Unforgettable Indonesia: Bali & the Gili Islands - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Tanah Lot, Massage & Rice Field Walk

Welcome to Bali! Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport (known locally as Denpasar Airport), you'll get your first taste of warm Balinese hospitality as you're greeted by your driver and taken to your hotel. Begin your time on this laid-back island with a soothing one-hour massage in the comfort of your hotel to ease you into your trip. 

Day 2: Transfer to Ubud, Historic Temple Tour

Explore some of Bali's most treasured temples today as you travel onward to Ubud. At Taman Ayun temple, built by the ruler of the Mengwi Kingdom in 1634, you can explore traditional architecture, peaceful gardens, and pretty courtyards. Your explorations continue at Taman Mumbul, a Hindu temple located in the village of Sangeh in Mengwi, which is said to have purifying waters. This is the perfect place for you to learn more about the Hindu religion and understand the spiritual culture of the Balinese.

Goa Gajah is today's final temple visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site translates to "Cave of the Elephant," and it's a blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. As you enter the temple, you'll be greeted by a rather intimidating carved character called Boma—it's his job to dissuade evil spirits from entering, though visitors are very welcome. 

Day 3: Ubud Volkswagen Safari Tour

Today gets maximum style points as you discover the beautiful temples, waterfalls, and rice fields around Ubud on a vintage Volkswagen convertible tour. Along the way, you'll follow winding roads past rice fields, villages, waterfalls, and temples. Stop off at Tegallalang Rice Terrace, where you can walk through the rice paddies, take a ride on the famous Bali Swing, go shopping for souvenirs and trinkets along Tegallalang Crafts Street, or sit in a café sipping on a kopi (Balinese coffee) and enjoying the view.

As the day heats up, swing by Tibumana Waterfall and cool off with a quick dip. Spend some time in contemplation at the 11th-century Gunung Kawi temple, where elaborate royal shrines are carved into the cliff face in a deep ravine, giving the site its name of "Valley of the Kings." Continue to Tirta Empul, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Bali, where the waters are said to have magical powers. Watch as people cleanse themselves in the ancient pools, following a tradition that dates back centuries.

Don't miss a trip through the nearby Monkey Forest to meet the troops of monkeys that are free to live and roam the nature reserve and the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple. The curious monkeys are fun to be around and can be particularly mischievous—keep your belongings close! Round off your tour with a visit to Gianyar, where you can awaken your tastebuds with tasty Indonesian specialties and sample some local street food from the bustling market stalls.

Day 4: Balinese Cooking Class, Visit a Healer

Today you'll get to spend time with some of the locals that make Bali so special. First, Ayu and Made invite you to their traditional house for a Balinese cooking class. After a warm welcome, they will share their secrets with you and teach you how to combine spices, vegetables, and other local ingredients so that you can recreate the delicious recipes back home. After you've perfected your dishes, you'll enjoy them for lunch in Ayu and Made's lovely garden.

Day 5: Transfer to Padang Bai, Speedboat to Gili Air

Indonesia has a beach to suit all moods, and today you'll experience its laid-back small island vibes. You'll travel from Ubud to the port of Padang Bai, where a speedboat will zip across the glistening waters and take you to Gili Air. Gili Air is the smallest of the three Gili Islands, and it's perfect for a few days of relaxation. The Gilis are charmingly car-free, so you'll reach your hotel either on foot or by horse cart. Take time to rest, watch the ocean sunsets, and snorkel in search of turtles.

Day 6: Day Trip to Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno

Each of the Gilis has its own character, and it's a great idea to spend time on more than one of the islands. Head off on a day trip to the neighboring island of Gili Meno (the smallest, most relaxed, and most traditional of the three islands, with a real castaway vibe) or Gili Trawangan (a more established island where there's a bit more going on: markets, dive schools, beach shops, and even an Irish bar). Rent a bike to explore, and then stop off at a local beach bar to reward yourself with a refreshing drink delivered to your beanbag or overwater hammock.

Day 7: Snorkel Trip to Gili Air, Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan

Today, underwater adventures await with a snorkeling cruise around the three Gili Islands. Hop on a small wooden boat and feel the warm breeze as your captain whisks you away to some of the best snorkeling sites, where you can jump into the water with your fins and mask to admire the multicolored fish and corals. If you're lucky, you might get to snorkel alongside turtles—they're often spotted in the waters here. Refuel with lunch on one of the islands before returning to your hotel to watch another mesmerizing sunset. 

Day 8: Transfer to Uluwatu, Visit the Fish Market in Jimbaran

Board the fast boat to Padang Bai back on Bali, where your driver will be waiting to take you down to the southern tip of the island to Uluwatu—known for its striking sea temple—and the nearby resort of Jimbaran. Jimbaran combines the best bits of Bali: a fishing village with strong traditions, a long sandy beach lined with colorful boats, and a thriving foodie scene.

Here, take the opportunity to go to the famous open-air Jimbaran Fish Market. Choose your favorite seafood platter in the market—it might be tuna, trevally, octopus, or jumbo prawns—and then take it to a small local seaside restaurant to grill and enjoy with rice and vegetables. 

Day 11: Transfer to Denpasar Airport & Depart