Tanah Lot: One of the Bali’s most important sea temples, the temple sanctuary at Tanah Lot is built a top a huge rock surrounded by the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of the rocky islands are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The best to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.

Kintamani Volcano Tour: The first stop is often in the village of Batubulan to watch a performance of the Barong and Kris Dance. Afterwards you visit the villages of Celuk (silver jewellry) and Mas (wood carving) to see Balinese artisans at work. Ubud, Bali's cultural center, has grown to a busy town with numerous Balinese art galleries and shops. A scenic drive over small roads overlooking beautiful rice terraces brings you to the mountain village of Kintamani (about 5,000 feet above the sea) which offers spectacular views of Lake Batur and the volcano. You can cross the crater lake below the still active Mount Batur and visit the "Bali Aga" village of Trunyan. Return through traditional villages with stops in Tampaksiring to visit the temple of Tirta Empul, and to visit the Elephant Cave "Goa Gaja", a hermitage from the 11th. century used by both Buddhists and Hindus.

The Mother Temple: The "Mother Temple" in Besakih is Bali's most holy and Indonesia's biggest Hindu temple. Built in the 11th Century in an altitude of 3,000 feet on the slopes of Mount Agung.

Bat Cave "Goa Lawah": See the thousands of bats hanging from the walls.

Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot: Visit the holy monkey forest near Sangeh, and famous Tanah Lot. This picturesque Balinese temple was built in the 16th Century on a huge rock 100 yards from Bali's West coast. Surrounded by the sea during high tides it is a spectacular sight. Avoid the thousands of tourists visiting every day during sunset and enjoy the view from the lobby of the nearby Le Meridien Nirvana Resort.

Yeh Pulu: is located just east of the Elephant Cave signs, and is a wonderful cultural and religious destination that is popular amongst both locals and tourists; a large rock face with interesting carvings that date back over 400 years. The statue of the god Ganesha is of particular note, primarily because of its intricate detail.

The Goa Gaja: Known as the Elephant Cave, is located right between the cities of Ubud and Mas. Indigenous workers of the area constructed this remarkable cave in the 11th century. It was most likely used as a monk's cell, although no one is entirely sure. The inside of the cave is dark and cool, with a clammy and suspicious feeling permeating its stone walls. To the left of the entrance are statues of Ganesha, and outside of the cave is a statue of a lady with her children. This figure is both a Buddhist goddess and a Balinese folk heroine. Goa Gaja is both a Buddhist and Hindu religious site. A few yards away is a picturesque ravine used by many of the locals as a place to bathe. A few statues of Buddha exist here as well, rounding out the memorable trip to Goa Gaja

 Bedugul Tour:

After a stop in Sangeh to visit its holy forest inhabited by wild monkeys, drive up into the mountains to Lake Bratan (1,200 meters above sea level) and the picturesque water temple Ulun Danu. Visit the busy flower, fruit and spice market in Candikuning where most of Bali's vegetables come from. Drive back through small country roads, villages and rice fields, with a stop in an artisan village specializing in gold threaded textiles (Ikat) worn during important ceremonies.



North Bali Tour:

Drive the scenic road via Pupuan through the mountains to Bali's North coast. You'll enjoy beautiful views of picturesque rice terraces, and large plantations growing vanilla, chocolate, coffee, cloves, and even wine grapes. Near the village of Banjar is a popular hot spring where you can take a bath in the natural pond. After a lunch on the black beach in Lovina you pass the old capital of Singaraja on the way to Git Git, famous for its multi-tier water fall. Return over back roads to see the unspoiled Bali. (This tour can be combined with the visit to Bedugul.)

Handicraft Villages & Ubud Tour:

Visit the artisan villages of Batubulan (stone carving), Celuk (silver & gold jewelry), Mas (wood carving), and Pengosekan (painting). Stop at the "Bali Art Market" in Sukawati to bargain for all kinds of handicrafts and textiles.

Already in the 1930s Ubud had been made famous around the world as Bali's cultural center by the German intellectual Walter Spies, the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet and other foreign artists who'd made it their home.

Today Ubud is a fast growing town with numerous art galleries and shops offering paintings, wood carvings, textiles, and all kinds of souvenirs. Don't miss the MUSEUM PURI LUKISAN in the center of Ubud, the NEKA MUSEUM in Campuhan, the NEKA GALLERY in Ubud, the AGUNG RAI GALLERY in Peliatan, and the AGUNG RAI MUSEUM in Pengosekan to see the difference between creative art and more commercial products. Problem is that when you see their "Permanent Collections" at many "Galleries" you've seen real art, and when you return to their show rooms you don't like any of the very commercial products any more.

The SENIWATI GALLERY - ART BY WOMEN, founded in 1991 by Mary Northmore (the very personable wife of famous painter Abdul Azis) to help Balinese women to be accepted as artists, is a place you should not miss whatever you do. The main purpose of this Bali art gallery is to expose the long understated brilliance of independent women artists resident in Bali, and to motivate, train, and encourage young Balinese girls with obvious creative gifts. Visit also the BLUE MOON STUDIO and GALLERY, founded in 1994 with an emphasis on exhibiting contemporary artists.

The LOTUS CAFE is perhaps the most popular meeting point in town and has become kind of an institution, and MURNI'S as well as the BRIDGE CAFE offer tasty snacks and full meals in very pleasant surroundings and at reasonable prices. For other interesting restaurants please visit Restaurants in Ubud. The various Balinese dance and Wayang Kulit performances (see below) in Ubud and in nearby villages are worth spending the early evening there.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Located within easy walking distance from the center of Ubud, this small, forested area contains three troops of gray monkeys. After purchasing a ticket at one of the three entrances, proceed down the walkways to the center of the forest. You can purchase bananas and peanuts at the entrance to feed the monkeys but be warned, the monkeys are quite mischievous and will not hesitate to jump on you in search of hidden treats! Remove jewelry, glasses, or other shiny objects before entering. Be sure to explore the Pura Dalem (temple of the dead) and the many interesting statues and fountains.

Beaches: Kuta Beach, Sanur and Nusa Dua are the three of the more popular beaches.