Introduction to Bali

Bali Temples Trail and Rice Terraces Private Full Day Tour

The soul of Bali will be revealed on this private adventure for you and your party, weaving through the island's vibrant culture and verdant landscapes, taking in some of its finest temples and most beguiling scenery.Kick off with a visit to Taman Ayun, a temple steeped in royal history in Mengwi. Built in 1634 by a king of the Mengwi dynasty, this temple is a marvel, sitting on an islet surrounded by a man-made lake. As the journey unfolds, find yourself enveloped by the misty embrace of Bali's central highlands at the Batukaru temple. Resting on Mount Batukaru's slopes, it's a sanctuary of peace and a symbol of Bali's deep-rooted spirituality.The route then leads you through a tapestry of jungle greenery, to the doorstep of Jatiluwih village. Here, the UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces unfold in panorama of emerald green, showcasing Bali's agricultural heritage. After lunch with a view, you'll head to the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, silhouetted against the ocean.

Coral restoration snorkelling tour in Bali with lunch

Off the east coast of Bali there's a team who are working to restore the delicate coral reef, and you can help them make it happen. Livingseas in Padangbai, supported by the TUI Care Foundation, run the project and are aiming to build a coral reef the size of seven football pitches in the Bali Sea. It's a hands-on trip where you have the chance to support the local conservation of one of the island's most important ecosystems. We're talking sun, sea and snorkelling, plus plenty of feel-good vibes. Wayan, a local expert guide, says, “this is a very special snorkelling trip. As well as seeing the beauty of the corals up close, you'll be helping to rebuild the coral seabed for future travellers to enjoy.” You'll head out on a short boat ride to a purpose-built floating platform that's anchored above the largest coral reef restoration site in Bali. Your guide will teach you all about the corals and show you how to attach the delicate coral fragments to metal reef stars that are woven together on the seabed to help regenerate the reef.Then, don your mask and snorkel to explore the reef for yourself. You're likely to spot clownfish, parrotfish and maybe even a few rays. Then, for a real ‘pinch me' moment, you'll get a great view of the divers attaching the newest pieces of reef that you've just created. After a quick boat ride back, you can tuck into lunch with your group as you wonder which type of fish will be the first to adopt your coral star as their new home.

Full-day Salak Agro 4x4 tour with temple visit and cooking class

Get ready for a day of culture and adventure on this full-day guided tour along the Salak Agro Jeep Village Trail. You'll start with a warm welcome and a glass of freshly pressed salak juice – a sweet, tangy fruit native to Indonesia. Then, there's a quick safety-and-trip briefing before you head out. As Wayan, one of our local guides, puts it “you haven't really seen the village until you've been to the village temple and had a look behind the scenes at the arak house.”So, that's where you're off first. A short trek takes you to the village temple, a place central to village life, where ceremonies and festivals take place. You can check out its traditional architecture, like its intricately carved stone gates, and learn about Balinese Hinduism. Next, it's the arak house, where you'll be welcomed in by the scent of fermenting fruit and the warmth of fire-heated stills. Here, you'll see how the traditional Balinese spirit is made using fermented spa or rice, distilled with age-old techniques passed down through generations.Then, hop into a vintage off-road vehicle and head to the salak plantation. Roll up your sleeves and dive into salak farming, helping to gather ingredients for your cooking class. Guided by the local team, you'll learn to whip up dishes like timbungan, seasoned meat cooked inside bamboo tubes, grilled satay, and tum, which is steamed chicken or tofu wrapped in banana leaves. Once everything's prepared, you'll tuck into your dishes for lunch. In the afternoon, head to a scenic hilltop with views of Mount Agung and stop for a cup of local coffee before starting the return journey.

Full-day guided tour of Bali including Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

This tour ticks all the boxes for a great day out in nature. A jam-packed outing with visits to a butterfly park, the Jatiluwih rice terraces and Leke-Leke Waterfall to name a few. And, to top it off, a tasty lunch is thrown in, too. Our expert local guide, Nuri, says “the rice terraces at Jatiluwih Village are among the most beautiful in the world, maintained by a traditional and ecological irrigation system used since the 9th century, the Subak system, a practice unique to Bali that incorporates philosophical and spiritual beliefs.”Start the day off wandering around Bali's Butterfly Park in Tabanan, a butterfly and insect conservation area with hundreds of butterflies, including some rare Indonesian species like the birdwing, Bali peacock and the paradise birdwing. Take a stroll through maze-like gardens as you take in the colourful insects fluttering around you. Then, you'll stop by the Jatiluwih rice terraces, which boast UNESCO World Heritage Site status.Continue into the countryside and you'll head to the mountain resort of Bedugul and Lake Beratan. Here, you'll discover the iconic Hindu Shaivite temple of Ulun Danu. Sat on a small viewpoint overlooking the lake, the temple is home to the Goddess of Waters named Danu, who's believed to control the island's irrigation system. Finally, you'll visit Leke-Leke Waterfall, a peaceful cascade that's tucked away in northen Bali's jungle. After a stop for pictures and some time to unwind, you'll start the journey back to your accommodation.

Surface of Ubud private full-day tour

Bali's cultural centre, Ubud, is a world away from the island's main resorts. This morning tour takes you to some of its main attractions, including iconic rice fields, sprawling markets and a monkey forest.First on the agenda is a visit to Tegalalang rice terrace. Nestled deep in Bali's verdant valleys, the ancient irrigation system is an agricultural icon with UNESCO world heritage status. Stroll through the fields and admire the greenery surrounding you.Next, you'll take a scenic drive into central Ubud. Here, explore the grounds of the 16th-century palace where the current royal family still lives. Then, its on to Ubud Market where you can browse the stalls for Balinese handicrafts and textiles. To round off the tour, you'll stop by a monkey forest and the imposing Tegenungan waterfall.

Private Taman Ayun & Tanah Lot Sunset Tour

A double helping of Bali's most celebrated temples feature on this private afternoon tour. Discover Taman Ayun – the heart of Bali's royal heritage – before heading to the island's most photographed temple – Tanah Lot, where you'll witness a dramatic sunset.The tour kicks off at Taman Ayun, built in 1634 by the king of the Mengwi dynasty. Translating to 'beautiful garden', the royal temple is regarded as one of the most attractive temples in the country. Wander through the complex, exploring its unique island setting amidst a man-made lake.Then, it's on to the iconic Tanah Lot, one of Bali's most prestigious temples and sunset spots. Perched on a rock in the middle of the sea, the Hindu shrine is famed for its unique offshore setting. And what better way to end the tour than watching the orange sun sink below the horizon – a real feast for the eyes.

Eastern Bali Private Tour

Eastern Bali is often overlooked, yet its cultural offering is second to none. This tour puts the spotlight on the region and all its hidden gems. Discover the ancient village of Tenganan, Tirta Gangga water palace and Virgin beach.Start the day with a visit to Tenganan village, one of the oldest Balinese ancient villages in the eastern part. Famous for its well-preserved village layout and the ongoing survival of its traditional crafts, Tenganan offers a unique cultural insight into Bali. Next on the agenda is the sacred Tirta Gangga – a former royal palace converted into an open water sanctuary. Be sure to get your picture taken on the iconic stepping stones which lead around an 11-tier fountain.For lunch, we'll head to a small restaurant in the village of Glumpang. Surrounded by rice fields and with the majestic Mt Agung as a backdrop, you couldn't ask for a better lunch spot. You'll end the day at Virgin Beach. Tucked away in a secluded bay and sheltered by green cliffs and waving palm trees, it's one of the area's best treasures.

The Mother Temple & Balinese Villages Private Tour

Bali is packed with religious monuments at almost every turn. But on this private tour, you'll visit the most important of them all, The Mother Temple of Besakih. And it doesn't stop there – you'll also visit Penglipuran and Gianyar market, as well as tuck into lunch in a typical villager's home.We'll start the morning with a visit to Gianyar markets for a wander around the stalls piled high with fresh produce, trinkets and more. See local residents buying their groceries and browse for souvenirs. Next up is Penglipuran, a rustic village that still boasts traditional Balinese architecture. You'll be greeted with a warm welcome as you head to a local house, where a lunch of regional dishes will be served.Then, it's onwards to the holiest of Hindu shrines, The Mother Temple. With the smoking crater of Mount Agung – Bali's highest peak - as a backdrop, you'll have the chance to marvel at its intricate stone carvings and explore the sprawling complex of 23 temples.

Amazing Jeep Sunrise

Kick off your 4x4 tour with a journey up to Penulisan Hill Point where, with a bit of luck, you'll get to soak up the sunrise with views over Lake Batur and Mount Batur – the ideal start to your adventure. Then, you'll pass by Black Lava Point, where you'll see black lava fields and black sand left behind by past eruptions. Next up, you'll head to a hot spring to unwind from the morning's activities in its naturally warm waters, before wrapping up with a visit to Penglipuran Village, which is famous for being pristinely clean.

Bali Waterfalls Tour

This tour ventures deep into the Bali countryside, uncovering some of its best-kept secrets. As you weave through the tropical greenery, the true beauty of the island will be revealed, so why not take some snaps of the picture-perfect landscapes surrounding you.The journey continues through the dense jungle. Your expert guide will give you an insight into local life in the island's more rural regions, as you venture off the beaten track.A bit of waterfall hopping is next on the agenda, as you discover the cascades of Kanto Lampo, Tibumana and Tukad Cepung. There'll be time to stop and take in the surroundings while you snack on a picnic lunch. You can even enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters.