ITINERARY
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
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1. Day One
We’ll meet together in the village of Penestanen Kaja, just out of Ubud, at our unique Yoga Shala, Under The Banyan Tree. The huge tree which enfolds the Shala gives an especially organic quality to our first Sama Yoga class together - a gentle grounding and heart-opening session. We walk a short way over the rice paddies and views of both Batu Karu and Agung sacred mountains, to we reach our Ubud cottage. Dinner is served in the midst of the peaceful and soothing sounds of the breeze, ducks and frogs in the rice fields. Together we will discuss in detail the 9 day adventure that is about to unfold!
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2. Day Two
Today’s journey starts from a height, where you take in the far-reaching views of the surrounding landscape to the sounds of the Sangeh river passing by. We then enter a traditional Balinese village, briefly visiting Gusti, a friend, local villager and woodcarver whose family heritage in woodcarving goes back many generations. From there, we follow the winding roads through the abounding expanse of rice paddies to Subak Gaga, which is a living example of an ancient water irrigation system for the rice terraces. Very soon you’ll reach the dam, where we step down, walk over the river and arrive at the small temple, tucked in under massive coconut trees. Here we sit down for a meditative break. Small back roads take us back to Penestanan, where lunch is served at the popular cafe Health Ubud.
For you who desire, a very short bike ride to our friends at Cantika Spa, where you can choose between a traditional Balinese massage or any other treatment. What better way to end this adventurous day? -
3. Day Three
This morning we leave Ubud and head north into the foothills of Mount Batur, entering the gigantic Batur Caldera which as of today has a diameter of approx 13 km- one of the largest and most impressive in the world - UNESCO Global Geopark Network. This region is the center of Bali Aga, the ancient animistic religion practiced by indigenous Balinese and prehistoric settlers in this region. On top of the crater rim we will enjoy the stunning views of the large natural crater lake, Danau Batur, and the summit of the mountain. - as you sit, we might see the puffing smoke from the still active stratovolcano. It’s exactly here where we start today’s adventure,as we roll down through the valley, passing the sacred landscape of one of the most sacred mountains in Bali. At the Pura Danuh Temple we park our bikes, and walk the short walk until we reach the Goddess of the lake - Ulun Danuh. Her statue, which brings devotees from all around Bali, is a reminder how well we are connected with Mother Earth. Today’s adventure ends at the Sun Hills Glamping station, where you can dip into the natural hot springs as you gaze over the stillness of lake Batur.
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4. Day Four
Today we will follow the Suni river and get a chance to see how the river water is divided to irrigate rice fields and support the subak system, which is part of the UNESCO world heritage. We dip into the valley of CATUR & set sail towards the heart of Bali. The beautiful valleys and peaks of the CATUR district are unknown to many visitors, which gives us a chance to enjoy some tranquility amidst harmonious tropical greenery. We will be passing sweetly scented orange fields, Kasian hill trees and mountain farmland filled with cabbage, chillies and tomatoes. We stop at our friend's traditional house, to see traditional bamboo and wood carving passed down through a long lineage of father to son.In this area you will find Kintamani dogs native to Bali. Their heads are shaped like a wolve’s and according to some, they are close relatives to the Australian Dingo. We will pass Tukad Bangkung, a 360 m long bridge connecting two hills that with its height of 71.14 m, is claimed to be the highest in Asia. From the bridge, we view how the winding river below carves out a panoramic valley with tropical green hills. Next, we enter the Marigold fields in the village Belok, also known as the Flower Garden Gemitir. Marigold flowers bloom all year long, which is important since they are used in all kinds of rituals in Bali. We then reach a broad, fertile valley in Petang, surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains from where we soon come to the 17 hectares organic farmland of Bagus Agro Pelagalies. The farm provides a variety of healthy and organic foods such as fruits and vegetables which are distributed all over Bali - & of course, will be served for your lunch! Not only the food will be a treat this lunch, as we will eat facing the spectacular view of Mt. Agung. In the afternoon we will arrive at the 3 sacred lakes - Danau Beratan, Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan. Dinner will be served at our Mountain cottage Sri Giri. Here Ibu Putu will have a home cooked dinner prepared for us, and we will savor that while watching the sky merge into the ocean in the distance.
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5. Day Five
After rising early we get ready for our next adventure, a hike to some out of the ordinary places, where on the way, we’ll discover natural untouched sceneries and hidden waterfalls. Passing through the lush green jungle, clove and coffee plantations, we’ll discover tropical fruits in their natural habitat, we’ll visit hidden caves and then - immerse ourselves into the exhilarating rush of an endless amount of waterfalls. We take time to have breaks, swim in the natural pools, wade through small river crossings, shower under the pure spring water, whilst listening to the sounds of crickets and birds, and enjoying the whispering of the wind through the trees. The best way to bring the day to a close! Change of dry clothes,beautifully home cooked meal and amazing view overlooking the mist of the jungle.
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6. Day Six
Today we start our ride with the stunning backdrop of Mount Batu Karu and the subak landscape spread out around us. The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the underlying harmony of the spiritual, human and natural realms is manifested in the ancient subak system of water management and this important interaction between man and nature. We break for lunch in the Jatiluwih Valley, exploring the traditional rice terraces which have been accorded UNESCO World Heritage listing; and then we are back on our bikes for more off the beaten path adventure. After some uphill pedaling we will be rewarded with amazing views, and then cruising through villages and rice fields on gentle downhill slopes. With sacred volcanoes behind us we are greeted by farmers as we see their day to day lives on the mountain slopes. We follow the rivers downstream, rivers that are fed by the waterfalls and end up in the ocean. As we get nearer to the coast, the landscape changes and we are rewarded with breath- taking views of the ocean. We bring this day to a close at the therapeutic natural springs of Jatiluwih. Soak your body in cool or hot springs, relax your sore muscles and enjoy a young coconut fresh from the tree.
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7. Day Seven
Today we wake up by the famous surf destination of Mendewi, in the north- west of Bali. Famous among the surf-community as the longest left-handed surf break and place where one can take the first steps to learn standing on a board. Today we'll let our bodies relax. Morning starts with a gentle yoga class, which can be followed by a massage, stroll on the black sand beach or dip in the blue. Or, maybe you feel like jumping on board? If these are your first steps on a board or you'd like a surf lesson, come and meet our surfer friends; they are some of Bali's best surfers!
This afternoon, the choice is yours: either join our great River Ride bike ride through the Pupuan villages, or stay back, relax or maybe catch some more waves. If you choose to join the ride, it will follow the sacred Balian river and bring you finally to where it meets with the Java sea. According to the legends it was here that the holy priest Sakti Wawu Rauh arrived around the 15th century. As he found many sick people in the area he decided to use his healing powers, using a wand planted upstream to heal the sick, whom he ordered to bathe downstream. Because of its healing powers the locals called it Balian river, which means shaman or healer. So even today you see many Balinese burying themselves for healing in the black sand, just at the convergence of the sacred river Balian and the ocean. At nightfall, you may head into “ downtown” (which is only one street) Balian for a sunset dinner - you can choose for yourself from the different cuisines available along the beach. We are happy to give recommendations and will provide transport, but will leave you to your own devices for the evening. -
8. Day Eight
This morning we will rise early and head further north to the small village of Manis Tutu, close to the national park Taman. We'll cycle past the stunning rice fields and through traditional villages where life appears to not have changed in generations. We invite you to drop in and meet our own family, giving you a unique opportunity to experience Balinese daily life. Stopping by our family's coconut plantation, Kadek will climb the palms to get you the freshest coconut! For lunch we are invited to Ibu Putu, where we sit down in the Bale Bale ( Balinese pavilion) to enjoy delicious Balinese food cooked by his mother.
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9. Day Nine
Our last morning together. Our fabulous adventure comes to a close after breakfast at the hotel. We will make the arrangements for your transport to the airport or preferred location.
