The perfect holiday destination for all ages, Bali is not only a tropical paradise but also an island that has a rich past and heritage. Lombok is noticeably different to its close neighbour and, due to the fact that it has remained relatively undiscovered, has wonderful charm.
There are also numerous other islands off Bali including the beautiful Gili Islands. Whether Lombok or Bali, this tour explores the main highlights of both islands, traversing mountainous scenery and pristine coastal roads and allowing ample time to experience their inspiring beauty and diversity. At the end of the holiday there is an opportunity to combine Bali and Gili Islands with their turquoise seas, pristine coral reefs and unrivalled snorkelling and diving.
Ubud – Candidasa – Gili Trawangan – Senggigi
Trip Highlights
- Experience the island’s unique cultural heritage in Ubud, a renowned creative centre
- Snorkel with colourful tropical fish in the crystal-clear seas of the Gili Islands
- Less developed than Bali, explore Lombok’s unspoiled, spectacular natural beauty
- The Besakih complex is Bali’s holiest site and formed of 23 separate Hindu temples
- Spend an afternoon at Taman Ayun, a beautiful 400-year-old Balinese temple
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart the UK on the Singapore Airlines flight non-stop to Singapore.
Day 2
Arrive Ubud
Arrive into Singapore and connect onto the Singapore Airlines flight to Denpasar in Bali. On arrival proceed by car to Ubud where Bali’s most noted painters, carvers, weavers, dancers and musicians live.
The Samaya Ubud
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang
Day 3
Ubud
Today enjoy a full day tour with your driver and guide to explore Bali’s scenic interior. Visit the village of Tampak Siring for a visit to Gunung Kawi, set amid lush rice terraces, these 11th-century temples feature 10 rock-cut shrines carved into the cliff face, and see Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple. Around midday, arrive in Kintamani, a volcanic region home to majestic Mount Batur. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with beautiful views of Lake Batur as well as the volcanic peak. Continue to the countryside village of Penglipuran where you can admire the unique architectural styles and meet some locals, before ending at the sacred Kehen Temple. Explore the site’s eight terraces and impressive Banyan tree, and gain insight into the Hindu faith and its role in the lives of the deeply spiritual Balinese people.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
The Samaya Ubud
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang
Day 4
Ubud
Begin your day in Bedugul, an area in Bali’s central highlands that is famous for its natural beauty and three lakes. Visit a local market and admire the tropical fruit, aromatic spices and colourful orchids on display before continuing to Lake Bratan. Admire Ulun Danu, a 17th century temple located on the lake’s edge before taking lunch on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Continue to the UNESCO protected Jatiluwih rice terraces and take an easy walk through the fields whilst learning about the subak irrigation system which is unique to the island. En route back to Ubud, visit Royal Taman Ayun, a beautiful Hindu temple with distinctive Balinese architecture. Built in 1634 to serve as the family temple of the Mengwi Dynasty, this temple is home to multi-roofed Meru shrines and intricately carved wooden gates.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
The Samaya Ubud
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang
Day 5
Ubud to Candidasa – 50kms
Depart for Candidasa on the east coast of Bali. Drive to Penglipuran to see a genuine example of a Balinese village before continuing onto the beautiful Besakih temple – the holiest site on Bali. Besakih is not one temple but a complex of twenty-two temples that lie scattered over the southern slopes of Mount Agung. The most important temple of all is the Pura Penataran Agung, the Mother Temple of Bali. Enjoy lunch overlooking the terraced rice fields and Mount Agung before walking through the small and rural village of Sidemen which is known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional weaving. Continue to Klungkung stopping at Kerta Gosa to see the Hall of Justice dating from the 18th century it noted to be a fine example of Balinese architecture. The ceilings of two pavilions are richly decorated with traditional-style paintings made by artists from nearby villages. Arrive in Candidasa for your two-night stay at the Alila Manggis Hotel.
- Breakfast
Alila Manggis
Day 6
Candidasa
At leisure with your driver and guide at your disposal.
- Breakfast
Alila Manggis
Day 7
Candidasa to Gili Meno – by speedboat
This morning you will be taken to Padang Bai to take the one-hour speedboat service to Gili Trawangan. On arrival you will be met and taken by outrigger boat to Gili Meno. Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the beautiful Gili Islands. Ringed by paradise beaches and teeming reefs, further inland you will find coconut plantations and a natural lake.
- Breakfast
Mahamaya Gili Meno
Day 8-9
Gili Meno
Over the next two days you are at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel and Gili Meno. The Gili Islands offer some of the finest snorkelling in the world with exceptional coral reefs, pristine seas and whole range of tropical fish. Although a highlight of a stay here is the underwater marine life, there is also a turtle sanctuary on Gili Meno where baby green and loggerhead turtles are raised before being released back into the world.
- Breakfast
Mahamaya Gili Meno
Day 10
Gili Meno to Bangsal – by boat / Bangsal to Senggigi – 30kms
This morning leave Gili Meno and travel by boat to nearby Bangsal on Lombok. Here you will be met and driven to Senggigi where you can check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing. Senggigi is located alongside one of Lombok’s finest beaches and surrounded by jungle-clad mountains and swaying palms.
- Breakfast
Qunci Villas
Day 11
Senggigi
Today you will enjoy a full day guided tour to explore the southern part of Lombok. Visit the traditional Sasak tribe village of Karang Bayan and Suranadi where you will take a short trek in the forest in search of wild monkey. You will also have a chance to explore the village to observe the daily activities of the locals who still preserve their culture and traditions. In the afternoon visit the waterfalls of Benang Kelambu and Benang Setokel, where you can enjoy a swim and hike through the countryside.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Qunci Villas
Day 12
Senggigi
Spend the day at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Qunci Villas
Day 13
Lombok to the UK
Today leave Senggigi and transfer to Lombok’s airport for the flight to Singapore. On arrival depart on the Singapore Airlines flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
The Gili Islands are a true slice of paradise. If you would prefer more time to relax, extend your stay in Gili Meno or alternatively add a stay in neighbouring Gili Air which is an excellent point for snorkelling or diving.
After arriving back in Bali, travel east to Java. This volcanic land conjures images of lush rice paddies, tropical rainforest and remarkable temples. Visit the splendid Borobudur, the largest Buddhist complex in the world, the take a sunrise hike to the top of spectacular Mount Bromo.
Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, has one of the most diverse natural habitats on the planet. Aside from orangutan, numerous species are supported including gibbon and clouded leopard. Add Kalimantan to your holiday to uncover the tropical rainforests and wildlife this island has to offer.
Singapore, Southeast Asia’s multicultural garden city, is a melting pot of culture, cuisine and art. The city’s space-age skyline combined with its rich colonial architecture creates a fascinating city with an infectious energy. Add a two-night stay in Singapore at the start or end of your trip.
Guide to Price
14 days from £2990 - £3300 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £2990 - £3300
Travel Information
Getting There
There are no direct flights from the UK to Indonesia but there are a range of connecting flights available. Singapore Airlines via Singapore have excellent timings and connections but Malaysia Airlines and Emirates also have regular flights from to the UK to Indonesia.
Flying Times From UK
Depending on where you are travelling, the minimum flight time with a connection from the UK to an Indonesian airport is 14½ hours.
Time Zone
Being such a large country, Indonesia is split across three time zones, GMT +7 (Western Indonesian Time including Jakarta), GMT +8 (Central Indonesian Time which includes Bali) and GMT +9 (Eastern Indonesian Time).
Visa Requirements
British citizens must have a visa to visit Indonesia with a 30-day visa available to purchase on arrival. The visa on arrival (VOA) costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah, payable in cash or by card. It is valid for single entry only. You must have a return or onward ticket. Most of the main airports issue VOAs.
Indonesia has also introduced the All Indonesia Arrival Card which combines customs and health declarations into a single form. You must complete the online All Indonesia Declaration Form up to 72 hours before you arrive In Indonesia. For more information please visit https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
Do’s & Don’ts
Do be wary of no-smoking areas. While these are relatively new, if smoking laws are violated a fine could be issued.
Make sure you carry your passport, or passport copy, with you at all times as this is a legal requirement for all visitors.
Where possible never use your left hand. Etiquette also dictates that you eat with your right hand.
Body language is important in Indonesian culture – never cross your arms when standing or sitting, as this shows aggression and do not point at someone with a single finger as this is considered rude.
A light handshake instigates most greetings whether with a new acquaintance or a life-long friend.
Money
The currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah (RP). It can be easily exchanged in Indonesia especially in the major destinations of Bali, Jakarta and Lombok. Aside from Rupiah, US Dollars are accepted in most destinations – although should really only be used when purchasing high value items. ATMs are common in major cities and most towns but in rural areas they are rare so you will need to carry local currency. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in most places, especially in cities and popular tourist areas. Outside of these areas credit cards may be harder to use and cash is preferred.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not common in Indonesia. Restaurants may add on a service tax of 10% but this is not a standard rule. Taxis do not expect to be tipped but rounding up the fare is common. A guidelines for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
With Indonesia being so large there are many different styles of foods available across the country, however, Javanese cuisine is what is usually referred to when discussing Indonesian food. The main staple is rice but soups and noodles are also prominent, with hot chillies, peanuts and sugar the main seasoning ingredients. Most cuisine is Halal, with chicken, beef and fish all common – fish especially if you are close to the coast. Food here is exciting and varied and it is well worth being adventurous with your meal choices.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of hotel accommodation in Indonesia and this varies depending on the island you are visiting. In Bali and Java there are numerous excellent hotels and resorts, all with first-class facilities and amenities. Equally in places like the Gili Islands, there are now excellent beach hotels. Elsewhere on the smaller or less visited islands, standards vary and options can be limited. Eco-hotels are becoming more popular in parts of the archipelago and as well resorts that focus on health and wellbeing. When visiting Komodo National Park stays will be aboard a scheudled or private Phinisi boat.
Shopping
Indonesia is fantastic for shopping with shops, markets and bazaars selling a range of handicrafts and knick-knacks. There is wide range of clothing available – many of the UK brands can be found here – whilst paintings, silk work, local textiles, batik cloth, bamboo items and dried spices are popular gifts. In Indonesia, Sunday is generally the busiest shopping day.
Suggested Reading
The main guidebooks, Lonely Planet, Footprint and Rough Guides offer comprehensive Indonesia travel advice and a good overview on the country. If you want something that explores Indonesian history ‘A History of Modern Indonesia’, by Adrian Vickers is an excellent companion as is ‘Indonesia: Peoples and Histories’, by Jean Gelman Taylor and ‘Indonesia: Exploring the Improbable Nation’, by Elizabeth Pisani. For fiction read the brilliant ‘This Earth of Mankind’ by Pramoedya Ananta Toer and its sequels.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations for Indonesia are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Indonesia the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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