Highlights
- Dive at the coral-covered USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben
- Swim alongside the resident manta rays of Nusa Penida
- Immerse yourself in Bali's spiritual side with tours of temples and water palaces
- Spot dolphins from a traditional outrigger in the waters off Menjangan
- Get a taste of the local culture with a cooking class and food tour
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Amed | Amed |
| Day 2 | Tour Lempuyang & Tirta Gangga Temples, Balinese Cooking Class | Amed |
| Day 3 | Diving Excursion to Tulamben | Amed |
| Day 4 | Diving Excursion to Amed Reef, Transfer to Sanur | Sanur |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Nusa Penida, Diving Excursion to Manta Bay & SD Point | Nusa Penida |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan: Watersports, Seaweed Farming & Devil's Tears | Nusa Penida |
| Day 7 | Island Tour of Nusa Penida | Nusa Penida |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Ubud, Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary | Ubud |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Menjangan via Ulun Danu Beratan & Jatiluwih Rice Terrace | Menjangan |
| Day 10 | Diving Excursion at Menjangan | Menjangan |
| Day 11 | Diving Excursion at Gilimanuk | Menjangan |
| Day 12 | Dolphin Tour in Lovina, Free Time in Menjangan | Menjangan |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Seminyak via Tanah Lot Temple, Seminyak Food Tour | Seminyak |
| Day 14 | Depart Bali |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Amed
Welcome to Bali! You'll arrive at Denpasar International Airport, meet your driver, and then transfer to your hotel in Amed. Take time to recover from your flight, or spend the rest of the day exploring this undiscovered corner of the Indonesian island. This fishing village on the island's eastern shore is known for its laid-back beaches, lack of crowds, fresh seafood, and easy access to world-class diving. Take in the views of Mount Agung from the black-sand Amed Beach, snorkel right off the shore of Jemeluk Beach, or catch a sunset from Sunset Point.
Venture farther afield by renting a scooter, and head to the famous Lahangan Sweet for sweeping views of the shoreline from a sky-high tree platform. Head back into town to work out those travel kinks with a traditional Balinese massage or grab a smoothie before a swim to the Underwater Temple. As you snorkel, keep an eye out for sea turtles, which are a common sight in the surrounding Amed Reef.
Day 2: Tour Lempuyang & Tirta Gangga Temples, Balinese Cooking Class
Meet your guide this morning and begin with a journey up one of Bali's highest mountains, Mount Lempuyang, where you'll find the sacred Hindu temple of Pura Lempuyang Luhur. Climb 1,700 steps up the mountain to reach the main temple complex, then explore several intricately designed, smaller temples. For incredible views of Bali's highest volcano, Mount Agung, visit the famous Gate of Heaven.
From there, you'll travel to the otherworldly Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a royal palace built in the early 20th century. The water garden features a collection of pools, fountains, and statues full of lush greenery and surrounded by views of the rice terraces and mountains. Explore the different areas of the garden, including the main pool and the stepping stones that lead to the central island. Bring your swimsuit for a refreshing swim in select pools, or buy some fish food at the entrance to feed fish in the ponds.
Day 3: Diving Excursion to Tulamben
It's time to start exploring the vast underwater world around Bali. Today you'll grab your regulator and dive deep into the waters of Tulamben Bay with a private diving excursion. One of the most popular diving destinations in Bali, Tulamben has three separate diving sites right off its black-sand shores. The most famous site is the USAT Liberty shipwreck, originally beached in Tulamben by a torpedo in 1942 and eventually sunk during the Mount Agung eruption of 1963. Nowadays, it's teeming with rich marine life and features thrilling swim-throughs, coral formations, and plenty of cargo space for divers.
The other two dive sites, Coral Garden and Drop Off, are full of colorful tropical fish, lively coral reefs, interesting geological formations, and even the occasional Buddha statue. Tulamben is also known as a hotspot for muck divers, as the stretches of black volcanic sand underwater are full of rare creatures such as harlequin shrimp and ghost pipefish.
Day 4: Diving Excursion to Amed Reef, Transfer to Sanur
Another private guided excursion this morning introduces you to dive sites around the village of Amed in the world-renowned Amed Reef. The area has five main sites, all easily accessible, either right offshore or a short boat ride away. The calm waters and currents make the reef ideal for both beginner and experienced divers, for divers searching for shipwrecks, and for muck divers alike.
"Jump" between the artificial reefs at the Pyramids of Amed, watch for the rare pygmy starfish, spot white-tip sharks hiding in the sand at Jemeluk, or swim above the massive coral wall at Jemeluk Wall. Dive among moray eels, giant sponges, barracuda, and black-tipped reef sharks at Bunutan, or explore the coral-encrusted Japanese Shipwreck.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Nusa Penida, Diving Excursion to Manta Bay & SD Point
It's time to leave Bali behind for now as you catch a ferry to the enchanting island of Nusa Penida. Located just off the southeastern coast of Bali, the small island is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and vibrant surrounding reefs. Upon arrival, drop your bags and settle at your hotel, then meet your guide for another private diving adventure.
Day 6: Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan: Watersports, Seaweed Farming & Devil's Tears
You'll spend today exploring the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan, a short 30-minute ferry ride from Nusa Penida. Start the day on one of the island's gorgeous beaches, snorkeling among the offshore reefs, laying in the sand, or taking a wild banana boat ride.
The next activity of the day will take you to one of the island's seaweed farms. Besides its inviting beaches and dramatic surf, this island is a center for sustainable seaweed farming, an essential part of the local economy. Tour one of the island's seaweed farms to learn about their important role as carbon sinks and get hands-on as you help the farmers plant new crops and harvest mature seaweed.
Your final stop of the day is to Devil's Tears, a natural attraction that earned its dramatic name due to the fierce, churning waves that crash against the rugged cliffs, creating a spray of "tears" as the water flows back into the sea through a naturally-formed rock arch. In addition to the spectacular ocean display, this rocky location is an excellent spot for cliff jumping and is one of the best sunset spots in Indonesia. As darkness falls, you'll head back to Nusa Penida for the evening.
Day 7: Island Tour of Nusa Penida
Explore more of Nusa Penida on dry land this morning, with a guided tour covering the western and eastern sides of the island. Start on the west with a visit to Angels Billabong, a natural rock lagoon carved into seaside cliffs known as "nature's infinity pool." The short hike to the clear turquoise waters gives you exhilarating ocean views and you can enjoy a swim in the calm waters, but only at low tide—at high tide, the waters get too rough for safety.
Continue to the nearby Broken Beach. The cove's feature and namesake is the archway that wraps around the bay, allowing water to flow in and out from the ocean. Your next stop is Kelingking Beach, an Insta-famous spot known for its white sands, clear blue sea, and surreal rock formations. These rocky outcroppings resemble the spine of a giant dinosaur, giving it the nickname "T-Rex Bay." Finally, it's on to an untouched bay on the island's eastern tip, Diamond Beach, known for its famous cliff lookout and the pointy, diamond-shaped rock just offshore.
Day 8: Transfer to Ubud, Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Say farewell to Nusa Penida today and return to Bali via a shared speedboat. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to the lively town of Ubud. Surrounded by green rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples, Ubud is considered the spiritual center of Bali. After settling in, you can get the lay of the land by hiking along the easy and scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk, visiting the gorgeous Tegalalang Rice Terrace for sedate swinging or thrilling ziplining, or exploring one of the many galleries in Ubud's thriving art scene.
If you're keen to relax and rejuvenate, Ubud is also the ideal spot, with its plethora of wellness spas, yoga centers, and meditation retreats. Get a traditional Balinese massage, take a yoga class with a view of the jungle, or soak in a flower bath by the river.
In the afternoon, you'll visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, one of Ubud's most popular attractions. The forest sanctuary, established in the 14th century and sacred to the local Balinese, is home to over 700 long-tailed macaque monkeys. Learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts, observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, and even feed them. Also home to several temples, you can walk through the forest to visit these intricate shrines while monkeys wander freely around you.
Day 9: Transfer to Menjangan via Ulun Danu Beratan & Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
Today your guide will pick you up for the transfer to Menjangen Island, a small islet located about 5 miles (8 km) off the coast of Bali. But first, you'll visit a few more of Bali's most famed beauty spots along the way. Stop by the serene temple of Ulun Danu Beratan on the shores of Lake Beratan and wander through the gardens extending to the lake or among the five temples dedicated to different Hindu deities. Then it's on to the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, a feast for the eyes and a favorite photography spot, with its terraced fields showcasing the beauty of traditional Balinese agriculture and gorgeous panoramic views.
Continue to the coast, where you'll catch a short boat ride to Menjangen. Get settled in and rest up for tomorrow—this unspoiled island paradise is home to some of the best diving around, and you'll get to experience it yourself over the next few days.
Day 10: Diving Excursion at Menjangan
It's time for more diving! Today, you'll explore the ocean around Menjangan in West Bali National Park. The waters around the island are world-renowned, but because of their remoteness and the protected area only allowing a certain number of visitors a day, they retain an undiscovered feel. You'll experience its crystal-clear waters, healthy coral reefs, abundant marine biodiversity, and the best wall diving around on today's private excursion.
Menjangan's diving sites offer something for divers of all levels, and your guide will tailor today's trip to suit your preferences. Beginners will enjoy the gentle currents of Sandy Slope, teeming with marine life, and POS II, an offshore site surrounded by ocean cliffs. All levels will revel in the must-see Eel Garden, one of the most iconic wall dives on the island. More advanced divers can dive deep at Anchor Wreck, a sunken 19th-century wooden fishing boat characterized by the giant anchor trapped in the beautiful reef.
Day 11: Diving Excursion at Gilimanuk
Your final day of diving off Bali will take you to the small seaside town of Gilimanuk, the gateway to the dive site known as Secret Bay (or Gilimanuk Bay). This area is mostly known for muck diving, with the rich volcanic sand sheltering diverse, unusual marine life. For more muck diving, head nearby to Putri Jati, another underwater volcanic field home to the rare mimic octopus. This is some of the coldest diving in the area, so come prepared!
Later on, your dive boat will take you back to the waters around Menjangen to explore more of the magnificent walls, which are full of giant sponges, great Gorgonian sea fans, and plenty of small caverns to explore along the way. Dive into the deep blue at Bajul Bay to spot the rare Mandarin dragonet, or visit Bat Cave, where you'll find shallow waters and caves full of resident bats.
Combine this site with a drift dive to the nearby Temple Point, which lies at the feet of a giant Ganesh statue on top of a seaside cliff. End the day by exploring Coral Gardens, an underwater expanse of hard and soft corals, and one of the few spots where you may see an elusive whale shark.
Day 12: Dolphin Tour in Lovina, Free Time in Menjangan
Hop in a traditional outrigger boat this morning and head to the waters around Lovina Beach, a short trip from Menjangen Island. Your tour to Bali's "dolphin playground" will begin before sunrise to catch the dolphins in action. Witness the wild dolphins frolicking through the ocean as the sun rises over their natural habitat. The tour, operated by local fishermen, is eco-friendly and ensures that your presence doesn't harm or disturb the dolphins.
Day 13: Transfer to Seminyak via Tanah Lot Temple, Seminyak Food Tour
Check out of your hotel in Menjangen this morning and catch the boat back to Bali. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you to the final destination of your trip—the vibrant coastal town of Seminyak, located on the island's southern coast. Along the way, you'll stop at the iconic sea temple of Tanah Lot to admire its dramatic setting on a rocky ocean outcropping.
Upon arrival in Seminyak, you'll join a food tour on Eat Street, to sample both local and global flavors galore. Try locally-sourced coffee, pulled pork charcoal buns, various types of satay, a tamarind and turmeric margarita, sop buntut (oxtail stew), or soto ayam (chicken noodle soup). Afterward, spend the rest of your afternoon savoring your penultimate day in Bali—lounging on the beach under the colorful umbrellas at Seminyak Beach, experiencing the white sands at Double Six Beach, or enjoying the beach clubs at Kayu Ayu Beach.
Day 14: Depart Bali
It's time to end your Bali diving adventure! Say farewell to the island as you're transferred to Denpasar International Airport, with plenty of time to catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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