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The
 
BALI
 
trip

A girl sits on a yellow jeep in Bali

For the love of

BALI SUNSETS

JUNGLE TREKS

 

HIDDEN TEMPLES

 

THE NATURAL WORLD

CRISTALLINE WATERS

ISLAND LIFE
 

RICE TERRACES

UBUD

 

SNORKELING PARADISE

Indonesia

Bali's rice terraces underneath palm trees.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our small group trip to Indonesia caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for cultural immersion in Ubud, tropical adventures in the Gilis, and ribbons of secluded golden beaches in Uluwatu. These regions are representative of the diversity that exists across this sprawling archipelago, and together, we'll dive right in.

Join us as we admire rugged landscapes, trek through Hindu temples reclaimed from jungle vines, and toss down a tropical cocktail or two beneath fiery Southeast Asian sunsets. Along the way, we'll discover the spirit of the nation in local villages and fall in love with traditions passed down through generations.

This is one all-encompassing adventure; a tropical whirlwind of fascinating arts, rich culture, and incredible biodiversity—an eye-opening window into Indonesia.

upcoming dates

Nov 21 - 30, 2024

Thanksgiving Trip 

10 days/9 nights

starting at $2,999 USD

Limited single room upgrades starting from $749 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.

 

Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.

Included

  • 9 nights in Indonesia

  • All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)

  • All boat transfers between islands

  • Meals: 4 dinners, 5 lunches, and 9 breakfasts

  • VW tour of Ubud to ancient temples, the monkey forest, and the Tegallalang Rice Fields

  • Full day with a local Balinese family

  • Sustainable Farming Day

  • Balinese cooking class

  • Traditional offering ceremony

  • Traditional purification experience

  • Snorkeling & boat day through Gili islands

  • Uluwatu beach club experience

  • Uluwatu Temple sunset visit and dance show

  • Scenic hike through Bali’s natural world

  • FTLO Trip Leader

*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.

not included

  • Flights to and from Bali

  • Mandatory trip insurance

  • Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)

  • Incidental expenses

The coast of Bali is rugged, wild, and waiting to be explored with new friends.

day by day

Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE

Day by day
Rice paddies in bali are lush and in the jungle.

arrive

Day 1 - Ubud
bring it on, bali!

 

Going to Bali is a never-ending adventure with activities to suit every soul! 

 

From its unending idyllic beaches, captivating spiritual energy, terraced rice fields, and exotic sunsets, there is so much to experience on this magnificent island paradise!

 

After arriving just outside the Balinese capital, Denpasar, hop in a cab and head north toward Ubud's emerald green rice terraces. Tonight, you'll be meeting up with your new travel crew and heading out on your first dinner together.

 

Welcome to Bali!

A very old temple in Bali.

Discover

Day 2 - Ubud
learning from
the locals

Today, we'll explore the many ways the Balinese care for their physical, spiritual, and mental health. From its cuisine to daily offerings and ceremonies, Bali is a destination designed to nurture the whole self and promote well-being.

Renowned for its warm hospitality, you'll get to experience it firsthand by learning about Indonesian cuisine from a local family. Get ready to savor mouthwatering dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (noodles), satay, martabak pancakes and noodle soup.

Next, we'll delve into the practice of daily offerings before heading out on a jungle trek to a purification ceremony under a secret waterfall. This cleansing ritual is meant to wash away bad spirits and purify the body and soul.

Learn

Day 3 - Ubud
IN THE JUNGLE,
The Mighty Jungle

 

Feeling rejuvenated? Bali is hailed as one of the most relaxing and greenest destinations in the world! And today, you'll get the lay of the land.

We'll be heading out to explore more of this Indonesian island in old-school VW jeeps. Expect to cruise through expansive forests, making a few monkey friends along the way. We'll even have a chance to visit the historic Ubud Palace before heading to our lunch spot, which we fondly call heaven on Earth. With sprawling views of iconic rice fields, this place has more than a few Instagram-worthy angles.

 

We'll return in the late afternoon, where your evening is free to unwind, explore on your own, or indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage.

Two travelers on a Bali group trip near a mountain.

Marvel

Day 4 - Ubud
NAMASTE


We hope you're soaking up some of that "Eat, Pray, Love" energy from this enchanting island.


Today, we’ll delve into the roots—literally—at a farming cooperative, where we'll assist a local chef in preparing lunch with fresh garden ingredients and learn about regenerative agriculture's role in Balinese sustainability.

 

In keeping with the theme of grounding, we'll spend the afternoon in a guided yoga nidra session to stretch our bodies and wind down.

It's your last night in Ubud before we head to the Gilis early tomorrow, so make it count! Head out with your friends to browse the Ubud markets for trinkets and Balinese products, or enjoy an early dinner at one of the many impressive restaurants.

Boats over coral on the blue coast of Bali.

wonder

Day 5 - Gili Trawangan
Floating in Paradise

Grab one more Balinese breakfast at the hotel and then cruise on over to the alluring harbor of Padangbai.

We're hopping on a ferry with our sights set on Gili Trawangan, one of three tiny green teardrops in the great blue abyss that make up the fascinating Gili Islands.

After dropping our bags at the hotel, just a coconut's throw from the balmy Bali Sea, the afternoon is yours to check out the island's pristine beaches. Consider renting bicycles and cruising around this tiny paradise with friends before we all meet up for dinner.

A traveler on a Bali group trip snorkels with a sea turtle.

Admire

Day 6 - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno & Gili Air
Island Hoppin’

We’re leaving land behind for a day offshore, so fuel up before head out for a day on our private boat. Our first stop is just next door off Gili Meno, where we’ll have the chance to dive in and unwind with green sea turtles and hawksbills, some of Indonesia’s most amiable aquatic hosts.

We’ll find dry land at Gili Air to grab a bite before we head off for one last reef-side rendezvous. You’ll dive in and snorkel this particularly special underwater playground for legions of the Gili’s most curious tropical inhabitants before we head back home.

The evening is free back on Gili Trawangan for you to head out with friends.

Two travelers on a group trip relax on a beach in Bali.

Relax

Day 7 - Gili & Uluwatu, Bali
Unreal Uluwatu

Today we're headed back west across the turquoise Lombok Strait to Bali to check out the most southwestern point of the Bukit Peninsula. Hello, Uluwatu.

This coastline of towering rocky cliffs is home to some of the island's most stunning beaches, sunsets, and surf. In fact, it was here in the 1970s that a group of intrepid adventurers stumbled upon the endless break, and the Indonesian surf scene was born.

The evening is free to enjoy the tropical breeze - chill out, sip cocktails, or even take a dip.

A secret beach on the coast of Bali.

Explore

Day 8 - Uluwatu, Bali
Sandy Spectacles

Today, we'll be hitting up one of Bali's iconic beach clubs, so get ready to bask in that brilliant Southeast Asian sun, grab a fruity, tropical concoction, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

Nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and a backdrop of rugged and tropical bluffs, you'll spend the day in sunny, sandy paradise. With relaxing day beds, fresh seafood, and unbeatable views through the shade of coconut palms, it's one Balinese experience you're unlikely to top.

After the sun sets on Shangri-La, head back to the hotel before you roll out for dinner and drinks with the crew.

A colorful sunset from the coast of Bali.

Unwind

Day 9 - Uluwatu, Bali
Up for Anything

Bask in the Balinese ambiance—the morning is yours. Get up early for yoga or a massage and enjoy a relaxing morning on the island.

After a bit of R&R, we'll be moving on to the Uluwatu Temple, which hangs out on a rocky cliff, towering over the Indian Ocean. We'll check out a traditional Kecak dance performance at the temple and one more sunset spectacular before it's on to our farewell dinner.

That evening, we'll wine and dine together over our last meal. So, raise a glass as we toast to an adventure in paradise!

A traveler on a group trip to Bali looks into the jungle.

Reflect

Day 10 - Bali
Sampai Bertemu!

We’ll have one final breakfast together at the hotel before we check out.

If you’re one of the lucky ones with more time on your hands, keep on traveling those spectacular Indonesian islands—they never seem to end.

Otherwise, if you’ve got to jet, it’s a half-hour drive back to the airport, so take the ride to unwind and unpack this action-packed adventure.

Boats sit near a reef along the coast of Bali.

FAST FACTS

Fast facts

About Indonesia

Indonesia is a sprawling, heavily populated country with islands that stretch some 3,200 miles across the equator from the Indian Ocean in the west all the way to the Pacific in the east. The nation has a diverse populace with Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic influences. While it's full of natural beauty, it’s important to remember that Indonesia faces the same issues as any other country. This is a real place where real people live, and the Instagram version is not always reality.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Indonesian is the official language.

  • The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp).

  • The dry season runs from April-October and the monsoon season from November-March.

  • Tipping is not mandatory; however, if the service is good, you can leave 10%.

Trip notes

  • While we can't guarantee private rooms in any Bali hotel, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.

  • We’ll be taking a number of ferries and boat trips, so plan accordingly if you get seasick (Dramamine is your friend!).

  • Indonesia lies directly on the equator; that means it’s usually hot and humid.

  • Most Bali vacation packages head to more touristy Kuta Beach or Seminyak Beach; we purposefully bypass those in search of more authentic secluded paradise.

  • Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date.

  • All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.

  • More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.

flight information

Fly into Bali (DPS)

You'll need to be in Bali by 1pm on Day 1; however, we do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own!

Fly out of Bali (DPS)

We recommend flying out of Bali on day 10 or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in Indonesia.

Reviews
Umbrellas along a stretch of beach in Bali.

Alumni Reviews

We know how much you'll love the Bali trip... but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews. 

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

Learn More

Interested in learning more about our Bali trip?

Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.

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