Essential Bali & Gili Islands
from $1128
Duration: 10 Days
From the patchouli-infused spiritual digs of Ubud and Seminyak’s beach clubs to traipsing up a volcano in Mt Batur and island life on Gili Trawangan, see the best bits of Bali by bus, boat, bike and, errr, foot. Cycle through rice paddies, snorkel over reefs, snap a few sunsets, hike some mountains then throw down some beers.
  • Float in the ocean, bake on the beach, and conquer a volcano: the island landscapes of Bali and Gili T are epic.
  • Your leader will reveal the best of Gili Trawangan on a bike tour of the island, giving you insider info on the best nightlife and snorkeling spots.
  • There's nothing like waking up at 3 am to climb a mountain, eh? Watching the sunrise from Mt Batur is worth every minute of sleep you lose.
  • Let a local show you their favourite dishes, from nasi campur to all kinds of other delicacies during a street food tasting in Seminyak. We know you didn’t come all the way to Bali to eat spaghetti.
  • Make like a sponge and soak up every drop of Ubud's relaxed atmosphere. A walk among the bright green rice fields is as Bali as it gets.
  • Ubud - Tirta Empul Water Temple
  • Tegalalang - Rice Terraces
  • Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb
  • Gili Trawangan - Leader-Led Orientation Cycling Trip
  • Gili Trawangan – Bike Hire (3 Days)
  • Seminyak – Street Food Tasting
  • Seminyak - Beach Club Visit
  • Day 1 Location: Ubud
    Salamat Datang! Welcome to Bali. Our adventure will begin in the rice paddy lined oasis of Ubud, in the mountains of Bali. You're free to arrive whenever you like today as there's nothing planned until your meeting this evening at 6 pm. If you do arrive early, feel free to stroll around town, soak up the vibe and prepare yourself to go full Eat Pray Love – there’s a reason Bali is such a popular destination. After the meeting, go out for an optional group dinner or find a feed on your own accord.
    Day 2 Location: Ubud
    Today is free to explore the temples, wander through the rice paddy fields or visit the famous art and craft markets in the centre of town. Maybe use your free time to join in some optional activities like a cycling tour, white-water rafting or a cooking class, just keep in mind these things cost extra. If you'd prefer to freewheel it, then just hire a bike and ride around Ubud's lush countryside. Our top tip? Try the Balinese specialty – Babi Guling, the Indonesian version of roast pork. There’s a warung in town that’s said to whip up some of the best, Ibu Oka. Ask your group leader for directions and recommendations before you head out. The evening is yours to do as you'd please.
    Day 3 Location: Mt Batur
    Depart Ubud for Batur this morning, visiting the Tirta Empul Water Temple en route. Tirta Empul, translating as holy water spring, was built in the 10th century as a place of ritual purification for Balinese Hindus and is still very much in use. This is the real deal, and you’ll see the local Balinese come here to bathe in the pools and purify themselves under the waterspouts. Next, head to the stunning rice terraces at Tegalalang to take a stroll. It’s a great place to take that perfect photo of beautiful Bali. Continue to Batur and aim for an early night, as tomorrow is jam-packed.
    Day 4 Location: Candidasa
    Rise and shine early birds (3 am!), it's time for a good ol' fashioned crater hike. On your included walk, you'll be just in time to witness the sunrise over the valleys of Bali. At 1717 metres high, Mt Batur sits inside a spectacular caldera along with Lake Batur, which is an awesome sight to see. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. It's important to note that this climb takes around 1.5—2 hours, and since it's all uphill so a decent level of fitness is required to enjoy it. On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Mt Rinjani. After descending the volcano, there may be an option to soak in hot springs with great views over the lake and caldera, time depending. Later in the afternoon, head southwest to beachside Candidasa. You're gonna love having a free evening after today's climb to chill out by the beach.
    Day 5 Location: Gili Trawangan
    Drive to Padangbai this morning and jump on a speedboat to Gili Trawangan at approximately 9 am. Gili Trawangan, or Gili T as it's referred to, is essentially the Goldilocks of the three Gili islands, striking the perfect balance between Gili Air's hippie vibe and Gili Meno’s low-key honeymoon atmosphere. Check in to your resort, then begin exploring on two wheels during a cycling orientation tour with your leader. Get insider island info on the best places to watch the sunset and best beaches to soak up the salt air from. Luckily for you, you’ll get access to use the resorts bicycles for the duration of your stay here so getting from A to B will be a peddle-powered breeze. After your cycling tour, spend the rest of the night however you like, just remember that bare feet are the basis of the dress code here.
    Day 6 Location: Gili Trawangan
    Enjoy a free day on Gili Trawangan to do, well, absolutely nothing. If that’s what you want. Otherwise, why not spend a little dosh on an optional cooking or yoga class, or go snorkelling in the unbelievably clear waters. You could even head out on a motorised wooden boat around the Gili Islands, jumping straight off the boat and coming face-to-face with marine life including colourful fish, coral reefs and, of course, sea turtles. The Gili Islands are a famous snorkelling destination and probably the best spot in South East Asia, so if we have one piece of advice it’s this: get wet.
    Day 7 Location: Gili Trawangan
    Just another day in paradise and it’s your choice how you’ll spend it. Perhaps jump on another boat for more snorkelling, or maybe take it super easy and post up on the beach with a book, a coconut or a cocktail. Remember the ABCs of Gili T – always be coconutting. You could also grab a bike and go for another ride. All three of the Gili Islands are tiny, but it’ll still sound pretty hardcore when you tell your friends back home you circumnavigated an island.
    Day 8 Location: Seminyak
    Have a leisurely breakfast and one last swim on Gili T before walking back to the port (approximately 1.8 kms) and taking a speedboat to Padangbai in Bali, arriving mid afternoon. From here, drive to upmarket Seminyak where the sunsets are legendary, the beaches are plentiful, the nightlife is lively and there are more spas, bars, massages and treatments than you can poke a stick at. On arrival, step out with your leader on an included food tasting. Your leader knows all the best dishes, so unbuckle your belt and try some nasi campur (a mixed plate of rice, veges and meats) and other local street foods. Continue to a beach club where you can beat the heat with an included drink.
    Day 9 Location: Seminyak
    Give today a real Semin-crack with a range of optional activities to get involved in. Remember, these may incur an extra cost. Maybe you'll be keen to café hop (the colourful cafes in Seminyak are endless), laze by the beach or get active and take a surf lesson. Whatever your decision, you can’t hit Seminyak without soaking up the sun at another beach club in the afternoon. Ever heard of Potato Head? Cocoon? Ku de Ta? Sit back, listen to the tunes, splash around in the pool and watch the sunset go down with a cocktail or coconut in hand. Toast to the final full day of the trip with your newfound travel companions and dance the night away.
    Day 10 Location: Seminyak
    Your Bali adventure comes to an end today, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to Eat, Pray, Love, Swim, Snorkel, Sleep and Tan in the future, be it in Bali or back home.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    22JUL2023
    Return Date:
    31JUL2023
    1670NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05AUG2023
    Return Date:
    14AUG2023
    1640NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19AUG2023
    Return Date:
    28AUG2023
    1505NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02SEP2023
    Return Date:
    11SEP2023
    1570NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04NOV2023
    Return Date:
    13NOV2023
    1570NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    18NOV2023
    Return Date:
    27NOV2023
    1570NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    16DEC2023
    Return Date:
    25DEC2023
    1570NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    23DEC2023
    Return Date:
    01JAN2024
    1505NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06JAN2024
    Return Date:
    15JAN2024
    1655NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03FEB2024
    Return Date:
    12FEB2024
    1535NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Essential Bali & Gili Islands

    Trip code

    TIYB

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    From the patchouli-infused spiritual digs of Ubud and Seminyak’s beach clubs to traipsing up a volcano in Mt Batur and island life on Gili Trawangan, see the best bits of Bali by bus, boat, bike and, errr, foot. Cycle through rice paddies, snorkel over reefs, snap a few sunsets, hike some mountains then throw down some beers.

    Style

    Basix

    Themes

    18 to 29s

    Transport

    Boat,Private Minibus

    Physical Rating

    2

    Joining point

    The Evitel Resort Ubud

    Jl. Monkey Forest, Br. Padangtegal Gianyar - Ubud, Bali. Indonesia

    Ubud

    80571

    INDONESIA

    Phone: 0361 9080168

    Joining point description

    The Evitel Resort Ubud is centred around lush rice fields, featuring an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, laundry services and an onsite restaurant. The comfortable rooms are filled with natural light and feature air conditioning, a balcony and a en suite bathroom with a shower, slippers and free toiletries. Ubud Monkey Forest is only a 5-minute walk from The Evitel Resort Ubud, while Ubud Market is about 15-minute walk from the property.

    Joining point instructions

    An arrival transfer from the airport is available if purchased at the time of booking. 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. If you are arriving on an international flight, turn left after the exit gate and the Golden Bird Lounge will be on the right side (around 50 meters from exit gate). Please provide your name to the Golden Bird staff and they will then take you to your driver. The transfer driver will wait up to 4 hours from when your plane has landed. If your flight has been cancelled and you are arriving on a different flight number than planned, please call Golden Bird to advise on: + 62 361 701 621/+62 361 701 111. If there are any complications please call Intrepid’s 24 hour emergency number on +62 822 3553 2507 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 you will see a sign for public taxis. At this booth you buy a coupon which is given to your driver. There is no bargaining - the system is straightforward. Expect to pay about IDR550,000. It takes up to one and a half hours to get to Ubud from the airport.

    Finish point

    Liberta Hotel Seminyak

    Jalan Petitenget No.2 Seminyak, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

    Seminyak

    80361

    INDONESIA

    Phone: 62 3614741100

    Finish point description

    Located just a 5-minute drive from the famed Potato Head Beach Club and Petitenget Beach, Liberta Seminyak Hotel offers modern accommodation with an outdoor pool and free WiFi access in all areas of the property. Each air-conditioned room at Liberta Seminyak Hotel is fitted with flat-screen cable TV, a fridge and personal safe as well. There is also an en suite bathroom featuring hot and cold shower facility complete with slippers and hairdryer. At this hotel guests will find 24-hour front desk with concierge service, luggage storage, and currency exchange service. Other facilities like laundry, is available at an additional fee. As for dining option, the Second Street Cafe and Coffee Restaurant serve an array of Asian dishes.

    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 is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 & Day 4 (Batur & Candidasa) where there is no availability.Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. Please be advised that you’ll be required to take a test (RAT or PCR) depending on the number of your vaccination doses before taking the ferry between Bali and Gili (no test required if you’ve received 3 doses that’s shown on your vaccination certificate). This is enacted starting from 17 Jul. Please find more details about this regulation at https://www.indonesia.travel/th/en/news/here-are-the-newest-regulations-regarding-domestic-travel-in-indonesia. The cost of the test will range from about 5 USD for a RAT test to about 20 USD for a PCR test. Your tour leader will help you organize the necessary test depending on your vaccination status.

    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.

    WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

    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

    Float in the ocean, bake on the beach, and conquer a volcano: the island landscapes of Bali and Gili T are epic.

    Your leader will reveal the best of Gili Trawangan on a bike tour of the island, giving you insider info on the best nightlife and snorkeling spots.

    There's nothing like waking up at 3 am to climb a mountain, eh? Watching the sunrise from Mt Batur is worth every minute of sleep you lose.

    Let a local show you their favourite dishes, from nasi campur to all kinds of other delicacies during a street food tasting in Seminyak. We know you didn’t come all the way to Bali to eat spaghetti.

    Make like a sponge and soak up every drop of Ubud's relaxed atmosphere. A walk among the bright green rice fields is as Bali as it gets.

    Is this trip right for you

    Part of what makes this part of the world so appealing is the warm weather, so it probably won’t come as a surprise that Bali can be extremely hot and humid. It’s also important to note that the temperature can drop in the evening. Layers are the best way to tackle this disparity in weather. Climbing Mt Batur on Day 4 to watch the sunrise from the top of the volcano is one of the highlights of this trip, just be aware this will involve starting the hike at 3 am. The climb takes around 2 hours and requires a good level of fitness. This trip affords lots of free time so that you're able to experience Bali the way you imagined. If you're in need of activity options, your leader will be on hand to help. This is a trip designed for travellers aged 18 to 29; full of fun, flexibility and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.

    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. 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 200000 per person (about 13 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. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. 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. It will also be easier for jumping on and off small boats. 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 in Lombok, which is more conservative in general than neighbouring Bali. - Walking shoes or hiking boots with a good grip: Closed-in shoes that are comfortable to walk for an entire day are recommended for city and countryside walks, and are necessary for optional cycling activities - Sandals/flip flops/shoes that can get wet: For the waterfall walk in Senaru you will walk through a shallow river. Sandals with straps or shoes which are not likely to fall off are preferable - Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm - Insect repellent - Waterproof jacket (particularly if travelling from October until March) - Warm layers (it can get cooler in Tetebatu and Senaru due to the elevation). - Swimming costume RECOMMENDED - Headtorch/hand held torch/flashlight: many areas we visit have minimal street lighting at night - 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 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.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency 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. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: 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/ This trip directly supports the Coral Triangle Center Foundation, who are on a mission to restore coastal and marine ecosystems in Indonesia through training and education. Over the last several years, coral reefs along the northern coast of Nusa Penida have suffered from widespread mortality due to irresponsible marine tourism, disease, coral bleaching, tropical storms and water pollution. Donations further expand the Coral Triangle Centre Foundation’s coral restoration project in Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area and supports their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/coral-triangle-center

    Transport notes

    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. On Gili Trawangan there is no motorised transport, only Cidemo’s (horse drawn carts). Your luggage will be transported by Cidemo between the port and our accommodation. BOATS between Bali & Lombok Please note that from time to time due to strong winds the fast boat services might be cancelled between Bali and Lombok – in this case we will take a larger slow ferry. The ferry can take upto 8 hours and will arrive in Lembar on Lombok mainland we will then drive a further 2 hours across Lombok mainland to Teluk Kode to take a boat to Gili Trawangan (20mins). Note if the fast boats are cancelled on the day we are due to travel back to Bali we will also need to take the Slow ferry service

    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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