Depart your home country on your overnight flight to Bali, Indonesia.
Steer well clear of Bali’s busy, bullied south coast and discover the island’s true magic on this thoughtful trip.
On a gentle loop through ‘the island of the Gods’, you’ll experience her serene landscapes, time-honoured traditions, and incredibly warm-hearted communities that still flourish.
With carefully chosen boutique retreats, this journey balances peaceful downtime with uplifting encounters.
You’ll hike to remote waterfalls, snorkel coral reefs in protected waters, explore the highlands, and paddle through coastal mangroves.
Each stop brings a new rhythm, with no internal flights and minimal drive times, making it an excellent choice for relaxed, curious travellers.
If you’ve ever wondered what Bali was like before the tourist boom, this is it.
Bali Explorer
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2 - 3
Sidemen, East Bali
Your guide and driver will welcome you to Bali and head east to Sidemen, a peaceful region nestled in rice terraces and volcanic foothills. Here, you’ll stay in a charming hillside retreat with views that shift with the light.
You could choose to hike to nearby Pura Bukit, visit traditional Ikat weavers, cycle through the foothills of Mount Agung, or explore the secluded coastline around Pasir Putih and Amed. This is East Bali as it has always been: unhurried, untouched, and strikingly scenic.
Days 4 - 6
Ubud, Central Bali
Your driver will whisk you to Komaneka at Rasa Sayang, a tranquil base tucked in the heart of Ubud. Settle into your villa, then head out to explore Bali’s cultural capital.
One highlight is a walk through nearby paddy fields with a Balinese Brahmin. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into the surrounding nature, spiritual beliefs and intricate rituals that shape everyday life. The walk ends at your guide’s home, where you’ll share a traditional lunch and receive a personal Balinese blessing. It’s a lovely moment of calm and connection.
Days 7 - 8
Munduk, North-Central Bali
Continue north to Munduk, where you’ll stay on a working coffee plantation surrounded by cool mountain air and crater lakes.
Trek through coffee, cocoa and clove fields, with waterfalls and birdsong marking the trail.
You can also canoe on Lake Tamblingan, or simply take in the view with a cuppa in hand.
Days 9 - 11
Menjangan, North-West Bali
Today, you’ll head west to Menjangan, stopping en route for natural hot springs and a visit to a pearl farm.
Your eco-resort here is close to the coast and the gateway to lesser-visited West Bali National Park.
Snorkel the pristine coral reefs of Menjangan Island, one of Bali’s best marine spots. Or explore mangrove channels by kayak, birdwatch in the reserve, or relax with a good book and ocean breeze.
Days 12 - 15
Tambanan, West Bali
Journey south along the scenic west coast to your final retreat in Tabanan, a peaceful inland region where rice paddies ripple down to the sea. This is a place to pause. Enjoy easy walks, spa time, and the gentle pace of Balinese life.
It’s the perfect spot to soak in the spirit of the island before heading home.
Day 16
Fly home
Your driver will take you to Denpasar airport for your flight home.
Trust us, you’ll leave with memories of an island far more beautiful, and more peaceful, than you ever expected.
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.
David
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Meet Our Indonesia Experts
Lola’s love for Indonesia runs deep – and not just for Bali (though she has a soft spot for its magical interior and knows exactly where to find the best warung for lunch). What really excites her is helping travellers uncover the country’s sheer variety – from the smouldering volcanoes of Java to the rich marine areas in far-flung corners like Raja Ampat.
“If you’d like to experience the hidden beauty and depth of Bali, follow this route to a tee.”
Lola
Indonesia Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together
Experiences in Indonesia
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Indonesia
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all tailored to suit you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Let us show you the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar entirely.
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely tailored to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s 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.