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Bali & the Gilis: Island Adventures

Where rugged adventure, quiet meditation and beach perfection combine; this Bali escape is full of unforgettable moments across some of the world’s most wild and wonderful islands

What's included

  • Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
  • Minibus & speedboat
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
  • All activities mentioned on the itinerary
  • Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
  • Accommodation in twin rooms
  • Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
  • Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Bali and the Gili Islands – where rugged adventure and slow beach beauty collide. The perfect destination for a Flash Pack adventure, then? 

Welcome to 12 days of volcano trekking, underwater worlds and magical local culture. Your time on these wildly beautiful islands will see you surf the waves of Bali’s West Coast with a Rip Curl legend and dive beneath the crystal waters of the Gili Islands from your private boat to spot turtles and dolphins. You’ll dine in the middle of an Ubud rice field at dusk, fireflies dancing above you to the sounds of traditional Rindik music. You’ll even scale the dizzying heights of Mount Batur at dawn on a challenging trek, celebrating your mountaineering achievements with a Prosecco brunch; and all of this with a group of travellers you’ll quickly call friends.

Tropical island living with a side of intrepid adventure. A winning combination, don’t you think?

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Watch the adventure
A tropical island welcome
  • Touch down in Bali’s capital, Denpasar, where a private Flash Pack transfer will whisk you to your boutique beach hotel in the tranquil coastal town of Sanur
  • Get to know your group over a welcome dinner of traditional Balinese dishes, raising a toast with your fellow Flashpackers to the adventures to come
Dine with three generations
  • Journey inland to the remote village of Pinge in the lush Tabanan hinterlands, set against a backdrop of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second highest mountain
  • See traditional rural life playing out: buffalo ploughing the terraced green fields, farmers planting rice or villagers preparing seeds
  • Visit a local home where you’ll help prepare a seasonal lunch, before sitting down to dine with family members that span several generations
A floating temple & waterfall swims
  • Head to Bali’s most picturesque ‘floating’ temple, Pura Ulun Danu, built on the shores of misty Lake Beratan in the early 17th century
  • Canoe across the serene lake for a unique view of the temple from the water, before a private guided meditation in view of this spiritual wonder
  • Hike to Banyu Wana Waterfall and cool off in the natural pool before feasting on a lunch of nasi bungkus (rice dishes wrapped in banana leaves)
Spiritual bathing in Ubud
  • Take part in a purification ritual at the famed Tirta Empul Temple, dating to AD 926, joining Balinese Hindus as they bathe in the holy spring
  • Unwind with a private meditation session in one of the temple’s secluded gardens; led by a local Hindu worshipper
  • Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ubud at leisure; your Pack Leader can help you to book activities, such as a sunset e-bike ride
Flying yoga & private dining
  • Try your hand at flying yoga in a private riverside studio; soak up the views of lush rice paddies as you hang suspended above the ground
  • Join the locals for an afternoon of rural farming in the village of Subak Guliang; you’ll have the chance to chat to the villagers as you’re shown around by your private chef
  • Sit down to a feast of local dishes in a picturesque rice field; enjoy your meal in this incredible setting while listening to Rindik musicians
Sunrise volcano hiking
  • Wake before dawn for a three-hour trek up Mount Batur – one of Bali’s most sacred mountains
  • Celebrate reaching the summit as the sun rises around you
  • Back at ground level, you’ll get to enjoy a well-earned Prosecco brunch, before a free afternoon to unwind
Lavish royal gardens
  • Enjoy a lie-in or wake early for an optional visit to the highly instagrammed Lempuyang Temple, otherwise known as the Heaven’s Gate Temple; one of Bali’s most famous sights
  • Explore the lavish three-acre gardens of Tirta Gangga, filled with giant fountains, mythical sculptures and a giant pond sparkling with golden carp
Journey to island paradise
  • Hop aboard a speedboat for a fast ride to the Gili Islands; your destination is Gili Trawangan with its white sands and crystal waters
  • Sink into island life at your idyllic beachfront hotel, swimming in the warm sea and enjoying some of the world’s best snorkelling just steps from your room
Private boat adventures
  • Spend an idyllic day exploring the Gili islands by private boat, pausing for a beach picnic and snorkelling alongside turtles and beautiful underwater sculptures
  • Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as you return to shore where another culinary surprise awaits – but that’s all we’ll say for now
Back to civilisation
  • Say goodbye to the Gili Islands and travel by speedboat to Legian on Bali’s west coast
  • Settle in at your four-star resort and enjoy a free afternoon to relax in paradise
Balinese blessing & a VW safari
  • At a secluded temple by the sea, you’ll meet a Balinese priest for a a traditional blessing usually reserved for local worshippers
  • Learn to surf under the guidance of a surf legend from the Rip Curl School of Surf
  • Climb aboard a fleet of open-topped VWs and travel in style to your farewell dinner in a local restaurant; feel free to continue your final night by sampling Bali’s famous nightlife
Farewell Bali, for now
  • Check out of your hotel and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
  • Arrive home feeling completely renewed and a little addicted to island life. It’s the Bali effect – one adventure and it has your heart

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

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Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa

Set in lush tropical grounds and surrounded by rice paddies, this Balinese-style hotel is a haven of peace close to central Ubud. We love the free yoga classes and complimentary afternoon tea.

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ARTOTEL Sanur Bali

This boutique hotel’s vibrant design and rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views make it a standout. Just a short stroll from the beach, it blends contemporary art with Balinese charm, offering a unique retreat in the cultural heart of Sanur.

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Candi Beach Resort & Spa

The private beach and beautiful pools (complete with swim-up bar) were always going to draw us in, but it was the lush garden – flanked by palm groves and mountain views – that really sold this wellness retreat.

Praise for our Pack Leaders

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Denpasar International Airport (DPS).

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 30 minutes away from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

Check-out time is 11 am but you can leave anytime that suits you. The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from the hotel, and your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which will cost around 150-200,000 IDR/8-10 GBP.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

  • Pack Leader: 3-4 USD per day
  • Drivers: 2 USD per day
  • Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

Do I have to pay tourist tax?

From February 2024, a new tourism fee of 150,000 rupiah (approximately 10 USD) will apply to all foreign tourists. This will go towards protecting local culture and nature and ensuring a sustainable future.

The easiest way to pay is through the Love Bali website before departure to Bali https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/gov_notice. You can pay by bank transfer, virtual account or QRIS.

If you’re unable to make payments through the Love Bali system, there are Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) counters available at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and Benoa Harbour. Payment methods include debit/credit cards or Electronic Data Capture (EDC).

Make sure you keep your proof of payment receipt as this will be checked at the travel document inspection stage on arrival.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

3. Government travel advice

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How do we get to Gili Trawangan ?

We take a speedboat over to Gili Trawangan. The crossing can experience some rough seas, so if you suffer from seasickness please be aware and prepare. Sometimes, due to extreme weather, all speedboats are cancelled, and in this situation, it may be decided to reroute the trip to overnight in Amed on the way there. If this occurs on the way back, there are two options:

1. Spend another night on the Gili Islands

2. Go on a shorter boat transfer over to Lombok and get a flight back to Bali instead. Your Pack Leader will discuss the best options with your group if this does occur.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting 300,000 – 400,000 IDR, the equivalent of 20 GBP per day.

Please note that tips for your Pack Leader and driver are not included in the cost of this trip.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

The most challenging activity on this trip is the Mount Batur climb, which is about a three- to four-hour walk up a steep hill in the dark (which is why we recommend bringing a head torch!). Hiking shoes are recommended to navigate the loose rock and sandy terrain.

The pilgrimage walk across Gili Trawangan on Day 8 is 2.3 kilometres on a flat, paved road.

Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed.

Do I need to be a confident cyclist?

On Day 9, there is a 10-minute bike ride between the hotel and the snorkelling jetty – a journey of around 2.3 kilometres. If you’re not confident cycling alone, let your Pack Leader know and they will arrange for you to ride in tandem.

Is the water safe to drink?

We don’t advise drinking tap water in Bali, however most hotels have a water fountain or cooler where you can re-fill your water bottle.

We also suggest avoiding swimming pools if you have open wounds that could become infected.

What will the hotels be like?

The hotels we stay at Bali are all four and five stars, however they are not as luxurious as you might expect. While we always take care to give you the best experience, we hope you can appreciate that different countries have different standards.

We know part of the unique experience travel provides is exploring local cuisine. Hotels in Bali often cater to international tourists and you can expect to see Western influences in their menus. Our Pack Leaders will work hard to maximise your opportunities to experience authentic cuisine.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but 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 which we will always try and communicate to you.

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