Going off the beaten track in Bali’s countryside to feel the magic of ‘The Island of the Gods’
Clove Tree Hill Villas
Highlights
Sweeping views,
Community-focused ethos
Best for
Solo
Couples
Families
Authentic is a word that perhaps gets bandied about too freely, but Clove Tree Hill Villas is a genuinely authentic Balinese retreat with superb views across the countryside.
A great place to get a feel for local life and culture, you can escape the crowds and dive into various activities and local experiences.
More than just a place to sleep – the owners are deeply connected to the island and committed to community development as well as making sure you have a lovely time.
The retreat’s layout, designed in consultation with village elders, respects local cultural beliefs and fosters strong community connections.
All food is locally sourced, with much of it farmed nearby in the forest, and during your stay, you can get involved in rice planting, exploring the gardens, and learning about tropical produce.
Though the pool is on the smaller side, this is a trivial concern in Clove Tree Hill’s lush surroundings. Plus, you’re just a leisurely 10-minute stroll from a waterfall.
The Rooms
There are just five charming villas here, each with its own character and layout to suit couples or families. All look out over rice fields or forested hills.
Inside, you’ll find thoughtful touches like hand-painted signs and locally carved mirrors – pretty details that reflect Bali’s rich craft traditions.
What You’ll Find:
- Characterful traditional villas with far-reaching views
- Thoughtful design shaped by local customs and sustainability
- Experiences ranging from rice farming to forest walks and waterfalls visits
Why You'll Love It:
- Stay somewhere truly rooted in Balinese life and values
- Meet owners and staff who genuinely care about the community
- Get hands-on with local cultural activities – or simply revel in the peace
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 for 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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Indonesia
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
Clove Tree Hill Villas on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
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.
The best family holiday we have ever been on
This holiday had everything. Great people, food, wildlife, beaches and scenery. Experience Travel Group were exceptional from planning stage to our return home. Holly created the perfect trip for our family.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to Indonesia
Want to know more? With over 17,000 islands and endless options, planning a holiday to Indonesia can feel a bit much – so we’ve put together our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia to make things simpler.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for first-time visitors and return travellers.
