16 Days Experience Bali East and Wakatobi
Experience sixteen wonderful days in East Bali and Wakatobi, home to panoramic landscapes, deeply spiritual and unique culture, an archipelago of diving mecca, and peaceful resorts; a true paradise on earth.
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL - MANGGIS
Welcome to Bali! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to East Bali. Often referred as the unspoiled side of Bali, it takes 2 hours drive to reach this area. Once arriving, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Alila Manggis.
DAY 2 : DAY AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure in your accommodation (no car and driver).
Overnight at Alila Manggis.
DAY 3 : TEGALALANG RICE TERRACE - TAMPAKSIRING TEMPLES - TUKAD CEPUNG WATERFALL - PENGLIPURAN VILLAGE - AGUNG RAI MUSEUM OF ARTS - CAMPUHAN
Early morning, we will transfer you to see Ubud region. Your first destination is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, which is perhaps the most photographer rice terrace of Bali. Unlike others however, you will view Tegalalang from across the gorge; the other side of the rice terrace, while enjoying your private viewpoint space. Local nibbles, tea or coffee will also be served to company your morning here.
Next, you will continue to Tampaksiring region to visit Tirta Empul Water Temple. The temple was founded in 926 A.D. and is dedicated to Vishnu, who is the Hindu God of water. The name of the temple actually means ?holy water spring? in Balinese. The ?Jaba Tengah is the most famous part of Tirta Empul temple. This section contains the two purification pools. The water in the pools is believed to have magical powers and local Balinese come here to purify themselves under the 30 water spouts that feed the pools.
Your next destination is Gunung Kawi Temple. Gunung Kawi Temple complex, locally referred to as Pura Gunung Kawi, is one of Bali?s most unique archaeological sites, comprising a collection of ancient shrine reliefs carved into the face of a rock cliff. The main site overlooks the sacred Pakerisan River. Across the river from the ancient reliefs is a temple courtyard featuring old Hindu shrines in a more contemporary architectural style, which is attended by pilgrims especially during its ?piodalan? temple anniversaries.
After your lunch break (payable locally), you will visit Bangli region, further north from Ubud. Your first stop here is Tukad Cepung Waterfall, perhaps the best virgin waterfall in Bali. It is well known to be surrounded by high cliffs and grottos, creating a truly beautiful sight to behold. Your next stop is Penglipuran Village, a beautiful highland village in the regency of Bangli in East Bali, best known for its well-preserved culture and village layout. While most of its residents have embraced modernity, its individual compounds are well-kept to look traditional with visitors in mind, with manicured gardens lining its single linear stone-paved street that runs through the center of the village toward the village temple, and age-old arched entrance gates and walls that conceal their houses within.
In the late afternoon, you will return to Ubud. An optional visit to Ubud?s best-known museum, Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) can be done here. Alternatively, you will head straight to Campuhan, a beautiful ridge walk for sunset.
Return to your accommodation in East Bali afterwards.
Overnight at Alila Manggis.
DAY 4 : DAY AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure in your accommodation (no car and driver).
Overnight at Alila Manggis.
DAY 5 : TULAMBEN & AMED
Today, you will be visiting Far East Bali for some marine activity. Tulamben is a little village in the northeast coast of Bali, the beach is black sand covered by smooth, fist-size rocks. The remains of Gunung Agung exploding in 1963 has sent the lava flows along this coastal area. There is a bay here that invites divers to visit this village to explore under water scene. The bay was later known as Tulamben Bay amongst the divers, although snorkelers will not find it disappointing to gaze upon its star attraction, The U.S.A.T. Liberty Shipwreck.
Next, you will be transferred to Amed. The village of Amed is actually the first village in the area, and is immediately followed by Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Lean, Selang, Banyuning and Aas. Here lies the beautiful Amed Coral Garden and the curious-looking underwater pelinggih (small pagoda) to explore while snorkeling.
Should you wish to stay until sunset, you will be able to visit Jemeluk Sunset Viewpoint, perhaps the most iconic and beautiful sunset view of East Bali with Mt. Agung (Bali?s highest volcano) looming high over the hills at Jemeluk. Return to your accommodation afterwards.
Overnight at Alila Manggis.
DAY 6 : PANGI VILLAGE - BALI ASLI COOKING CLASS
Your activity starts at 8AM today, whereby you will experience the life of Balinese people and authentic cooking class at Bali Asli. You will be taken ?through the looking glass? up into the village of Pangi, where you will have the opportunity to peek into the daily life of the Balinese. As well as enjoying stunning views over rice fields, ocean and volcanoes you will see Balinese palm wine being made, and bathe your feet in the springs of the valley of Tauke before wandering through the rice fields back to Bali Asli for a traditional Megibung (feast) lunch or to start your cooking class.
Enjoy afternoon at leisure in your accommodation.
Overnight at Alila Manggis.
DAY 7 : LEMPUYANG TEMPLE - NAMPU HILL
Prepare yourself as today is the day you will attempt the ?Stairways to Heaven?. As one of the ancient temple in East Bali, Lempuyang Temple, locally referred to as Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is one of Bali?s oldest and most highly regarded temples, on par with Besakih (aka the ?mother temple? of Bali). It is also believed to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island. Definitely a highlight on any travel itinerary for the fit and adventurous, the main temple lies at 1,175m above sea level, up on the peak of the namesake Mount Lempuyang in East Bali. The heights are reachable via a steep staircase of over 1,800 steps, with attractions along the way including several other temples and hordes of grey long-tailed macaques that inhabit the surrounding cool mountain forests.
Spend afternoon at leisure in your accommodation.
In the evening, you will be transferred up the hills of nearby Sidemen to the summit of Nampu Hill. Unknown within the tourism radar, this charming place is an open garden situated in between two lush hills. The sweeping view of Manggis, Candidasa, and the distant Nusa Penida and Lombok Island is in full swing as you will enjoy your dinner and bonfire here.
Return to your accommodation for overnight.
Overnight at Alila Manggis.
DAY 8 : AIRPORT (FLIGHT TO WAKATOBI WITH CHARTERED AIRPLANE) - WAKATOBI DIVE RESORT
Today, you will be transferred to Bali Denpasar International Airport to board your chartered airplane to Wakatobi. Originally known as "The Blacksmith Islands", you will enjoy the tranquility and secluded location of Wakatobi; no traffic noise, no pollution, no other dedicated dive resort for hundreds of miles. Your private charter flight will transport you to the resort?s purpose-built airstrip in less than two hours, followed by a short boat ride.Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Wakatobi Dive Resort.
DAY 9 : WAKATOBI DIVE RESORT
Wakatobi is located at the world's epicentre of coral reef biodiversity. This means that while diving at Wakatobi you can see the greatest variety and diversity of marine life. Wakatobi is also an ideal place for snorkelers and freedivers. The house reef offers a convenient and beautiful snorkelling spot offering views of myriad marine creatures and many dive sites have exquisite shallows on the coral tops.
Enjoy your first day doing snorkeling / diving activity, uncovering more than 40 sites scattered around the island.
Overnight at Wakatobi Dive Resort.
DAY 10 : WAKATOBI DIVE RESORT
Today is your second day enjoying the island of Wakatobi! You can do more snorkeling/diving activity provided by the resort, or simply relax by the beachfront, admiring the sapphire-blue ocean.
Overnight at Wakatobi Dive Resort.
DAY 11 : WAKATOBI DIVE RESORT
Today is your third day to explore more of Wakatobi! Take a yoga class, rejuvenate yourself with spa treatments, or take another course of snorkeling/diving to encounter more fish and corals.
Overnight at Wakatobi Dive Resort.
DAY 12 : DAY AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure in your accommodation (no car and driver).
Alternatively, take a tour to discover more on the island of Tomia, best known for its beautiful green hill viewpoint, miles of unspoiled white-sand beaches, and epic sunset at Lakota harbor.
Overnight at Wakatobi Dive Resort.
DAY 13 : AIRPORT (FLIGHT TO BALI) - ULUWATU
Today, you will board your chartered airplane to fly back to Bali from Wakatobi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Uluwatu, the south-western tip of Bali island.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure in your accommodation.
Overnight at Wakatobi Dive Resort.
DAY 14 : SOUTH BALI BEACHES - ULUWATU TEMPLE - KECAK DANCE PERFORMANCE - JIMBARAN SEAFOOD DINNER
Morning at leisure in your accommodation.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to visit South Bali beaches. Choose from visiting between Tegal Wangi Beach (a beautiful beach by the cliff ? easy access), Suluban Beach (picturesque beach in between cliffs, seemingly creating a gorge), Karma or Sundays Beach (part of a property beach club). Surfers may choose to start earlier to visit several great breaks such as The Impossibles, Bingin, or Uluwatu.
Near sunset time, you will then visit Uluwatu Temple. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. Here, after a short temple tour, you will be taken to watch the famous kecak dance, one of Balinese artistic masterpieces in the form of a dance and musical drama.
After the show, you will be taken to Jimbaran bay to taste Balinese authentic seafood cuisine for your dinner. Return to your accommodation for overnight.
Overnight at at Alila Uluwatu.
DAY 15 : DAY AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure in your accommodation (no car and driver).
Overnight at at Alila Uluwatu.
DAY 16: DEPARTURE
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Bali Denpasar International Airport (30 minutes) for your departure.