Walking in Bali and Lombok

Our tour starts this afternoon at our hotel in Belimbing, Western Bali. Belimbing is a traditional Balinese village set at about 600 metres/1,968 feet above sea level that gives you the impression of stepping back in time.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to have group dinner at the hotel's restaurant. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Denpasar International Airport (DPS), a two-and-a-half-hour drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information over breakfast on day two.

If you'd like to beat the jetlag by adding an extra night or two to the beginning of your tour, contact us to book accommodation.

After breakfast, we'll meet our local trekking guide who will accompany us for the treks along with our Explore tour leader. Please note that we will have a different trekking guide for each of the walks, as this will give us better understanding of the trail and a deeper expertise in each area. The treks include some river crossings, and while water levels vary, they\ re generally shallow during the dry season when you'll be visiting. Your local guide and Tour Leader will be on hand to help if needed. We do, however, recommend bringing an extra pair of suitable footwear for the crossings if you\ d prefer to keep your waterproof hiking boots dry. We will be using a minibus for the drives and for larger group sizes we will be split into two vehicles throughout the tour.

Following a brief drive, we reach the starting point of the walk at the Pura Luhur Mekori temple - a holy place in the forests of Tabanan. After a brief visit of the temple, from here we'll make our way ascending gently through the Belimbing rice terraces and then walking along narrow dirt paths following the river stream where we'll learn about the Subak irrigation system in Bali, a cultural landscape and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The path soon transitions with a change of scenery, now through plantations and jungle with some tree roots and uneven terrain underfoot. Halfway through our walk today, we'll enjoy a short break with outstanding views overlooking the valley and Mt Batukaru on a clear day. The last section ascending on forest paths is particularly steep but short.

Crossing the river through shallow waters we then continue following its course towards Karyasari and its surrounding villages to witness the rural Balinese people going about their daily life. Cross the bamboo forest and pass through plantations of coffee, salak, mangosteen, and durian. Then climb a steep hill to reach Pak Budhi's Garden, where a delicious lunch awaits us.

After refuelling, you'll take a short walk to Beji Pancoran Munduk to participate in a traditional Balinese Melukat ritual - a Hindu spiritual cleansing ritual using holy water. Guided by a local expert, you'll visit a sacred water source. Believed to hold powerful healing and purifying properties, this experience is said to benefit both body and soul, offering emotional release and renewal - an intimate and unforgettable glimpse into Bali's deep spiritual traditions.

We'll transfer back to our hotel for our second night in Belimbing.

Today's walk covers 7 kilometres /4.5 miles and is expected to take four hours with a total accumulated ascent of 282 metres/925 feet and descent of 165 metres/541 feet.

This morning we'll make an early start, and after picking up our breakfast box, we'll drive the short distance to Pujungan village, where our walk starts. This trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a firsthand look at traditional farming practices, making it a rewarding experience. We'll have some demanding climbs, but flat sections and gentle declines are scattered throughout the walk, with stops at plantations and villages along the way.

We begin our route in the Blemantung neighbourhood and set off on a scenic 30-minute mostly flat walk along a small concrete paved track through the jungle to discover three hidden waterfalls: Blemantung, Dedari, and Rajapala.

Follow the paved path as it winds through the neighbouring villages of Pujungan, renowned for its red pickled coffee, tapioca, and cocoa plantations. If we are lucky, we might witness the drying and processing of coffee beans into fine powder as we pass through. We'll cross a valley and there will be steep descents and ascents, broken up by a refreshing river crossing. Once across the valley, we'll continue through picturesque villages and forested paths.

Almost halfway through our trek we'll catch the first distant glimpse of our final destination, Munduk. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way, with an Indonesian picnic-style meal 'Nasi Campur' in the forest. Finally, a gradual descent leads us into Munduk on asphalt with some short flat sections and a final uphill stretch before arriving at the hotel.

Check-in and overnight at the hotel in Munduk village.

Today's walk covers 16 kilometres /10 miles and is expected to take six hours with a total accumulated ascent of 731 metres/2,400 feet and descent of 670 metres/2,200 feet.

Today's walk includes multiple river crossings - expect ankle-deep water levels during the dry season from April till October.

After a short drive our first stop this morning is to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a majestic water temple located on the western shore of Lake Beratan in Bedugul. This important pilgrimage site has been revered by Balinese Hindus since the 11th century.

Next, descend start our hike into a lush valley via steep concrete and dirt steps, which can be slippery-please watch your footing.

Continuing on to Sekumpul Waterfall, this section of the trek involves wet, uneven terrain including a rocky riverbed, dirt trails, pebbles, and large smooth stones-a refreshing challenge for the legs! Rated as easy to moderate, the hike today includes around 300 steps leading both up and down to one of Bali's tallest and most spectacular waterfalls. Surrounded by dense greenery, the cool cascade provides a rejuvenating escape after two days of trekking through West Bali.

Your local guide will first take you to the peaceful Hidden Waterfall, then assist you in crossing the river to reach the impressive Sekumpul Waterfall. Finally, the hike continues to the stunning Fiji Waterfall, completing this immersive experience in Bali's natural beauty. Although, it's not possible to swim in the waterfalls due to strong currents, it will be possible to dip our feet and legs in the cool water.

At the end of the walk, we'll transfer to our hotel in Kintamani.

Today's walk covers 4 kilometres/2.5 miles and is expected to take 3 hours with a total accumulated ascent of 212 metres/695 feet and descent of 210 metres/688 feet.

Today is a super early rise and we'll meet at around 2:30am at the hotel reception to transfer to the nearby Batur Caldera, the starting point of our hike. There will be a boxed breakfast for you to eat later. After a brief introduction and safety briefing, the trek begins in the stillness of the night.

We'll reach the summit by around 6:00am, following a trail that varies in terrain. The hike begins with a flat to gently sloping dirt road then transitions into a more gradual ascent along dusty trails through light forest. As you approach the summit, the path becomes more challenging, with loose lava rocks and scree, culminating in a short but steep final push.

Once at the top, we'll enjoy a simple yet revitalizing second breakfast of volcanic-steamed eggs and a hot beverage as you wait for the sunrise. As the first light breaks across the horizon, we'll hopefully take in breathtaking views of Mount Abang, Mount Agung, and even Mount Rinjani in the distance.

Afterwards, we'll begin our descent from the summit. Overall, while the hike includes steep segments, there are several flat areas along the way where we'll have the chance to pause or slow down to match everyone's pace. There are multiple trails that can be followed during our descent, and the local guide will choose the less busy one. Depending on which trail we'll choose, the final portion could be steep with no flat sections.

Upon returning from the trek, we'll unwind with a soothing visit to a local hot spring, believed to have healing properties. Finally, we'll return to our hotel for a quick shower and change of clothes.

In the afternoon, we'll drive to Sidemen, located about 40 kilometres away. En route, we'll stop to visit Pura Kehen, an ancient Hindu temple complex known for its distinctive architecture. The temple features intricately carved mythical creatures in sandstone and statues from Balinese folklore placed throughout its grounds, including in the central vestibule. Its walls are adorned with Chinese porcelain, a reflection of the historical ties between the Balinese kingdom and China.

We'll arrive in Sidemen in the afternoon and check in to our hotel.

Today's walk covers 8 kilometres/5 miles and is expected to take 5 hours with a total accumulated ascent of 500 metres/1,640 feet and descent of 600 metres/1,970 feet.

After checking out from our hotel in Sidemen, we'll be transferred to the Padang Bai harbour to board our speedboat to Lombok, a journey of just over an hour across the waters. We'll leave the bustling and culturally rich Hindu island that is Bali for tranquil and predominantly Muslim Lombok which offers a more authentic and less-touristed experience, definitely a more peaceful side of the archipelago.

The sea crossing is scheduled in the middle of the day, so upon arrival in Bangsal, we'll indulge in a late lunch break in a restaurant in the Senggigi area.

Afterwards, we'll be transferred to the hotel in Sembalun, our destination of the day and home for the next two nights. Nestled at the foot of majestic Mount Rinjani, Sembalun is a tranquil highland village surrounded by lush valleys and terraced farmland. Its cool and humid climate nurtures a rich variety of vegetables and fruit, colouring the landscape in vibrant greens. Morning mists drift over the fields as Rinjani's towering peak rises in the background - a striking contrast of fertile valley and rugged mountain beauty.

No walking today.

First thing this morning we'll drive to Pergasingan Hill, located just north of Sembalun Village at an elevation of 1700 metres/5,577 feet above sea level. Known for its panoramic views of Mount Rinjani, Mount Tambora in Sumbawa, and the eastern Gili Islands, this trek offers a rewarding climb with diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery.

The trail begins with a grassy and dirt path, starting at a gentle incline. As you move higher, the path becomes steeper and more challenging, with sections of loose dirt, gravel, and short, steep climbs. Walking along the ridgeline is easier and provides an ideal chance to catch your breath while soaking in the stunning landscape and expansive views.

The final section involves a steeper climb over gravel and rocky ground, before levelling out again on the grassy summit which is relatively flat. After reaching the top, take in the sweeping views and enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch in the peaceful surroundings.

Finally, we'll continue the walk through the nearby rice fields, where we'll observe local farmers going about their daily routines. You may even have the chance to lend a hand and learn more about their traditional farming practices. Most of the locals in this area speak their own regional sasak dialects rather than Indonesian, but your local guide will be there to translate and help facilitate conversations.

Along the way, we'll stop at Sajang Organic Coffee Farm for a guided visit. The farm owner will show us around and introduce you to their coffee-making process. Before we get to enjoy a cup, we'll have the opportunity to take part in the preparation - a hands-on experience that adds meaning to every sip.

We'll return to our accommodation by vehicle for a second and final overnight Sembalun.

Today's walk covers 9 kilometres/5.6 miles and is expected to take 8 hours with a total accumulated ascent of 676 metres/2,220 feet and descent of 600 metres/1,970 feet.

After grabbing our breakfast boxes at the hotel, we'll meet our local guide and tour leader in the lobby and set off for the Endak-Endak River in the Tetebatu area.

Today's adventure begins at an elevation of 444 metres/1,457 feet above sea level. We'll start our trek from the Endak-Endak River, following a varied route that includes paved roads, rugged dirt trails, paved paths, and stone steps. Along the way, we'll pass through charming villages, lush plantations, and even a local fish farm, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the region.

As we continue, the trail leads us through a forest of towering mahogany trees, fragrant durian groves, and coffee plantations before arriving at the entrance to the waterfalls. At the 7-kilometre mark, we'll take a well-earned break and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we'll explore the beautiful Benang Stokel Waterfall, followed by two hidden cascades that eventually lead us to the breathtaking Benang Kelambu Waterfall. This section of the trek takes us along dirt trails, jungle paths, and steps, with a river crossing along the way. The terrain can be slippery in wet weather, so we'll proceed with care.

The descent to Benang Kelambu includes a mix of steep steps, gentle inclines, and flat sections that offer a chance to catch our breath. Upon arrival, it is possible to swim while wearing a sarong - these are available to hire on-site.

After a refreshing dip in the cool, we'll then transfer to our hotel in Tetebatu, where we'll spend the next two nights.

Today's walk covers 11 kilometres/6.8 miles and is expected to take 6 hours with a total accumulated ascent and descent of 200 metres/656 feet.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a scenic 7-kilometre trek through the stunning Tetebatu region. The first part of the walk takes us along compact dirt paths through rice fields and quiet village tracks, mostly flat and easy-going. Our guide will lead us through the rice paddies of Orong Griesak, where we'll hopefully see local farmers at work. Depending on the season, we may find the paths more or less slippery-and if the timing is right, we might even get the chance to join in the harvest ourselves.

As we continue, the trail gradually transitions into forested paths with earth underfoot, exposed tree roots, rocks, and uneven terrain. Around the 3-kilometre mark, we'll encounter the steepest section, with short bursts of climbs. These forest inclines are broken up by switchbacks and occasional flat stretches to catch our breath. There's a gentle river crossing along the way, with pebbles and stepping stones to guide us through.

The hike continues along narrow trails, grassy hills, and fragrant passion fruit plantations. Throughout the hike, we'll enjoy sweeping views of the majestic Mount Rinjani, looming in the distance. We'll then head toward Jeruk Manis village and end our trek in the lush Monkey Forest-a peaceful sanctuary home to the curious, who often make an appearance among the dense canopies.

We'll return to Tetebatu for our final night after a short drive and to round of the holiday with a hands-on Indonesian cooking class! Guided by local chefs, we'll uncover the secrets of traditional recipes, learning about spices, techniques, and flavours unique to the region. After all the fun in the kitchen, we'll sit down to enjoy the delicious dishes we've prepared for our farewell dinner.

Today's walk covers 7 kilometres /4.3 miles and is expected to take 4 hours with a total accumulated ascent of 193 metres/633 feet and descent of 53 metres/174 feet.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tetebatu.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Lombok at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Lombok International Airport (LOP), which is just under 90 minutes' drive from the hotel.