Essential Bali Photo
Days available
Every day
Schedule
7AM, 9AM
Languages offered
English
Duration
8 hrs
Transportation
Included
Mobile ticket
Included
Essential Bali PhotoEssential Bali Photo

Just like the title suggests, this tour takes you to some of the most important cultural sights in all of Indonesia. You’ll get to see some of the oldest sacred monuments as well as some of the most well-known. These historic sites are situated in the stunning Balinese countryside, which is a national treasure all by itself. Your tour ends with a traditional Balinese blessing at a rural temple – here, you’ll be able to soak up the many centuries of Hindu and Buddhist tradition.

Once you’ve had breakfast, your guides will pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 AM. Next, you’ll drive to Tanah Lot, Bali’s most famous temple, built on a rock near the coast. As well as being a major attraction, this temple is an important pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus. It dates back to the 16th century, and is one of the seven seaside temples in Bali. You’ll get to see it in the early morning, one of the best times for photography.

Next, you’ll drive toward the fields of Jatiluwih, an area known for its rice fields and pristine jungles. This area is known as the “green lungs of Bali,” and you’ll get to explore them on a two-hour e-bike ride. E-bikes have motors that help propel you up steeper inclines – they offer all of the fun of bikes without the need for muscle power. Afterward, you’ll have a break for lunch at a local restaurant.

Your next stop brings you to the Batu Karu temple – a 14th-century temple at the base of Mount Batukaru, surrounded by rice paddies. The site is best known for its distinct, elaborate gates. It’s one of Bali’s major temples but doesn’t see as many visitors. Here, you’ll have the chance to meet a priest named Bapak Astiki — “Bapak” is an honorific that’s more or less equivalent to “sir” – and experience a traditional ritual. Bapak Astiki’s wife will prepare costumes and give you offerings that you’ll need to enter the inner shrines. The priest will walk you through the prayer and offerings and describe the meaning behind these traditions.

By the end of your tour, you'll have a newly deepened appreciation for spirituality in Bali. You'll also most likely have a camera roll filled with the brilliant green fields of Bali. At the end of the tour, you'll hop back in air-conditioned vehicle for the return drive.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, and sunglasses, as well as money for tips and souvenirs.

What's included

Guide, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, simple lunch, entrance fees, e-bike ride, a blessing ceremony, and bottled water.
Essential Bali