East Bali + Lombok

• Descriptions
• Additional Info
• Remarks

1^st day:

You will be picked up by your Discover Bali Indonesia English speaking guide in the morning at your chosen place of stay. You’ll then head in the direction of the magnificent caldera of the Batur volcano and its beautiful lake. After soaking up the glorious landscapes you’ll begin to explore the caldera itself; you’ll have the possibility of descending on foot for a two-hour walk, which does have some steep passages but is easy enough to attempt. You’ll then be driven through the hills that are coated in the lava that freshly flows and make your way to a village of low stone houses which are quite reminiscent of Tibet. You’ll visit a temple whose history is marked by the eruptions of Batur which it miraculously survived. In the Late afternoon you will come to an area where people live as they did in the past, following the ceremonies and celebrations of the traditional Balinese calendar. On this plateau of rice fields and hills, a sacred river flows with transparent waters is a natural Jacuzzi. We have selected a fantastic place for you to stay here at the south of the Agung volcano (ref: CM-06). The six rooms in this accommodation are grand and luxurious by their size and tasteful furnishings. They are light and airy with great views of the volcano. The menu of the restaurant is extensive and the quality of service is exceptional in this very remote and hidden area. When you arrive you’ll have the opportunity to take a leisurely walk through the rice fields and swim in the river. The rest of your evening is free to relax (CM-06 hotel, mountains of central-east).

• You can modify your program for this day to ascend the volcano Batur instead. The hike is neither very difficult nor very long (about an hour and a half to reach the summit). You will need to accept the fact that you will encounter mass tourism there and will have to pay extra for the presence of a local guide, which is absolutely mandatory! This will cost approximately 20 € per person.
• Alternatively, you may replace the ascent of Batur with another hike. This 3 hour walk round trip will take you through the primary forest that sits halfway up from the summit of Gunung Abang (2152 metres). During the climb, you will discover some Hindu shrines hidden away in a nature preserve. You may also decide that you’d like to continue the ascent to the summit (2 hour walk).

2^nd day

In the morning you will have the opportunity to undertake a trek through the rice terraces, which concludes by climbing a hill to a small temple that dominates the entire region like an eagle's nest. To reward you for this effort we invite you to swim in the clear waters of a river which begins at the foot of the volcano. In the afternoon you can have a peak at the traditional craft of weaving and visit a small distillery of arrack, traditional Balinese alcohol. You’ll visit the temple Besakih next, the largest on the island which is built on the flanks of the volcano Agung and is considered the home of the Gods. In the late afternoon you’ll return to your lodgings where you’ll have a free evening. If you’d like, during this day, we could arrange for you to participate in traditional festivities (a cremation, a temple anniversary, a wedding or a teeth filing session!) this might just be the highlight of your stay (CM-06 hotel, mountains of central-east).

3^rd day

The town of Klungkung will be first on the itinerary where you’ll visit the Palace and the old Court of Justice, which has a fantastic painted ceiling depicting scenes from Balinese mythology. You will also get to explore an interesting museum devoted to daily life and Balinese traditions. Then you will move onto the market town, where the displays of flowers and gift shops mix with weavers and tailors. There’ll be lunch at Padang Bay, with the opportunity to make it to a small white sand beach which is accessible only by foot. If the tide permits, you’ll have the chance to snorkel. You’ll then have the opportunity to venture on a one-three hour hike (depending on your desired degree) in the deep countryside, crossing traditional villages that are tucked right in the midst of rice paddies.  This will walk you down the mountain and into the plain, exploring both beautiful rural landscapes and the daily lives of these quiet villages; these trails are completely removed from the touristic paths. By late afternoon, you’ll come to your next accommodation which is wonderfully secluded in a cove in the far east of Bali (reference CL-07). You’ll feel like you’re in a Conrad novel in this fantastically refined site, the view from the outstretched wooden decking is just breathtaking. Sample some Balinese specialties at the family style restaurant and indulge in a traditional massage (if you enjoyed your complimentary one so much) which is available to order here at this little ocean side gem (Hotel CL-07, deep in the far east of Bali).

 

4^th day

First thing on the agenda for this day is entrance into the Amlapura Royal Palace, which is still inhabited by a few aristocratic descendants; soak up the history that hangs in the atmosphere here. Afterwards, you’ll then be taken to a traditional market where you’ll have the chance to sample some local specialties. In the afternoon, you’ll be able to bathe in the private, fresh water baths of the ancient king of Karangasem (who had extremely expensive taste!). Once you’re nice and royally refreshed, you’ll be able to take a short hike in the beautiful rice fields in the region of Tirtagangga. In the afternoon you’ll head north to Tulamben for a dive to see a World War II shipwreck and the aquatic life that has made this their choice of habitat (€ 60 for two dives). You will stop in Amed, home to fishing villages and colourful boats to observe the prehistoric techniques of salt making after which you’ll go along one of the most scenic roads on the island, skirting around the east and Mount Seraya; you’ll see very remote villages with volcanic stone houses on the way back to your accommodation for a free evening (hotel CL-07, deep in the far east of Bali).

There is also the possibility of attending a late afternoon Balinese cooking class at your hotel (25 euro per person).

 

5^th day

Early in the morning you’ll embark on a fast boat to Lombok, which is a journey of about 2 hours. You’ll alight at Teluk Kodek and will be directly taken to the Senggigi area where we have selected a small and intimate lodging by the sea (Reference CM-09). The large garden that extends to the beach is a rather attractive feature and the small bar/restaurant serves great cuisine. There are only six rooms, all of which are comfortable, smart and clean. The onsite swimming pool is brand new for you to enjoy, unless you prefer to swim in the natural calm waters of the sea. The rest of this evening is free (CM-09 Hotel, Senggigi area).

 

6^th day

You’ll journey along the northwest coast which is full of deserted, pristine white sand beaches where you can stop off before visiting a traditional village, this route is set apart from the tourist paths and you’ll also get the chance to enter an authentic Sasak house (Sasak is the ethnic majority of Lombok). Early in the afternoon, you’ll reach the foothills of the north of the island at volcano Rinjani, which dominates over 3000 metres of Lombok. This is where the Wektu Telu religion is still very much in existence; it is a mixture of Islam, Hinduism and animism. Having had time to visit the oldest mosque of the island we suggest you take a path through the nature reserve to the magnificent waterfalls (the walk is about an hour and a half). You may also decide to undertake a longer walk to the falls farther out which requires the necessity of a local guide (5 euro per person). In the late afternoon you’ll journey down a road that takes you through the mountains and tropical forests where the monkeys are still the masters of the place. Return to your hotel for a free evening. (CM-09 Hotel, Senggigi area).

 

7^th day

Early in the morning you’ll head to a pottery village to see the making of beautiful vases, trays and plates. Later you’ll stop by a village that specialises in the craft of weaving which requires ancestral knowledge but unfortunately has gotten a little lost through craftsman who fashion masks that are used in traditional Topeng. You'll have time to visit a Sasak village which has preserved the original architecture of the houses south of the island before reaching the stunning and often deserted “postcard” white sand beaches of the Kuta area by mid-afternoon. You will also have the chance to relax on the paradise bay of Mawun before getting to a beachfront hotel for your nights’ stay in Kuta (reference CM-10). The six comfortable rooms are arranged around a flowery garden and a nice pool. This is one of the few lodgings where we regret the lack of interior design and taste but this can be forgiven as the beach right there before you is one of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia (CM-10 Hotel, Kuta Lombok region).

 

8^th day

In the morning, you’ll depart for the east of Lombok, stopping along the way at the harbor villages in the area of Tanjung Luar. Here you can explore the pretty Bugis houses built on stilts; Bugis is the ethnic group native to the Celebes; you may even have the chance to find yourself in the open market of sharks. Next you’ll visit a village that specialises in the construction of traditional boats. In the afternoon along the coast, you’ll be able to enjoy the pristine beaches of the region, going through very traditional villages located off the beaten tourist track. You’ll then return to your hotel for a free evening. (CM-10 Hotel, Kuta Lombok region).

You could alternatively use this day to visit the small island of Gili Marengke, unknown to the majority of tourist guides, to immerse yourself further into the world of the Bugis people, the great sailor nation (20 euro per person for the charter fee).

 

9^th day

In the morning you’ll be transferred to your choice of location where you’ll end your stay with Discover Bali Indonesia (hotel in Lombok, embarkation port for the Gili islands, airport, etc ...).

 

The benefits:

Your English speaking guide will be happy to advise you, but will also adapt to any time you wish. You have the ability to change your choice of activities. He may stop at any time and change course. Of course he will continuously strive to use the roads that give you a much more intimate connection with true Bali. If you come across a religious ceremony, you may well decide to get your vehicle to participate in the procession for a while; you are in charge.

The program of your stay is flexible; it will not hinder your freedom. You can change it on the spot even after acceptance of this estimate (excluding night stays).

We greet you at the airport, and we will be present on the island for the duration of your trip so you can intervene if necessary. We will answer your questions and also look forward to meeting you in the middle of your tour (if you let us of course!).

Everything is done for you to be immersed in the authenticity of Indonesia; it’s up to you to make the most of all it can bring, in respect of the inhabitants, and in relation to your specific needs.

Upon your request we can take you to a school and / or clinic campaign (the ability to distribute school supplies and medication). For ethical reasons we must know that these institutions are always different so as not to corrupt the spontaneous exchanges. On this subject know that Bali is forbidden to mix authentic 'charities' and marketing, and will always be discreet about its own actions in this area.

 

Costs include:

• Airport transfers
• Accommodation
• The reservation fee    
• The payment of your private English speaking guide for 9 days (including accommodation and meals, except those made at your table upon your invitation)    
• The rental of your air conditioned car and petrol for 9 days    
• Entries into the temples, palaces, museums and archaeological sites    
• Activities specified in the estimate included.

 

Not included in this package:

• Return flights to Indonesia and airport taxes (about 12 € paid upon return)    
• Special insurance which would be advisable to acquire    
• Lunch and dinners    
• Activities not included in the estimate    
• Costs related to program changes that are made at the last minute (change of hotel reservations)    
• Tips

See descriptions for details