Duration : Approximately 9 hours
Pick up times : Sanur: 08.30; Nusa Dua/Jimbaran: 08.00; Uluwatu: 07.45; Kuta/Seminyak: 08.00; Ubud: 08.30
Your transport for today’s trip will be in the classic VW 181 convertible, an off-road vehicle originally manufactured by Volkswagen for the West German Army in the late 1960s. This colourful jeep accommodates two adults comfortably on the back seat and offer a fun alternative to a more conventional mode of transport.
The first stop on this diverse excursion will be Pura Kehan, an 11th century temple complex near the town of Bangli that is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the island. Thirty-eight steps lead to the Kori Agung (stone capped gateway) and an attractive courtyard that is guarded by a mythical dragon. Legend has it that inside the dragon there is a magic stone that glowed red when the location of the temple was finally decided many hundreds of years ago.
Proceed to Penglipuran, a well-ordered village surrounded by plantations and bamboo forests. A Bali Aga village, the local community still adhere to the strict rules and regulations (known as the Adat) that were laid down by their ancestors many centuries ago. Tradition and time-honoured ways are still very important here and you will have time to explore this fascinating settlement before moving onto 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.
Next stop is Gunung Kawi Sebatu, an ancient Hindu temple and sacred spring that is located 10km north of Ubud and surrounded by lush vegetation. A relaxed atmosphere prevails at this small temple complex and after time for exploration you will move on to see the amazing rice terrace near the settlement of Tegalalang.
Finish today’s tour with a visit to two villages near Ubud known for their arts and crafts. Firstly stop at Mas, which is renowned for its intricate wood carvings, then continue to Tohpati, where the batik fabrics for which Bali is famous are painstakingly created by hand using traditional techniques.
