Bali's Cultural & Natural Heritage Tour
This trip takes in Hindu temples, volcanic scenes and traditional Balinese arts. Your day will begin with a Barong dance performance and include three craft villages, Gunung Kawi temple and the "elephant cave".
Area
Bali
Type
Art & Architecture
Community & Culture
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Full Day
The day will start with a fascinating performance of Barong Dance. In Balinese mythology Barong is a lion-like creature and King of the Spirits and this colourful dance depicts the eternal struggle between good and evil as he battles (and eventually defeats) his arch enemy, the demon queen Rangda.
Continue to Tohpati, where the batik fabrics for which Bali is famous are painstakingly created by hand using traditional techniques. Then explore the Balinese arts with a stop at two villages near Ubud known for their arts and crafts. Your first stop is at Mas, which is renowned for its intricate wood carvings. Next visit the village of Celuk, a centre for Balinese silver and goldsmiths where both traditional and modern methods of crafting ornaments and jewellery can be observed.
Visit Gunung Kawi, a fascinating Hindu temple complex north-east of Ubud which comprises of ten rock-cut shrines (candi) carved into the cliff face. The surrounding countryside is extremely lush and the footpath leading down to the temple passes through some beautifully terraced rice fields
Then proceed to the village of Kintamani, the best spot, weather permitting, for views of Mount Batur, an active volcano which sits alongside Lake Batur. Scanning the horizon from left to right, you will observe that Kintamani sits on the caldera rim of a huge volcano, and Mount Batur, directly in front of you, is merely a ‘small’ mountain that has been created by thousands of years of volcanic activity. Enjoy a buffet lunch served in a local restaurant overlooking the volcano while you ponder on the mighty forces of Mother Nature that created this vista.
On the return journey, stop at Goa Gajah in Bedulu near Ubud. Often referred to as the Elephant Cave, it was established in the 9th century as a sanctuary for Buddhist monks. The facade of the cave is noted for its interesting carvings and ornate relief.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourEpic Bali and Lombok
Fancy an exciting break to Indonesia? This little trip packs a mighty punch and is perfect for couples looking for a mild dose of culture, varied scenery, plenty of excitement and wild adventure, tropical sun and a few lively beach bars for good measure! All this whilst staying at luxury boutique properties and stylish villas…what’s not to like?
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View TourExtraordinary Indonesia
Experience a trip like no other around one of Asia’s most diverse archipelagos, with thrilling adventures at every turn! Watch a magical sunrise over the world's largest Buddhist temple, soak up Balinese culture, explore bustling markets and experience new flavours, swim in crystal clear water teeming with marine life and go in search of the mighty Komodo Dragon. Finish up at a one-of-a-kind luxury eco-retreat boasting world-class beaches, your own infinity pool and a private butler!
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View TourBali with Kids
Bali offers the perfect choice for a family adventure. With a huge variety of activities to choose from and some of Indonesia’s most family-friendly hotels, Bali offers something for the whole family to enjoy.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationCOMO Shambhala Estate
The Como Shambhala Estate is a unique luxury residential health retreat hidden on a peaceful riverbank in Bali's jungle. This destination spa, will leave your body and mind pampered and rejuvenated after some relaxed yoga and ayurvedic treatments.
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View AccommodationCOMO Uma Ubud
COMO Uma Ubud is a peaceful hideaway on the outskirts of Ubud, set amongst dense vegetation and offering scenic views across the steep valley. The resort's contemporary luxury edge mixed with local design and materials gives it a distinct Balinese feel.
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View AccommodationAmankila
Amankila is the ultimate luxury retreat on the peaceful east coast of Bali where traditional Balinese life can still be experienced. Amankila's stunning suites are all located around a dramatic three-tier swimming pool offering uninterrupted ocean views.
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View AccommodationMunduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort and Spa
Munduk Moding Plantation is a charming eco-lodge located in the north of Bali. This luxury nature resort is close by to Munduk hill station and Bali's central lakes, and is surrounded by lush jungle, coffee trees and rice fields.
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View AccommodationMandapa A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Located just outside the centre of Ubud, Mandapa A Ritz Carlton Reserve is a fabulous property offering a selection of luxury villas and suites and is a great choice for guests looking to explore Bali's cultural hub.
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View AccommodationCapella Ubud
Paying Homage to the early 19th Century European settlers, the brand-new Capella Ubud is a boutique luxury tented camp located high in the rainforest on the outskirts of Bali’s cultural capital, Ubud.
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View AccommodationWapa Di Ume Sidemen
Set amongst the lush green hills of central Bali, Wapa Di Ume Sidemen offers a glimpse into a quieter side of the island and its stunning countryside, with views of the mighty Mount Agung.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Four Seasons Sayan is just minutes from the centre of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. Hidden amongst the working rice paddies and jungle beside the Ayung River, this hotel is the perfect retreat for a family getaway.
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View AccommodationNirjhara
Located on a quieter stretch of Bali’s south-west coast, Nirjhara is a boho retreat sat amongst lush jungle and verdant green rice paddies, where guests can soak up views from their treehouse, cool off in the infinity pool, or simply lounge on the beach.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceSunset over Uluwatu & Kecak
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View ExperienceVisit Bali's Central Highlands & Tanah Lot at Sunset
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View ExperienceExplore the Charms of Northern Bali
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View ExperienceAyung White Water Rafting
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View ExperienceBali Street Food Tour
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View ExperienceExotic Bali by Volkswagen Convertible
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