a traditional wooden river boat where you can enjoy the mangrove and thick rainforest vistas from the boat's upper deck. Embark on an adventure as you float along the Sekonyer River through Tanjung Puting National Park.
With your boat captain navigating, admire the scenery while dining on boat-cooked meals, being on the lookout for endemic species. You may spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and exotic birds on the riverbank. You'll sleep on board tonight with the sounds of nocturnal wildlife in your ears as you close your eyes.
Day 7: Borneo Rainforest Cruise, Meet the Orangutans
Start your day with breakfast on board as you navigate to Pondok Tanggui, the home of the second orangutan rehabilitation center in Kalimantan. From here, you'll continue to cruise at a gentle pace in your klotok along the Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey, the highlight of the Tanjung Puting National Park, and remain alert for endemic wildlife like birds, primates, and crocodiles.
You'll stop at the information center to learn about Dr. Birute Galdikas and her orangutan research before taking a stroll through the jungle for the chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Once back on board the klotok, you'll have dinner and another memorable night under the stars aboard.
Day 8: Disembark Cruise, Return to Bali, Transfer to Sanur & Free Day
Enjoy your last freshly-cooked breakfast and the breathtaking view from your wooden boat before returning to Kumai. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight from Pagkalan Bun to Bali. Once you've landed, a driver will transfer you to your hotel in Sanur. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the beautiful beaches of this resort town, where you can rent snorkel gear, a boat, or a bike for further exploration of your idyllic surroundings.
Day 9: Depart Bali
Depending on the departure schedule, you'll be picked up by your private driver and taken to the airport. Have a safe flight to your onward destination!
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