Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud, Bali's largest Hindu town and cultural heart. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, you might like to wander the traditional market stalls near the centre of town, pop into a local café or stretch out your muscles after your flight with a spot of yoga at one of the Zen studios in town. After your meeting, maybe head out for a group meal at one of the delicious local restaurants. If you have prebooked an airport arrival transfer, please make your way to the Golden Bird Lounge after clearing immigration. After you exit customs, walk to the Golden Bird Lounge which is on the right side (around 50 m from where you exit customs) before the area where the drivers are waiting. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader. Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields and an alang-alang valley (a type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings), then stop by a Balinese home for coffee and experience the traditional Balinese offering. The walk ends in central Ubud, where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening, sit down and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Accompanied by chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is sure to be a highlight of the trip. Your walking time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Please note that when the Kecak dance performance is not available, the dance will be replaced by another Balinese dance performance.

Today you’ll explore the area from a different angle – from the saddle of a bike. Head out on a tour through backstreets, villages and rice fields. It’s a relatively easy ride – much of the route is downhill – and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a brief rest. You’ll also stop to check out some small, intricately carved temples, before finishing your bike tour back in Ubud. After refuelling with lunch, head for the hills to the village of Undisan. Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, this peaceful village is lesser known compared to Bali’s more popular spots, making it the perfect place to unwind away from the crowds. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your cycling time will be approximately 2.5 hours. Bicycle helmets are included on your ride, and there is a support vehicle if the going gets too tough. It's a little cooler up here, thanks to the elevation. You may need to pack some warmer clothes.

Take a morning walk around Undisan's rice terraces, visiting the craftspeople of the trade and the village temples, then have a traditional 'bungkus' lunch. Take in the beautiful scenery before you make tracks to the village of Sibetan. You’ll be given a special welcome by the chief of the village, then check into your homestay accommodation before enjoying some free time in the afternoon. You might like to explore the traditional village a little or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Alternatively, you could take an optional cooking class and learn the secret ingredients and spices of the local cuisine. This evening, you’ll spend some time with the locals and be treated to a typical dinner of salak (snake fruit), prepared for you by the villagers. Your travel time will be approximately 2 hours.

This morning, take a guided walk through an ancient salak plantation with the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here, you’ll see some culturally significant plants – the remains of a white mango tree which was first planted in Sibetan in the 16th century and a jaka moding plant (a type of palm tree). For lunch, tuck into tipat blayag (rice wrapped in young coconut leaves), paired with side dishes of chicken and vegetables. After exploring the village, you’ll journey higher into the mountains by car, driving along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur. Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 m) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera, and with Lake Batur below, it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. You’ll be glamping tonight, with sweeping views of Kintamani and Mt Batur. Your travel time will be approximately 2 hours. There are often mosquitos and bugs around Lake Batur, so be sure to pack your insect repellent. Long pants and sleeves will also be useful to protect from insects.

Wake up bright and early at around 3 am this morning to begin the walk to the summit of Mt Batur in order to reach the top before sunrise. The views will make it well worth the effort! On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. The view of the gorgeous sunrise over the valleys of Bali may well be the most memorable part of your trip. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in the hot springs with fantastic views over the lake and caldera. Then, make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina, made famous by its dolphins that patrol the coast. It's also a great spot for tasty food, traditional massages and yoga – just what the doctor ordered after today’s epic mountain climb. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your walking time will be approximately 2 hours. The summit trail starts relatively easily, then while heading to the crater it climbs steeply with switchbacks over volcanic rocks and gravel. A good level of fitness is required. The path can be slippery, particularly after rain, so good shoes are essential. Please bring your headtorch and a warm layer to wear at the summit. The climb may be cancelled during heavy rain and unsafe conditions.

Explore a local market in the morning, then head out for a day of snorkelling among Menjangan Island’s coral reef, which is part of the Bali Barat National Park. On the way back from your underwater adventure, you’ll stop for a soak at Banjar Hot Springs – a small spring popular with the locals. In the afternoon, stop for a cup of coffee at Global Village Kafe – a diner whose profits support the Global Village Foundation, providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for people with disabilities and assisting those with illnesses with their medical costs. Tonight, head to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cuisine before sitting down to a home-cooked meal. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. After a storm or erratic weather, there can be a problem with rubbish in the water around Menjangan and throughout Bali's coastal areas. Tuuur does not support dolphin-watching trips as an optional activity, as there is little regulation of this activity. Previous travellers have raised concerns over many motorised boats pursuing dolphin pods.

Wave goodbye to Lovina and continue to Sanur. Along the way, visit Gitgit Waterfall and Lake Bratan before continuing to Sanur, where you’ll have a free afternoon. Maybe go for a stroll along Bali's first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible, just a short distance away from the beach. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Selamat datang! Welcome to Sumba Island, where rugged coastlines, wild savannas and hidden waterfalls invite you to explore the untouched landscape. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and take some time to relax before meeting your group and trip leader for a 6 pm welcome meeting. This is the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers and get excited for the adventure ahead. Then, head out with your group for dinner at a restaurant managed by the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF). SHF empowers local youth through education, providing vocational training in the hospitality industry to teens and young adults from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start the morning with a visit to Rumah Budaya Sumba (Sumba Cultural House) – a cultural centre where you’ll get a deep insight into the island’s rich heritage. Learn how Sumbanese houses are living symbols of cosmological beliefs, ancestral connections and community bonds. Then, drive on to iconic Ratenggaro Village – one of the best-preserved traditional villages where the high thatched roofs soar up to 15 to 30 m (approximately 50 to 100 ft) high. Enjoy your packed lunch in a scenic location along the coast, then continue to Waikuri Lagoon for the chance to swim in the warm, turquoise waters. Head back to the hotel and relax for the evening. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Start the day with a short, scenic trek in Weekacura – a serene lagoon where the water cascades into a series of turquoise pools among the rice fields. From here, take a short walk to Waikelo Sawah (a natural spring), passing rice terraces and rivers along the way. Soak away your worries, then continue by car to Karaja. Here, you’ll visit Karaja Sumba in Letehakapuna Village – a social enterprise that empowers local women by supporting their financial independence to escape from domestic violence, through the preservation of traditional ikat weaving. Join a workshop and take part in this piece of local cultural heritage. After, continue the trip to Waikabubak for lunch and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Please ask your leader for more details about the visit to Karaja Sumba, if you think the subject matter may be challenging and you'd like to opt out of this activity.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel, then drive to Prai Ijing Village. You’ll tour the village with your leader and join in local activities like traditional games and dances or drying the paddy grains during the harvest season. Visit members of the local Sumbanese community and learn more about daily life and traditions. Later, set out for the drive to Waingapu, stopping at Wairinding Hill along the way. Pop open your packed lunch and enjoy your meal with a view. After, continue the drive to your hotel, where you’ll have free time for the rest of the day. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 to 5 hours. The village activities will vary depending on the season and village events.

Today, you’ll explore East Sumba’s natural beauty with a visit to Tanggedu Waterfall, often called the ‘Grand Canyon of Sumba’ for its striking rock formations and turquoise pools. Pass sweeping savanna landscapes reminiscent of Africa, where wild sandalwood ponies and buffaloes roam freely. It’s about a 20-minute trek to the waterfall, so wear comfortable shoes. Then, have a refreshing dip in the lagoon at the falls. After, continue to Purukambera Beach for a picnic lunch by the sea. Swim and relax on the white-sand beach before returning to Waingapu. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Enjoy a relaxed day today, swimming, reading, enjoying the beach etc. Later, continue to Walakiri Beach, famous for its surreal sunset views and photogenic mangrove trees. Take a gentle walk along the shore and capture the iconic shots as the sun dips below the horizon. This is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of East Sumba before you end the trip. Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hours.

Your Sumba adventure comes to an end today. You are free to check out at your leisure and make your onward journey. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.