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Bali Immersion

From remote village life to idyllic secret beaches; ancient water temples to lush jungle; step off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the magic of Bali’s true, untouched identity

What's included

  • Minibus & speedboat
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
  • All activities mentioned on the itinerary
  • Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
  • Accommodation in twin rooms
  • Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
  • Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Volcanoes, water temples, lush jungle and secret beaches…Bali really is as magical as it sounds. On this adventure, we’re slowing the pace (just a little) and taking it all in… 

But what does ‘slowing the pace’ look like with Flash Pack? Over nine days you’ll become immersed in a village community. You’ll experience water purification ceremonies and take a speedboat to an untouched tropical island where secret beaches and hidden temples abound.

You’ll spend the morning with a farmer learning to plant rice the traditional way (barefoot in the mud) and cook up a Balinese feast that starts in the organic garden. Along the way there’ll be coffee and coconut oil workshops, water temple visits and blissful Balinese massages whilst new friendships cement on one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

Ready to take a breath, and go?

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A traditional Balinese welcome
  • Touch down in the capital, Denpasar, where a private Flash Pack transfer will whisk you your boutique resort in Ubud, Bali’s artistic and spiritual heart
  • Break the ice with your fellow travellers over welcome drinks and a traditional Indonesian dinner – your first taste of the Islands of the Gods
Rice paddies & coffee skills
  • Fuel up for this morning’s hike along the scenic Campuhan Ridge; enjoy lunch at a rural restaurant surrounded by lush green rice paddies
  • Take a guided tour of Ubud, with its abundance of temples, museums and galleries; admire the water lily ponds and beautiful architecture of the 19th-century royal palace
  • Visit a coffee studio for an interactive workshop where you’ll perfect the art of roasting, cupping, brewing and tasting the perfect golden espresso – an essential Balinese skill
Ancient water rituals
  • Cleanse your body and soul with a private water purification ritual dating back 5000 years; bow your head before each spring to be freed of negative energy
  • Travel off the beaten path to Manggis, a unique area known as ‘old Bali’ for its traditional way of life; spend the next few days visiting a self-sustaining eco-farm
Eco-living & rice planting
  • Learn how organic farming practices go hand in hand with Hindu beliefs of being kind to nature; find yourself ankle deep in mud planting rice seeds by hand and harvesting crops
  • Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in the farmer’s home, before an afternoon at leisure back at your ocean-side hotel, perhaps indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment
Balinese cooking
  • Meet the women’s farmer group for a Balinese cooking class; learn how to harvest the fresh vegetable and herbs before creating a fragrant three-course feast
  • Get hands-on this afternoon making coconut oil from scratch – a surprisingly easy process – and create some samples to bring home
Temples & golden sand
  • Journey to the east coast, rising early to beat the crowds at Pura Lempuyang Temple – one of the holiest sites on the island
  • Take a short drive to the vast water palace of Tirta Gangga, where you can hop across stepping stones of the koi-filled ponds dotted with mythical sculptures
  • Arrive at your stylish hotel on the white-sand beach of Sanur, an upscale area that strikes the perfect balance between laidback and lively
Off-shore adventure
  • Whizz across the azure water in a speedboat to Nusa Penida, an untouched tropical island, where lunch awaits at Atuh Beach, a serene bay of spotless white sand
  • Visit the local villages to try your hand at seaweed harvesting and meet a batik artist who will show you how he uses hot wax and dyes in his vibrant artistic creations
Beachside living
  • Spend your last day doing exactly as you please; there’s only one pressing engagement today: a blissful Balinese massage
  • Gather with your group for a final farewell dinner, dining with your toes in the sand in a chilled beach cafe and raising a toast with the new friends you’ve made
Until next time, Bali
  • Say goodbye to your fellow Flashpackers as you make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

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Kajane Mua Resort, Ubud

Set on a former rice field, this rustic-chic resort is a sanctuary in central Ubud. In keeping with the tropical landscape, the lush gardens and terraces are dotted with Balinese-style pagoda buildings and elegant grass-roofed villas. Don’t miss a dip in the infinity pool, complete with swim-up bar, or booking in for a treatment at the onsite spa. 

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Alila Manggis

Nestled in a coconut grove, against a backdrop of Mount Agung, these two-storey thatched Balinese pavilions have superb views across the straits to Nusa Penida. Spend your days immersed in local village life, with plenty of time for indulgent massages and basking in the warm sea breeze by the ocean-side infinity pool.

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Segara Village, Sanur

Modelled on a traditional Balinese village, the sunset views at this lively resort will fulfil all your beach-break fantasies. Winding pathways lead through spacious gardens to 3 pools (complete with sunken hot tub bar), an attractive spa, buzzing restaurant and gorgeous white-sand beach – one of Sanur’s best.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar.

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Ideally, book a flight that arrives before 2 pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be at 5 pm starting at your hotel in Ubud, which is located approximately 1 hour 45 minutes away from the airport. It takes about an hour to pass through immigration and collect your luggage.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

Check-out time is 12 pm but you can leave anytime that suits you. The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from your final hotel, and your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

Arrival transfers are included, but not departure transfers. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

For your departure, we’ll be happy to offer you support with finding a local taxi, which costs £8-15.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

  • Pack Leader: 3-4 USD per day
  • Drivers: 2 USD per day
  • Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

Approximately 300,000 – 400,000 IDR, the equivalent of 20 GBP per day. Restaurant meals typically cost around 5-8 GBP (including service charge), so you’ll need to factor this in for days when lunch and dinner is not included. You will need more spending money if you’re into shopping.

 

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

Do I have to pay tourist tax?

From February 2024, a new tourism fee of 150,000 rupiah (approximately 10 USD) will apply to all foreign tourists. This will go towards protecting local culture and nature and ensuring a sustainable future.

The easiest way to pay is through the Love Bali website before departure to Bali https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/gov_notice. You can pay by bank transfer, virtual account or QRIS.

If you’re unable to make payments through the Love Bali system, there are Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) counters available at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and Benoa Harbour. Payment methods include debit/credit cards or Electronic Data Capture (EDC).

Make sure you keep your proof of payment receipt as this will be checked at the travel document inspection stage on arrival.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

3. Government travel advice

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Is the water safe to drink?

We don’t advise drinking tap water in Bali, however most hotels have a water fountain or cooler where you can re-fill your water bottle.

We also suggest avoiding swimming pools if you have open wounds that could become infected.

What level of fitness do I need?

Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed but a moderate level of fitness is needed for the Campuhan Ridge walk on Day 2. This is a one-way hike lasting approximately 1.5 to two hours, depending on the group. There is a section that involves navigating a narrow pathway between a river and bushes that may be considered challenging, however most of the route is flat with well-paved surfaces. Comfortable trainers or walking shoes are advised.

On Day 7, there there are 165 steep steps to access Atuh Beach. It is only a 10- to 15-minute walk, but due to the steepness of the stairs, this can be challenging – especially on the way back up.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

 

What are the drive times like?

The total drive time for this trip is 14 hours, with the longest single drive on Day 3 (4 hours 30 minutes).

Can I join in with the water purification ceremony and Lempuyang temple visit if I'm menstruating?

If you are menstruating when these activities take place, you are asked to excuse yourself from the water purification ceremony out of respect for Hindu religious beliefs.

Lempuyang temple is divided into three different religious areas – “mandalas” – with each one increasing in sacredness, from the outside in. Visitors who are menstruating are asked to remain in the outer Nista Mandala. From here, there is still an opportunity to have a photo at the “Gate of Heaven” as this is located on the border with the middle mandala.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.

This adventure is part of Flash Pack's 'Balanced' range. So how does it differ?

Think classic Flash Pack – but at a more relaxed pace and with a more affordable price tag. Here’s what to expect from each trip style, in a nutshell:

Classic: Active and fast-paced with internal flights, excursions and most meals included.

Balanced: More affordable, slower-paced itineraries with added free time, minimal physical challenge and no internal flights. There’ll be fewer excursions and meals out, but no compromise on quality.

No matter the style, our adventures are always friendship-focussed, full of immersive activities, led by the world’s best local guides and guarantee handpicked three-to-four-star accommodation.

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