Temples, Mountains, and Reefs of Bali, Indonesia

The Trip

Bali is one of the world’s better known tourist destinations, and for good reason. Known as the Island of the Gods, the incredible countryside offers a broad array of natural wonders, engaging cultural experiences, and exhilarating outdoor activities. Ancient temples, lush rain forests, mountain gorges, beautiful beaches, and sea life are just a few of the treats awaiting us. Bali is also renowned for its arts, including traditional and modern dance, wood carvings, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. Our active adventure takes us across the island and includes trekking in tropical forests, whitewater rafting, and diving or snorkeling at world-class coral reefs.

Bali is an active volcanic island in the long Indonesian Archipelago. Though small in size (at 2,124 square miles, just a bit larger than the state of Delaware), it is nonetheless densely populated (almost five million people). Contrary to Indonesia’s majority Muslim population, Bali has maintained its Hindu faith. This cultural heritage has evolved over a millennium and has fascinated anthropologists and historians for many generations. At their religious core is the belief that the island was given to the Balinese by the gods. Therefore, it’s regarded as the sacred duty of all Balinese to pay homage to the gods with festivals, processions, and dances. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, and there are often special ceremonies and rituals that happen on the spur of the moment. We will make every effort to accommodate these spontaneous events, adding a unique twist to this spectacular trip. We even have a dinner planned at one of the palaces, with the possibility of the prince joining us for our meal. 

In addition to religion, family and community obligations play a large part in Balinese life. Within each community there is a fixed social hierarchy based on the Hindu caste system. Each member of the community has a role to play, putting the community as a whole ahead of the individual. Additionally, the Balinese economy is driven by tourism and as such, the Balinese welcome tourists. Anyone who shows a willingness to better understand life in Bali will be a welcome guest in any home. Throughout our trip we will experience this warmth and hospitality of our Balinese hosts.

Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, the area with the highest biodiversity of marine species. In this area alone, over 500 reef-building coral species can be found. For comparison, this is about seven times as many as in the entire Caribbean. The coral reef that surrounds this island boasts of fabulous opportunities for us to dive and snorkel, and we will also witness some of the conservation efforts to preserve the sea turtles and grow new coral reef. 

Day 1: Arrive into the airport at Denpasar, Bali in the early afternoon. We get settled in our hotel in Ubud, a thriving village in central Bali that is considered the cultural capital of this tiny island. Early this evening we have a Sierra Club orientation meeting, and then we enjoy our first taste of Balinese cuisine at our welcome dinner. Then we're off to a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: We start today with a refreshing walk along the Campuhan Ridge, with great views of the area. After that, a short presentation by our local guide along with lunch at local Balinese restaurant. After lunch, we will visit the holy spring water temple (Mengening Temple). These springs are natural sources of springs that have existed since the 11th century. It is one of Bali’s six most important temples due to its stunning architecture as well as the deep cultural and spiritual roots. Time permitting, we visit “Made Tea”, where the teas are all-natural, made from plants and herbs grown and produced locally in the rich, fertile soil of Bali. We return to our hotel this evening, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: After a 90-minute drive, we experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting down Bali’s Ayung River. The beautiful canyon walls and Class II & III water is refreshing in the hot day. Lunch is provided after the rafting trip, at the takeout point.

Then we go to a fun introductory workshop with teachers of traditional Balinese music, dance, woodcarving, and offering-making. We will keep a souvenir of the woodcarving we created at this workshop. Afterwards, we have an exclusive Royal Palace tour and a unique dining experience at the Peliatan Palace. Schedule permitting, the Prince Cokorda Agung Krisna Dalem will be our host, and will talk to us about Bali, what it is like to be a prince, and answer your questions.

Day 4: This morning we will enjoy a longer hike on the Bali Aga Trek, enjoying the beautiful scenery through rice paddies, a jungle and a traditional village. Some farmers sell beautiful hand-made baskets along the way. Depending on our timing, lunch may be a box lunch today.

For the afternoon and evening, we have a private tour with Agung Rai, the founder and visionary behind the world-renowned ARMA Museum, home to an outstanding collection of traditional Balinese art. We have dinner there at the restaurant on-site, followed by an evening performance of the Balinese Kecak fire dance. It’s a complicated plot. In essence it is the story of a woman who is stolen from her husband (a prince) by a demon. The narrative follows the challenges and tasks the young prince and his brother must overcome to rescue her. You will want to bring your cameras for this one!

Day 5: After an early breakfast at the hotel, we check out and begin our drive to Bedugul, a beautiful village in the mountain area located in the center-north region of Bali. We will do a short walk in Jatiluwih – the most famous rice paddies in Bali, with the beautiful rice terrace unfolding from the foot of mountain until the coastal side. After lunch in this area, we check into our hotel. For the afternoon, we visit the Botanical Gardens there. This 30-hectare park has a diverse collection of flora from all over Indonesia and beyond. We will learn about local plant species as well as observe rare species from other parts of the world. Our dinner tonight will be at our hotel.

Day 6: After breakfast, we will be hiking the Twin Lake Jungle Trek. We will enjoy the wild jungle flora, giant old trees, old temples and spectacular views all the way to the Buyan and Tamblingan Lake (also known as Sacred Twin Lake). This will be our longest hike, about 6.5 miles. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. For the afternoon, we will do some hiking at the Munduk Waterfalls. Munduk is a small mountain village in the north of Bali. The Munduk waterfalls, locally referred to as Air Terjun Munduk. This trail takes you along three waterfalls. Depending on time, we may do one or two of these. For all our hiking today, our reward will be dinner at a local restaurant, and a good night sleep. 

Day 7: After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and begin our drive to Pemuteran, a small fishing village on the northwest coast of Bali. First we drive to Sudaji and learn about OMunity, the eco-tourist village there for sustainable tourism - a world without plastic, dangerous chemicals and toxic fertilizers, where humans and nature thrive in symbiosis, the way nature intended. We will have the opportunity to do another waterfall hike in this area, called Sekumpul Waterfall. This will be many stairs (they claim 365, but I counted 366) along this beautiful route! And the waterfall is well worth the effort. A well-earned lunch in Sudaji will be enjoyed by all.

In the afternoon, we will complete our drive to Pemuteran, check into our hotel, and enjoy a relaxing sunset boat ride. Our dinner tonight will be at the hotel outdoor restaurant along the ocean.

Day 8: Today, we have the wonderful experience to visit the non-profit Turtle Hatchery project, where they are working toward increasing the number of sea turtles in Bali’s oceans. They raise Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles. When the turtles are of sufficient size, they are released into the wild. They also rehabilitate turtles that were caught or injured and release them back to the wild upon recovery. After that, we visit the Biorock Coral Restoration project, an amazing initiative using technology to speed the growth of coral reefs. Then we enjoy snorkeling among the structures of the Biorock Coral Restoration. We get a brief introduction to the project, get snorkel gear, and snorkel the area to see the coral restoration in progress.

Lunch today will be at our hotel. You will have some free time this afternoon to enjoy a swim, massage (cost not included in the trip price), or just read a book. And taking a nap is OK, too. Late afternoon, we hike the Bukit Batu Kursi trail. This gives us a great view from the top, and we watch the sunset from the hilltop. Bring your flashlights for the trail back! We will enjoy a late dinner at the hotel.

Day 9: Today is our first opportunity to SCUBA or snorkel. We head out on a boat trip to Menjangan Island, a small island that is home to one of the world’s most biodiverse array of coral reefs and marine life. We spend the morning snorkeling or SCUBA diving over the reefs. Our lunch is on the island, where you will have some time to walk around there. Then we head to a different side of the island for another opportunity to snorkel or SCUBA dive. You will have some free time in the late afternoon. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. 

Day 10: After breakfast, we head into West Bali National for a trek along the mangroves, in the rainforest, or across the savanna (depending on the weather and conditions in the park). After our trek, we will have lunch together at the restaurant in the park.

For the afternoon, we will do another hike at this park. We will have dinner together at a local restaurant.

Day 11: After breakfast, this morning we enjoy another opportunity to snorkel or SCUBA dive at a different location in the Bay. Lunch will be at the hotel, and we will once again have the afternoon free to allow you to take advantage of the opportunity to relax, as we have been packing in many activities! Dinner tonight at a local restaurant, and this evening, we will have a Night Temple Visit, to see the temple lit up in the evening. Great photos! After a quick tour, we head back to our hotel and a good night’s sleep.

Day 12: This morning we pack our bags and head to Sanur, a seaside town in southeast Bali with a long stretch of beach. We will enjoy lunch at a resort that is located in the middle of a rice paddy. Afterwards, we can stroll in the village. Based on traffic and timing, we may do a short walk along the way, or stop at another attraction. We check into our hotel and hope to take advantage of some downtime. Sanur is a perfect spot to pick up last-minute gifts, lounge by the beach or the pool, and explore sights along the beach walkway. This evening we will enjoy a final sunset farewell dinner on the beach. 

Day 13: We enjoy breakfast this morning. As our trip comes to an end, it is time to prepare for the journey home, reflect on memories created here in Bali, and say farewell to our new Balinese friends -- at least until we meet again.

Occasionally, changes may occur in the trip -- either in advance or during the trip. Please be aware that we will make every attempt to stay within this itinerary. However, if weather, equipment, or any other condition causes a change, please be flexible and respect the decision of the leader. The safety of the group is our number one concern.

Getting There

International flights are available around the clock and arrive near the Indonesian island's capital, Denpasar. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is the only airport in Bali. It is sometimes referred to internationally as Denpasar or on some internet flight-booking sites as Bali. The airport abbreviation is DPS.

Many airlines fly from the United States to Bali, though flights usually entail at least one layover at a hub airport like Hong Kong, Changi, Singapore, Seoul, or Narita. More details will be provided by the trip leader. 

Intrepid travelers can catch a ferry for the last leg of their trip to Bali from the nearby Indonesian island of Lombok, Gili Islands and other small islands.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

We will stay in charming modern hotels that typically have a spa associated with them (that’s the Balinese way). All our accommodations have private bathrooms and air conditioning. Rooms are double-occupancy; if you come alone we'll give you a same-sex roommate. The food will be delicious -- a mix of local and typical international dishes, with a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians can be accommodated. We'll travel by comfortable, private air-conditioned bus. There will be a few long drives, but the scenery along the way is spectacular.

Trip Difficulty

This trip is suitable for individuals who are in good fitness, get regular exercise, do not have mobility limits, enjoy nature, and have a good-humored approach to traveling -- where things might not go as predictably as they do at home. Our trip can be considered moderately active most days. Elevation gains and losses on most hikes are minimal, but several hikes have about 1,000 feet of elevation gain/loss. Rain will not restrict our movements or our enjoyment of the forests or coast. Please know that it can be quite humid in the jungle and rainforest. The leader will recommend appropriate clothing and footwear for these conditions.

Much of the beauty in Bali lies in the rich reefs that surround the island. We have the opportunity to take advantage of that, with offerings of SCUBA diving and/or snorkeling. You should be comfortable in the water and able to swim.

SCUBA diving: As is standard practice in the diving industry, please note, in order to go SCUBA diving:

1. You must be certified and show proof of certification.
2. You will be required to complete, read, and sign a separate liability form for each dive company.
3. You will be required to complete a medical history form that includes any medications you are currently on for the dive company.
4. The final authority to approve you to dive is the dive company.

Snorkeling: We have several snorkeling opportunities. This should not be your first time to snorkel. Beginner snorkelers have a tendency to want to stand up, and that damages coral. It is very easy to learn the basics in a local pool (school, YMCA, some dive shops have an “open swim” night). Being a comfortable snorkeler will allow you to enjoy the activity much more, not cause damage to the coral, and provide you with confidence in the water.

Equipment and Clothing

No special equipment is needed. However, as the sea life is an integral part of our itinerary, with snorkeling and SCUBA opportunities, if you have a mask and snorkel, it is highly recommended you bring it. They can also be rented. Your leader will provide a comprehensive packing list well in advance of the trip.

SCUBA gear and snorkeling gear are provided for the activities listed. Should you wish to snorkel in your free time, you will need to bring a mask & snorkel or rent it from a nearby dive shop. 

References

Books/Movies/Films:

• "Act of Killing." Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, 2013. A searing documentary about the 1965 slaughter of accused Communist sympathizers in Indonesia (including tens of thousands on Bali).
• "Cowboys in Paradise." Directed by Amit Virmani, 2011. Enjoyable documentary about the scores of male gigolos working in south Bali.

Books:

• Covarrubias, Miguel, Island of Bali. 1937. The classic work about Bali and its civilization.
• McAlaney, Clare, Bali Soul Journals. 2013. Written by a Bali expat and lavishly illustrated, it looks for Bali's soul today.
• Wheeler, Cat, Bali Daze: Freefall Off the Tourist Trail. 2011. Daily life in Ubud makes for an illuminating romp.
• Copeland, Jonathan and Ni Wayan Murni, Secrets of Bali: Fresh Light on the Morning of the World. 2010. A fun read about Bali and its people.
• Gilbert, Elizabeth, Eat, Pray, Love. 2007. This bestseller (and movie) lures believers to Bali every year.
• Sussman, Ellen, The Paradise Guest House: A Novel. 2013. A riveting and poignant novel of one woman’s journey to Bali in search of love, renewal, and a place to call home—perfect for readers of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love.
• De Neefe, Janet, Fragrant Rice: My Continuing Love Affair with Bali. 2006. This memoir, peppered with authentic Balinese recipes, is a love letter to the food and culture of Bali. Includes 115 recipes.

Conservation

Protecting Sea Turtles:

Sea turtles are one of the oldest living species on our planet. After surviving for over 100 million years, their numbers are dwindling. The Green Sea Turtle was declared endangered and since 1979 prohibited all international commerce in sea turtle products.

Bali alone, up to 30,000 sea turtles were slaughtered every year, mostly for their meat. Turtle eggs are considered to be a delicacy. Turtle shells are used for ornamental purposes mostly for the tourist market. There is also destruction of habitat, which contributes to the decline in sea turtle population.

In the wild, sea turtles around 15 to 30 years of age start laying eggs every other year. They return and nest at the same beach they came from. Each turtle lays up to 150 eggs at a time, but it is estimated that only one in 100 to one in 1,000 finally reaches the age to reproduce.

The purposes of the Reef Seen Turtle Hatchery Project are firstly, to protect the living sea turtles and secondly, to increase the chances for turtle hatchlings to reach maturity. They reward the locals who will find a newly-laid sea turtle’s nest. Villagers are encouraged not to kill or capture mature turtles, who are likely to return and lay more eggs. The hatchlings are kept in a holding tank, where they are fed and cared for until they are bigger and have a greater chance of survival in the open sea. https://reefseenbali.com/turtle-hatchery/

Re-growing Coral Reefs:

In the past, Bali had dynamited and used cyanide on the coral reef to collect fish for eating and/or aquarium sales. There was considerable effort to stop the fishermen from this practice. As a result, the coral reef has been badly damaged in some areas. We have the opportunity to learn of a project to re-grow coral reefs about 5 times faster than is typical. We will also snorkel among the new coral growth to see the progress, and marvel at the schools of fish inhabiting the new coral. http://www.biorock-indonesia.com/project/pemuteran-bali/

Can you love a place to death? That's the question being asked more and more on Bali. As visitor numbers continue to soar like a kite over Sanur, more than a few people are wondering if the island has finally reached saturation point. From the ever-worse traffic to the proposal to fill in Benoa Ba (Teluk Benoa) for a tourist city, the ramifications of the island's popularity are all around.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bali/background/a/nar/27b9ea83-90fa-4a97-bb2e-c40cf1a9525f/1323403

Protecting Benoa Bay:

A drive on the elevated toll road linking Sanur to Nusa Dua offers sweeping views of the mangroves ringing the shallow Benoa Bay. Five of Bali's polluted rivers empty through these forests and this ecosystem is vital for filtering out the trash and some of the pollutants.

On 25 August 2018, local environmental activists rejoiced when the permit for the 30-trillion-rupiah Benoa Bay Reclamation Project expired after PT Tirta Wahana Bali Internasional (TWBI), Indonesian tycoon Tomy Winata’s Artha Graha conglomerate property development unit, failed to acquire government approval on environmental impact assessments for the project.

The proposed Benoa Bay reclamation project would have potentially devastated the bay and mangroves. The consortium backed by powerful Indonesian developers wanted to build a network of 12 artificial islands in what's still the open waters you see from the toll road. A whole slew of projects would have followed, including a theme park, golf course and Formula One race course, plus countless condos, resorts and malls. Only a few channels would have remained to enable the river water to flow out into the ocean, which would have ceased to provide much benefit in the way of mangrove filtering.

Jatiluwih Conundrum:

In 2012 UNESCO added Bali's ancient and truly amazing rice-field irrigation system (subak) to the World Heritage List. One key component of the listing are the Jatiluwih rice terraces north of Tabanan. These drop-dead gorgeous ribbons of green already drew a small number of day-trippers, but after UNESCO put their stamp on the terraces, the road through this emerald wonderland was soon clogged with tourists. Ugly cafes soon sprang up, all jostling for the views, while tour groups on ATVs began rampaging across the fields. Developers announced plans to bulldoze terraces for hotels and it seemed that Jatiluwih would go the way of Canggu and Sideman, two places where unspoilt green vistas have been plowed under for profit.

But, then, in 2015, UNESCO called time, suggesting that the coveted World Heritage Site designation could be snatched back. With impending inspections by the World Heritage Committee, the normally ineffectual Bali central government managed to enact a building ban.

In 2017, the World Heritage Committee examined the Balinese government's strategic plans for sustainable tourism and conservation. While they were commended for progress made, the committee put forward requests for further measures, including improvements to management of water quality and natural resources. Balinese officials have been urged to designate the island's rice fields – Jatiluwih in particular -- as national strategic areas and to ensure environmental and heritage impact assessments are conducted for any forthcoming developments. An updated report is set to be submitted in December 2018 ahead of a 2019 World Heritage Committee session, when the verdict will be made.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.