Going off the beaten track in Bali’s countryside to feel the magic of ‘The Island of the Gods’
Amankila
Highlights
Cascading swimming pool,
Cliffside setting,
Serene atmosphere
Best for
Couples
Amankila is perched on a lush hillside in East Bali, with views stretching across the Lombok Strait and majestic Mount Agung.
Settings don’t get much more cinematic than this.
This luxury retreat is most known for its three-tier infinity pool, staggered like rice terraces and flanked by thatched day beds known as bales. Yes, it’s been splashed across magazine covers and coffee table books the world over – but it lives up to the hype in person, especially with a good book and a fresh lime soda in hand.
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Ideal for couples, design lovers and anyone after a super special stay, Amankila feels spoiling and has a rare sense of peace in an unspoilt corner of East Bali.
A short buggy ride down the hillside – past sweeping views of paddy fields and jungle – brings you to the Beach Club, set on the shore of the ocean. Here, a long lap pool, sun loungers and a breezy outdoor restaurant in a dramatic rainforest-like setting, beneath a canopy of coconut palms and frangipani trees.
As with all Aman hotels, the service strikes that perfect balance between friendly and discreet. Staff – who far outnumber the guests – seem to appear just when you need them. It’s the level of thoughtfulness you’d expect from Aman, and it makes Amankila a beautiful way to dip into the quieter, more traditional side of Balinese culture.
The Rooms
The 34 stilted, free-standing suites use clever design features to make the most of the natural light and the surrounding greenery. The décor is kept classic and the amenities are excellent (you’ll find everything you need and more). Each villa has a vast bedroom with picture windows, a spacious ensuite bathroom and an expansive terrace. Twelve suites, including the Kilasari, Indrakila and Amankila Suites, have private swimming pools.
At night, you fall asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shores and the call of geckos.
What You'll Find:
- Signature three-tier infinity pool with sweeping sea views
- Spacious suites with soothing interiors
- A tranquil Beach Club beneath coconut palms and frangipani
Why You'll Love It:
- Soak up views of Mount Agung and the sea in rare serenity
- Ease into East Bali’s quieter rhythms and traditional charm
- Feel very well looked after by thoughtful staff
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Indonesia
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas of what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
The Spirit of Indonesia
This sample itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors and has been designed to introduce curious travellers to the wonders and contrasts of Indonesia.
You’ll hop across three of its islands: exploring the cultural heartland of Java, delving into the magical countryside of Bali, and ending with a dose of beachside bliss on Lombok.
Highlights
Java
Soak up the sunrise over Borobudur Temple with breakfast, before being the first in the complex
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
Gallery
Map
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Bali & Lombok Family Adventure
This suggested trip is designed to give families a truly immersive experience of Bali and Lombok without too many stops or long transfers.
The accommodation enhances the immersive nature of the trip without breaking the bank, and it‘s family-friendly throughout (but not in the all-inclusive, ‘Kids Club’ sense of the term).
Highlights
The Ayung River
Exhilarating white-water rafting
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Sacred Trails & Secluded Bays in Indonesia
A luxury holiday with once-in-a-lifetime experiences in wonderful hotels: from Amanjiwo in Java’s cultural heartland to Capella Ubud and RASCAL Voyages in Komodo National Park.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist
Bali
Delve into the island’s cascading countryside with its spiritual air
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Journey East across Java & Bali
Journey through Java to Bali, taking in the contrasting cultures and scenery of the exotic neighbouring islands.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Mount Bromo & Ijen
Experience the drama of these volcanoes the ETG way
Bali
Avoid the overcrowded southern beaches and spend time in the unspoiled West Bali National Park
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Java, Borneo & Beach: Orangutans, Temples & Castaway Islands
Encounter Borneo’s amazing wildlife, journey through Java’s volcanic landscapes visiting impressive temples, and finish with an idyllic stay on an exclusive tropical island.
Highlights
Kalimantan
Staying in the Borneo rainforest to see orangutans and other wildlife
Java
Exploring the countryside and the magical temples of Indonesia’s cultural heartland
The Karimunjawa Islands
Living the dream at an exclusive, tropical island hideaway
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Borneo, Java & Bali Adventure
Come face-to-face with the wondrous wildlife of Indonesian Borneo, explore the cultural heartland of Java and relax in Bali’s leafy countryside.
Highlights
Kalimantan
A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Borneo, spotting wildlife from your private houseboat
Java
Soaking up a surreal sunrise over ancient temples and volcanoes
Bali
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Classic Bali & Lombok
The neighbouring islands of Bali and Lombok are easily combined. With a range of gorgeous boutique hotels in even its most rural areas, we think Bali is the better of the two for experiencing culture and countryside without compromising on creature comforts.
Lombok, however, has some exceptional beach hotels, and its coastal areas are far less congested than Bali’s southern shoreline.
A holiday combining the exotic sights and sounds of Bali with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Lombok is a winning combination.
Highlights
Bali
Experience the countryside, temples and scenery of Sideman and Ubud
Take a speedboat across the Lombok Strait with a backdrop of dramatic volcanoes
Lombok
Relax on the idyllic Mangsit Beach on the remote northwest coast
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Exploring Flores & Komodo
Explore exotic Flores, stalk dragons in Komodo National Park and relax in the most beautiful parts of Bali.
Highlights
Flores
Discovering the ancient rituals and traditions of the Ngada people in the highlands of Bajawa
Flores
Watching the volcanic crater lakes in Kelimutu change colour in front of your eyes
Komodo National Park
Spotting Komodo dragons on Rinca and exploring the marine wonders
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Java & The Lesser Sunda Islands
Discover the heartland of Java, then head east to sail around the wildly beautiful Komodo National Park, before exploring magical Bali and lovely Lombok.
Highlights
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Bali & Lombok
Be amazed by the distinct flora and fauna found along the ecological boundary of the Wallace Line
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Komodo Adventure & Magical Bali
Combine the wondrous wildlife and natural splendour of Komodo National Park with the timeless, atmospheric beauty of Bali.
Highlights
Komodo National Park
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime boat adventure, waking up each day surrounded by soul-stirring sea and sky
Komodo National Park
Dive into a vibrant marine world, swimming alongside turtles, nemo and gliding rays
Tabanan, Bali
Trek through lush rice paddies and volcanic valleys, getting a feel for Bali’s spiritual air
Explore Full Itinerary
Bali
Contrasts of Sulawesi, Bali & Lombok
Think thick terrain, temples and tribes. Fascinating traditions, magnificent scenery, doses of downtime: a journey of a lifetime.
Highlights
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their fascinating and elaborate rituals
Lombok
Soaking up glorious sunsets from your beach retreat on Lombok
Bali
Experiencing authentic Balinese life in the island’s remarkable countryside
Gallery
Amankila on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
First-class Island Hopping in Indonesia
Fantastic journey, away from the tourists hotspots, of Java, Borneo, Bali and Komodo. All means of transport and wide variety of experiences from primary jungle to volcanos to dragons.
Experience Travel Group live up to their name
A holiday away from "normal" life that comes with many experiences. A three week combined rest and adventure discovering different areas of Laos... Never far away from the fascinating Mekong River, we felt privileged to spend time with the beautiful people of Laos, (even if they did eat everything!).
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia
With over 17,000 islands and endless possibilities, planning a holiday to Indonesia can quickly become overwhelming. To help you cut through the noise and avoid decision fatigue, we’ve created The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia.
Inside, you’ll find our experts’ top picks for standout experiences and places to stay, along with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and returning travellers.
