Bali Uncovered

Arrive in the afternoon at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, where a local guide will be waiting for the transfer to Sidemen, in the east of Bali. Escape to the tranquil beauty of Sidemen, a rural region famed for its rice terraces and verdant landscapes, offering an authentic glimpse into Balinese life away from the crowds of the south, with waterfalls, sacred temples and panoramic views of Mount Agung nearby. Check in at the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sidemen.

Rise early for a morning trek to Pura Lempuyang, literally the 'highest lantern,' one of Bali's most important and sacred temples, its gateway framing panoramic views from the summit of Mount Agung down to the tranquil bays of Bali's east coast. Climb for around two and a half hours on a trail through grasslands and pandan forest, rewarded with tea or coffee and Balinese snacks served 1,058 metres above sea level and a blessing from a Balinese Hindu priest, before descending 1,700 steps back down. Continue to a nearby restaurant for a Megibung lunch, served in the traditional style of the Royal family of Karangasem. Afterwards, visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace, built in the early twentieth century with ornamental ponds, spring-fed pools and lush tropical gardens; wander the grounds or take a swim in the cool waters of the pool. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sidemen.

After breakfast, check out and visit Besakih Temple, the 'Mother Temple' of Bali, on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island's highest volcano. As the largest and most important temple on the island, Besakih is one of the best places to see traditional Balinese culture and religious practice firsthand. Continue inland to Kintamani for lunch at a local restaurant with spectacular views over Lake Batur and Mount Batur, one of Bali's most active volcanoes. After lunch, drive over the mountain to visit Beji Temple, then continue to Lovina, on Bali's north coast, for hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for relaxing or independent exploration, with dinner at leisure. Overnight in Lovina.

After breakfast, explore Lovina's uniquely dark, coffee-coloured sands, with lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, visit Brahma Vihara Arama, a rare Buddhist temple in Bali known for its distinctive architecture and peaceful surroundings, then soak in the sacred waters of the area's natural hot springs. Continue up into the hills before descending to the remote, scenic area of Munduk, arriving towards the end of the day. Check in and spend the evening in the hotel's ambience. Overnight in Munduk.

Munduk's cool, high-elevation climate and abundant rainfall give it a lush, 'Garden of Eden' feel. Start the day with a two-hour trek around Munduk to explore three of its major waterfalls and several coffee, clove and spice plantations, before returning to the hotel area for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive along a small mountain road to a viewpoint over the 'Twin Lakes' of Buyan and Tamblingan, considered one of the best views in Bali, then continue to Lake Bratan to visit Ulun Danu Temple, set on the water's edge and appearing to float on the lake's calm surface. Stop at the local market of Bedugul, its stalls piled with fruit, vegetables, orchids and spices, before continuing south to the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih for a leisurely hour-long walk, learning about Bali's traditional Subak irrigation system. Continue to Umabian and check in for the evening, with the rest of the day and dinner at leisure. Overnight in Umabian.

After an early breakfast, drive to Marga, a rural village in the Tabanan Regency, for an insight into everyday Balinese life. Be welcomed into a family compound with a traditional drink, learning about the household's daily farming routine, herbal remedies and inscribed palm-leaf manuscripts. Join a farmer for an easy walk through the surrounding countryside to learn about the centuries-old Subak irrigation system, passing through vivid rice fields with the chance to lend a hand at certain times of year. Return to the family compound for a home-style lunch, before continuing towards Ubud with a stop en route at the serene Taman Ayun Temple near Mengwi. Arrive in Ubud, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Ubud.

This morning, explore central Bali before an afternoon of relaxation. Visit Tampaksiring village to see Tirta Empul, a temple famous for its sacred spring water, where Balinese come at least once a year for a ritual cleansing dedicated to Vishnu. Continue to the nearby temple of Gunung Kawi, set amid lush rice terraces, its 11th-century shrines carved directly into a 7-metre-high cliff face, blending ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple traditions. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to central Ubud to unwind with a soothing one-hour Balinese massage at a local spa. Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Ubud.

Spend the morning discovering Ubud's charms, beginning at the ARMA Museum (Agung Rai Museum of Art), home to one of the best permanent collections of Balinese and Indonesian paintings. Continue to Ubud's Royal Palace, still home to Ubud's king and royal family since the 16th century, finishing with a walk through Ubud Market, where local vendors trade food, handicrafts and textiles. Lunch is served at one of Ubud's top tables, with views over the Tjampuhan river valley, before transferring onward to the airport in Denpasar for the flight home.