Off the Beaten Track: Bali's Hidden Gems
Experience the shores, lakes and culture of Bali in this expertly crafted and effortless itinerary
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
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Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
Get off the grid and under the skin of rural Bali. The north and east coasts of this beautiful island are still flying under the radar of most travellers and are perfect for those looking for a true escape without compromising on luxury.
We’ve designed this trip around some sailing time in Manggis with an itinerary that also includes some fishing and snorkelling, and a few nights in Munduk. Trek through the forests to discover spectacular waterfalls, look out for dolphins in the Bali Sea and exploring the quiet temples and villages that remain largely untouched by tourism. Then duck down into an underwater wonderland off the coast of Pulau Menjangan, and explore the lush countryside on horseback.
Example trip itinerary
Manggis
Transfer
VIP meet and greet at Denpasar Airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Manggis
Accommodation in Manggis
Manggis
Overview
The Alila Manggis is a shining example of modern architecture blended with traditional Indonesian influences. Set to the magnificent backdrop of Mount Agung the hotel comprises of four cool stone buildings with low thatched roofs, each room presents a view of either the sea or the resort’s huge central pool.
The resort’s restaurant, Seasalt, takes its name and design from the nearby Goa Lawah salt pans and true to style, serves a contemporary menu peppered with Balinese favourites. Choose to eat in house and sample their signature meal, the traditional Balinese ‘Megibung’. For this intimate experience, share platters of excellent food served on wide banana leaves and traditionally eat with your hands for an authentic Indonesian experience.
→ Find out moreManggis
Overview
A property whose infinity pools and collection of exquisite freestanding suites seem to cascade down these green cliffs to a private beachfront, also benefit from glorious views over the Lombok Strait.
With a backdrop of Mount Agung to boot, Amankila is one of Bali’s finest resorts combining exotic and understated Balinese elegance with flawless service. All connected by raised walkways, take a dip in the three-tiered infinity pool or head down to the Beach Club and make the most of the private beach. Outside the secluded grounds explore the royal palaces of old Bali, Klungkung and Karangasem, walk through the traditional villages of East Bali or the ancient religious community of Tenganan and visit some of the island’s most important temples, Luhur Lempuyang and Besakih.
There are several categories of suites to choose from, each featuring canopied king-size beds, sweeping windows views and a private outdoor terrace furnished with comfortable day-beds.
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Three nights in Manggis
Spectacularly located between the striking Mount Agung and the serene Lombok Strait, Manggis offers a slower, more traditional stride on Bali’s eastern shores. Not to mention some spectacular and secluded beaches. Spend you days exploring the cultural attractions such as the Hindu temples and shrines, the active adventures available around Mount Agung to simply kicking back on the beach. Speak to your personal travel designer about how you wish to spend you time here.
Sailing and fishing in the Nusa Islands
Be driven to the harbour to board a luxury chartered yacht, and cruise out to the islands of Lembongan, Penida and Ceningan. Spend the day exploring the waters and stopping off in private moorings to snorkel in stunning bays, look out for dolphins, try your hand at fishing, stand up paddle board or laze about on a pontoon raft. You can choose to enjoy a light lunch on board or ashore, where you could even have the opportunity to cook your catch from earlier in the day. The yacht is comfortable and fast with an open deck at the bow and rear and a rooftop level for lazing in the sun, as well as a freshwater shower and a great onboard sound system for music.
Scenic transfer to Munduk, via Batur Volcano
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a 4-wheel Jeep ride along the back roads to Munduk. You will stop at Mahagiri Restaurant to enjoy the views of the rice terraces with Agung Mountain in the background. Continue through Kintamani and stop to see Batur Volcano. You will then drive north-west through Plaga Village where you will stop for lunch at Agro Plaga Resort where they grow their own vegetables. From there you will stick to the back roads and enjoy views of the mountains, rice terraces, plantations and villages on the way to Bedugul where you can stop to visit the Water Temple and other sites.
Munduk
Accommodation in Munduk
Bali
Overview
Munduk Moding Plantation is nestled in a working coffee plantation and surrounded by jungle. It consists of just nine villas and three suites that blend features of traditional Balinese architecture with more modern design. The resort, which was built by locals, was carefully designed to maximise privacy and minimise the impact on the environment. Munduk Moding Plantation also has a strict sustainability plan in place, with a waste management programme and several projects to support and uplift the local community.
Enjoy a meal at MiMPi Restaurant (which takes its name from the Balinese word for ‘dream’), where the menu offers Balinese, Indonesian, Asian and fusion dishes, which use homegrown organic vegetables, fruits and spices from the garden. There’s also a spa where you can relax and unwind with a massage or beauty treatment.
For a swim with one of the world’s best views, take a dip in the 18m infinity pool that looks out over the rolling hills, Bali’s central mountains and the Java Sea.
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Three nights in Munduk
This village nestled in the mountains of Bali's northern coast is surrounded by lush forests, beautiful waterfalls and coffee and cocoa plantations. It's perfect for travellers who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. As you follow the many trails and tracks in the area, you're bound to happen upon small villages.
Trekking to Munduk's waterfalls
Today you will get to visit three waterfalls near your resort. The path down to the beautiful waterfalls is densely planted with clove and coffee trees as well as avocado, taro, banana and durian trees. Enjoy glimpses of the west coast of Bali, and stop along the way to chat with farmers. The first waterfall you will reach is Empelan. The next waterfall has a cave behind it in which hundreds of bats live. The final waterfall is Laangan, the perfect place for a dip in the mountain water. Munduk lies at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level offering fresh cool mountain air.
Jungle trekking and canoeing at Tamblingan Lake
Your guide will take you on a walk through the dense rainforest on the north bank of Tamblingan Lake, a small crater-like lake on the edge of the Bedugul caldera. Trek through the forest and see a variety of trees, some of which are 300 years old. The walk leads you to the southern part of the lake where you will take a canoe ride to the other shore. There you will hop into a dugout wooden canoe and paddle around the lake with the volcanoes as a backdrop. Heading to the west bank you will visit a sacred spring and then continue canoeing to Gubug village. Once there, you will be driven back to your resort.
Scenic transfer to Mejangan, via Brahmavihara Arama monastery and Banjar hot springs
The Buddhist monastery, Brahmavihara Arama, was built in the late 20th centure, and is located on a hill in Banjar Village overlooking Bali’s North Sea. After exploring the monastery, you will visit the sacred hot springs of Banjar, known as Air Panas. The springs are set in the midst of the jungle in a beautifully landscaped tropical garden. The sulphuric water flows from a natural volcanic source, giving a very pleasant temperature of around 37°C. Locals believe that it can heal people suffering from rheumatic diseases. There are three parts to the site, two of which are pools and another a water spout.
Pemuteran
Accommodation in Pemuteran
Pemuteran & West Bali National Park
Overview
Experience the raw beauty of nature at Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa, set in West Bali National Park. The eco-retreat features a collection of luxurious forest, ocean and mangrove Joglo villas. Each is elegantly decorated and comfortable, and some boast outdoor bathrooms.
The resort’s main dining venue, The Octagon Ocean Club, with 360-degree views of the park and ocean, serves fresh seafood, Asian-inspired dishes and international comfort food. Treat yourself to Balinese and Indonesian meals made using fresh local ingredients at Wantilan Open Kitchen, or enjoy a romantic dinner with views of Menjangan Island and the Java mountains on Wantilan Deck.
Located in the national park, there are plenty of outdoor activities that allow you to truly appreciate your surroundings. Go trekking through the jungle, kayak along a mangrove canal, go diving, or sunset cruise.
To take the relaxation to the next level, spend a couple of tranquil hours at the Padma Spa, nestled in a mangrove and looking out over the ocean. There are a range of treatments available to balance the mind, body and soul.
→ Find out morePemuteran & West Bali National Park
Overview
This 382-hectare resort within the West Bali National Park boundaries puts you right in the midst of the park’s outstanding natural beauty, secluded locale and wildlife. Poles apart from daily life, birdsong awakens you here and days are spent relaxing on sands, kayaking and exploring the Park’s pristine forested grounds, where deer and monkeys are spotted.
Besides an abundance of wildlife, the vast Menjangan Resort is also home to a variety of elegant, luxury accommodation. From the Monsoon Lodge’s rooms and suites to beachfront villas, to the impressive three bedroom private estate – you can pick the style to suit your Balinese experience.
Whether you while away your time relaxing by the sea or getting active with horseback rides and dives amongst some of the island’s finest coral gardens, your stay here is sure to immerse you in nature. Keeping with this theme, the resort’s two dining spots both enjoy scenic settings. Bali Tower Restaurant soars high above the treetops, offering sweeping ocean views with Mediterranean and Indonesian cuisine, while the Pantai Restaurant is a lovely beach-side spot for seafood and barbecues.
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Four nights in Pemuteran
Spend your time here exploring the National Parks and lazing on secluded beaches.
Private snorkelling trip in Menjangan
Today you will get to enjoy a private snorkelling tour to Menjangan island off the Permuteran coast. You will be provided with snorkelling gear, towels and a picnic lunch. The uninhabited island Pulau Menjangan (Deer Island) is only accessible by boat and is surrounded by a beautiful coral garden. On the reef drop-off, you will find angelfish, clownfish and other creatures living in and around the coral. This spot rates as one of the most beautiful snorkelling locations in Indonesia. You will also have the opportunity to go onshore to visit Segara Giri Dharma Kencana Temple with its towering seaward-facing Ganesh statue.
Spa treatment
Indulge in a relaxing 90-minute spa treatment for two at your resort.
Horse Riding
Experience the beauty of the national park on horseback, taking in views of the jungle and beach. These faithful Australian horses know these woods inside out and you will be guided by the resort’s trained staff who tailor each trek to suite your riding ability.
Helicopter transfer to Denpasar Airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Off the Beaten Track: Bali's Hidden Gems
How we work
Get off the grid and under the skin of rural Bali. The north and east coasts of this beautiful island are still flying under the radar of most travellers and are perfect for those looking for a true escape without compromising on luxury. We’ve designed this trip around some sailing time in Manggis with an itinerary that also includes some fishing and snorkelling, and a few nights in Munduk. Trek through the forests to discover spectacular waterfalls, look out for dolphins in the Bali Sea and exploring the quiet temples and villages that remain largely untouched by tourism. Then duck down into an underwater wonderland off the coast of Pulau Menjangan, and explore the lush countryside on horseback. | Whats included?
|
Days 1-4 |
Manggis |
|
Flights & transfers
VIP meet and greet at Denpasar Airport |
|
| Private transfer to your hotel in Manggis | |
|
Accommodation in Manggis
•
Alila Manggis - $$$$$
The Alila Manggis is a shining example of modern architecture blended with traditional...
•
Amankila - $$$$$
A property whose infinity pools and collection of exquisite freestanding suites seem to...
|
|
| Three nights in Manggis Spectacularly located between the striking Mount Agung and the serene Lombok Strait, Manggis offers a slower, more traditional stride on Bali’s eastern shores. Not to mention some spectacular and secluded beaches. Spend you days exploring the cultural attractions such as the Hindu temples and shrines, the active adventures available around Mount Agung to simply kicking back on the beach. Speak to your personal travel designer about how you wish to spend you time here. |
|
| Sailing and fishing in the Nusa Islands Be driven to the harbour to board a luxury chartered yacht, and cruise out to the islands of Lembongan, Penida and Ceningan. Spend the day exploring the waters and stopping off in private moorings to snorkel in stunning bays, look out for dolphins, try your hand at fishing, stand up paddle board or laze about on a pontoon raft. You can choose to enjoy a light lunch on board or ashore, where you could even have the opportunity to cook your catch from earlier in the day. The yacht is comfortable and fast with an open deck at the bow and rear and a rooftop level for lazing in the sun, as well as a freshwater shower and a great onboard sound system for music. |
|
| Scenic transfer to Munduk, via Batur Volcano Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a 4-wheel Jeep ride along the back roads to Munduk. You will stop at Mahagiri Restaurant to enjoy the views of the rice terraces with Agung Mountain in the background. Continue through Kintamani and stop to see Batur Volcano. You will then drive north-west through Plaga Village where you will stop for lunch at Agro Plaga Resort where they grow their own vegetables. From there you will stick to the back roads and enjoy views of the mountains, rice terraces, plantations and villages on the way to Bedugul where you can stop to visit the Water Temple and other sites. |
|
Days 4-7 |
Munduk |
|
Accommodation in Munduk
•
Munduk Moding Plantation - $$$$$
Munduk Moding Plantation is nestled in a working coffee plantation and surrounded by jungle....
|
|
| Three nights in Munduk This village nestled in the mountains of Bali's northern coast is surrounded by lush forests, beautiful waterfalls and coffee and cocoa plantations. It's perfect for travellers who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. As you follow the many trails and tracks in the area, you're bound to happen upon small villages. |
|
| Trekking to Munduk's waterfalls Today you will get to visit three waterfalls near your resort. The path down to the beautiful waterfalls is densely planted with clove and coffee trees as well as avocado, taro, banana and durian trees. Enjoy glimpses of the west coast of Bali, and stop along the way to chat with farmers. The first waterfall you will reach is Empelan. The next waterfall has a cave behind it in which hundreds of bats live. The final waterfall is Laangan, the perfect place for a dip in the mountain water. Munduk lies at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level offering fresh cool mountain air. |
|
| Jungle trekking and canoeing at Tamblingan Lake Your guide will take you on a walk through the dense rainforest on the north bank of Tamblingan Lake, a small crater-like lake on the edge of the Bedugul caldera. Trek through the forest and see a variety of trees, some of which are 300 years old. The walk leads you to the southern part of the lake where you will take a canoe ride to the other shore. There you will hop into a dugout wooden canoe and paddle around the lake with the volcanoes as a backdrop. Heading to the west bank you will visit a sacred spring and then continue canoeing to Gubug village. Once there, you will be driven back to your resort. |
|
| Scenic transfer to Mejangan, via Brahmavihara Arama monastery and Banjar hot springs The Buddhist monastery, Brahmavihara Arama, was built in the late 20th centure, and is located on a hill in Banjar Village overlooking Bali’s North Sea. After exploring the monastery, you will visit the sacred hot springs of Banjar, known as Air Panas. The springs are set in the midst of the jungle in a beautifully landscaped tropical garden. The sulphuric water flows from a natural volcanic source, giving a very pleasant temperature of around 37°C. Locals believe that it can heal people suffering from rheumatic diseases. There are three parts to the site, two of which are pools and another a water spout. |
|
Days 7-11 |
Pemuteran |
|
Accommodation in Pemuteran
•
Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa - $$$$$
Experience the raw beauty of nature at Plataran Menjangan Resort and Spa, set in West Bali...
•
Menjangan Resort - $$$$$
This 382-hectare resort within the West Bali National Park boundaries puts you right in the...
|
|
| Four nights in Pemuteran Spend your time here exploring the National Parks and lazing on secluded beaches. |
|
| Private snorkelling trip in Menjangan Today you will get to enjoy a private snorkelling tour to Menjangan island off the Permuteran coast. You will be provided with snorkelling gear, towels and a picnic lunch. The uninhabited island Pulau Menjangan (Deer Island) is only accessible by boat and is surrounded by a beautiful coral garden. On the reef drop-off, you will find angelfish, clownfish and other creatures living in and around the coral. This spot rates as one of the most beautiful snorkelling locations in Indonesia. You will also have the opportunity to go onshore to visit Segara Giri Dharma Kencana Temple with its towering seaward-facing Ganesh statue. |
|
| Spa treatment Indulge in a relaxing 90-minute spa treatment for two at your resort. |
|
| Horse Riding Experience the beauty of the national park on horseback, taking in views of the jungle and beach. These faithful Australian horses know these woods inside out and you will be guided by the resort’s trained staff who tailor each trek to suite your riding ability. |
|
| Helicopter transfer to Denpasar Airport |
