Beautiful Bali
from $1233
Duration: 9 Days
Travel to Bali and discover Indonesia's beautiful island escape. Dotted with small, character-filled villages, smouldering volcanoes rising out of lush rich fields, idyllic beaches and colourful reefs, Bali is the perfect island getaway. Conquer the slopes of simmering Mt Batur, explore an underwater world in Bali Barat National Park, feast on delicious Balinese cuisine and enjoy moments of absolute peace in Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu–Buddhist lake temple dedicated to the goddess of the waters. Fall in love with the warmth of the people, the ornate customs and welcoming culture that are synonymous with beautiful Bali.
  • This trip will immerse you in Balinese culture; you'll eat street food, meet songket weavers, witness a traditional Kecak dance performance and visit a Hindu-Buddhist island temple.
  • A guided hike to the summit of Mt Batur will provide you with dazzling sunrise vistas that stretch across the Lombok Strait, all the way over to the peaks of Mt Rinjani.
  • The lovely, peaceful village of Sidemen is nestled in the lush Balinese hills. This is the perfect place to escape the tourists, and the heat!
  • Ubud is the artistic and cultural heart of Bali, enjoy a guided walk through the lush green surrounds and gain an insight into daily village life.
  • With hiking, cycling and snorkelling, this trip is steeped in outdoor activities. But there's also plenty of time to relax; bathe in hot springs or laze on the beach.
  • Ubud - Campuhan Ridge & Village walk
  • Bali - Kecak Fire Dance
  • Ubud - Bayung Gede (Kahyangan) Village to Tampak Siring cycling tour
  • Sidemen - Village tour
  • Sidemen - Traditional Village Lunch
  • Local community Salak plantation walk
  • Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb
  • Lovina - Banjar Hot Springs
  • Lovina - Global Kafe Visit
  • Lovina - Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour
  • Bedugul - Balinese offering in local home
  • Bedugul - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
  • Lovina - Seririt Market visit
  • Munduk - Waterfall walk
  • Day 1 Location: Ubud
    Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud, Bali's largest Hindu town, and artistic and cultural heart. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, you might like to wander the traditional market stalls near the centre of town, pop into a local café or stretch out your muscles after your flight with a spot of yoga at one of the zen studios in town. After your Welcome Meeting this evening, perhaps head out to for a group meal at one of the delicious local restaurants.
    Day 2 Location: Ubud
    Start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader (about 2.5 hours). Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields, an alang alang valley (type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings) and stop by a Balinese home for coffee. The tour ends in central Ubud, where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening, sit down and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Driven not by musical instruments, but by human chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is considered a highlight by many of our travellers.
    Day 3 Location: Ubud - Sidemen
    Today you’ll explore the area from a different angle – from the saddle of a bike. Enjoy a 2.5-hour tour through backstreets, villages and rice fields. It’s a relatively easy ride – much of the route is downhill – and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a brief rest. You’ll also stop to check out some small, intricately carved temples, before concluding your bike tour back in Ubud. After refuelling with lunch, head for the hills to the village of Sidemen, via private minivan. Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, the peaceful village of Sidemen is proof that Bali still has some pockets that are untouched by tourism.
    Day 4 Location: Sidemen – Sibetan Village
    Take a morning walk (approximately 2 hours) around Sidemen's rice terrraces, visiting the craftspeople of the local songket weaving industry, a traditional 'bungkus' lunch is included. The walk is a great chance to take in the beautiful scenery before we kiss Sidemen goodbye and make tracks to Sibetan Village. You’ll be given a special welcome by the chief of the village, then check into your homestay accommodation before enjoying some free time in the afternoon. You might like to explore the traditional village a little or simply just relax and take in the atmosphere here. Alternatively, you could take on an optional cooking class and learn the secret ingredients and spices of the traditional cuisine here. This evening, you’ll enjoy some time spent with the locals and be treated to a typical dinner of salak (snake fruit), prepared for you by the villagers.
    Day 5 Location: Sibetan Village – Mt Batur
    This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through an ancient Salak Plantation with the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here, you’ll see cultural heritage plants – the remains of a white mango tree which was first planted in Sibetan in the 16th century as well as a Jaka Moding Plant (a type of palm tree) which is a relic plant. You’ll tuck into Tipat Blayag (Rhombus) for lunch; rice wrapped in young coconut leaves, combined with side dishes of chicken and vegetables. After some time exploring the village and surrounds on foot, you’ll take to four wheels for a journey higher into the mountains, driving along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur. Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 metres/5633 feet) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera and with Lake Batur below, it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. Your accommodation for the evening is in a great location to start tomorrow's early morning trek without extra travelling time.
    Day 6 Location: Mt Batur - Lovina
    It’s a very early start today – you’ll wake bright and early at around 3 am to begin the 1.5 to 2-hour walk to the summit of Mt Batur in order to reach the top before sunrise. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. The view of the gorgeous sunrise over the valleys of Bali may well be the most memorable part of your trip. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in hot springs with fantastic views over the lake and caldera. Then make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina, made famous by its dolphins that patrol the coast. It's also a great spot for fine food, traditional massages and yoga – just what the doctor ordered after today’s epic mountain climb.
    Day 7 Location: Lovina
    Enjoy a day of snorkelling amongst Menjangan Island’s coral reef, part of the Bali Barat National Park. On the way back from your undersea adventures, you’ll stop for a soak at Banjar Hot Springs, a small spring popular with locals. In the afternoon, stop in to enjoy a tasty cup of coffee with a difference at Global Kafe, a diner whose profits support the Global Village Foundation, providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for people with disabilities and assisting those with illnesses with their medical costs. Tonight, head to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cuisine before sitting down to a home-cooked meal.
    Day 8 Location: Lovina – Sanur
    This morning we’ll wave goodbye to Lovina and make our way to Sanur. Along the way, we’ll visit Munduk waterfall, Lake Bratan and if we have time, we’ll pop into a local market. Then, you’ll visit a local family and learn how to make a Balinese offering (and discover the importance of this ritual) before continuing to Sanur to enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Perhaps, enjoy a stroll along Bali's first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible – just a short distance away from the beach.
    Day 9 Location: Sanur
    Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. You may like to stay on for a few extra days to make the most of your visit here. You may want to take a surfing lesson, bike tour or one of the many other activities on offer. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    08JUL2023
    Return Date:
    16JUL2023
    1855NZD
    not available
    Departure Date:
    10JUL2023
    Return Date:
    18JUL2023
    1855NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    12JUL2023
    Return Date:
    20JUL2023
    1855NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    15JUL2023
    Return Date:
    23JUL2023
    1855NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    17JUL2023
    Return Date:
    25JUL2023
    1705NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19JUL2023
    Return Date:
    27JUL2023
    1705NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    22JUL2023
    Return Date:
    30JUL2023
    1855NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    24JUL2023
    Return Date:
    01AUG2023
    1740NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    26JUL2023
    Return Date:
    03AUG2023
    1725NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    29JUL2023
    Return Date:
    06AUG2023
    1855NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Beautiful Bali

    Trip code

    TISA

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    Travel to Bali and discover Indonesia's beautiful island escape. Dotted with small, character-filled villages, smouldering volcanoes rising out of lush rich fields, idyllic beaches and colourful reefs, Bali is the perfect island getaway. Conquer the slopes of simmering Mt Batur, explore an underwater world in Bali Barat National Park, feast on delicious Balinese cuisine and enjoy moments of absolute peace in Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu–Buddhist lake temple dedicated to the goddess of the waters. Fall in love with the warmth of the people, the ornate customs and welcoming culture that are synonymous with beautiful Bali.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Local van,Private vehicle,Boat,Bicycle

    Physical Rating

    3

    Joining point

    Nick’s Pension Hotel

    JL. BISMA NO.32, UBUD,

    Centre of Ubud

    Ubud

    80571

    INDONESIA

    Phone: +62 361 975636

    Joining point description

    Nick's Pension Hotel is a traditionally decorated haven nestled amidst lush landscaped surrounds. All rooms are fan cooled and equipped with mini bars, telephones and Internet facilities. Bathrooms are adjoined to the rooms. There is also a restaurant, lounge area and swimming pool. http://nickshotels-ubud.com/bali-hotels/nicks-pension.html

    Joining point instructions

    Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you have booked an airport transfer please proceed to the Golden Bird lounge, which is on the right side approximately 50 meters after you exit customs. Note that The Golden bird lounge is before the area where all the drivers are waiting. Please provide your name to the Golden Bird staff and they will then take you to your driver. If your flight has been cancelled and you are arriving on a different flight number than planned, please call Golden Bird on Phone number: + 62 361 701 621 / +62 361 701 111. If there is any complications please call intrepid’s 24 hour emergency number on +62 822 3553 2507. The transfer driver will wait up to 4 hours from when your plane has landed. If you are arriving into the domestic airport the Golden Bird Lounge is located around 50 meters after the conveyor belt (baggage claim) just before the exit gate. Alternatively, taxis are cheap, safe and reliable. As you exit from Immigration at Denpasar you will see a sign for public taxis. Expect to pay about IDR550,000. It takes up to one and a half hours to get to Ubud from the airport. Look for the Intrepid information board at reception for suggestions of what you can do while waiting for the trip to start. Check-in time is 2 pm.

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    08 Jul 2023 (TISA230708), 12 Jul 2023 (TISA230712), 22 Jul 2023 (TISA230722), 26 Jul 2023 (TISA230726), 29 Jul 2023 (TISA230729), 31 Jul 2023 (TISA230731), 02 Aug 2023 (TISA230802), 05 Aug 2023 (TISA230805), 07 Aug 2023 (TISA230807), 09 Aug 2023 (TISA230809), 12 Aug 2023 (TISA230812), 14 Aug 2023 (TISA230814), 19 Aug 2023 (TISA230819), 21 Aug 2023 (TISA230821), 09 Sep 2023 (TISA230909), 11 Sep 2023 (TISA230911), 13 Sep 2023 (TISA230913), 16 Sep 2023 (TISA230916), 04 Oct 2023 (TISA231004), 07 Oct 2023 (TISA231007), 09 Oct 2023 (TISA231009), 11 Oct 2023 (TISA231011), 25 Dec 2023 (TISA231225)

    Puri Padi

    Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Padang Tegal, Ubud

    Ubud

    80571

    INDONESIA

    Phone: 0361 975010

    Alternate Joining point description

    A 10-minute walk from the famous Monkey Forest and central Ubud, great location right to the Yoga Barn, this Balinese-style hotel offers rooms with private balconies. Puri-Padi Hotel is surrounded by tropical grounds and an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. Ngurah Rai Airport is about 1,5 hours drive away.

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you have booked an airport transfer please proceed to the Golden Bird lounge, which is on the right side approximately 50 meters after you exit customs. Note that The Golden bird lounge is before the area where all the drivers are waiting. Please provide your name to the Golden Bird staff and they will then take you to your driver. If your flight has been cancelled and you are arriving on a different flight number than planned, please call Golden Bird on Phone number: + 62 361 701 621 / +62 361 701 111. If there is any complications please call intrepid’s 24 hour emergency number on +62 813 3715 5533 The transfer driver will wait up to 4 hours from when your plane has landed. If you are arriving into the domestic airport the Golden Bird Lounge is located around 50 meters after the conveyor belt (baggage claim) just before the exit gate. Alternatively, taxis are cheap, safe and reliable. As you exit from Immigration at Denpasar you will see a sign for public taxis. Expect to pay about IDR300,000. It takes up to one and a half hours to get to Ubud from the airport. Look for the Intrepid information board at reception for suggestions of what you can do while waiting for the trip to start. Check-in time is 2 pm.

    Finish point

    Bumi Ayu Bungalow

    Jalan Bumi Ayu no: 8X, Sanur

    Sanur

    Sanur

    INDONESIA

    Phone: +62 361289101

    Finish point instructions

    If you have pre-booked a departure transfer your transfer driver will meet you approximately 3 hours before your departure time. Please ask your leader to reconfirm your pick up time. Alternatively the hotel can help you book a taxi to the airport. Expect to pay about IDR150,000 (increased rates at night time) for the 20-30 minute journey to the airport.

    Important information

    1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip for every night.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MOTORBIKE BAG SNATCHING: Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities.

    BIKE HELMETS: Helmets are provided for all included cycling activities. If you prefer you can bring your own to ensure the right fit and quality.

    TERRORISM: Many governments advise to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali, Surabaya, Jakarta and Lombok, because of the high threat of terrorist attack. See travel advisories from your country of residence for further information. CIVIL UNREST AND POLITICAL TENSION: Political rallies, protests and demonstrations occur regularly and can turn violent with little notice. Avoid all public gatherings of this nature and follow the advice of local authorities. PETTY CRIME: A range of petty crime occurs in Indonesia, particularly in tourist areas of Bali. Theft, robbery and bag snatching are common. Be vigilant for thieves on motorbikes targeting pedestrians, in crowded and popular tourist areas. Be alert in bars and nightclubs where drink spiking with toxic substances can occur. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Indonesia. Monitor your transaction statements and tell your bank when you'll visit Indonesia so your cards won't be blocked. Only use ATMs within controlled and secure areas such as banks, shops and shopping centres. SCAMS: All types of gambling are illegal in Indonesia. Travellers have lost large sums of money in card game scams run by organised gambling gangs, particularly in Bali. TAXIS: Only use officially licensed taxi companies you can book by phone, from inside an airport or at stands at major hotels.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements INDONESIA: Passport holders for most nationalities are permitted to pay for Visa on Arrival and enter Bali. The Visa on Arrival will allow for stay up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Please check here for nationalities eligible for Visa on Arrival - https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/permohonan-visa-republik-indonesia-wisata-c316/ Visa on Arrival requirements: presentation of onward or return tickets, passport which is valid for at least 6 months; install the Peduli Lindungi mobile application; show proof of a full course of vaccination finished at least 2 weeks prior to arrival; Travel insurance that covers Covid-19 and its related expenses at USD 25,000 insurance coverage per person (booking on line through:https://www.jagawisata.com/COVID19/); download Pedelui Lindungi App and verify your vaccination certificate (take a copy of vaccination certificate just in case) Visa on Arrival cost IDR 500,000 per person and can be paid through credit or debit card or cash in currencies of USD, EUR, GBP and other currencies as per set exchange rate. Please consult with the closest embassy or consulate if your country is not on the Visa on Arrival list. PASSPORTS Local laws require that you must always carry identification. We recommend taking a clear photocopy of your passport photo page and photo of your visa (after arriving), to carry with you.

    Why we love it

    This trip will immerse you in Balinese culture; you'll eat street food, meet songket weavers, witness a traditional Kecak dance performance and visit a Hindu-Buddhist island temple.

    A guided hike to the summit of Mt Batur will provide you with dazzling sunrise vistas that stretch across the Lombok Strait, all the way over to the peaks of Mt Rinjani.

    The lovely, peaceful village of Sidemen is nestled in the lush Balinese hills. This is the perfect place to escape the tourists, and the heat!

    Ubud is the artistic and cultural heart of Bali, enjoy a guided walk through the lush green surrounds and gain an insight into daily village life.

    With hiking, cycling and snorkelling, this trip is steeped in outdoor activities. But there's also plenty of time to relax; bathe in hot springs or laze on the beach.

    Is this trip right for you

    A good level of fitness is essential, as there are a number of physical activities included (cycling from Ubud, walking up Mt Batur at sunrise and snorkelling in Bali Barat National Park). There is one very early start – your sunrise climb of Mt Batur kicks off at 3 am. This means you'll be walking over some gravel and volcanic rock in the dark. Head torches, warm clothing and good walking shoes are a must. The view at sunrise is well worth the effort, especially if the weather's fine! We visit villages and small towns on this trip, where life is more conservative than in the tourist areas. You will need to bring clothes that allow your shoulders and knees to be covered for both men & women. At some hot springs you will need to wear a t-shirt and shorts over your swimwear. Bali is blessed with a consistent climate for most of the year. However, the rainy season (usually October–March) brings frequent downpours. The good news is that these rainy bursts don't last long, and it is usually still warm. You may also want to check out our Bali & Lombok Adventue (TISBC) or our Java & Bali Explorer (TISJC) if you have longer time to explore in region.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION: Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in your home country are available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by a doctor. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you take and that it's for personal use only. MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES: Several mosquito-borne illnesses occur in Indonesia, including malaria, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. The risk of infection remains low. Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses by taking measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing. Speak to your doctor about prevention and vaccinations before you travel. RABIES: Rabies is a risk throughout Indonesia, especially in Bali. Avoid direct contact with dogs and other animals, including monkeys. Don't feed or pat them. This includes monkeys in popular markets, tourist destinations and sanctuaries where you may be encouraged to interact with them. If bitten or scratched, immediately use soap and water to wash the wound thoroughly. Seek urgent medical attention. Pre-exposure vaccine is available but receiving rabies vaccine prior to travel does not preclude the need for post-exposure medical evaluation and additional doses of rabies vaccine. There is a shortage of rabies vaccine in Indonesia and if you are bitten by an animal you should consider travelling to a 3rd country or your country of origin for treatment. POISONING FROM ALCOHOLIC DRINKS: There are known cases of poisoning from alcoholic drinks contaminated by harmful substances, most recently in Bali and Lombok. Drink only at reputable venues, avoid home-made alcohol and seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES: Do not consume any non-prescription drugs in Indonesia, including magic mushrooms. They are highly dangerous and illegal. Indonesia carries high penalties, including the death penalty.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. INDONESIAN FOOD: Here are 10 quintessential dishes you have to try while travelling in Indonesia: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-eat-in-indonesia/ VEGETARIANS & VEGANS: Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. Although there are many vegetarian options available, please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs. If you are travelling to Ubud, see our guide to vegan and vegetarian eats: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/vegan-vegetarian-guide-to-ubud/

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. Budget for meals not included: USD 200 The official currency of Indonesia is the rupiah (IDR). There are money exchanges and ATMs available at the airport and all major towns. ATMs are the easiest and safest way to access cash, although we also recommend that you bring and carry some cash in a major currency for when ATMs can not be accessed. USD notes older than 2000 series, as well as foreign currency notes that are old, torn, worn or damaged notes can't be changed in Indonesia. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your tour leader may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your tour leader distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader. Optional tipping kitty for this trip: IDR 320000 per person (about 21 USD) YOUR LEADER You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$3-6 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination), per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. EMERGENCY FUNDS: We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved. COMMISSIONS Unfortunately, commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or restaurants are an ingrained part of the tourism industry. Rather than turning a blind eye, we’ve tried to legitimise the practise with a centralised fund. Moneys are collected from recommended and fully vetted suppliers and funnelled back into our business. This keeps the trip cost low (for us and for you) and makes sure you only get the best experiences. If you’re unhappy with any places your leader recommends, or feel the quality of the trip is being compromised in any way, please let us know in your feedback.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. ESSENTIALS - Day pack: for carrying essentials when exploring destinations. - Lightweight clothing: A mixture of covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers (depending on the season) are recommended. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling. For visits to religious sites you will also need to wear clothing that covers shoulders and pants/skirts that go past the knee. Perhaps carry a scarf or sarong for these visits. Modest and covering clothing is also preferable when visiting areas outside major cities that are more conservative. - Walking shoes or hiking boots with a good grip: Closed-in shoes that are comfortable to walk for an entire day are recommended for Mt Batur climb, city and countryside walks, and are necessary for cycling activities - Sandals/flip flops - Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm - Insect repellent - Head torch (a head torch is best for when you are climbing to Mt Batur before sunrise) - Waterproof jacket (particularly if travelling from October until March) - Warm layers (While climbing to Mt Batur before sunrise temperatures can be very cold, so make sure you pack several layers that can be added/removed as you ascend/descend). - Swimming costume RECOMMENDED - Warm hat (for Mt Batur Climb) - Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as, mild pain killers, adhesive bandages and electrolytes. - Camera with spare batteries/charger/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items most days, however these are a good backup. - Electrical adapter plug - Hand sanitizer - Water bottle – some hotels may have filtered drinking water to refill your bottle. - Money belt or pouch - Water purification tablets - Waterproof bag cover or plastic bags OPTIONAL - A good book, a journal and music player - Playing cards - Travel washing line and Bio-degradable washing detergent MORE! If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    Climate and seasonal

    FLOODS & MUDSLIDES: Floods and mudslides can occur during the wet season (October - March). Heavy rains during this time can result in areas of the Jakarta region being affected by flood waters. Key services, such as emergency and medical care, telecommunications, transport, and the supply of food and water are often disrupted during floods and mudslides. Should our trips be affected by floods during this time we may need to reroute our itineraries and travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover additional costs. VOLCANOES: Indonesia has many active volcanoes that can erupt at any time and cause widespread disruption. Alert levels may be raised and evacuations ordered at short notice. Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. In the event of or following an eruption you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the volcanic activity. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts The most recent eruptions have been: - Mt Agung, East Bali. Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late-September 2017. Ash from the volcano has disrupted flights. There is currently an exclusion zone around the crater, which may change at short notice. - Mount Merapi (near Yogyakarta). Following an eruption in May 2018, people in the area were evacuated by local authorities. - Mount Rinjani, on Lombok (near Bali), has erupted numerous times in recent years causing flight disruptions in Bali and Lombok. EARTHQUAKES: Indonesia is in an active earthquake region with a high level of earthquake activity, sometimes triggering tsunamis. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of or following an earthquake you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the event. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts The most recent earthquakes have been: - Lombok & the Gili Islands. A series of powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage and loss of life in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands in July and August 2018. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants that temporarily closed as a result of the earthquakes are progressively reopening and ferry services are operating. NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY: Always celebrated on August 17, this is Indonesia's national day and marks Indonesia's declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945. Around this time you may experience some delays to transport due to events, or alternative accommodation may be need to be sourced due to it being a peak time. NYEPI - BALINESE NEW YEAR : Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali. Custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence and do not leave their homes. Flights to/from Denpasar airport will be suspended for this day and majority of services and businesses do not operate. It is expected that travellers will respect the traditions of the Balinese people during Nyepi and stay within their accommodation at this time. Dates for Nyepi may change, but are currently: 14th March 2021, 3rd March 2022 RAMADAN The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 22 March - 20 April 2023 and 10 March to 08 April 2024, and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Emergency contact

    For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. Intrepid's Indonesia Office: +628 22 3553 2507

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel LOCAL DRESS: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Indonesia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for all genders. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climates. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong. CIVET COFFEE/KOPI LUWAK: Civet coffee, or Kopi Luwak as it’s known in Indonesia, is made from coffee beans that have been partially digested and then excreted by small cat-like mammals called civets. High demand for this expensive drink, as well as the rising popularity of Kopi Luwak with international travellers has led to a proliferation of farms across Indonesia. Investigations by World Animal Protection reveal increasing animal cruelty to meet demands. Rather than sourcing beans from the wild, producers are capturing civets (highly active nocturnal animals) and keeping them caged in cramped, inhumane conditions on farms. Due to the numerous ethical questions surrounding this coffee's production, we strongly discourage our travellers from purchasing Kopi Luwak. If you’d like to know more, visit https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/news/civet-coffee-cruelty-cup

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Transport notes

    LONG TRAVEL DAYS There are some long travel days and some of the transport can be quite cramped and without air-conditioning. TRANSPORT IN BALI: In Bali we travel by private minivan in order to access more remote areas such as Bedugul, and for safety on the busy and narrow Balinese roads. Depending on the size of your group you may be split over multiple vans and your leader will alternate between the vehicles throughout the journey.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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