BaliDiscovery

The Barong dance is a traditional Balinese performance that tells the mythological battle between Barong, symbol of good, and Rangda, embodiment of evil. This colourful, rhythmic dance is accompanied by gamelan music and features spectacular costumes, with dancers portraying mythical characters. It is often performed during religious ceremonies to ward off evil spirits and bring protection to the community.

A typical Balinese house, called a « rumah adat », is built around a central courtyard, offering an open, airy space that symbolises harmony with nature. It usually consists of several separate buildings, each with a specific function, such as the ceremonial hall, the kitchen or the bedrooms. Pyramid-shaped roofs covered with clay tiles or palm leaves, and carved wooden ornaments, add an aesthetic touch while respecting Balinese architectural principles of balance and spirituality.

Batuan Temple, south of Ubud, is a magnificent Hindu complex renowned for its detailed sculptures and reliefs depicting mythological scenes. Dedicated to the deities of prosperity and fertility, it is a perfect example of traditional Balinese architecture, with gateways adorned with intricate motifs. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the temple offers a sacred, peaceful atmosphere ideal for contemplation and prayer.

Sangeh Monkey Forest, in central Bali, is a natural sanctuary home to a large colony of long-tailed macaques living freely in a verdant setting. This sacred site is dominated by imposing nutmeg trees, creating a mysterious, tranquil atmosphere where the monkeys interact with visitors. Beyond its ecological importance, the forest has a temple dedicated to ancestors, adding a spiritual dimension to the experience.

The famous Tegalalang rice terraces are superb sloping terraces offering a spectacular green landscape. They are an emblematic example of traditional Balinese agriculture using the subak irrigation system, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Beyond their natural beauty, they attract visitors for their picturesque panoramas and peaceful atmosphere — perfect for photography and contemplation.

Mount Batur, in north-east Bali, is an active stratovolcano rising to 1,717 metres. It is famous for magnificent sunrise views, drawing many visitors who hike early to reach the summit. Surrounded by a picturesque lake, Mount Batur offers a spectacular landscape with slopes covered in forests and farmland.

Sebatu Temple, also known as Pura Tirta Sebatu, is a Hindu temple near Ubud famous for its sacred springs and purification baths. Dedicated to Vishnu and his avatars, it is renowned for waters considered purifying by locals and visitors. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and rice fields, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and spiritual purification.

A Luwak coffee plantation in Bali is where a unique, prestigious coffee is produced through a natural fermentation process. Coffee cherries are first ingested by civets (luwaks), which digest the pulp while preserving the beans; the beans are then collected, cleaned and roasted. This method gives Luwak coffee a distinctive, mild, less acidic flavour that makes it one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world.

Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic temples, set on a rock in the sea with spectacular sunset views. Dedicated to the sea gods, it is an important pilgrimage site for Balinese people. At low tide you can approach the temple; at high tide it becomes isolated and appears to float on the water.

The Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretch across lush terraced landscapes creating a spectacular panorama of hillside cultivation. They are an impressive example of the traditional subak farming and irrigation system dating back centuries. This peaceful site, surrounded by mountains and forests, offers an authentic experience of Balinese natural beauty and agriculture.

Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi is a sacred site surrounded by moats and well-kept gardens, offering a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Famous for traditional Balinese architecture with several levels of meru towers symbolising sacred mountains, it is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is a remarkable example of Balinese religious art and culture.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits on the shore of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul mountains. Dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu, it is famous for its picturesque setting and spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It is an important place of worship for Balinese people, representing the balance between water, land and the natural elements.

Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan are twin lakes in Bali’s mountainous region, surrounded by dense tropical forest. These freshwater lakes, often shrouded in mist, are renowned for their serene beauty and mystical atmosphere. They are also sacred places for Balinese people, often linked to spiritual beliefs and religious ceremonies.

Banyumala waterfall, in Bali’s mountainous region, is a magnificent cascade surrounded by lush vegetation. It offers a peaceful, natural setting ideal for visitors seeking tranquillity and wild beauty.

Alternatively, a walk through the tropical forest followed by a canoe ride on the lake immerses you in dense vegetation, exotic flora and fauna, and birdsong. You then board a traditional canoe to cross the lake calmly, enjoying spectacular views and a serene atmosphere.

Jimbaran beach on Bali’s south coast is famous for its golden sand and calm waters, perfect for relaxing at sunset. The neighbouring fish market is a lively place where local fishermen sell fresh catch, offering an authentic taste of Balinese life. In the evening, seaside restaurants serve freshly prepared seafood with breathtaking views while you enjoy local specialities.

Uluwatu Temple, perched on a spectacular cliff 70 metres above the ocean, is one of Bali’s most iconic temples. Dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa, it offers breathtaking views of the Bali Sea and is renowned for magnificent sunsets. Beyond its natural beauty, Uluwatu is also famous for Kecak dance performances held every evening in an exceptional setting.

The Kecak dance at Uluwatu is a captivating show where dozens of dancers in traditional sarongs create hypnotic rhythms by chanting « cak-cak » while enacting epic scenes from the Ramayana. Performed at sunset with the ocean as backdrop, this fascinating dance without musical instruments is a unique experience blending spirituality, art and nature.

Tirta Gangga is a magnificent water garden complex in East Bali, famous for its fountains, pools and elaborate sculptures. Built in the 20th century by King Anak Agung Agung Anglurah and dedicated to water as a symbol of purification, it is surrounded by rice terraces and offers a peaceful, idyllic setting perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

Virgin Beach, also known as White Sand Beach, is a hidden haven of peace in East Bali. With immaculate white sand and crystal-clear water, it is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. Surrounded by green hills and palm trees, it offers a quiet atmosphere away from tourist crowds.

Tenganan village in East Bali is one of the island’s oldest traditional villages, belonging to the Bali Aga people. It still preserves ancestral customs through rituals, unique architecture and the famous craft of ikat textiles. Tenganan is also known for its tranquillity and picturesque beauty, offering an authentic glimpse of pre-colonial Balinese culture.

A quad tour in Ubud offers a thrilling adventure through lush rice fields and typical Balinese villages. Participants explore spectacular natural landscapes while crossing muddy trails and tropical forests. It is an unforgettable experience combining adrenaline, immersion in local culture and discovery of the island’s hidden beauty.

Rafting on the Ayung River in Ubud is an exciting adventure that delivers adrenaline while letting you admire lush landscapes and impressive waterfalls. It is perfect for those who want to combine adventure with exploring Bali’s natural beauty.

Visiting a primary school in Bali lets you discover the local education system and see how pupils learn in a warm, colourful environment. Children follow a programme mixing classic academic subjects with Balinese cultural teaching such as traditional dance or music. The warm welcome from pupils and teachers, and classrooms often decorated creatively, offer a lovely immersion in everyday Balinese life.

Immersion in Balinese life means living to the rhythm of local traditions — discovering daily customs, spiritual rituals and farming practices. Visitors may take part in religious ceremonies, learn to prepare typical dishes or work in the rice fields alongside residents. This experience offers a true dive into the soul of Bali, where hospitality, respect for nature and everyday activity meet.

Airport welcome in Bali and transfer to your hotel in Kuta (near the airport).

Night in Kuta.

Free day to rest and enjoy the hotel.

Night in Kuta.

Visits and transfer to Pemuteran village, one of Bali’s finest diving areas.

Departure at 9 am: Tanah Lot Temple (temple on the rock), then Belimbing village and its rice terraces. Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the terraces, then on to the hotel in Pemuteran.

Night in Pemuteran.

Snorkelling day (mask and snorkel) on Menjangan Island.

Departure at 8 or 8:30 am to the jetty, about 30 minutes by boat. Snorkelling at 2 or 3 sites to admire corals and fish, then lunch on the island. Return to the hotel.

Night in Pemuteran.

Visits and transfer to the hotel in Munduk.

Departure at 9 am: Banjar hot springs for a relaxing swim, visit to Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery, lunch stop on the road to Munduk, then the village waterfall.

Night in Munduk.

A day in the Munduk area.

Departure at 9 am: Lake Tamblingan, about 1.5 hours’ hike in the tropical forest, canoe crossing of the lake, lunch stop, then Banyumala waterfall and its natural pool (swimming possible). Return to the hotel.

Night in Munduk.

Visits and transfer to Ubud.

Departure at 9 am: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the lake, Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO) with lunch and about 1 hour’s walk among the terraces, then the royal Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi. On to Ubud.

Night in Ubud.

A day in the Ubud area.

Departure between 8:30 and 9 am: traditional dance performance in Batubulan, craft villages (wood, silver, painting), Batuan Temple (9th century), lunch stop, then Tegalalang rice terraces. Return to the hotel.

Night in Ubud.

A day in the Ubud area.

Departure at 9 am: half-day with a local family in Tua village — typical house, immersion in local life (making offerings, coconut oil, rice-field work: ploughing, levelling, planting seedlings), local lunch. Then Sangeh Monkey Forest. Return to the hotel.

Night in Ubud.

Visits and transfer to Amed.

Departure at 9 am: Penglipuran village (descendants of Bali’s first inhabitants) and its bamboo forest, waterfall in Tukad Cepung cave, lunch stop, then the former royal pools of Tirta Gangga. On to Amed.

Night in Amed.

Visits and transfer to Sanur.

Departure at 8 am: snorkelling in Jemeluk, Ujung water palace (Bali’s largest), Virgin Beach (swim and lunch on the beach), Tenganan village (Bali Aga). On to Sanur.

Night in Sanur.

Transfer from Sanur to the airport for your return flight.

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• French-speaking driver-guide (air-conditioned car, fuel, parking)
• Entrance tickets for sites and activities as per the programme
• Guide’s accommodation and meals when overnighting outside Ubud
• Local guide for the tropical forest walk
• Boat and instructor for the Menjangan Island activity
• Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) in Amed

• Hotels
• Personal expenses
• Lunch during excursions (except the homestay and Menjangan snorkelling)

Airport welcome in Bali and transfer to your hotel in Kuta or Seminyak (near the airport).

Night in Kuta.

A restful day to recover from jet lag.

Night in Kuta or Seminyak.

Visits and transfer to Munduk village.

Departure at 9 am: Tanah Lot Temple (temple on the rock), Belimbing village and its rice terraces, lunch at a restaurant overlooking the terraces, then Munduk waterfall. On to the hotel.

Night in Munduk.

A day in the Munduk area.

Departure at 6 am: Lovina village, fisherman’s boat trip to see dolphins, swim at Banjar hot springs, visit to Bali’s largest Buddhist temple, lunch stop on the road. Return to the hotel.

Night in Munduk.

A day in the Munduk area.

Departure at 9 am: Lake Tamblingan, about 1 hour’s hike in the tropical forest, canoe crossing of the lake, lunch stop, then Banyumala waterfall and its natural pool (swimming possible). Return to the hotel.

Night in Munduk.

Visits and transfer to Ubud.

Departure at 9 am: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the lake, Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO) with lunch and about 1 hour’s walk among the terraces, then Sangeh Monkey Forest. On to Ubud.

Night in Ubud.

A day in the Ubud area.

Departure between 8:30 and 9 am: traditional dance performance in Batubulan, sacred spring temple, lunch stop, then Tegalalang rice terraces. Return to the hotel.

Night in Ubud.

A day with a local family to immerse yourself in Balinese life.

Departure at 9 am: Tua village — typical house, making offerings, coconut oil, rice-field work (ploughing, levelling, planting seedlings), local lunch, then a temple with an eucalyptus tree about 700 years old. Return to the hotel.

Night in Ubud.

Visits and transfer to Amed.

Departure at 9 am: Penglipuran village (descendants of Bali’s first inhabitants) and its bamboo forest, waterfall in Tukad Cepung cave, lunch stop, then the former royal pools of Tirta Gangga. On to Amed.

Night in Amed.

Departure for Candidasa to be near Padang Bai harbour.

Departure at 9 am: snorkelling in Jemeluk (beautiful corals and colourful fish), Virgin Beach with lunch at a beach restaurant, then Taman Ujung water palace.

Night in Candidasa.

Morning departure from Padang Bai on a fast boat. Arrival on the island in the afternoon, then free time to relax.

Night on Gili.

A leisurely day on Gili, with optional snorkelling to see turtles.

Night on Gili.

Another leisurely day on Gili to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Night on Gili.

Boat return to Bali. Arrival at Padang Bai in the afternoon, then on to Sanur.

Night in Sanur.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your return flight.

• French-speaking driver-guide (air-conditioned car, fuel, parking)
• Guide’s meals and accommodation when overnighting outside Ubud
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Port pick-up and drop-off
• Entrance tickets for sites and activities as per the programme
• Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins)

• Hotels
• Lunch
• Boat tickets to the Gili Islands (booking available on request)
• Guide service on Gili (you can explore on your own or with the guide)