Ancient Temples to White Sand Beaches

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into DPS.

Wake up to your first full day in Bali! After breakfast you will set out to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest. Spend time strolling through the park looking at the famous Banyan Trees and monkeys! From there you will go on to visit sites such as the Royal Palace, Ubud Market and Saraswati Temple on a city tour. You will have time to explore the market on your own. After, you will either have a balinese massage or an afternoon at leisure, depending on when your massage is scheduled - either Day 2 or Day 3.

• Sacred Monkey Forest Visit

  Take a private transfer to the Sacred Monkey Forest, a lush green sanctuary that is home to more than 700 gray long-tailed macaques and temple ruins.You’ll be guided through the forest to see the Banyan Trees, Bridge of the Dragons, and visit a temple that is nestled inside. Note that you are not allowed to feed the monkeys and be sure to avoid eye contact. Be careful with your belongings such as sunglasses, hats, or your bag, the monkeys will try to snatch it! Your guide will prepare you with further do’s and don’t on site.

  08:00· 60 min· Ubud
• Ubud City Tour

  After the Monkey Forest, you will partake in an enchanting Ubud City Tour, where ancient traditions and modern delights collide in the heart of Bali. First, explore the majestic Royal Palace. Delve into the rich history and architectural wonders of this ancient palace, where no dress code is required, allowing you to roam freely and immerse yourself in its grandeur. Next, lose yourself in the bustling energy of Ubud Market, where you’ll have approximately 1 hour to shop for treasures and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Feel free to explore at your own pace, with a meeting point set by your guide to ensure a seamless transition. Continue your journey with a short stroll from the market, which will lead you to the serene Saraswati Temple, a sanctuary of spiritual tranquility and stunning architecture. Spend around 30 minutes here, marveling at the temple’s intricate details and soaking in its sacred ambiance. With transfers taking no more than 3 minutes, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and leisurely exploration, promising an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of Ubud.

  10:00· 120 min· Ubud
• Balinese Massage (Group 1)

  Enjoy a full body 60 minute Balinese Massage and relax your muscles. The famous massage will leave you relaxed and be a perfect wrap to your vacation. Note: due to limited spa rooms, travelers will be divided into multiple massage sessions across Day 2 and Day 3. If your massage is scheduled for tomorrow, you will have the afternoon at your leisure.

  14:00· 60 min· Ubud

Today you will be visiting the temples and shrines of Ubud. After breakfast, you'll head to Pura Mengening for a water purification ceremony. From the water temple you will be transferred to Gunung Kawi and wander among the shrines. Finally, you’ll return to the hotel around mid-afternoon where you can then unwind, have lunch on your own. After, you will either have a balinese massage or an afternoon at leisure, depending on when your massage is scheduled - either Day 2 or Day 3. You will be getting wet today so be sure to pack or wear a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and wear sturdy walking shoes/sandals to avoid slipping.

• Water Purification Ceremony

  You’ll take a 30-minute private bus north to Mengening Temple. For thousands of years, Balinese people have believed that the water that comes from these springs heals and purifies the inner and outer self. You will learn about the purification ritual and get to participate in it yourself. You’ll present offerings that will be prepared for you in advance, and then get into the pool under the flowing fountains for the purification. Then you’ll finish off with some guided prayer. You can wear your swimwear underneath a provided sarong for the purification ritual. Note that you’ll want to dress conservatively (sarongs will be provided for you upon arrival at the Temple). If you are menstruating or bleeding from an open wound, you will be prohibited from entering the temple under Balinese tradition.

  08:00· 180 min· Ubud
• Gunung Kawi Temple Visit

  After the purification ceremony, you’ll be transferred 3 minutes to the Gunung Kawi temple. A visit to Gunung Kawi offers a mesmerizing journey into Bali’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Nestled amidst lush greenery and terraced rice fields, Gunung Kawi is an ancient Hindu temple complex dating back to the 11th century. To explore this sacred site, one must descend a total of 315 stone stairs, each step leading deeper into the heart of Bali’s spiritual essence. While the stairs are not overly steep, they do require a steady pace and a sense of adventure. As travelers make their way down, they are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the rushing waters of the Pakerisan River below. You will have 1 hour to wander before departing the temple.

  10:00· 120 min· Ubud
• Balinese Massage (Group 2)

  Enjoy a full body 60 minute Balinese Massage and relax your muscles. The famous massage will leave you relaxed and be a perfect wrap to your vacation. Note: due to limited spa rooms, travelers will be divided into multiple massage sessions across Day 2 and Day 3. If you had your massage yesterday you will have the afternoon at your leisure today.

  13:00· 60 min· Ubud

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before your private coach transfers to the dock. From there, board a speedboat bound for the idyllic island of Gili Air. Once you arrive, the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Whether you opt to explore the island by cycling around its scenic paths or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches, the choice is yours!

• Transfer · Ubud → Padang Bai

  After breakfast, take a private transfer to Padang Bai Harbor. Stops along the way for the bathroom will be made as necessary.

  private · 90 min
• Transfer · Padang Bai → Gili Air

  At Padang Bai harbor, you will board your shared speedboat to Gili Air. There are simple restroom facilities onboard. Please note that this is a public speedboat, so there will likely be other passengers onboard who are not a part of your group. (~2 hours)

  boat · 120 min

Start your day with a delightful breakfast on the stunning island of Gili Air before venturing into the underwater realm of the Gili Archipelago on your snorkeling expedition. Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life and coral reefs. After your underwater adventure, enjoy lunch on Gili Meno before diving back in for more snorkeling. As the day draws to a close, you will return to your hotel for the remainder of the evening on your own.

• Gili Islands Snorkeling Adventure

  Embark on an exhilarating Gili Islands Snorkeling Adventure! A short, scenic walk of approximately 15 minutes leads to the dock where you’ll wade through shallow waters to board your private boat. Prepare for a thrilling 4-hour excursion, exploring four mesmerizing snorkel spots including Turtle Point, the stunning Underwater Statue, schools of Tropical Fish, and a breathtaking Coral Garden. You'll have an enjoyable and delicious lunch break, too! Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of turtles during low tide, along with an array of colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. Gear up with provided fins, snorkel, mask, and life jacket for an unforgettable underwater experience, and stay refreshed with complimentary water served on board. After wrapping up midday, take a brief 15-minute walk back to the hotel to conclude your unforgettable adventure amidst the enchanting waters of the Gili Islands.

  08:30· 360 min· Gili Air

Today, the choice is yours to craft your own adventure on the serene island of Gili Air. Whether you prefer to explore the island's pristine beaches, cycle around its charming paths, or simply unwind in paradise, the day is yours to design as you please. Alternatively, for those who signed up in advance and are seeking an exhilarating underwater experience, an optional fun diving excursion awaits, offering the opportunity to delve into the mesmerizing depths of the ocean surrounding Gili Air.

Wake up and enjoy a slow breakfast at your hotel. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy more of the island on your own before heading back to the mainland. In the afternoon you will take a boat to Serangan and then a private transfer to your new accommodations. After settling in you will have the reminder of the evening at your leisure.

For your final full day in Bali, you'll have the morning on your own to have a leisurely breakfast and relax. Around mid-afternoon you’ll head south to Uluwatu where you will spend your last evening with your group visiting the Uluwatu Temple and watching Kecak and Fire dance show before your Farewell Dinner.

• Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance

  Directly from hotel, you’ll take a 45-minute transfer to Uluwatu Temple before sunset. Your Guide will take you through the temple and share with you its history and cultural significance. Then you’ll be taken to an open-air amphitheater for the Kecak and Fire Dance show. Overlooking the limestone cliffs with the sunset above the Indian Ocean, watch as local dancers tell cultural stories through song and dance with music solely from a choir of men chanting “cak-cak-cak,” hence the name Kecak Dance. After the show, take a 45-minute transfer to the dinner venue.

  14:00· 300 min· Uluwatu

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of DPS.