The backbone of the trip
Six things worth doing
These are the moments the route is built around. Everything else is optional.
Ubud · About three hours
Make your own silver jewelry
If it appeals, book a day at a silver jewelry workshop: in a few hours, guided by a local silversmith, you design and make your own piece. It is ideal as a couple — for example, making a silver ring with your own hands for your partner.
Ubud is the place to do it — Celuk, the village of silversmiths, is close by. Studio Perakin central Ubud runs small classes with a Balinese artisan, where you hammer, shape and solder your own design. A well-regarded local silversmith works just as well — sometimes better.
West Bali National Park
Snorkel and dive Menjangan
Coral walls among the best in Bali, clear water, and almost nobody else in it.
- Time
- A full day, out by boat
- For
- Swimmers, divers, anyone who wants a reef without a crowd
Ubud
Make your own silver jewelry
You leave with a piece you made yourself, under the eye of a local silversmith.
- Time
- About three hours
- For
- Couples, and anyone who likes to make things
East Bali, near Candidasa
A full day at Virgin Beach
White sand, clear water, and a lounger that costs nothing if you eat at the warung behind it.
- Time
- From 10 am until the sun leaves, around 4 pm
- For
- Slow beach days
East Bali, from Candidasa
Tirta Gangga at first light
The royal water palace before the tour groups — stepping stones, koi and still pools to yourself.
- Time
- A morning
- For
- Early risers, photographers
Ubud Palace
Kecak fire dance in Ubud
The most spectacular way into Balinese dance, in front of the palace gates.
- Time
- An evening
- For
- A first night of Balinese performance
Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest
Busy, yes — but macaques in a jungle temple is still one of Bali's defining sights.
- Time
- One to two hours
- For
- Anyone who is not afraid of monkeys