Essence of Bali

Day 1: Arrival at Denpasar Bali - Ubud
Upon arrival at Denpasar airport, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your accommodation in Ubud, approximately a 90 min drive. Ubud is Bali's cultural and artistic heart, today Ubud is a small town with an emphasis on wellness, small local shops, and great cuisine. Upon arrival at the accommodation, you can check-in and you will have some free time to discover Ubud on your own before returning to The Sankara Suites for overnight.

Day 2: Ubud
After breakfast, you will head out to discover the many charms of Ubud while visiting museums, palaces, and the local market. You will start with a visit to the Museum Puri Lukisan or “Palace of Paintings”. Afterward, you will continue the Ubud Royal Palace in the heart of the town, the palace is still home to the royal family and was built in the 16th century. Continue with a walk in the Ubud market where local vendors come to buy and sell exotic produce as well as handicrafts and textiles. During the tour, you will also make a stop at the monkey forest to watch its cheeky inhabitants of the island. Next, drive to Tirta Empul, a traditional Balinese Hindu water temple where locals come to purify themselves, as they believe that the water is holy and has curative power. This day would not be complete without a visit to the Tegalalang rice terraces, which are 600 meters above sea level and are arguably one of the most picturesque landscapes you will see in Bali. In the evening you will return to The Sankara Suites for free time at leisure and overnight.

Day 3: Ubud
After an early wake-up call, we will pick you from your hotel and transfer you to a local restaurant at Kintamani where you will enjoy breakfast. While you enjoy your breakfast, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the biggest and most active volcano in Bali called Mt. Batur and the amazing Lake Batur. After breakfast, you will have a short safety briefing and you will start your first activity of the day, volcano cycling. You will descend down to the mountain village and get to explore some of these villages and you will have an opportunity to visit a temple as well. In the afternoon you will finish your trip at Tampak Siring, and you will enjoy a delicious local lunch. In the afternoon you will enjoy a cooking experience with two locals. You will join a local family in the kitchen and help them cook a range of Balinese dishes, using local ingredients and spices, over a traditional wood-fired oven. Your cooking class will finish with a delicious meal served at a dining area adjacent to the family temple. However, the family will not share the meal with you, because the Balinese believe you should never eat together as a family. However, they will be with you for the dessert portion of the experience. Overnight at The Sankara Suites.

Day 4: Ubud
After breakfast, you will go for a memorable trip to the soul of the island. You will head out to meet local artists at their homes and workshops who open the door to a world that is normally hidden from the sight of travellers. You can buy an art piece in a showroom and meet the masters themselves. If you are always looking for ways to meet interesting local people, we will give you the opportunity of meeting some local maestros in a real Balinese home. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight at The Sankara Suites.

Day 5: Ubud - Denpasar International Airport
After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your departure flight.