• Barong and Kris Dance - Traditional Classical Barong Dance

The performance narrates the tale of Kunti, the mother of Sadewa, who pledged to offer her child to the malevolent Rangda. However, Kunti could not bring herself to hand over her cherished son to the dark forces. Naturally, this defiance enraged the evil Rangda, who cast a spell on Kunti and her guards, compelling them to take Sadewa deep into the forest and abandon him in front of Rangda’s palace. Witnessing the plight of the innocent child, Lord Shiva descends to aid Sadewa, bestowing immortality upon him.

The play essentially highlights the victory of good over evil. This theme is prevalent in most Balinese performances, which aim to impart moral teachings through dance, music, and drama. The most renowned Barong Dance is performed in Batubulan, Gianyar, and the suburbs of Denpasar. These shows are managed locally, with villagers performing the dances, accompanied by a live gamelan orchestra throughout the performance.

• Bali Traditional House Gung Aji - The Balinese traditional compound is essentially divided into three sections, each serving a different purpose. Following the directional concept of their traditional compass, sacred structures are constructed at the mountain-ward side of the compound, such as shrines (head). In the middle yard, all living quarters (body) are built, while the seaward side is designated for the kitchen and remaining land, where waste is typically disposed of. A Balinese traditional compound is mostly enclosed by red bricks, sandstone, or odove walls, covered with thatched roofs made of sedge grass or rice stubble. At the front of the compound is the entrance gate. On both sides of the entrance walls, there are two niches serving as substitutes for shrines. If the family is financially better off, they often construct separate, sometimes elaborate, shrines.

• Puseh Batuan Temple - This 11th-century temple faces a separate large communal hall.

Batuan Temple, locally known as ‘Pura Puseh lan Pura Desa Adat Batuan’, is a significant landmark in the village of Batuan. Beyond the five-tiered ‘candi bentar’ gate of Batuan Temple, visitors will find various reliefs depicting mythical Balinese figures and floral motifs, as well as statues representing the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, further inside. A series of multi-tiered thatched-roof shrines within the temple’s inner courtyard are arranged in a layout typical of large temple complexes in Bali. The temple pavilion’s wooden beams and ceilings are intricately carved and gilded in gold.

• Elephant Cave - Goa Gajah’s name is somewhat misleading, suggesting it is a large dwelling filled with elephants. However, Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’ is an archaeological site of great historical significance, making it a unique place to visit. Dating back to the 11th century, Goa Gajah was built as a spiritual site for meditation. Upon reaching the base, visitors will encounter a large ‘wantilan’ meeting hall and an array of large ancient stone carvings, some restored to their original splendor. The pool, excavated in 1954, features five out of an expected seven statues depicting Hindu angels holding vases that function as waterspouts. Various structures reveal Hindu influences from the 10th century, and some relics display elements of Buddhism dating even earlier to the 8th century. The cave is shallow; inside are three stone idols, each draped in red, yellow, and black cloths. Black soot lines the cave’s walls due to the current-day incense burning.

• Tegalalang Rice Terrace - Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are renowned for their stunning views of rice paddies, incorporating the subak (traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system). Tegallalang forms one of the three most magnificent terraced landscapes in Ubud’s shared region, alongside the villages of Pejeng and Campuhan. The Tegallalang rice terraces offer a picturesque view that extends down before you and across the valley to the rice paddies on the slopes. The high roadside location is cool and breezy, making it a popular spot for tourists to stop and take photos.

• Tirta Empul Temple - Tirta Empul is a significant temple complex and sacred mountain spring. Constructed around 960 AD, it stands as a silent witness to the ancient Balinese kingdom, particularly during the Warmadewa Dynasty. Tirta Empul, meaning ‘holy water spring’, is the name of a water source within the temple. The spring feeds various purification baths, pools, and fish ponds surrounding the outer perimeter, all flowing to the Tukad Pakerisan River. Inside the central courtyard, known as ‘madya mandala’ or ‘jaba tengah’, pilgrims first approach a rectangular purification bath with a total of 13 intricately sculpted spouts lining the edge from west to east. After solemn prayers at an altar-like shrine, they proceed to enter the crystal-clear, cold mountain water. With hands pressed together, they bow under the gushing water of the first spout, continuing to the eleventh. The water from the last two of the 13 spouts is intended for purification purposes in funerary rites.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Sarung to enter the temple
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Surcharges on fuel
• Parking fees

• Lunch
• Additional pickup charge for locations outside Ubud area (cost depends on distance)
• Entrance fees

This exclusive tour provides a profound cultural experience to uncover the true essence of Bali. Participants will not only visit temples but also delve into the traditional Balinese lifestyle, understand spiritual beliefs, and listen to untold tales from the era of ancient Balinese kingdoms.

The local guide will offer distinctive perspectives on the contrasts between Western and Balinese cultures, highlighting the deep connections between history, religion, and community. Ideal for travelers looking for more than just sightseeing, this tour offers an engaging exploration of Bali’s vibrant culture.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.