Private Tour: Bali, Yogyakarta, UNESCO Sites, and Optional Extension to Sanur, Gili Islands, or Flores
This customizable itinerary features a combination of Bali and Central Java, with time to explore both natural landscapes and cultural landmarks.
Begin with five nights in Ubud, a base for visiting temples, royal gardens, rice terraces, and the volcanic highlands of central and eastern Bali.
Then fly to Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, also known as Jogja, home to traditional courts and artisan communities.
Highlights include two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan and the 9th-century Buddhist monument of Borobudur.
Return to Bali for a stay in Sanur, with the option to relax by the sea or continue to the Gili Islands for beach time and swimming, or to Flores for a more adventurous extension with island scenery, clear waters, and access to the Komodo National Park.
All our tours are private, customizable, and can begin on any date.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival and Private Transfer to Ubud
Arrive in Bali and meet your private driver at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Ubud and check in.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 — Ubud and Eastern Bali
Depart at 08:00 am with your private driver and guide for a full-day exploration of East Bali.
The first stop is the traditional village of Penglipuran, set 700 meters above sea level and known for its well-preserved layout, arched gateways, and quiet stone-paved paths.
Continue to Besakih Temple, Bali’s largest and most sacred temple complex, located on the slopes of Mount Agung at 1,000 meters of elevation.
After a break at a local restaurant overlooking the Bukit Jambul hills, visit the historic Kerta Gosa in Klungkung, once the island’s court of justice. Its elaborately painted ceiling panels depict scenes of punishment and morality from ancient Balinese epics.
Return to Ubud in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Ubud.
Day 3 — Temples, Rice Terraces, and Highlands
At 08:00 am, depart for the Tabanan region in West Bali. Begin with a visit to Pura Luhur Batukaru, one of Bali’s six most sacred temples. Nestled at the foot of Mount Batukaru and surrounded by dense tropical forest, the temple offers a serene atmosphere and a glimpse of ancient spiritual life.
Continue to the Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its expansive and beautifully maintained subak irrigation system. After a break at a local restaurant, head to Candikuning market to browse colorful displays of tropical fruits, flowers, and spices.
The day ends at Lake Beratan with a visit to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a serene lakeside temple dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu, set against a backdrop of forested hills at 1,200 meters above sea level.
Overnight in Ubud.
Day 4 — Cultural Performance and Highland Temples
Depart at 08:00 am for Batubulan to watch the Barong Dance, a traditional Balinese performance that dramatizes the battle between good and evil.
After the show, continue to Tegallalang to view its iconic rice terraces, followed by a short drive to Sebatu to visit the Holy Water Temple.
Proceed to Kintamani for panoramic views over Mount Batur and Lake Batur, set within a volcanic caldera.
Take a break at a local restaurant, continue to Gunung Kawi, a temple complex featuring 11th-century rock-cut shrines carved into the valley walls.
On the return to Ubud, stop in the woodcarving village of Mas and nearby Batuan, known for its fine art galleries.
Overnight in Ubud.
Day 5 — Sacred Forest, Royal Temples, and Kecak Dance at Tanah Lot
Depart at 08:00 am and begin the day with a visit to Sangeh, a sacred forest inhabited by groups of long-tailed macaques.
Continue to the Royal Temple of Taman Ayun in Mengwi, an elegant complex surrounded by lotus-filled canals and known for its multi-tiered shrines and classic Balinese architecture.
In the afternoon, travel to the southwestern coast to visit Tanah Lot Temple, dramatically set on a rocky outcrop in the sea.
Stay for sunset and enjoy a traditional Kecak fire dance performance held within the temple grounds.
Overnight in Ubud.
Day 6 — Flight to Java, Prambanan Temple, and Yogyakarta Overview
Early morning flight from Bali to Yogyakarta. Upon arrival, meet your private guide and begin the day with a visit to the Prambanan temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Hindu sanctuary in Indonesia.
Explore the temple’s bas-reliefs, towering shrines, and surrounding grounds at a comfortable pace.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a brief orientation tour of Yogyakarta by car and traditional horse-drawn carriage, passing through the city’s historic quarters and around the Kraton and Malioboro areas.
Overnight in Yogyakarta.
Notes:
Prambanan and other heritage sites are closed on Mondays. If arrival falls on a Monday, the program will be adjusted accordingly.
On selected evenings, and upon request, it’s possible to attend a performance of the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan, staged in an open-air setting near the temple.
Day 7 — Borobudur and Village Life in Central Java
Early in the morning, visit Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable Buddhist monuments in the world.
Set against a backdrop of misty hills and volcanoes, this 9th-century temple was built in the form of a massive stone mandala and is richly decorated with carved reliefs and serene Buddha statues. Exploring the temple in the early hours offers a quiet and atmospheric experience.
The day also includes time in the nearby countryside, where you’ll pass through rural villages and farmland.
Depending on the route and local activity, you may encounter scenes of traditional crafts, home industries, or seasonal farming.
Overnight in Yogyakarta.
Day 8 — Yogyakarta Heritage Sites and Return to Bali
In the morning, visit the Kraton, the royal palace and cultural center of Yogyakarta, followed by Taman Sari, the former royal garden and bathing complex of the sultanate. If time allows, stop at the nearby Gusti Joyo Royal Palace, a historic residence of the extended royal family, now open to visitors as a traditional house-museum with authentic Javanese architecture.
After the visits, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Bali.
Overnight in Sanur.
Day 9 — Optional extension: Sanur, Gili Islands, or Flores
After your return from Java, choose how you wish to continue:
Stay in Sanur for as many days as you like to relax by the sea, enjoy the calm beach atmosphere, and explore the local dining and spa scene.
Travel to the Gili Islands, known for white sand beaches, clear waters, and a laid-back pace of life.
Fly to Flores, the starting point for visiting Komodo National Park, with its dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and world-class snorkeling and diving.
Let us know your preferred direction, and we will tailor the arrangements accordingly.
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