Find inspiration for your next journey! Request a Free Catalog and Join our Newsletter.
Request a Free Catalog and Join our Newsletter.

Bali Uncovered: A Tailor-Made Journey

14 days from $4,650

Immerse yourself in the many layers of Bali on a thoughtfully paced journey that blends culture, nature, and quiet indulgence. From coastal temples and emerald rice terraces to misty highlands and serene beaches, this itinerary reveals the island’s extraordinary diversity. Explore remote national parks and vibrant coral reefs, cycle through UNESCO‑listed landscapes, and connect with Bali’s spiritual heart through temple visits and traditional cuisine. Balanced with generous leisure time and distinctive accommodations, this journey offers a deeper, more intimate experience of Bali—one shaped by natural beauty, living traditions, and a sense of calm that lingers long after you depart.

Tailor-Made Journeys
Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

or call 855-215-8690

Highlights

  • Discover Bali’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage in the artistic heart of Ubud.
  • Cycle through lush, UNESCO‑listed rice terraces on a guided electric bike ride.
  • Snorkel the crystal‑clear waters around Menjangan Island, home to vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
  • Experience the dramatic highland scenery of Munduk on an adventurous off‑road buggy excursion.
  • Unwind in the laid‑back coastal town of Candidasa, known for its unspoiled landscapes and golden‑sand beaches.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — Kerambitan

Arrive at Denpasar Airport, where you are warmly welcomed by your private guide and begin the scenic drive toward the tranquil village of Kerambitan. En route, stop at the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Indian Ocean. Arrive at your hotel and settle in, surrounded by rice fields and the gentle rhythms of rural Bali.

Day 2 — Kerambitan

Enjoy a full day at leisure to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of Nirjhara. Begin the morning with a guided yoga session overlooking the landscape, or set out on a gentle bike ride through nearby rice paddies and village paths. Indulge in a spa treatment inspired by traditional Balinese wellness practices, or take part in a hands‑on cooking class that introduces the flavors and techniques of local cuisine.  (B)

Day 3 — Bali Barat National Park

Travel northwest toward Bali Barat National Park, stopping along the way to experience some of Bali’s lesser‑visited coastal and cultural highlights. Visit Rambut Siwi Temple, dramatically set above the sea, stroll along the black‑sand shores of Perancak Beach, and explore Palasari, a unique Catholic village with striking architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to your hotel in Bali’s remote northwest corner. (B,L)

Day 4 — Bali Barat National Park

Today is devoted to exploring the remarkable diversity of Bali Barat National Park, home to deer, monkeys, and the endangered Bali starling. Combine a guided trek through the park’s forests with a snorkeling excursion around Menjangan Island, widely regarded as one of Bali’s finest snorkeling and diving destinations. Beneath the clear waters, discover vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life. (B)

Day 5 — Bali Barat National Park

Spend the day at leisure, with time to further explore the national park or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful setting. Optional guided walks, bird‑watching, or additional snorkeling experiences can be arranged, or take the day to unwind amid nature.(B)

Day 6 — Munduk

Depart the coast and journey inland to the cool, misty highlands of Munduk, a hidden gem nestled among forests, coffee plantations, and waterfalls. Known for its sweeping views and tranquil atmosphere, Munduk offers a refreshing contrast to Bali’s coastal regions. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the crisp mountain air.(B)

Day 7 — Munduk

Adventurous travelers may choose an off‑road dirt buggy experience today, a thrilling way to explore the surrounding countryside. The excursion includes a paddle in a traditional wooden canoe, a walk through pristine rainforest, and insights into the region’s coffee production. For those preferring a gentler pace, alternative guided walks and scenic excursions are also available.(B)

Day 8 — Ubud

Travel east toward Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, where you’ll spend the next three nights. Along the way, enjoy an electric bike ride through the UNESCO‑listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, cycling along quiet roads, dirt paths, and lush paddies that showcase Bali’s celebrated subak irrigation system. Arrive in Ubud and settle in for an evening at leisure.(B)

Day 9 — Ubud

Bali is often called the “Island of a Thousand Temples,” and today you’ll explore three carefully selected temples, each revealing a different facet of Balinese spirituality and history. In the late afternoon, turn your attention to cuisine with a PAON Bali cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques.(B)

Day 10 — Ubud

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Ubud. Browse art galleries and craft markets, relax at a café overlooking the rice fields, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance of your hotel. Optional wellness treatments or guided excursions may be arranged.(B)

Day 11 — Candidasa

This morning, your guide escorts you east to Candidasa, a relaxed coastal town on Bali’s eastern shore. Known for its laid‑back charm and ocean views, Candidasa offers a quieter side of the island, ideal for slowing the pace after days of exploration.(B)

Day 12 — Candidasa / Sidemen Valley

Travel inland to the scenic Sidemen Valley, where small farming villages are scattered among rice terraces and lush hillsides. Follow local trails on a guided morning walk, gaining insight into traditional agricultural life and enjoying sweeping views of Mount Agung in the distance. Return to Candidasa in the afternoon.(B)

Day 13 — Candidasa

Spend your final full day in Bali at leisure. Relax by the sea, explore nearby beaches, or simply take in the serene atmosphere of this coastal retreat, framed by green hills and the deep blue of the ocean.(B)

Day 14 — Return Home

Enjoy most of the day at leisure before your transfer back to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your immersive journey through Bali to a close.(B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

Starting Price

Dates

Availability

Price

Choose the dates that work for you
Available
from $4,650

Occupancy Double
Estimated Price $4,650

Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, and do not include international air. Reduced pricing may be available for triple or quad accommodations, or for parties of six or more travelers.

Starting price reflects the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Nirjhara
Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Surrounded by palm trees and Bali's natural beauty, Nirjhara is a luxurious retreat for visitors looking to unwind away from it all during their stay on the island. A five-minute drive is all that separates you from the beach, but you may wish to remain in the sumptuous accommodations.

Our rating: First Class

The Menjangan
West Bali National Park, Indonesia

The Menjangan is spread over four locations within Bali Barat and is ideal for those looking for luxury in an idyllic, natural setting.

Our Rating: Medium

Munduk Moding Plantation
Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia

Munduk Moding Plantation is a simple boutique hotel and spa found on a working plantation that has one of the most picturesque locations in central Bali. The surrounding hillsides are covered with jungle, coffee trees, rice fields, and pretty much anything that grows on the island. With just a handful of villas and suites (currently four villas and six suites but with plans for more) on some five hectares of land this is a very different type of property to those normally found in Bali where land is at a premium and space is a real luxury that is often not available.

Our rating: Medium

Hotel Tjampuhan
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa has been a legendary hotel in Ubud since 1928. As a royal guesthouse, it inspired numerous foreign artists, including German painter Walter Spies. This Bali hotel also provided a tranquil environment for visiting celebrities long before the days of tourism.

Today, this legendary hotel in Ubud encompasses a collection of traditionally styled bungalows, guestrooms and the original home of Walter Spies in a timeless landscape of natural beauty. Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa is a tribute to Ubud’s artistic heritage and the spirit of Balinese hospitality.

Our Rating: Medium

Candi Beach Resort & Spa
Candidasa, Bali, Indonesia

The Candi Beach Resort & Spa is a charming resort located on the outskirts of Candidasa, by Mendria Beach. Its expansive ground offer a tranquil place to stay and relax in while exploring the attractions of easten Bali.

Our Rating: First Class

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

  • An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
  • Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. 
  • Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
  • Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
  • 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
  • Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  • A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
  • Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members. 

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.