Bali is a destination much loved by so many and for various reasons. The cheap beach holiday might be a bit of cliche and the eat, pray love in Ubud might be verging on the same. Cliches aside, the island is one of the most topographically and geographically stunning places in SE Asia and the sophistication of the Balinese people with their Hindu customs and traditions makes for an intriguing destination.
What we love about Bali is that it is an adventurer's paradise. The varied landscapes and environs lend themselves to hiking, paddling and snorkeling adventures and within a small area, you can experience so much variety.
This tour aims to open your eyes to the possibilities that Bali presents and we just know that it will surprise and delight you.
● Immerse yourself in the welcoming community of Manggis in east Bali. Explore this stunning location on hiking trails and collaborate in the kitchen with the local women's association members.
● Enjoy a modest, but delicious meal on the stunning Virgin Beach.
● Be pampered in Ubud and explore the boutiques and craft shops in this sophisticated destination.
● Hike the third highest mountain, Mount Abang for stunning views of the island and of the neighboring peaks of Agung and Batur.
● Snorkel the coral wonderland off Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan and walk the dramatic, limestone cliffs with aqua- coloured water lapping in the coves.
Upon arrival in Denpasar Airport, you will be whisked away on a 2 hour drive up to the east of the island, to Candi Dasa. This is a low-key, coastal town with the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan sitting off in the distance and Towering Mt. Agung behind you. There are now crowds and no commercialism to this place, just a sleepy beach town with warm, welcoming local people.
We convene at 5pm for a group briefing, then our first meal together.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Rossa Garden Hotel
We start the day off with a walk through the Manggis Village which sits just slightly inland from Candi Dasa. Here, a small collective of farmers have adopted organic rice farming practices and are advocates in their community for this initiative and for introducing visitors to the community in a way that showcases local culture. One of these advocate farmers will take us for a walk through the village and explain some of the customs, traditions and how a Balinese village functions, a cycle dictated by Hindu rituals.
We wrap up our 1.5 hour walk on arrival at a beautiful, hillside venue where the Manggis Women's Association members are waiting to welcome us into the communal kitchen. They are eager to teach you how to cook some of their favourite dishes, but before you start, they will take you on a walk of the surrounding food forest to forage for some key ingredients. We will then cook up a storm and join the women in enjoying the fruits of our labour.
Back in Candi Dasa, this evening's dinner is not included so that you have an opportunity to sample the various options. Your host will certainly be chasing a good meal though, so you are welcome to join her.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Rossa Garden Hotel
We make an early start and transfer 20 minutes back up to the Manggis village where we start a hike to Jangasatru Waterfall. The route takes us through some of the more isolated hamlets that make up the village where we meet families going about their daily routines who are always happy to see us and will offer some words of encouragement as well as the customary niceties. We descent into the valley where we cross a fast-flowing creek with a small swimming hole where you can splash some cool water on your face to prepare you for the climb up the other side. There is a steep ascent, and then a descent again to reach Jangasatru. The waterfall is formed by a single stream pouring out of a towering cliff and crashing down neatly into a swimming hole surrounded by boulders. For those that enjoy having the water pound down on their head and shoulders you are welcome to indulge before we make our way up to meet the vehicle.
From there we take a drive of around 45 minutes and on the way, pay a visit to Kadek & Yulia, a hearing-impaired couple who are stingless bee enthusiasts and are eager for you to sample the honey that they produce with its distinct flavour.
We arrive at Virgin Beach for a tasty local lunch in rustic surrounds. Freshly caught fish is almost a certainty as an inclusion and once you have eaten your fill you can stretch out on a day bed for a siesta. If the winds and tides are right, a swim next to the black volcanic cliffs in turquoise water is a real treat, then we drive around 45 minutes to return to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rossa Garden Hotel
We check out from our Candi Dasa Hotel and drive around 2 hours to reach the trailhead for todays walk. This is a hike up Mt. Abang, the third highest mountain in Bali. We start at 1300 meters above sea level and summit at jut under 2100m, so it is a moderate elevation gain and will take us about 3-4 hours to complete the return trip. The views are spectacular, looking down on the crater lakes and across to the other peaks of Agung and Batur. Our mountain, Abang being smaller, is more heavily forested at its higher elevations and the trail while steep is still achievable and highly enjoyable. We will conclude with lunch and then take a drive of 1.5 hours to reach Ubud.
Ubud is more commercial than where you have been for the last three days, but that isn't a bad thing. You might like to reward yourself for your recent efforts with a massage, or you might like some reflection time with a cool drink in hand.
Dinner is not included to allow some freedom.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sri Aksata Ubud Resort
There are so many ways to enjoy yourself here. You can be pampered with spa treatments and massage, or you can explore the many dining options. There are craft shops and boutiques and all done with a level of sophistication that the Balinese excel at.
Start the day with a group yoga session to help stretch out the tight muscles and to welcome the day with optimism and positivity. Then choose from the many ways to make the most of your time in Ubud. In addition to the above, there are lots of organised/guided activities through local providers and your host will be able to help you select activities to suit.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sri Aksata Ubud Resort
Leaving Ubud early with a packed breakfast to enjoy on the way, we arrive at Munduk as the mist is still lifting off the lake and the hills. We set out on a fairly short and easy hike of just 2 hours as we travel through the lush jungle, past shrines and waterfalls to reach the shores of the crater lake. Here we meet some locals with wooden canoes who will paddle us across the lake with towering rims around us, to our destination where we can enjoy an early lunch.
The afternoon will be spent at our stunning, rustic eco-lodge with views of the landscape that we explored on foot earlier in the day. This is a quiet and peaceful place that facilitates another intimate evening in beautiful surrounds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Puri Lumbung Cottages
Today is a journey day and a transition day. It is where we farewell the mountains and the jungle that have provided us with great adventures and we travel to a very different landscape and seascape on Nusa Penida island. The drive takes around 3 hours and at least half of it is through beautiful scenery. Then we have a bite to eat and board a fast boat to whisk us over to the island.
Our accommodation is set up on the hills overlooking the ocean and is yet another place to enjoy a cool drink as the day closes out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Semabu Hills Hotel & Villa
Nusa Penida is known for various things, and snorkeling is certainly one of these. The currents, the tide and the wind will dictate our choice of sites, but it is likely to include Manta Bay, Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh. We will cross to neighboring Nusa Lembongan and explore the vibrant reef systems that are home to Manta Rays, various types of turtles and a huge collection of colourful fish.
We return to our accommodation after lunch and depending on conditions, there may be a walk on offer to see some of the unique and picturesque landscapes of the island as the sun gets low in the sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Semabu Hills Hotel & Villa
We head out for a walk along the dramatic limestone cliffs of the western side of the island where acqua blue water laps in coves formed by the artful erosion of the limestone. The stunning scenery is punctuated by the outcrops and the smell of the ocean.
We return to our accommodation after a 2.5 hour walk and have some time to pack and prepare before we take the fast boat back to Sanur. Then it is just a 30 minute road transfer to Jimbaran where we spend our last night together. Dining on a grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf on Jimbaran beach with the planes taking off over the water in the distance is an iconic way to see out our last day in Bali.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fox Hotel, Jimbaran
The tour concludes at check-out time which is midday. The airport is just 15 minutes down the road and taxis can be booked through reception. Bon Voyage!
Meals: Breakfast
Your Adventurous Women Host
Accommodation on a twin/share basis with optional single rooms at a surcharge
A local, bi-lingual guide to show you the way and to tell the stories of this magical destination
Most meals - 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
Private road transport
Shared fast boat to islands
Refreshments during organised activities
6 Dinners
9 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
Bali arrival levy
International flights
Visa costs
Drinks other than water
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Expenses of a personal nature
- A suggested packing list will be provided with the tour notes.
This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, after-all we are in a foreign country and things don't always go to plan...this will help you chill out and therefore get the best out of your holiday.
You will also need to be mobile without assistance - some of the sights require you to be on your feet, navigating steps and uneven surfaces at times. We also have a couple of walks as part of this tour - these walks can be achieved by anyone with a general level of fitness, but again mobility is the key, as with all of our tours.
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
Final balance payment is required 75 days prior to travel.
a) 75 days or more prior to departure, your deposit will be forfeited;
b) between 31 and 75 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 70% of the total booking cost;
c) between 15 and 30 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 90% of the total booking cost or;d) 14 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.No shows will be treated as a cancellation and will incur 100% cancellation fees.
