Waterfalls, jungle, volcanoes, and mischievous primates: here’s what Bali has in store for you!
When we started planning an itinerary in Indonesia, we said to ourselves: “This Indonesia is really huge. How are we supposed to cover it from top to bottom in a single trip?”
There were two options: either offer a months-long itinerary across the entire archipelago, or focus on one destination in particular. And since we don’t want to kidnap you from your loved ones for entire seasons (also because kidnapping can land you in jail for years), we went with the second option.
More specifically, we chose Bali, the destination that perhaps more than any other lets you fully experience Indonesia’s natural ecosystem.
Here are some of the experiences this paradise island can offer you.
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Sekumpul Waterfalls are amazing!
In Bali’s rainforest, the loudest sound isn’t traffic, but the thunderous welcome of the Sekumpul Waterfalls.
To reach them, you won’t be taking the usual easy “beginner nature trail” that more and more tourists are getting used to: no, here a descent through narrow jungle paths, hundreds of steps, and plenty of obstacle-course-style challenges await, putting both your legs and your spirit of exploration to the test for a solid half hour of walking (at least).
But the reward for all that effort? Shall we talk about it?
Seven breathtaking waterfalls, around 80 meters high, each with its own unique character, that will leave you speechless (and not just because you’ve just walked a lot to get there).
They’re considered the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, which says a lot given how many others of all kinds you can find on the island. Whether that’s true or not is for you to decide when you visit them, but having seen many others ourselves, we can assure you they’re an incredible experience to enjoy at least once. And the real magic begins when the sun hits the water, creating a goosebump-inducing rainbow.
If you decide to visit these waterfalls, remember to wear suitable shoes, because the trail can be tricky and slippery in some spots.
Ubud and the monkey gangs
The Monkey Forest is exactly what the name suggests: a forest packed with monkeys, a sacred sanctuary officially known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, where troops of long-tailed macaques rule the place, climbing ancient temples and majestic trees while trying to beg a little food from visitors.
Keep an eye on these little troublemakers: yes, they’re undeniably cute, but they’re also known for their “healthy” habit of shamelessly snatching items from tourists. That’s why it’s best to keep your belongings in a tightly closed bag or backpack and avoid wearing anything that can be easily pulled off. Because if those rascals could, they’d probably steal your underwear too.
Even so, the Monkey Forest is a true treasure trove of biodiversity, with more than 180 species of trees and a colony of over 1,000 little “robbers”... that is, monkeys, and it is the quintessential place where the sacred bond between humans and nature is celebrated.
This gathering of lovable rogues is located very close to Ubud, a town considered the cultural heart of Bali and known for its art, especially painting and the crafting of stone and wooden handicrafts.
The area is also home to some beautiful coastal destinations which, unfortunately, are heavily targeted by mass tourism. For this reason, when we go to Bali, we at Sto Gran Tour try to stay as far away from them as possible: keep back!
Climbing a volcano: done!
Mount Batur is a fantastic trekking destination.
It is a volcano standing 1,717 meters high and still active today: its last eruption was in 2000.
Climbing it takes at least two hours, 120 minutes of steep trails and walks over volcanic rock, at the end of which you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
Now, a hike like this might seem too demanding for those who aren’t especially fit, but the truth is that you don’t need to be a trekking black belt: people of all ages and fitness levels complete it every day, guided by local experts who know the volcano like the back of their hand.
Don’t worry, you can do it too.
Once at the top, you’ll be able to enjoy the view (and brag about your achievement at family lunches when you get back). You’ll be able to admire the nearby lake called—believe it or not—Batur, the island of Lombok off the coast, and a spectacular silence worth more than a thousand words.
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In conclusion
So, what do you think—Bali is pretty amazing, right?
And just think: what you’ve read in this article is only a tiny glimpse of what the island has to offer!
There are so many spectacular things to see and experience that we decided to organize a full 13-day itinerary so we can enjoy them all together with you and everyone who chooses to travel with Sto Gran Tour. Take a look at the full program, and when you’re ready, give us a shout and let’s head to Indonesia.
