Bali & Lombok

Bali

Despite its popularity, Bali is still an island of unique traditions of music, dance, painting, sculpture and architecture.  It is a beautiful island of palm fringed beaches overlooked by lush highlands and soaring volcanoes, and most certainly worth exploring.

We have a suggested Individual Self-Drive Itinerary which will take you to the north coast to stay somewhere like the Matahari Beach Resort at Pemuteran, then onwards into the mountains for a couple of nights perhaps at either Agung Raka, Banyan Tree Kamandalu Resort, or Pita Maha in the artistic centre of Ubud.  Many of the villas have their own pools.

From Ubud one can proceed to the east coast resort of Candi Dasa to stay either at the Water Garden or Serai Hotel.   Finally one returns to the south coast where there are a number of resorts not too far from Denpasar Airport.

For those who want nightlife, shopping, restaurants, bars and fast food then Kuta Beach is the place for action day and night.   We recommend nearby Legian Beach and the bungalows at Legian Beach Resort which is located on the beach front in its own private walled landscaped garden.  For tourist class accommodation there is the Puri Raja Hotel or Maharta Beach Resort.

North of Kuta is the more secluded and remote area of Seminyak where we recommend The Legian or the wonderful deluxe Bali Oberoi.  For those seeking a more family atmosphere but with some restaurants and shops nearby then Sanur Beach is ideal.  We recommend a bungalow at either Griya Santrian Cottages, perhaps a deluxe bungalow at Puri Santrian Beach Resort, or maybe a superb garden view room at the 4 star Bali Hyatt.

At the southern most tip of Bali is the peaceful resort of Nusa Dua.  In addition to a number of 5 star/deluxe complexes there are some smaller hotels like the Novotel Coralia or Putri Bali that are more personalised, or for a 5 star resort we recommend the more traditional Nusa Dua Beach Resort.  Nearby to Nusa Dua on the southern peninsula is Jimbaran, home to some of the best hotels in Indonesia.  The Pansea Bali offers superior traditional stone cottages with private stone walled bathroom courtyard.

However, rated by many as one of the best resort hotels in the world is the outstanding Four Seasons Resort.  Here one can be pampered inside one's own private spacious walled villa, each having its own plunge pool.

Lombok

East of Bali lies the chain of islands known as the Nusa Tenggara, comprising Sumbawa, Sumba, Flores, Timor and Lombok.  The contrast between the lush Bali and the drier more rugged Lombok is quite marked.

Along the coast are some growing resorts and at Sengiggi is the Aerowisata Lombok, the Holiday Inn Lombok, Lombok Intan Laguna and the deluxe Oberoi Lombok with a choice of superb Lanais or individual Villas, some of which have their own private splash pool.

Nearby are the islands of Sumbawa, Komodo & Flores where we can arrange a choice of 3 day tours which include a visit to the Komodo National Park to see the world famous Komodo Dragons.

However a different way to explore this area is by a Spice Island Cruise aboard Phinisi sailing schooners, including a visit to the Komodo National Park.

Bali Fly-Drive Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Bali Ngurah Rai airport and transfer yourselves by taxi to Sanur Beach for 2  nights at Raddin Sanur, Bali. (Optional Pansea upgrade)

Day 02: Full day for relaxation, shopping and choice of dining.

Day 03: 09.00 take delivery of your self-drive Toyota Kijang and depart around the highway to  meet the main road heading north.  Follow the route in the direction of Gilimanuk (Optional side trip to Tanah Lot Temple) until you reach Antosari where you turn right to head into the mountains passing through Pupuan until you arrive on the north coast and Pulaki Temple. Head east along the coast until you arrive at Lovina for overnight at Pun Bagus Resort (Cottage.)

(Optional Matahari Resort upgrade)

Day 04: After breakfast continue east until the turning south to Singaraja and Gitgit Waterfall before arriving at Lake Beratan and Bedugul. Proceed south over the mountains and down to the Royal Temples at Mengwi before crossing into the famed town of Ubud for 2 nights at Agung Raka Hotel.

(Optional Kamandalu Resort or Pita Maha upgrade)

Day 05: Day of leisure exploring Ubud and Mas. shopping for handicrafts and local art.

Day 06: After breakfast depart Ubud eastwards to Gianyar where shortly after you turn north towards Kintamani and the volcanic Mountain and Lake Batur. Return south to Bangli and then eastwards via Redang to arrive at the Holiest Hindu Temple at Besakih. Return to Redang and then proceed east to the coast before arriving at Canidi Dasa for overnight at the Puri Bagus Resort.

(Optional Serai Hotel or Lorin Hotel Upgrade).

Day 07: After breakfast visit the Water Palace at Tirta Gangga before proceeding to the Bali Aga Village of Tenganan. Continue onwards down the coast via Klungkung and Gianyar to the Silversmiths at Celuk.   Afternoon drop off car at airport or beach resort.  The inclusive cost per person cover 5 days hire of self-drive Toyota Kijang and 6 nights twin! double accomodation. Most leading hotels available for upgrades and extensions at extra cost.

Day 01: Arrive at Bima airport and transfer to the harbour to board ship and depart for Komodo  Island.  Anchor at Loh Liang Bay for overnight on board.  Afternoon swimming and snorkeling.

Day 02: After breakfast cross the bay in small boats to the Komodo National Park to meet the ranger and be guided to the feeding site of the Komodo Dragons. After this extra-ordinary experience return to the ship for lunch and departure back to Sumbawa for late after noon arrival into Bima for overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 03: After breakfast transfer to the airport for onward flight.

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