Bali: Majestic Waterfalls, Iconic Beaches, Volcano Climbing, Snorkeling and Wellness | All in Indonesia

It’s the little squared offerings made of tree leaves with a set of colourful flowers, a small portion of rice and an incense placed on streets and house entrances to prevent evil spirits from getting in, put in higher altars in honour of ancestors or carried overhead all the way to communal temples; it’s the locals dressed in their patterned sarongs getting together for yet another ceremony; it’s the temples with multi-tiered shrines and fringes made of sugar palm fibbers (that underwent a very precise “haircut”); it’s the greenery that makes you forget about the dry season, and the ancient trees home to cheeky monkeys that every so often pay a visit to nearby cafes. In the end, Ubud is not only the spiritual centre of Thailand but the crown jewel of Bali! - night of arrival - ☝️ 1st [full] day: tour to emblematic waterfalls, rice fields and temples of Ubud. ✌️ 2nd [full] day: hike to Mount Batur and overnight camping; beautiful sunset & sunrise. 👌 3rd [full] day: spa afternoon (access to swimming pool, hot & cold Jacuzzi, dry sauna and herbal mist sauna). During free time, I encourage you to use the 3-class Yoga Barn pass and enjoy Yoga, Meditation or Sound Baths! - packing & leaving the day after - NOTE: we stay 3 nights in Ubud (counting with the night of arrival); in total, we will spend 4 nights in Bali, counting with the overnight stay in Mount Batur.

Most people visit on a morning tour, waking up (too) early, around 1AM, to drive to the base & start a hike submerged in darkness to see the sunrise. I found us a guide who is happy to take the group to the summit under a different arrangement. We start the hike in the afternoon, in time to see a dreamy sunset warmed up by the steam of the volcano (the last considerable eruption was in 1926, destroying the upper part of the then highest peak in Indonesia; now the summit is "only" 1717m). After, we set up a tent facing a spectacular night sky that may send our way shooting stars; we rest until dawn, waking up to thousands of people with head lanterns awaiting the sunrise. NOTE: these are the details of our 2nd day under the stop "Ubud"; I'm including this stop in our itinerary as a night of its own; in total, we spend 4 nights in Bali.

"The trail often succumbed to the weight of our feet, chunks of soil crumbling every few steps. Fortunately, unexpected camaraderie and dialogue started to pervade the interactions of the strangers in line, who began extending a helping hand in less steady parts of the track and asked for or gave priority to facilitate the ascends & descends..." Nusa Penida is a stunning destination boasting a coastline with shades of cyan blue. Some of its spots are among the most popular in Southeast Asia; if you’re on social media, chances are you’ve seen pictures of Kelingking or Diamond Beach. ☝️ Day 1: Arrival and Island Tour - Start your day early by taking a fast boat from Sanur or Padangbai in Bali to Nusa Penida. - Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin a tour of the island's most iconic spots. - Visit the famous Kelingking Beach, known for its unique T-rex-shaped cliff, and take in the breathtaking views from the lookout point. - Stop at Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach, two natural rock formations sculpted by the crashing waves. - Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sand of Diamond Beach. - Explore the secluded cove of Atuh Beach, with its stunning backdrop of towering cliffs. - End your day by watching the sunset at one of the picturesque viewpoints, such as Saren Cliff Point or Tembeling Beach. ✌️ Day 2: Relaxation and Exploration - Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation. - Spend the morning relaxing on one of Nusa Penida's pristine beaches, such as Crystal Bay or Pasih Uug Beach. - In the afternoon, consider taking a hike to explore the island's interior, where you'll find lush forests, waterfalls, and traditional villages. - Visit the Giri Putri Cave Temple, an ancient Hindu temple carved into the cliffs. - End your day by exploring the charming town of Toya Pakeh and enjoying some local cuisine. Please note: - Some of the beaches and coastal points are accessible only by sinuous, steep, and precarious dirt tracks. We will choose carefully to ensure our safety during the tour, and there will be time for a refreshing swim at the more accessible beaches. - Packing & leaving the day after - This itinerary covers the most popular attractions while allowing for relaxation and exploration of the island's natural beauty. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for a memorable adventure on Nusa Penida.

No matter which of the 3 Gilis you choose, there are no cars or motorbikes – everyone walks or takes their bicycle to get around, and untouched nature is predominant, with countless coconut & banana trees, and frangipani & bougainvillea flowers, despite the growing tourist industry noticeable in the peer’s adjacent arteries, where you’ll find several Warung (typical Indonesian food restaurants), diving centers, souvenir shops and western bars. - arrival and rest - ☝️ 1st [full] day: snorkelling tour in the morning; relaxing afternoon - end of guided trip; boat back to Bali and van to the airport - P.S. If you have more days to spare, I suggest you complete a scuba / free diving certification here, and/or I can also recommend where to go next!