Step away from Bali's famous south-coast beaches and uncover an island of rich traditions, smouldering volcanoes, sprawling rice terraces and surprisingly few visitors.
Exploring the island on foot, get to the heart and soul of Bali with sweeping vistas from mountaintops to charming valleys filled with plantations and rice-fields.
Walk along jungle trails and crater rims, take dips in soothing hot springs and cooling waterfalls and explore the underwater world of surrounding oceans. Visit enigmatic temples, savour sumptuous dishes and discover the Island of the Gods, far from the madding crowd, hiking from coast to coast.
The overnight flight to Bali leaves London today.
Your flight normally arrives around lunch time. Why not enjoy a stroll along the beach after your long flight. In the evening we will meet for your holiday briefing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start our exploration of Bali by learning a bit more about two important sides of its personality: its Hindu faith and its rural practices. Our first stop of the day is Tanah Lot Temple. Spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop with crashing waves, this temple is an integral part of Balinese mythology and one of the 'seven sea temples' which are said to form a chain around the island. The temple itself is only accessible at low-tide but despite being off shore in the Indian Ocean, there is a fresh water spring at its base which is said to contain holy water. The temple's inner sanctum is located on top of the rocks but is only accessible to the Hindu faithful.
We continue on to the village of Tunjuk (about 45mins) where some of the elders show us how to prepare temple offerings by weaving palm fronds as well as weaving pandanus leaf and making floral offerings. These offerings are an integral part of Balinese culture and every morning such offerings are placed at temples but also in front of homes and shop-fronts all over the island. Our exploration of local village life continues in the rice fields as we follow farmers who will show how to plant, transplant and harvest rice (depending on the season).
We prepare for partaking in farming activities by donning a traditional conical farmer's hat and repellent and picking up a small farming tool known as a mattock (all provided by the farm). It's a good idea to have sunscreen and wear flip-flops as well. After having fun in the fields and getting a better appreciation for Balinese life we transfer to the remote village of Belimbing (about 1hr) where we will start our walking adventure tomorrow.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Starting in Belimbing Village, we spend the day hiking through rice terraces, remote villages, bamboo bridges, coffee plantations, lush forests, temples and gorges as we head deeper into Bali. We eventually arrive at the village of Muncak Sari on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. From here we transfer to Wongaya Gede where we spend the night. Today's hike takes around 5 hours, but the footpath we follow is well worth the effort.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
A more leisurely day after yesterday's efforts. This morning we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Jatiuwih rice terraces. We spend about 2-3 hours hiking through these stunning terraces and learning about the 'subok' style of irrigation which has given the region its UNESCO status. From here we visit the nearby Batukaru Temple set amidst lush green forests. Here we enjoy lunch in the beautiful setting of bamboo forests set deep within this mountainous part of the island.
After lunch we have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Balinese temple ceremony. We dress in appropriate attire (provided) and are guided through the temple ritual and learning about its significance. We later adjourn to a tented camp where a sumptuous afternoon tea awaits.
Returning to our hotel we prepare for checkout and continue our journey to the Munduk area (about 1hr).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we start today's hike heading into the dense tropical rainforest before coming out with sweeping views over rice terraces and the north Balinese coast. We follow a track through a combination of highland ecology and wet agriculture areas and a changing landscape. The hike is a bit more challenging and takes about 7 hours. Upon arrival at Banjar Village in the late afternoon, we can soothe any stiff muscles with a bath in the sacred hot spring found here. It's then just a short transfer (30mins) to the black-sand beach of Lovina where we spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
We transfer 45mins to the start of today's trek, Menyali. Here we wander through the village and can buy some locally produced hand-made crafts designed by the Menyali people. As we continue on our way we enjoy panoramic views until we reach the village of Lemukih and the rice field trek.
This trek takes us out into nature, following a small foot path, through rice paddies and coffee plantations and many spectacular views over the surrounding region. Eventually the winding footpath takes us down into a valley where we hike to the five huge waterfalls of Sekumpul. This section of the hike does involve wading calf-deep through a number of jungle rivers. Remember to bring your swimmers as it is possible to swim at the base of some of the falls. After a packed lunch by the falls we head back on the path which takes us up some steep steps before we reach our waiting vehicle for the transfer to Kintamani (just over 1hr). Depending on time and the mood of the group we may stop off and visit the Jagaraga Temple for its bas-relief.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
It's up early as we aim to get to the top of Mt. Batur's crater before sunrise. Departing the hotel around 03:30 it's a short drive to the start of the trek. After a safety briefing we start climbing the mountain, following a quieter route which takes us up through the jungle before ascending up to a volcanic rocky path. The trail is steadily uphill but there are numerous opportunities to stop for a rest along the way. After approximately 2hrs of climbing we approach the top of the main crater (at 1717m) where the landscape becomes windswept and with very little vegetation.
The sun rises around 06:00 and, weather permitting, we admire a glorious sunrise looking out over Mt. Abang and Mt. Agung. On particularly clear days it's even possible to see Mt. Rinjani on the island of Lombok in the distance. We have a simple breakfast with hot tea or coffee as we watch the view before making our way back down along a different trail.
Our descent takes us down a small, steep path on the west slopes of Mt. Batur to a 2nd crater from the 2001 eruption. As we continue we eventually reach the 1999 crater with its smoking cone from which we take time to observe the lava field surrounding the volcano. The last portion of the trek is across black lava and a sea of sand.
Once at the bottom (after about 2hrs) there is time to enjoy a dip in local hot springs by Lake Batur (remember to bring swimwear and a change of clothes) before returning to our hotel to change and pack in preparation for check out.
We will rest and have lunch at the hotel before transferring 2hrs to the easternmost part of Bali near Amed.
Meals included: Breakfast
The beachside village of Amed is best known for having one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world with the USS Liberty just offshore. The top of the wreck is only 3m deep so even snorkelers can get a glimpse of the ship, whilst the bottom is about 30m deep and requires SCUBA diving equipment.
The day is free to rest or enjoy one of the optional activities. For those who are not divers it's possible to go on a snorkelling trip on a nearby reef, take a cooking class to learn some of the secrets of the wonderful Balinese cuisine, or just relax on the beach, soaking in the sun and village life.
Meals included: Breakfast
A leisurely morning before we visit nearby Tirtagangga. Literally translating as Water of the Ganges, this sacred water palace was built in the early twentieth century by the last king of Karangasem and boasts many decorative ponds and founts, lush plant life and natural bathing pools.
After lunch we start today's easy 3hr hike from the village of Gumung. The walk takes us through some of the regions loveliest scenery with paddies and plantations and eventually a hill from which we have the most stunning views of eastern Bali. After enjoying the view and some refreshing coconut water, we descend once more finishing on a beautiful white sand beach where we have time to relax and go for a swim. From here it's about 1hr's drive to the village of Sidemen. Often referred to as 'what Ubud was like 25 years ago,' sleepy Sidemen is located within a beautiful valley with terraced hills overshadowed by the towering form of Mt. Agung.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today there are two options, one leisurely and one very challenging. The first of these is an easy 2.5hr hike around the surrounding countryside taking in the plantations of coffee, cloves and dragon fruit (known locally as salak), rice paddies and bamboo forests with Mt. Angung as a backdrop. Returning from the hike in time for lunch, the afternoon is free to relax or go on another hike by yourself.
The second option is climbing Mt. Agung (3,142m) (there is an extra cost involved for this option). Bali's most challenging trek is also one of its most rewarding ones but does require good fitness levels to undertake.
Leaving the hotel at midnight, the transfer takes about 30mins to the start of the trek at Pasar Agung temple. Here we meet our experienced local guides and start the 1,100m ascent at around 01:00. The climb takes about 4-5hrs and the trail varies in inclines and terrain. Arriving at the top in time for sunrise, we enjoy a breakfast, a well-deserved rest and the views out over Bali and Lombok (weather permitting).
The descent takes a similar amount of time (4-5hrs) and we should be back at our hotel in Sidemen in time for lunch and a nice, relaxed afternoon.
Please note that Mt. Agung may be closed at various time of the year if the trail is too wet or if a special ceremony is taking place at the Besakih Temple (which occur various times during the year at random).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Bali is a very spiritual island so today we head out on a spiritual journey of sorts as we head to one of the oldest temples on the island, Lempuyang Temple. To get there we transfer about 1.5hrs before a moderate 2hr hike through the jungle heading up to the temple which is perched at 1,174m above sea level.
Before entering the temple we will need to put on Balinese attire and continue our journey by climbing 1,700 steps. The views of Mt. Agung and the surrounding countryside are fantastic. After visiting the temple we head back down (about 1.5hrs) to where our bus awaits. The drive to Ubud, Bali's cultural and intellectual heartland is about 2.5hrs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ubud's origins can be traced back to an eighth century Buddhist priest from Java who initially came to this site to meditate. Today, Ubud retains a strong religious and spiritual identity whilst having acquired a reputation as a cultural centre attracting numerous Indonesian and foreign artists, writers and intellectuals over the years including people like Charlie Chaplin and H.G. Wells. This cultural expansion has, today, also moved into the culinary arts with numerous very good restaurants.
Today is a free day to explore Ubud at your leisure whether wandering the town's temples and museums, hanging out in its coffee shops or going for a spot of shopping in its boutiques. The leader will be available to advise on possible activities or site-recommendations and to help book specific activities if need be.
Meals included: Breakfast
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
We stay in a range of hotels throughout the trip. Most nights are spent in comfortable hotels whilst four nights are in standard hotels. All rooms are en suite and wifi is available in most properties. Due to the itinerary, we change hotels every night during the first week but spend two nights in each place during the second week. This means that doing laundry during the first week is impractical.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
We had a hugely enjoyable time in 2023 on the White Villages of Andalucia trip with Headwater. Therefore we decided to book a couple more trips with Headwater. The booking process went smoothly thanks to personalised support from Andrew Palmer. We are hoping our 2024 Headwater experience’s will be as enjoyable as Andalucia.
An excellent service focused on the client’s needs
Helen has been very helpful throughout our decision to book a holiday with Headwater. I have thrown many questions at her, but nothing fazes her, and she has been more than helpful.
Very helpful, polite and responded to my queries straight away. Kept me informed of successful bookings ie hotel flights etc.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 14 night guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation
All continential breakfasts and 9 evening meals
Management by our sister company, Exodus
Services of an experienced walking guide
Standard group transfers from your final hotel (if booking inclusive flights)
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
A minimum of 4 people (in total) are required for each departure.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Guided walking Managed by our sister company, Exodus.
Departures
Meals
All continential breakfasts and 9 evening meals
If you choose to book your own flights please check with us first that your chosen departure date is definitely operating as our guided holidays are subject to minimum group sizes.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
