Essential Bali & Gili Islands

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.6

20 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Find peace, relaxation and adventure with a trip around Bali. Starting in the patchouli-infused Ubud, you can explore the jungle or cycle around rice paddies before ascending Mt Batur at sunrise and creating epic memories.

Highlights

Float in the ocean, sunbake on the beach and conquer a volcano at sunrise – the island landscapes of Bali make for an epic experience.
Bike around Gili T on a tour of the remote island, with a local leader who knows all the best spots – maybe see some sea turtles while snorkelling or just kick back with a good book and a cocktail.
Wake up at 3 am and climb a mountain – the sunrise will be worth it! Watching the day come alive at the top of Mt Batur is worth every minute of sleep you lose.
Let a local show you their favourite dishes, from nasi campur to all kinds of other delicacies during a street food tasting in Seminyak.
Soak up every drop of Ubud's relaxed atmosphere, from the calming jungle to the rice paddies waiting to be explored. Is this heaven or just Indonesia?

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Boat,Private Minibus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ubud, Indonesia

Finishes

Seminyak, Indonesia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Ubud

Salamat Datang! Welcome to Bali. Your adventure begins in the rice paddy-lined oasis of Ubud, in the mountains of Bali. You're free to arrive whenever you like before your welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. If you do arrive early, maybe stroll around town, soak up the vibe and immerse yourself in all that leafy Ubud has to offer. After the meeting, go out for an optional group dinner and feast on delicious local cuisine.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Ubud

Today is a free day to explore the temples, wander through the rice paddy fields or visit the famous art and craft markets in the town centre. Maybe get up early and start your day with a yoga class, then use your free time to join in on some fun optional activities like a cycling tour, white-water rafting or a cooking class. If you'd prefer to freewheel it, you can just hire a bike and ride around Ubud's lush countryside. For lunch, maybe seek out some of the Balinese specialty – Babi Guling (the Indonesian version of roast pork).

Optional Activities:

Ubud - Cooking class (350000 IDR)
Ubud - Saraswati Temple Lotus Garden (50000 IDR)
Ubud - Bali Cycling Tour (700000 IDR)
Ubud - Whitewater rafting (750000 IDR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Mt Batur

Depart Ubud for Batur this morning, visiting the Tirta Empul Water Temple along the way. Tirta Empul, translating to holy water spring, was built in the 10th century as a place of ritual purification for Balinese Hindus and is still very much in use. This is the real deal, and you’ll see the local Balinese come here to bathe in the pools and purify themselves under the waterspouts. Next, head to the stunning rice terraces at Tegalalang to take a stroll. This is a great spot to take that perfect photo of beautiful Bali. When you arrive in Batur, you might want to rest, relax and recharge, ready for a jam-packed day tomorrow.

Included Activities:

Ubud - Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tegalalang - Rice Terraces

Accommodation:

Glamping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Candidasa

Rise and shine early birds (at 3 am) – it's time for a good ol' fashioned crater hike. At 1717 m high, Mt Batur sits inside a spectacular caldera along with Lake Batur. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. You'll be just in time to witness the sunrise over the valleys of Bali! On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Mt Rinjani. After descending the volcano, there may be an option to soak in hot springs with great views over the lake and caldera. Later in the afternoon, head southwest to beachside Candidasa. When you arrive, maybe chill out by the beach and let your muscles rest after your glorious hike.

Included Activities:

Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb

Optional Activities:

Mt Batur - Hot springs (280000 IDR)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Gili Trawangan

Drive to Padangbai this morning and jump on a speedboat to Gili Trawangan, or Gili T – the Goldilocks of the three Gili islands, striking the perfect balance between Gili Air's hippie vibe and Gili Meno’s low-key honeymoon atmosphere. Check in to your resort, then begin exploring on two wheels during a cycling orientation tour with your leader. Get insider island info on the best places to watch the sunset and the best beaches to soak up the salt air. Luckily for you, you’ll get access to the resort’s bicycles for the duration of your stay, so getting from A to B will be a peddle-powered breeze. After your cycling tour, spend the rest of the night however you like, just remember that bare feet are the basis of the dress code.

Included Activities:

Gili Trawangan - Leader-Led Orientation Cycling Trip
Gili Trawangan – Bike Hire (3 Days)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Gili Islands

Enjoy a free day on Gili T. Why not join an optional cooking or yoga class or go snorkelling in the unbelievably clear waters. You could even head out on a motorised wooden boat around the Gili Islands, jumping straight off the boat and coming face-to-face with marine life, including colourful fish, coral reefs and of course, sea turtles. The Gili Islands are a famous snorkelling destination and probably the best spot in South East Asia for turtle-spotting. If you’d prefer, just kick back with a cocktail and do nothing!

Optional Activities:

Gili Air - Snorkelling (1100000 IDR)
Gili Trawangan - Cooking class (385000 IDR)
Gili Trawangan - Yoga Class (120000 IDR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Gili Islands

Today is just another day in paradise. Maybe jump on another boat for more snorkelling or take it super easy and set up on the beach with a book, a coconut and a cocktail. You could also grab a bike and go for another ride – all three of the Gili Islands are tiny, but it’ll still sound pretty cool when you tell your friends that you circumnavigated an island on wheels.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Seminyak

Have a leisurely breakfast and one last swim on Gili T before walking back to the port and taking a speedboat to Padangbai. From here, you’ll drive to upmarket Seminyak, where the sunsets are legendary, the beaches are plentiful, the nightlife is lively, and there are more spas, bars, massages and treatments than you can poke at. When you arrive, step out with your leader on an included food tasting. Your leader knows all the best dishes, so unbuckle your belt and try some nasi campur (a mixed plate of rice, veggies and meats) and other local street foods. Continue to a beach club tonight, where you can beat the heat with an included drink.

Included Activities:

Seminyak – Street Food Tasting
Seminyak - Beach Club Visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Seminyak

Give today a real Semin-crack with a range of optional activities to fill up your blissful free time. Maybe café hop (the colourful cafes in Seminyak are endless), laze by the beach or get active and take a surf lesson. You can’t hit Seminyak without soaking up the sun at another beach club in the afternoon. Ever heard of Potato Head? Cocoon? Ku de Ta? Sit back, listen to the tunes, splash around in the pool and watch the sun go down with a cocktail or coconut in hand. Toast to the final full day of the trip with your newfound travel companions and dance the night away.

Optional Activities:

Seminyak - Bali ‘Eat Street’ Local Food Urban Adventure (45 USD)
Legian - Rip Curl Surfing Lesson (includes transport) (750000 IDR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Seminyak

Your Bali adventure comes to an end today, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to swim, snorkel, sleep and tan – if you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $985

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 Jan 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Thomas

Traveled, April 2024

04/15/2024

Wayan your tour guide was absolutely amazing so helpful such a nice person.

4.5

Ellen

Traveled, April 2024

04/15/2024

The trip was so fun and a great way to see lots of Bali. Our leader Wayan was amazing and took such good care of us! I also really appreciated that we didn’t support the horse carts in Gili T.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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