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Map of Bali & Lombok Adventure including Indonesia

Be romanced by culture and hospitality on Bali and Lombok

Get ready for a magical getaway on the picturesque Islands of Indonesia on this tropical adventure. Travel through Bali and Lombok blending gorgeous beaches, great food and rich cultures with Indonesia’s warm weather and sapphire seas. This trip is guaranteed to leave you enthralled as you walk, cycle, snorkel, hike and swim through pristine environs and discover the allure of these two unique islands. Both Bali and Lombok are famous for their beauty and welcoming spirit, which you will experience at every turn of this trip.

Start
Ubud, Indonesia
Finish
Gili Islands, Indonesia
Destination
Indonesia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
TISBC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Adventure to the summit of Mt Batur, where, on a clear morning, dazzling sunrise vistas stretch across the Lombok Strait, all the way over to the peaks of Mt Rinjani

  • Snorkelling the crystal waters around Menjangan Island reef and also off the east coast of Lombok. Hopefully spot some tropical fish and perhaps if you are lucky some sea turtles.

  • Get an insight into the real Indonesia, with cultural activities and visiting local villages.

  • See the contrasts in religion and culture between Bali and Lombok.

  • Lombok and the Gili Islands are less frequented than their Balinese neighbour. Stay on the East Coast of Lombok in an area off the tourist trail.

Is this trip right for you?

  • A good level of fitness is essential, as there are a range of physical activities included (cycling from Ubud, hiking Mt Batur, village walks and hikes in Lombok and two snorkelling trips).

  • There is one very early start – your sunrise climb of Mt Batur kicks off at 3 am. This means you'll be walking over some gravel and volcanic rock in the dark. Head torches, warm clothing and good walking shoes are a must. The view at sunrise is well worth the effort, especially if the weather's fine!

  • Bali and Lombok are blessed with fairly consistent temperatures year round, however the rainy season is usually from October through to March. During this time there are generally frequent downpours, although generally these do not last long and the temperatures are usually still warm

  • There are two included snorkelling trips - for confident swimmers this is a great chance to see the sealife

  • Lombok is more conservative than it's Balinese neighbour. Particularly in smaller towns and during village walks, it is best to dress conservatively

Complete a dawn hike to see the sunrise over Mt Rinjani
Take a walk through the jungles and rice terraces of Sidemen, Bali
Accommodation in Sidemen, Bali
Experience tradition dancing in Ubud with Intrepid Travel
Witness snorkelling in Bali with Intrepid Travel
Explore Bali's rice terrace with Intrepid Travel
Witness Mt Batur with Intrepid Travel
Experience sunrise on Mt Batur with Intrepid Travel

Itinerary
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Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud, Bali's largest Hindu town, and artistic and cultural heart. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, you might like to wander the traditional market stalls near the centre of town, pop into a local café or stretch out your muscles after your flight with a spot of yoga at one of the zen studios in town. After your Welcome Meeting this evening, perhaps head out to for a group meal at one of the delicious local restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you have prebooked an airport arrival transfer upon arrival at Bali please make your way to the Golden Bird Lounge after clearing immigration. After you exit customs walk to the Golden Bird Lounge which is on the right side (around 50 meters from where you exit customs). The Golden Bird lounge is before the area where all the drivers are waiting.

See our guide to Ubud here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-do-in-ubud-bali

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader (about 2.5 hours). Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields, an alang alang valley (type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings) and stop by a Balinese home for coffee. The tour ends in central Ubud, where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening, sit down and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Driven not by musical instruments, but by human chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is considered a highlight by many of our travellers.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ubud - Campuhan Ridge & Village walk
  • Bali - Kecak Fire Dance
Optional Activities
  • Ubud - Saraswati Temple Lotus Garden - Free
  • Ubud - Whitewater rafting - IDR740000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the Kecak dance performance is not available at the moment and will be replaced by other Balinese dance performance.

Today you’ll explore the area from a different angle – from the saddle of a bike. Enjoy a 2.5-hour tour through backstreets, villages and rice fields. It’s a relatively easy ride – much of the route is downhill – and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a brief rest. You’ll also stop to check out some small, intricately carved temples, before concluding your bike tour back in Ubud. After refuelling with lunch, head for the hills to the village of Sidemen, via private minivan. Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, the peaceful village of Sidemen is proof that Bali still has some pockets that are untouched by tourism.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ubud - Bayung Gede (Kahyangan) Village to Tampak Siring cycling tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Bicycle helmets are included on your ride, and there is a support vehicle if the going gets too tough.

Keep in mind, it's a little cooler up here, thanks to the elevation. You may need to pack some warmer clothes.

Take a morning walk (approximately 2 hours) around Sidemen's rice terrraces, visiting the craftspeople of the local songket weaving industry, a traditional 'bungkus' lunch is included. The walk is a great chance to take in the beautiful scenery before we kiss Sidemen goodbye and make tracks to Sibetan Village. You’ll be given a special welcome by the chief of the village, then check into your homestay accommodation before enjoying some free time in the afternoon. You might like to explore the traditional village a little or simply just relax and take in the atmosphere here. Alternatively, you could take on an optional cooking class and learn the secret ingredients and spices of the traditional cuisine here. This evening, you’ll enjoy some time spent with the locals and be treated to a typical dinner of salak (snake fruit), prepared for you by the villagers.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sidemen - Village tour
  • Sidemen - Traditional Village Lunch
Optional Activities
  • Local community cooking class - IDR150000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 30 minutes.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through an ancient Salak Plantation with the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here, you’ll see cultural heritage plants – the remains of a white mango tree which was first planted in Sibetan in the 16th century as well as a Jaka Moding Plant (a type of palm tree) which is a relic plant. You’ll tuck into Tipat Blayag (Rhombus) for lunch; rice wrapped in young coconut leaves, combined with side dishes of chicken and vegetables. After some time exploring the village and surrounds on foot, you’ll take to four wheels for a journey higher into the mountains, driving along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur. Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 metres/5633 feet) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera and with Lake Batur below, it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. Your accommodation for the evening is in a great location to start tomorrow's early morning trek without extra travelling time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Local community Salak plantation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours.

There are often mosquitos and bugs around Lake Batur, so be sure to pack your insect repellent. Long pants and sleeves will also be useful to protect from insects.

It’s a very early start today – you’ll wake bright and early at around 3 am to begin the 1.5 to 2-hour walk to the summit of Mt Batur in order to reach the top before sunrise. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. The view of the gorgeous sunrise over the valleys of Bali may well be the most memorable part of your trip. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in hot springs with fantastic views over the lake and caldera. Then make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina, made famous by its dolphins that patrol the coast. It's also a great spot for fine food, traditional massages and yoga – just what the doctor ordered after today’s epic mountain climb.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb
Optional Activities
  • Mt Batur - Hot springs - IDR300000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.

The summit trail starts more easily, while heading to the crater it climbs steeply with switchbacks over volcanic rocks and gravel. A good level of fitness is required. The path can be slippery, particularly after rain so good shoes are essential. Please bring your headtorch and a warm layer to wear at the summit. The climb may be cancelled during heavy rain and unsafe conditions.

Enjoy a day of snorkelling amongst Menjangan Island’s coral reef, part of the Bali Barat National Park. On the way back from your undersea adventures, you’ll stop for a soak at Banjar Hot Springs, a small spring popular with locals. In the afternoon, stop in to enjoy a tasty cup of coffee with a difference at Global Kafe, a diner whose profits support the Global Village Foundation, providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for people with disabilities and assisting those with illnesses with their medical costs. Tonight, head to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cuisine before sitting down to a home-cooked meal.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lovina - Banjar Hot Springs
  • Lovina - Global Kafe Visit
  • Lovina - Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour
Optional Activities
  • Lovina - Yoga class - IDR120000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
You will travel 1.5 to 2 hours by road (each way) and then take a boat ride of around 20 mins into the National Park at Menjangan.

After a storm or erratic weather there can be a problem with rubbish in the water around Menjangan, and also throughout Bali's coastal areas.

Intrepid does not support dolphin-watching trips as an optional activity, as there is little regulation of this activity. Previous travellers have raised concerns over many motorised boats pursuing dolphin pods.

This morning we’ll wave goodbye to Lovina and make our way to Sanur. Along the way, we’ll visit Munduk waterfall, Lake Bratan and if we have time, we’ll pop into a local market. Then, you’ll visit a local family and learn how to make a Balinese offering (and discover the importance of this ritual) before continuing to Sanur to enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Perhaps, enjoy a stroll along Bali's first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible – just a short distance away from the beach.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bedugul - Balinese offering in local home
  • Bedugul - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
  • Lovina - Seririt Market visit
  • Munduk - Waterfall walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Travel by minivan from Sanur to the port of Padang Bai (approximately 1.5 hours). Then you'll take a fast boat that takes you from Bali to Lombok (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Stop for lunch in a basic warung – a traditional Indonesian-style cafe, before taking a minibus to Tetebatu (approximately 2 hours). On the way, stop at Masbagik Village which is well known for its pottery products and where you will get to see it being made on a short walk around the village. The hill retreat of Tetebatu is situated in the centre of Lombok, at the southern base of Mt Rinjani, and boasts spectacular views. Tonight, you will enjoy an included dinner at a family-run restaurant that provides traditional Lombok-style cuisine.
Optional Activities
  • Balinese Massage - IDR150000
  • Sanur - Yoga Lesson - IDR120000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
This morning's travel usually starts early. If you did want to opt for a Yoga lesson or Balinese massage, you may prefer to take part in these in the evening of day 8.

Traditionally in Lombok, weddings are normally held on Sundays. Sometimes our local leaders may know about a wedding that coincides with your visit to Lombok. If this is possible your group leader can organise for you to attend a local wedding and help you to understand the many customs that you will see and experience. You will need to be dressed appropriately so they will organise traditional clothes to be hired and a small donation is given to the bride and groom. Please note this activity is only offered when a wedding coincides during your village visit.

Enjoy a guided walk through lush rice fields and see how the region's farmers have tended the land for centuries, still using traditional water buffalo ploughs. Climb a little higher and pass through clove and coffee plantations and stop at a local warung to try some local coffee (approximately 2.5 hours total). Visit the local village of Pringgasela to learn traditional weaving and enjoy a delicious Sasak feast. In the afternoon, return to the hotel then travel to Labuhan Pandan on the east coast of Lombok. This remote beachside location is lesser visited by tourists but is a beautiful stretch of coastline. Tonight you’ll stay in bungalow accommodation amid the peace and quiet of the secluded east coast.
Accommodation
  • Beach bungalow (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pringasella - Village walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Take a trip out to the nearby coral reef and enjoy some fantastic snorkelling off the boat. Stop in at a secluded island for lunch with Mt Rinjani towering over Lombok. Tonight, eat a fresh seafood barbecue on the beach. This is island living and relaxation at its best, so soak it all up!
Accommodation
  • Beach bungalow (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Labuhan Pandan - Snorkeling
  • Labuan Pandan - BBQ dinner
  • Labuhan Pandan - Island Picnic Lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Travel by minibus around the spiritual centre and sleeping giant of the island – Mt Rinjani (approximately 2 hours). Arrive around midday (12 pm) at Senaru – a small, rustic village nestled between the base of Mt Rinjani and the edge of the jungle. Take a guided tour of the local Sasak village to learn about the history and culture of these people who have long lived on the slopes of the mountain. Here, your local guide is part of a female guiding association that trains and develops women in tourism. You will also take a walk to the spectacular Singang Gila waterfall, and perhaps take a refreshing shower underneath it!
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Senaru - Waterfall walk
  • Senaru - Sasak village walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue to the west coast today by minibus (approximately 2.5 hours). The Gili Islands (Tiga Gili) are a cluster of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Transfer by small boat to Gili Air (approximately 30 minutes), where you can take in the breezy atmosphere and stroll down stunning white beaches that rival those of the neighbouring islands. Your hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the port. Your bags can be transported by cidemo (horse cart) from the port to the hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your accommodation on the island has private outdoor bathrooms, with a lockable external door.

The island is your oyster, so today you are completely free to relax or explore. Perhaps take in another snorkelling trip or catch a ferry across to the other islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno and work out for yourself which one has the better beaches. This evening, enjoy an optional group dinner on the beachfront as you reminisce on memories of your Lombok adventure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Gili Air - Yoga Class - IDR120000
  • Gili Air - Cooking Class - IDR395000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your accommodation on the island has private outdoor bathrooms, with a lockable external door.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times, usually at 11.30 am. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to extend your stay on the blissful Gili Air, we’ll be able to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you are flying out of Bali Denpasar Airport, or Lombok International Airport, please allow enough time for boat and land transfers before your flight. We suggest you don't book flights before 7pm from Bali or 1pm from Lombok.

This trip concludes on Gili Air. The closest departure flights operate from Bali (Ngurah Rai, DPS) Airport or Lombok International Airport.
Public ferry tickets are not pre-bookable and operate on a ‘first come first serviced’ basis. For those travelling back to Bali a fast boat option is available, and pre-bookable through Intrepid.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Boat, Bicycle, Private Van

Accommodation

Beach cabin (2 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Hotel (10 nights)

Included activities

  • Ubud - Campuhan Ridge & Village walk
  • Bali - Kecak Fire Dance
  • Ubud - Bayung Gede (Kahyangan) Village to Tampak Siring cycling tour
  • Sidemen - Village tour
  • Sidemen - Traditional Village Lunch
  • Local community Salak plantation walk
  • Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb
  • Lovina - Banjar Hot Springs
  • Lovina - Global Kafe Visit
  • Lovina - Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour
  • Bedugul - Balinese offering in local home
  • Bedugul - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
  • Lovina - Seririt Market visit
  • Munduk - Waterfall walk
  • Pringasella - Village walk
  • Labuhan Pandan - Snorkeling
  • Labuan Pandan - BBQ dinner
  • Labuhan Pandan - Island Picnic Lunch
  • Senaru - Waterfall walk
  • Senaru - Sasak village walking tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Bali & Lombok Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and excludes nights 9 (small guesthouse), and 12 (small hotel in Senaru) where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. FINISH POINT: This trip concludes on Gili Air. The closest departure flights operate from Bali (Ngurah Rai) Airport or Lombok International Airport. You can travel by fast boat back to Bali or Lombok. Please allow sufficient time for daily boat transfers and travelling time to meet your onward arrangements. We recommend onward flights that depart after 7pm from Bali or after 1pm from Lombok.
3. Please be advised that you’ll be required to take a test (RAT or PCR) depending on the number of your vaccination doses before taking the fast boat Bali to Lombok (no test required if you’ve received 3 doses that’s shown on your vaccination certificate). This is enacted starting from 17 Jul. Please find more details about this regulation at https://www.indonesia.travel/th/en/news/here-are-the-newest-regulations-.... The cost of the test will range from about 5 USD for a RAT test to about 20 USD for a PCR test. Your tour leader will help you organize the necessary test depending on your vaccination status. If you plan to return to Bali for your departure flight, you’ll also need to comply with this regulation.

Essential trip information

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