Bali: Coast-to-coast | REFERENCE - AZT201

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  • Bali: Coast-to-coast
  • Bali: Coast-to-coast
  • Bali: Coast-to-coast
  • Bali: Coast-to-coast
  • Bali: Coast-to-coast
  • Bali: Coast-to-coast

Unlike other most frequently visited area, the extensive west-to-east coast of Bali enables you to discover inspiring landscapes and the heart of the Balinese culture. As no other travellers, you go much closer to and get better acquainted with this culture. This adventure travel lets you discover landscapes as beautiful as the masterpieces of impressionist painters. Terraced green rice fields covering hills as far as your eyes can see, active volcanoes towering above clouds and dense rainforests spread on their flanks, stretch of black sand… are all what you are to witness daily.

 

This trek also includes the climb of the two main volcanoes of the island: Mt. Batur (1,717 m), Mt. Agung (3,142 m). From these huge belvederes, you enjoy a sweeping view over Bali’s mountain lakes, the Indian Ocean and surrounding islands. Reaching on foot traditional remote Balinese villages, including a Bali Aga village, you experience traditional cultural practices, see delicate traditional dances, listen to local orchestras (gamelan) and learn about Hindu religious beliefs and practices…



Afficher Transbalinaise : Traversée de Bali d'Est en Ouest - 14j sur une carte plus grande

Trajet présenté à titre indicatif: le trajet de votre voyage pourra donc différer légèrement de celui-ci.

 

D/1 - Denpasar – Ubud
Upon arrival at Denpasar International Airport, transfer to Ubud, a small town amidst emerald green rice paddies and steep ravines in the stunning Central Balinese foothills, well known as Bali’s cultural centre. Despite tourist expansion, Ubud has preserved its peacefulness and beauty. Free time in the afternoon to enjoy its special qualities.
Transfers = 1 hr
 

The development of Ubud: the city of art
 
A prince of Gianyar (Cokorda Gede Sukawati) invited artists from all parts of Bali and those seeking refuge from other kingdoms, to settle in this town and develop their art. Ubud slowly gained specialists of various arts and evolved into a cultural centre. Palaces and temples are now adorned with the works of Bali’s master artisans as a result. In gratitude for their refuge, high-skilled artisans helped decorate the possessions of the noble family.

 
D/2 - Ubud – Tampaksiring
Warm-up trekking through the rice fields of Tampaksiring. A family of Balinese artists welcomes us, serving a delicious typical lunch in their traditional home. They later perform some typical Balinese dances. In the afternoon, optional visit to the Gunung Kawi or Tirta Empul temples. Overnight at a village house.
Transfers = 15 minutes, Trekking = 5 hrs
 
D/3 - Tampaksiring – Jatiluwih
Our day starts with a transfer to Jatiluwih, a small village in the heart of central Bali’s prettiest rice fields. In Jatiluwih, we discover a marvelous Balinese village, with orchard-gardens and terraced rice fields. We trek through this ocean of lush, terraced emerald-green fields. Our host for the night is the chief gardener for the temples in the surrounding area. Overnight at a local inn (losmen).
Transfers = 2 hrs, Trekking = 4 hrs 
 
D/4 – Jatiluwih – Wongayagede 
We start a long hike, crossing through rainforests and rice fields to reach the village called Wongayagede, on the south slope of Mt. Batukaru (2,278 m). We visit the Luhur Batukaru temple, an amazing complex of shrines and pools set amidst a lush, tropical forest, some of which date back to the beginning of the 17th century. Overnight at a village house. 
Transfers = 5 hrs  
 
D/5 - Wongayagede – Belimbing
We keep on trekking to Belimbing through paddy fields. We are welcomed by local people. Overnight at a guesthouse. 
Trekking = 7 hrs
 
D/6 - Belimbing – Munduk
On our trip to Munduk, a place frequently described as the cradle of Balinese culture, we enjoy wonderful scenery, including a waterfall close to the village of Pujungan. Dutch settlers living in the old colonial capital, Singaraja, on the north coast, enjoyed spending holidays here. We set off trekking in Munduk's surroundings. The area of Munduk is a beautifully picturesque region of coffee and clove plantations, nearby forests, waterfalls and some of the most beautiful views of the island. Overnight at a local inn (losmen).
Transfers = 1.5 hrs, Trekking = 4 hrs
 
D/7 - Munduk – Tamblingan and Buyan lakes – Ulun Danau Buddhist temple – Catur
The Munduk region is the cradle of primeval Balinese culture. Dutch settlers in the old colonial capital of Singaraja, on the north coast, enjoyed spending holidays in this region. We continue trekking to Bedugul, along the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan. These lakes were a single body of water until a landslide divided it into two in 1818. We proceed to the placid lake of Bratan, source of life-giving water for the springs, rivers and rice fields below. In delightful scenery and surrounded by spectacular mountains, we make a stop at the marvellous Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu-Buddhist temple. We later on cross the picturesque market of Bedugul, before setting off again to Catur, located halfway between the Bratan lake and Mt. Batur’s caldera. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Transfers = 1 hr, Trekking = 5 hrs, A = 500 m, D = 100 m
 
D/8 - Catur – Penelokan – Toyabungkah (Mt. Batur)
We start the day with a short trek around Catur, through orange and coffee plantations. Early afternoon, we head back to the slopes of the Batur volcano (1,717 m) and enjoy from Penelokan (literally meaning ‘look-out’) a superb view over the lake lying at its foot. The large size of its crater (14 km across) implies that Mt. Batur used to be a much larger mountain (certainly as tall as Mt. Agung), which blew its top thousands of years ago. Now, this old crater is half-filled with a huge lake, the largest of Bali. Its other half is cultivated and covered with lava fields. The blackened cone of Mt. Batur sits in the middle of this stunning panorama. We carry out our ascent of the Batur volcano through its old lava flows, and skirt around its four craters. Overnight at local inn (losmen). 
Transfers = 45 minutes, Trekking = 6 hrs, D = 300 m
 
D/9 - Toyabungkah – Mt. Batur – Toyabungkah – Besakih – Menange
We start our ascent of the Batur volcano before dawn, reaching the top of the oldest crater before sunrise. We walk down to the youngest and most active crater, keeping at a safe distance. In the afternoon, transfer to the famous temple of Besakih, located 1,000 m up Mt. Agung, Bali's highest peak. It is the most important complex of the island, made up of 22 different temples, spread out over seven terraces. Overnight at a local inn (losmen) close to the temple.
Transfers = 1 hr, Trekking = 5 hrs, A = D = 600 m
 

Eka Desa Rudra
 
Every 10 years and every 100 years, two great purification rites are held in the Besakih temple: Panca Watikrama and Eka Dasa Rudra. The latter, greatest of all rituals in Balinese Hinduism, was held twice in the previous century: in 1963 and in 1979. An extraordinary catastrophe occurred during the first. Indeed, right in the midst of the month-long festival, Mt. Agung erupted with a violent destructive force for the first time in living memory. Some interpretations say that the mountain was angry about the ritual’s timing. For this reason, Eka Desa Rudra was held once again in 1979.

 
D/10 - Menange – Selat
Trek to Selat, following a trail along the Agung volcano, crossing through fields of edelweiss and orange plantations. Crossing traditional villages is a good opportunity for us to get closer to the local people and their customs. Overnight at a village house. 
Trekking = 4 hrs
 
D/11 - Selat – Mt. Agung – Selat – Tirtagangga
For those who so desire, we climb to Mt. Agung’s peak where we enjoy an amazing view at sunrise, looking down from a 2,850 m high viewpoint. This view covers the entire south and east of Bali. On our way down, we head back to Selat. In the afternoon, we enjoy the liveliness of a traditional market and pay a visit to Tirtagangga. Officially known as Tirta Ayu (‘lovely waters’), the pleasure palace of a former king of Karangasem lets us enjoy its cool, spring-fed pools (their name literally means ‘Ganges’ water’). These dip pools surrounded by captivating terraced rice fields are particularly refreshing after our long hike in. Overnight at a local inn (losmen).
Transfers = 1 hr, Hiking = 7 hrs, A = D = 200 m
 
D/12 - Tirtagangga – Tenganan – Candidasa
We hike through fields until the Bali Aga (or ‘original Balinese’) village of Tenganan. This village has preserved its traditional Balinese culture as it was prior to the influence of the Majapahit Hindu kingdom. For religious reasons, outsiders are welcome from noon until evening, at what point they are kindly asked to leave. Some say that footprints of visitors (be them Balinese or foreigners) are literally erased after they leave. Free afternoon at the seaside resort of Candi Dasa. Overnight at hotel.
Transfers = 10 minutes, trekking = 4 hrs, A = D = 200 m
 

The ‘Chosen People’
 
Unlike other Balinese villages, Tenganan traces its origin back to the Usana Bali (a chronicle of Bali). According to this written source, the Tengananese are chosen by their creator, Batara Indra, to administer and consecrate this place to devotion and ritual. As a result of this divinely ordained scheme, nothing can be either changed or removed. Breaking this rule would bring upon the village the curse of the gods and all villagers would perish. Indeed, those breaking these rules as well as Javanized Hindu Balinese are banished from the village’s spiritual life and territory.

 
D/13 - Candidasa – Manggis Hills – Jimbaran
The ultimate hike of our trip: walk on a track with stunning views over both Mt. Agung and the Indian Ocean. In the afternoon, transfer to Jimbaran's heavenly beaches (South Bali). Most of Bali’s soil is volcanic and covered with tropical vegetation and watered year-round by various huge mountain lakes. Jimbaran and Bukit Badung constitute in contrast a non-volcanic limestone plateau with a unique ecology. Overnight at a hotel near the beach. 
Transfers = 2 hrs, trekking = 4 hrs
 
 
 
End of our services

Inclusions

  • Services of an Azimuth English speaking (or French speaking) local guide.
  • Land & sea transfers needed for the circuit
  • Accommodation
  • Meals as indicated in the description day by day
  • Entrance fees for touristic sites and museums
  • Mineral water and snacks (fruit, biscuits ...) during the days of walking


* In high season, our tour guides can be already busy. If you want a guarantee of supervision by one of them, we recommend an early booking of this tour.

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Airport taxes & visa fees
  • Drinks, personal expenses and tips
  • Travel Insurance & Assistance
  • Anything that is not listed in "Inclusions"


What to bring?

  • Good walking shoes
  • Headlamp
  • Flask (for water)
  • Hat or cap, light clothing & replacement clothes
  • Raincoat (for the rainy season, from October to April)
  • Small backpack & camera
  • Mosquito repellent (lotion / cream)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses & your good mood!
Number of persons1 pers2 pers3 pers5 pers8 pers12 pers
Price per person3 715 €2 045 €1 700 €1 320 €1 145 €1 045 €
Your saving0%45%54%64%69%72%

 

Travel in Indonesia
 
Detailed information about your trip
 
Transportation
Land transfers by private buses. Few drivers speak English. Other transfers by ferry.
 
Your Guide 
Our English-speaking guides are highly trained, competent, thoughtful and pleasant Indonesians who are eager to meet your needs. 
 
Accommodations
Because of their exceptional location or beauty, simple inns and guesthouses are sometimes preferred over other accommodations. Most nights however, you will rest in standard local inns or guesthouses. You will also stay in better hotels in main cities.
 
Meals
A wide variety of cuisines are found in Indonesia. Coconut milk and aromatic spices add delicious tastes and delicate flavors to meat, vegetable and fruits. You will enjoy a number of spicy dishes served on steamed or fried rice (“nasi goreng”) and a large variety of fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, cantaloupes, and watermelons in addition to so exotic fruits you might taste for the first time but will remember forever.) 
 
Tipping
It is customary to tip local guides and drivers. Allow a maximum of USD 40 per trip.
 
“The spirit of our trip”
We are rigorous and strict in the description and organisation of our trips, but adventure treks and eco-tourism are full of surprises. Please consider the unexpected as a bonus to your trekking and hiking experience and as a contribution to the total change of scenery you are looking for! Trust your guide! He will deal with these slight inconveniences, turning them into lasting and striking memories. Similarly, trust your guide with respect to possible itinerary changes. Adjustments might indeed be required due to weather conditions, changes in accommodations, or for safety reasons. You will meet populations with a sensibility regarding time and daily life different than your own. Learn to respect these differences and grow wiser from your contact with local religious and cultural values. This is the best way to totally enjoy your trip!
 
Insurance
The purchase of travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy meets your needs, in particular regarding search and rescue assistance. Your coverage should be no lower than the equivalent of USD 5,100.
 
Visas and red tape
Ratified by the president of Indonesia on December 17th, 2003, the new visa policy states that tourists who are nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Norway are eligible for the visa on-arrival program. However, the validity of tourist visas (for citizens from the above countries and others) has been reduced from 60 to 30 days. Visa fees are around USD 25. Learn more about this new policy by consulting our “News” page. For detailed information, please contact your Indonesian embassy or General Consulate.
 
Health
Immunization is not required on trips to Java and Bali. For other destinations however, immunization is strongly recommended, in particular for  typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Indeed, prevention is the best cure for these diseases. Please remember that tap water undergones very little treatment, if any. However, bottled water is widely available, except off beaten tracks, where iodine tablets provide effective sterilization. Finally, Indonesia lies within a malaria zone, although developed and touristic areas are practically risk-free. However, pregnant women and children need professional advice on the various drugs available as well as they posology.
 
Safety
Indonesia is a rather safe country and tourists are welcome. However, display of wealth is not recommended, in particular in crowded areas, including markets and city centres.
 

 
Selecting the appropriate level of difficulty
 
To help you assess the difficulty of our trips, we grade them based on the trekking or walking involved. These grades apply to healthy people,but, more than health itself, trekking is a question of attitude, confidence, stamina and agility.
 
‘Easy’ 
 
  • Description: ’Easy’ trips require a certain level of fitness,  with some walking (2 to 4 hours) on generally well-marked tracks. They include some ascent and descent without major difficulties.
  • Individuals who enjoy going for walks on a regular basis will be delighted on these trips and on short sightseeing tours. If you are new to this, you will soon notice their benefit on your body and soul. 
  • Preparation: A weekly two-hour long walk is recommended! An excellent exercise.
 
‘Moderate’
 
  • Description: Both long and short trips require a longer personal investment than trips graded ‘easy’. You trek half or full days (between 4 and 6 hours). Ascents and descents  are regular in terms of effort (variation in height ranging from 400 m to 700 m, with the exception of  hikes to reach volcanoe summits). 
  • If you enjoy all-morning or full-day hikes, or if you have enjoyed mountain hiking in the past, you will truly love our short or long moderate trips.
  • Preparation: Whatever your profile, you should take long walks (four hours) once a week starting two months prior to departure, and practice another physical activity on a regular basis (swimming, biking…).

 

‘Demanding’
 
  • Description: These trips include  practically full-day walks (six hours, with successive ascents and descents and a variation in height ranging from 700 m to 1000 m). Some trekking on wild unmarked tracks, an exclusivity of Azimuth adventure Travel Ltd.
  • If you enjoy trekking over several days in challenging natural surround or if you practice a sport on a regular basis, you already meet the requirements for this type of trips. If you have enjoyed and have had no difficulty on trips rated ‘moderate,’ you will know what to expect.
  • Preparation: Experienced trekkers and novices need to be in good shape. Two months before departure, start to exercise on a weekly basis: long-distance jogging and swimming and/or biking.
 
‘Strenuous’ 
 
  • Description: These include challenging full-day treks (averaging a minimum of six hours) on sometimes unmarked tracks. Variation in height may reach 1000 m, and even more on the final ascent of volcanoes.
  • If you find long adventurous hikes in the heart of nature exciting and if you enjoy physically testing environments, you will definitely be enthused by these treks. If in the past you have enjoyed hikes graded ‘strenuous’ and have experienced no difficulty, you have an edge on these treks.
  • Preparation: To benefit the most from your trip, exercise rigorously! Two to three months before leaving, start joggin (10 km per week). We also recommend an additional regular exercise, including long-distance swimming (1 km) and biking (40 km).
‘Extreme’ 
 
  • Description and preparation: These are challenging treks, within the sphere of high-level mountaineering expeditions. Solid experience and the steady practice of an intensive physical activity over a very long period of time are an absolute a must..
 

 
Trekking & hiking: What do I bring along?
 
Remember that the right clothes significantly contribute to how much you enjoy hikes. Bring along only essential pieces of clothing or equipment. However, pay particular attention to the boots you choose. Toe injuries are far from pleasant on hikes. Here is a recommended list of what to bring:
 
  • A daypack: Ideally large enough to pack all you need for a day’s walk (rain gear, water bottle, sunglasses, camera, packed food, warm clothes…). You will need at least a 25litres  pack for a full day, but a 30 to 40 -litre pack is preferable. Our experience shows that a larger pack is more comfortable.
  • Trek bag/travel bag, both with padlocks: Our porters and vehicles bring daily your luggage to our overnight accommodations.
  • Headgear: A sun hat and a scarf or bandana will efficiently protect you against dust and an irritant sulphuric atmosphere (they also protect your neck from sunburns).
  • Clothes: Long hiking shorts (for mountain climbing), lightsweat pants, T-shirts, a warm sweater (also in cool weather in mountainous regions), a raincoat.
  • Footwear: Hiking boots  and light shoes to wear indoors (sneakers or sandals).
  • Other useful items include: spare shoe laces, needles and thread, a towel, night clothes, spare clothes, swimming trunk/bathing suit, toilet paper, a lighter, wet wipes and/or antibacterial gel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a small knife, plastic bags (to pack and protect some of your belongings), sleeping bag and a bedsheet. 
  • First aid kit: throat lozenges, medication, insect and mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoeal treatment (Imodium, Oralite). Your guide will carry along a sterile medical kit including a range of useful drugs. 
  • In a small envelope or a pouch hanging around your neck or hidden under your clothes, carry a photocopy of your identity papers, your insurance contract, and your credit cards