Bali by electric bike: between rice paddies, volcanoes and hidden villages

A relaxing morning. In the early afternoon, you'll get acquainted with your electric bikes and embark on your first ride to the Tanah Lot temple, which you'll discover in the late afternoon. Meaning "Land of the Sea" in Balinese, it stands on a small island battered by ocean waves. A popular pilgrimage site for travelers and photographers, the Tanah Lot temple was built in the 16th ^century on the advice of the renowned Javanese priest Danghyang Nirartha, to honor the guardian spirits of the sea. This remarkable site also boasts one of the most spectacular sunsets on the island.

Today you begin your gentle journey across Bali with a relatively easy route (although you're heading into the mountains) towards Jatiluwih, a small village nestled amidst some of Bali's most beautiful rice paddies, in the central-western part of the island. After quickly passing through the town of Tabanan, you'll soon find yourself on a small side road that climbs gently towards the Jatiluwih region. There are opportunities to stop at hot springs little known to foreigners and in charming, traditional villages as you gain altitude. Then, as you approach your destination, you'll pass through magnificent landscapes of terraced rice paddies, which you can explore on foot in the afternoon, if you have time.

Early in the morning, you resume your journey, first heading to the Batukaru Temple, located on the slopes of the eponymous volcano (2,270 m). It rises amidst lush greenery, where several multi-roofed "meru" (temples), some dating back to the 17th ^century , stand, dedicated to the ancestors of the Tabanan dynasty and local protective deities. Later, you take small village roads westward, skirting the slopes of the ancient volcano, to Belimbing, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking terraced rice paddies on the island.

Today you'll take the road that leads to northern Bali. It winds through stunning landscapes of terraced rice paddies, then, at Pujungan, you'll turn right to escape "civilization" and explore lesser-known parts of the island. Mount Batukaru still watches over you, but you'll soon be leaving it behind as you continue north towards landscapes of high-altitude plantations. These plantations, with their coffee and clove fields nestled near forests and waterfalls, create a truly picturesque scene. You'll finally arrive at your destination for the day, Munduk, located in a region of Bali steeped in history and considered the cradle of Balinese culture. The early Dutch settlers enjoyed vacationing here, based in the former colonial capital of Singaraja (on the north coast). There's an opportunity for a walk around the village in the afternoon to discover the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Your route today takes you to Candi Kuning , along the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan. These two lakes were once a single body of water until the massive landslide of 1818 separated them permanently. This magnificent hike offers the opportunity to discover local agricultural and cultural life, as you walk alongside and through the island's beautiful rainforests. You will visit the stunning Hindu-Buddhist temple of Ulun Danau. This enchanting place features a huge banyan tree at the entrance and beautiful gardens. One of the temples is perched on a small island, and its 11-tiered roof is elegantly reflected in the lake's waters. In the afternoon, you will experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Bedugul market before returning to your nearby hotel.

You hop back on your e-bike and head this morning towards the small village of Catur, nestled between the ancient Mangu volcano and the caldera massif of Mount Batur. The route winds through some impressive canyons, meaning you'll be alternating between climbs and descents. You'll discover some truly unique landscapes, as the region is dotted with orange groves and other high-altitude crops.

This morning, you'll travel to the caldera of Mount Batur (1,725m), through a region renowned for its coffee plantations. From Penelokan, you'll enjoy exceptional views of the caldera, which stretches for 14 km. Its imposing size testifies to the volcano's tumultuous past and suggests that it was once larger than Mount Agung. At your feet, you'll discover the cone of Mount Batur in the heart of a vast caldera, half of which is occupied by Bali's largest lake, while the other half is covered in plantations and lava fields, remnants of the 1917 and 1926 eruptions. You'll then descend into the caldera to get a closer look at the lava flows. Near the lake, you can relax and enjoy the soothing hot springs .

Rest day. Optional ascent of Batur volcano at the end of the night: shortly before sunrise, you first reach the summit of the oldest crater, then begin your descent by skirting the adjacent craters and pausing near (but at a safe distance from) the newest and most active crater.

Today, you'll take a circuitous route as you head northeast to Bali. This region is probably the poorest in Bali, and you'll take the opportunity to stop in villages that rarely see foreign travelers. Later, you'll reach the Tianjar savanna, a landscape that contrasts sharply with the much wetter rest of Bali. Overnight in a tipi.

You get back on your bikes a little earlier this morning and start by following the coastal road that runs along the northeast coast of the island. After a good lunch in Amed, a small fishing village renowned for its salt pans, you head inland, skirting the slopes of an old volcano to reach the sacred springs of Tirtagangga. Officially known as Tirta Ayu , this complex of freshwater pools was one of the many water palaces built by a king of Karangasem.

Free morning for rest. In the early afternoon, you resume your journey towards the east of Bali, notably skirting around Mount Agung and heading towards Sidemen, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bali (numerous rice paddies, salak plantations and workshops/houses where the famous ikats are woven…).

Early in the morning, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk on the slopes of the hills in the southeast of the island, which offer a superb view of both Mount Agung and the Indian Ocean. In the early afternoon, you'll travel back towards the area around Ubud, where you'll have the chance to visit Pura Kehen in Bangli, one of Bali's most revered temples. Its lush garden and temple with eleven "meru" (spirits) make it a place steeped in spirituality and tradition. Later, before arriving at your destination for the day, you'll pass by the famous Tegalalang rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as are those of Jatiluwih). Finally, a family of Balinese artists will welcome you to their traditional home and offer you a typical meal accompanied by Balinese dances.

Today, traditions and sharing will be celebrated. Immerse yourself in Balinese daily life: cooking, making offerings, dancing, music... Staying with a Balinese family, you'll head to the market to buy the ingredients needed to prepare the meal. Then, return to the home, where you'll spend most of the day chatting and participating in various Balinese daily activities: making coffee, preparing offerings. Afterwards, you'll take part in a cooking class, which you'll enjoy. In the afternoon, you'll travel to Tampaksiring to visit the temples of Gunung Kawi. This site is arguably the most impressive in Bali, with the nine tombs of King Wungsu's family carved into the cliff. You'll also visit Tirta Empul and its sacred pools, where hundreds of Balinese come every day to purify themselves. Finally, back to your hosts via the little-known temple of Gunung Kawi Sebatu, which is a true haven of peace amidst lush nature.

After saying goodbye to your host family, you'll head to Ubud to explore Bali's cultural capital and its surroundings. In Ubud, elegant temples and palaces with sculpted facades line the streets. During your stroll through the town, you'll discover Puri Saren and the intricate details of its wooden doors, Pura Saraswati and the exquisite ornamentation, Pura Puseh and its splendid sculptures, as well as many other museums and galleries. Another tourist attraction in Ubud, located slightly outside the town center, is the Monkey Forest temple .

Free day. The center of Ubud is a treasure trove of small shops and excellent restaurants. Take advantage of your free time to swim in the hotel pool, experience Balinese massages, and more.

Free time until the airport transfer. End of services.