Asia & the Pacific / Indonesia
Bali and Lombok Multisport Tour
Inn and Camping Hiking, Biking, Swimming and Snorkeling Adventure in Paradise
Bali is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and very friendly people. Lombok is noticeably different than its neighbor--mountainous and lush on the north side and arid savanna on the south.
Days 1-3: Arrival in Bali-Ubud
We're met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Ubud. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali--scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples and palaces. Our first full day is dedicated to sightseeing and cultural encounters. We begin with a stop at the Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, home to 340 long-tailed macaques, followed by a visit to Goa Gajah, popularly known as the Elephant Cave. There is time for a chat with painters, woodcarvers and silversmiths practicing their crafts and to see a few of the area's magnificent temples. We switch to pedal power the following day for a ride through the beautiful countryside, gliding down narrow paths through rice fields and villages filled with children.
Days 4-6: Padangbai-Gili Trawangan
A picturesque drive today brings us to the small town of Candidasa. We stop en route at Kertha Gosa, the former Royal Courts of Justice, and at the water palace of Puri Agung, built in the 19th Century with a combination of Balinese, Chinese and European architectures. Other stops include the Tiratangga Water Palace, a lovely maze of pools and fountains surrounded by a lush garden and stone carvings, and the traditional Bali Aga (Bali's original inhabitants) village of Tenganan. A speed boat delivers us to the magical island of Gili Trawangan where we're free to relax on the beach and swim and snorkel amongst the coral reefs with many varieties of tropical fish. A snorkeling excursion from a glass-bottomed boat around the three Gili Islands takes us in search of giant sea turtles and schools of Indo-Pacific reef fish.
Days 7-10: Lombok-Senaru-Trek on Mt. Rinjani
A short boat ride brings us to mainland Lombok for a spectacular drive Senaru where we take a beautiful walk to Sindang Gila waterfall. We begin our three-day, porter-supported trek on the slopes of Mt. Rinjani, Indonesia's second highest volcano, through thick tropical forests rich in flora, bird life and butterflies. We cross grassy meadows to reach the crater rim from which we have sweeping views across to Bali and down to Segara Anak Lake with the island of Mt. Baru emerging from its waters. The trek proceeds down the trail to our campsite by the lake, where we swim and and relax in the nearby hot springs. We climb steeply back to the rim the following afternoon with hopes of catching a breathtaking sunset from our campsite. A 3:00 a.m. start is necessary for the final push to the summit of Rinjani. Once there we enjoy the euphoria of our successful ascent and an amazing sunrise before descending to the rim camp for a well-deserved breakfast. We continue the long descent to the Information Center where we're picked up and taken to our hotel to celebrate our accomplishment with a tropical drink.
Days 11-12: Flight to Bali-Departure
A short flight takes us back to Bali and to the cozy coastal town of Sanur, Bali's oldest upscale resort area, with time for some last-minute shopping. We transfer to the airport in Denpasar on the final day to connect with flights home.