6. Bali: Three Day Island Tour
The tour begins at Tanah Lot temple, one of the most important and iconic sea temples on the island. Tanah Lot translates to “land in the sea" and sits on top of a rock in the sea and it is only approachable during low tide. From here, you will visit the rice paddy sceneries Jatiluwih, a place of stunning beauty and very iconic to the island. The paddy fields of Jatiluwih spread out across 300 hectares, and they are located at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level at the foot of the southern slope of Mount Batukaru. In 2012, Jatiluwih was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. Next, you drive to Lake Beratan to see the enchanting water temple Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. This temple is one of the most important temples for the Balinese people and all the ceremonies and rituals that take place here are dedicated to the goddess of water and fertility, Dewi Danu. The next stop will be at the local fruit market and a strawberry plantation where you can munch on all kinds of fruit, fresh from the plantation farms in these highlands of Bali. From there, you drive directly to the gorgeous waterfall of Munduk, surrounded by lush tropical jungle and coffee plantations. The final destination of this wonderful day is the observation deck, offering a magnificent view of the two mountain lakes Buyan and Tamblingan. Then, your tour guide will take you to the hotel where you will be spending the night.
The second day of this 3-days trip starts in the morning with a trip to the Buddhist temple of Brahmavihara-Arama, the largest active Buddhist temple in Bali. The temple is found on a hill surrounded by unspoiled nature and picturesque vineyards. From here, you will go to the observation deck of Batur where the wind is cool and the views of Mount Batur and its crater lake are stunningly beautiful. You can enjoy a meal to these views at one of the restaurants or visit the thermal hot springs located at the foot of Batur in the Caldera of an ancient volcano. Next, you will go to the mother of all temples on this mystical island of Gods and Demons, the Besakih temple. The Besakih temple complex has survived two eruptions of Mount Agung, located at the foot this giant volcano and Besakih is considered to be the most important temple on the island of Bali. Next, you will visit the water palace Tirta Gangga, built in 1946 by king Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut. This beautiful water palace features sprawling gardens with ponds and fountains where you can take gorgeous photos. Of course, you cannot visit the Karangasem regency of Bali without seeing the famous white sand beach where you can swim, sunbathe and munch on some freshly grilled fish at one of the beach cafes. The perfect end of another wonderful day on a paradise island. Take a good rest at your hotel on the beach for tomorrow you are in for another lovely day.
First thing in the morning on day 3, you will visit the Tegenungan waterfall, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Bali. You can freshen up in the cool water and charge yourself up for the whole day ahead of you. From the waterfall, you will drive towards the cultural town of Ubud where you can stroll around in the famous Sacred Monkey Forest, and feed the monkeys. Continue the trip, walking along the incredibly picturesque artists' trail. Next, you will visit the elephant cave Goa Gajah and a coffee and cocoa plantation where you get to taste an array of local teas and coffees. You will also learn and see how the most expensive coffee in the world, coffee Luwak, is produced and will get the chance to try it, too. From here, you will visit the temple of Batuan and today’s journey with a visit to the famous artisan villages surrounding Ubud: Celuk, Mas and Tohpati, home to batik artists, wood carvers, silversmiths and painters, passing on their trades, skills and traditions generation after generation from father to son.