Going off the beaten track in Bali’s countryside to feel the magic of ‘The Island of the Gods’
Once a laid-back fishermen’s village area, Bali’s southwest coast is now a continuous stretch of tourist facilities and attractions. It is where private villas compete with high-class restaurants for the best views, and backpackers, fashion models, hipsters and those on organised tours share the same crowded beaches. Nevertheless, each area features distinct trends and activities, and you may well prefer one or another.
Kuta and Legian are undoubtedly the most popular spots among the young crowds, who come for the cheap accommodation options, easy shopping, and to hang out in the many bars until late into the night. This area is one of the easiest and most equipped surf spots on the island, so if you have thought about learning to surf, this is a great place to try!
Seminyak is well-known for its wide range of high-quality restaurants, the concentration of luxury villas and designer boutique hotels. It is an excellent base if you are interested in shopping and fine dining. The choice is almost endless, and the quality is very high, offering you the opportunity to sample some of the world’s best cuisine in one place.
Canggu has become the new ‘influencers’ destination and is today Bali’s healthy and trendy place to be. Where Kuta is noisy and brash, and Seminyak is super trendy and upscale, Canggu is laid back and relaxed. Yoga, clean living and detoxing is the order of the day here, and the vibe is fun and friendly. The whole area is ideal for children and families too, although you will have to put up with heavy traffic at any time of the day and night and be prepared for Western prices.
ETG Sample Itineraries in Bali
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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
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Map
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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