Experience an authentic 5-day cultural journey in Bali. A tranquil escape to Candidasa, East Bali, known for its serene beaches and historical sites like Taman Ujung Water Palace and Tirta Gangga awaits. Explore East Bali's wonders, visiting water palaces and the hidden gem of Virgin Beach. Trek to Tenganan village, home to the indigenous Bali Aga tribe, and immerse yourself in ancient traditions like the "mekare kare" Pandan War. Experience life as a Tenganan villager, learning lontar writing and mastering Indonesian flavors in a hands-on cooking class. With a transformative Balinese blessing and spiritual massage, restore inner balance and leave rejuvenated.
Highlights
Master the intricacies of Indonesian flavors in a hands-on Balinese cooking class
Explore the hidden gem of Virgin Beach for a secluded escape
Trekking from Kastala to Tenganan, a Bali Aga village
Indulge in a blissful Bali Usaddha massage for soul-soothing rejuvenation
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Welcome to Bali, an Indonesian island known for its culture, arts, and hospitality. This destination attracts visitors from around the world.
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Candidasa, located on Bali’s east coast.
In Candidasa, escape the busy southern areas of Bali and enjoy the quiet seaside with its sandy shores and breakwaters. Connect with dive operators offering boat trips to nearby dive spots. Use Candidasa as a base to explore significant historical sites like the Taman Ujung Water Palace and the water gardens of Tirta Gangga. Explore Tenganan, one of Bali’s oldest villages, where ancient arts and traditions continue. Candidasa offers a peaceful alternative to the nightlife of Kuta and the large resorts of Nusa Dua, providing a more serene and culturally rich experience.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast to fuel your adventures ahead. Then, embark on your journey through East Bali with a pickup from your guide.. First, explore the architectural marvel of Taman Sukasada Ujung, also known as Taman Ujung Water Palace. This historic site showcases a fusion of Balinese, Chinese, and European influences, featuring intricate stone carvings, grand pavilions, bridges, and serene water features. Next, visit the serene Tirtagangga Water Palace, named "Water of the Ganges," offering tranquility and natural beauty.
Enjoy a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant.
Finish your day with a trip to Virgin Beach, also known as Pantai Pasir Putih, near Candidasa. It's a quiet spot away from the crowds, surrounded by beautiful nature. Then, return to your hotel.
This morning after breakfast, set off from your hotel for a two-to-three-hour trek from Kastala to Tenganan, a lesser-known path winding through rice terraces and small farms to the secluded village of Tenganan.
Here, discover traditions dating back centuries. Tenganan, situated northwest of Candidasa, is home to the indigenous Bali Aga tribe. The village is said to derive its name from "tengah" or "ngatengahang", meaning 'move to the inner area'. Residents live in unique Bali Aga houses and uphold ancient customs and rituals. Among these is the renowned "mekare kare" or 'Pandan War', a ceremonial battle using thorny pandanus leaves. Tenganan is also known for its "geringsing" textile, woven using the intricate double ikat method.
Experience life as a Tenganan villager. Begin by donning traditional attire, paying homage to Bali's rich heritage. Dive into the ancient craft of lontar writing, etching stories onto palm leaves alongside skilled artisans. Wrap up your day with a hands-on cooking class, mastering the flavors of Indonesian cuisine amidst Bali's lush surroundings, followed by a delicious lunch of authentic Balinese dishes. This immersive experience blends tradition, food, and creativity, providing a memorable day of Balinese culture.
Start your day with breakfast before heading out from this exquisite spiritual journey in Bali., you'll be picked up from your hotel and going to the Griya, where priests reside. Begin with a sacred blessing from a revered pedanda priest, invoking ancient traditions to guide your path. Further align yourself spiritually with a chakra blessing the highest priest leads, balancing your inner energies. Gain insights into your life's journey and potential through palmistry. Experience the healing effects of chakra therapy, restoring vitality and clarity to both body and mind. Finally, indulge in a Bali Usaddha massage, a traditional treatment for soulful relaxation and physical rejuvenation.
After a refreshing experience, you will be taken back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 5: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the airport or talk to an Adventure Life Trip Planner about extending your trip.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. Alternatively, you can register online here.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge.
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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 345 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 345 reviews on
12 hours ago
Careful service
older gentleman
12 hours ago
We had to book within a certain time. Adventure Life came to our rescue as most of the other operators were sold out. We went with the website ad on Big Five Borneo Tour for 6 days 5 nights. Adventure Life was professional, timely and honest about the itinerary for small groups at a reasonable cost. This was our first time with Adventure Life. From the beginning to the end, they were supportive, responded to email immediately and provided emergency contacts through out our stay. As indicated, the deluxe accommodations were luxurious, there were 3 meals a day including early morning coffee was available before the 6am river cruises and evening tea. The itinerary was well laid out, to time and the guides/drivers though different after 2 days for river cruise and for the cave, were experienced, we felt safe. We were lucky to see the Big Four, except the orangutan on our tours at Sukau and the orangutan with the baby was at the poolside of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. The meals were alright without variety. Wifi was in/near reception area. We stayed 3 nights at Sukau and 2 nights at Utan. The two lodges were different. Utan focused on animals and birds not seen at Sukau on plenty of nature walks, night safaris and river cruises. Utan is a new lodge started in July 2024, smaller, luxurious and intimate. The meals were excellent with a personal touch. Guide was very experienced and willing to take us on more nature walks to see our luck for the animals which were missed. Utan provided knee length rubber boots and binoculars can be rented (try it out before you take on tours). Initially we were disappointed not getting the accommodation at Danum Valley but after Utan experience we had it all. We will recommend Adventure Life to those looking for worry free adventures at a reasonable cost.
Pb
1 day ago
Arvin has been very responsive and professional.
Carlotta Diaz
2 days ago
Claudia Corona was very helpful and professional. She answered all my many questions in a very timely manner and really worked with me to taylor-make my trip. Very good experience.
Katie Dahlman
4 days ago
We had such a great experience with Adventure Life when we booked the Galapagos trip a few years ago. Mary Curry helped us then, and again now. She is very knowledgeable, prompt in communication back and forth, and makes it so easy. Thank you, Mary! P.S. Your chat room person, Jo, was also wonderful.