Search for your next adventure
Shipwreck adventures & volcano trekking in Bali
Climb volcanic Mount Batur at sunrise, snorkel around a WWII shipwreck and immerse yourself in the sacred pools of Tirta Empul.
About your trip
White-sand beaches, ornate temples and mysterious shipwrecks; Bali and its surrounding islands offer the perfect backdrop for your next adventure.
This 12-day escape to the Island of the Gods will see you hike a live volcano at sunrise, trek through the misty valleys of Ubud, wild swim a secret waterfall and bathe in the sacred waters of Tirta Empul.
Factor in the shipwreck snorkelling and desert island living, and you’ve experienced a rich taste of Indonesia in less than a fortnight.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local transport
- Most meals included
- Max 14 Flashpackers
- Atol protected
- Private airport transfers
Remember, international flights aren't included. We're happy to help you find the best ones for you.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
-
Day 01 Hello, 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.
-
Day 02 Flying yoga & local cuisine
This morning will see you travel an hour north to Ubud. Cultured and bohemian, this Balinese town is a creative hub where you’ll find artists and craftspeople trading their skills against a backdrop of misty hills. Fittingly, it’s here that you’ll learn the ropes of flying yoga (literally), as your instructor leads you through a series of stretches while dangling from the ceiling. Come evening, roll your sleeves up in a Balinese cooking class in a community village kitchen, transforming fresh local ingredients into tasty dishes.
-
Day 03 Trekking and temple bathing
Start the day with an invigorating hike through Ubud’s misty jungle valleys. Traverse steep ravines and dense thickets, before the pathways open up onto an expanse of rice paddies. Having worked up a sweat, you’ll cool off in the sacred pools of Tirta Empul Water Temple. Participate in the medieval tradition of ritual bathing in one of Bali’s most sacred garden temples.
-
Day 04 Wild swimming in a secret waterfall
Head up into the Bedugul Highlands with your fellow travellers and expert guide, 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.
-
Day 05 Floating temples and hot spring bathing
This morning, you’ll visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a 17th century Hindu water temple built in honour of a lake goddess. 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 make your way to the caldera of Mount Batur, where the natural hot springs of Toya Devasya await you. Sink into the mineral-rich waters of the infinity pool, against the backdrop of Lake Batur. Your hotel for the night is a touch more basic than our usual standards, but we’ll only be staying here a short while before embarking on a (very) early morning trek.
-
Day 06 A volcanic sunrise trek
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 Amed, a series of fishing villages tucked away on Bali’s east coast.
-
Day 07 Shipwreck snorkelling
Make the most of a lazy morning at your beachside villa, with plenty of opportunity for yoga, hiking and swimming. Later, you’ll encounter the rich marine life that Bali is famed for, with a spot of snorkelling around a WWII shipwreck. The ship has been beached off Bali ever since it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942, with its remains now sustaining a local ecosystem. Head under, admire the beautiful reefs and species of wildlife – you’ll feel as though you’re on another planet.
-
Day 08 An island escape
This morning, hop on a boat that will take you across to Gili Air, one of three tiny coral isles on an archipelago off the northwest coast of Lombok. With no cars on the island, rent a bike or simply walk your way around – the entire island takes half a day to traverse. Spend the rest of the day savouring the pristine beauty of the coast, before gathering with your group for a cold beer as twilight settles in.
-
Day 09 Desert island dreams
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 northern coastline. While away the hours in the company of a good book, or take a leisurely swim in the tropical sea.
-
Day 10 Beach chilling & sunset cocktails
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.
-
Day 11 Adventures by VW
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 tucking into a farewell feast at a seafront restaurant.
-
Day 12 Farewell Bali
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.
Our Favourite Hotels
Browse a selection of our favourite hotels, for a flavour of where you may stay on this trip.
Svarga Loka Resort, Ubud
Tropical spa retreat in Ubud
Peaceful Balinese-themed rooms with comfy beds, mosquito nets and balconies overlooking abundant, vivid green forest, just a short walk from Ubud’s Campuhan river.
Why we stay here
From swimming in one of the two swimming pools and daily yoga classes, to mastering martial arts and embracing meditation, this is a restorative oasis for relaxing and reconnecting.
The Haven Bali, Seminyak
Chic hotel in central Seminyak
A 10-minute walk from the beach, this bolthole comes with spacious, contemporary rooms. Its leafy facades are carefully thought out and beautiful to look at.
Why we stay here
Understated elegance is what it’s about here, with soothing wooden interiors. Sprawl out by the palm-fringed pool or book in for a facial at the on-site spa.
Coral View Villas, Amed
Beachside bungalows on Lipah Bay
Wake up in your traditional Balinese bungalow and start the day with a breakfast of tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juice and sea views.
Why we stay here
When not swimming in the pool or sea, kick back on your private verandah or one of the garden hammocks and bask in the simplicity of watching tropical birds flit amongst the fruit trees.
Grand Sunset, Gili Air
Beachfront hotel with views of Mount Agung
Flaming torches stake out the pathways to this collection of charming, low-slung, thatched roof rooms. The outdoor bathrooms are a treat, too.
Why we stay here
The chic pool overlooks West Beach’s gorgeous swathe of white sand and beach bar. Feeling active? The hotel will organise activities such as SUP and horse riding on request.
Away Bali Legian Camakila
Modern beach-side resort with sweeping views of the coast
Boasting exclusive access to the beach, wake up to incredible views. This is the perfect paradise retreat after a day of exploring.
Why we stay here
This stylish hotel is equipped with two swimming pools, a spa and fitness room – as well as comfortable spacious rooms decorated in an elegant Balinese style.
Villa Karang Hotel
Beach hotel opening onto the seafront
Located at a stone’s throw from Gili Air Harbour, this tropical resort boasts an outdoor pool and direct access to Gili Air Beach.
Why we stay here
Enjoy comfortable, spacious rooms equipped with air-conditioning, as well as a variety of activities on offer ranging from snorkelling and diving.
Important Notes
Fly into and out of Denpasar International Airport (DPS).
Please try to arrive before 4pm on day 1 if you can, and you’re free to leave anytime you want to on day 12.
The hotel at Mount Batur is basic and not up to usual Flash Pack standards. However it’s the only option in the area and we stay there for a very short time before the sunrise trek.
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, click here to learn more.
Our Promise
Joining the Flash Pack community comes with a few special guarantees...
The People
Our trips are for like-minded people in their 30s and 40s – and 98% of them join us solo. It’s almost a given you’ll make friends.
The Trips
We know the world’s best bits, so your adventure will always be immersive and authentic, and your accommodation hand-picked.
The Guides
Our guides on the ground know their destinations better than anyone, so expect unprecedented access to local living and cultural secrets.
The Ease
We take all the hassle out of travel planning for you. Unique accommodation? Activities? People? Sorted.
Similar Trips
8 days in Asia
Islands of Indonesia: Balinese temples & Komodo dragons
11 days in Asia
Get off-grid in Thailand and Laos
9 days in Thailand
Rock climbing and kayaking in South Thailand
9 days in Asia
Discover the heart of Southeast Asia
13 days in Philippines
Tranquillity and escapism in the Philippines
Subscribe to our newsletter
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Our newest adventures, exciting offers and competitions and the latest travel stories from around the world, straight to your inbox.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hear about our new adventures before anyone else.
Be the first to hear about exclusive Flash Pack offers.
Access exciting competitions.
Receive weekly inspiration and travel stories from solos just like you.