Island snorkelling & volcano trekking in Bali

Welcome to Bali, an island celebrated the world over for its beaches, pristine rainforest and blooming biodiversity. Touch down before 3pm, then you’ll be swiftly transferred to your hotel in Legian. Get to know your fellow travellers over a refreshing cocktail (starfruit and citrus flavours are prime ingredients), before catching a spectacular Balinese sunset.

On your first morning, you’ll dive straight into a surfing lesson in Legian. New to the sport? Fear not – we cater to all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. With its long, sandy coastline and magnificent waves, this is a fantastic place to get your first taste of surfing. This afternoon, you’ll catch a transfer to Bedugal, where you’ll visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces; a scenic region of undulating slopes and shimmering rice fields. Enjoy an afternoon walk through the terraces, learning about traditional Balinese irrigation methods and what makes them completely unique to the island.

Begin your day with a visit to Bratan Temple, a beautiful Hindu shrine on the shores of Lake Bratan. Spread out across a series of small islands, the temple appears to float on the surface of Danau Bratan, a volcanic lake. You’ll then head onto Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls, descending through the jungle for 500 metres or so. Eventually, the trees will part to reveal the flowing streams of a secret waterfall – the perfect spot for a refreshing dip. After a light swim, tuck into a jungle picnic (served the best way: on banana leaves), before spending the rest of the afternoon bathing and relaxing by the water. Then, you’ll catch a transfer to the town of Ubud – renowned for its traditional crafts and Hindu shrines – where the rest of the evening is yours to unwind.

Wake up today in Ubud, where you’ll learn the ropes of flying yoga (literally). Channel your inner trapeze artist, as your instructor leads you through a series of stretches while dangling from the ceiling. We’ll leave the rest of the morning up to you to spend as you please, then in the afternoon, you’ll have the option to take part in a community cooking class. Learn how to transform local ingredients into typical Balinese dishes, then feast on the fruits of your labour.

Rise and shine for a 2am start as you embark with your group on a sunrise trek up Mount Batur – one of Bali’s most sacred mountains. With cool mountain air and starlit skies, the pre-dawn walk is a special experience. It will take you around three hours to reach the volcanic summit, where you’ll arrive in time to celebrate together beneath a sky alight with orange, pink and lavender streaks. Back down on ground level, a prosecco breakfast awaits you – some guilt-free indulgence is in order. Enjoy a slow morning, before departing for Candi Dasa, a beautiful beach resort located on the edge of a freshwater lagoon.

This morning, you’ll have the option to visit the famous Lempuyang Temple, also known as the Gates of Heaven. Later in the morning, make your way to Tirta Ganga temple where you’ll have the chance to bathe in one of Bali’s most sacred garden temples. Then, a leisurely afternoon of beach relaxation lies ahead of you. Settle into the soft sands of Virgin Beach for the rest of the day, with the warm tropical sea at your disposal.

Sail over to Gili Air this morning, one of the Gili Islands just off the coast of Bali. With picture-perfect white sands and sparkling sea waters, this is one of the region’s most idyllic islands. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, and what better place to have nothing on the agenda.

You’ll be spending today at sea, exploring all three Gili Islands on a relaxed snorkelling excursion. Weave through forests of coral reef located just off the shore (many of which are in the process of regeneration), with the chance to swim through the mysterious underwater statues that the Gili Islands are famed for. Back on dry land, spend the rest of the afternoon as you please.

We’ve left today for you to explore things at your own pace: no activities, no agenda, just free time to explore your very own island paradise. For a true escape, hunt down a hammock on the beaches of Gili Air’s remote coastline. While away the hours in the company of a good book, or take a leisurely swim in the tropical sea. You’ll then enjoy a seafood barbecue feast on the beachfront, as the sun fades over the Bali Sea.

On the penultimate day of our trip, enjoy a relaxed morning on Gili Air before we return to the mainland via ferry. From here, it’s back to the starting point of your Bali adventure – Legian. The evening here is free to do as you please, whether that’s relaxing by the hotel pool or heading down to the beach for sunset cocktails with your group.

Relish your final morning on the beach, with a few long hours to soak up the sea and sun. In the afternoon, hop on a fleet of VW campervans, driving to a remote riverside temple for a Balinese blessing – a little piece of Bali’s spirituality to take home with you. Experience this ancient ritual with a local priest, before enjoying a farewell feast with your fellow travellers.

After breakfast at the hotel, your Bali adventure has come to an end. It’s over to you to organise your taxi to the airport and depart in your own time. If you feel like exploring Indonesia further, see how you can extend your adventure with our trip to Komodo & Flores.