Bali Trip Details

Welcome to Bali!

Indonesia’s smallest island, Bali, ranks atop most travelers’ bucket lists. The island adheres to traditional Balinese Hinduism, making for a unique cultural visit. Explore the peacefulness of temples and rice paddies on the island, commonly called “the island of gods.”  

Your adventure begins in Ubud, known as the art and culture capital of the island. Explore the network of alleyways in this little town to discover cafes and boutique shops, be welcomed into the home of a local family, and visit ancient temples of extraordinary craftsmanship.

Spend a few days on the beaches of the Gili Islands, an archipelago group of tiny islands between Bali and Lombok. Snorkeling around coral gardens, observing marine life, and sipping on fresh coconut water as you lay on the white sandy beaches of paradise.

Oh, and let’s not forget that you’ll hike to the top of a volcano to watch the sunrise!

Duration: 8 days & 7 nights

Start: Please be ready to go at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) by 2:00 p.m.

Finish: Trip ends at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) at 12:00 p.m.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 8 days & 7 nights shared accommodations in hotel rooms
• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 5 dinners
• Tour of Ubud Palace
• Visit the Sangeh Monkey Forest
• Experience Gunung Kawi Sebatu
• Visit the Ganyar traditional market
• Be welcomed into a local Balinese family’s compound
• Balinese cooking class
• Learn how to make a Balinese offering
• Walk through the jungle
• Private purification ceremony
• Trek and sunrise atop Mount Batur
• Snorkeling and private boat tour on the Gili Islands
• SUP Yoga session
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Private airport drop-off upon departure
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences Community
• Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates
• Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
• Transportation and optional activities are not included.
  

• Sunrise trek on Mount Batur
• Snorkeling around the Gili Islands
• Local experience with a Balinese family
• Visit to the Sangeh Monkey Forest
• Private water purification ceremony
• Beach time on the Gili Trawangan

Bali is one of Indonesia's tourism icons that people from around the world visit. The people of Bali are known for being friendly, polite, helpful, and welcoming to tourists. They are also known to be soft-spoken, constantly conversing with a kind and courteous tone of voice. Who wouldn’t want to experience this lovely community?

We’ve designed this trip to be at a bit of a slower pace, just like the culture of Bali. But that doesn’t mean we are sitting idle and not doing anything. It just means that we want you to have the opportunity to get a feel of a culture that we’ve come to know over the years.

While soaking up the Balinese culture, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors. We’ll take you to a monkey sanctuary, up an active volcano, on a jungle walk, and bring you to the beaches of the Gili Islands. 

There will be a few long drives, and the ferry services to and from the Gili islands are a few hours each way. But these longer transfers make arriving at the final destination all the more worthwhile.

Remember, Bali is no longer a secret to the tourism sector. So you will come across some crowded areas from time to time as people line up to take their Instagram-worthy photos. But we do our best to get away from the crowds so that you can truly experience what makes this Indonesian island so unique.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 12-14

-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities.  Participants should expect to be active 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful, though not required to enjoy the trip. Please note the trek to the summit of Mount Batur is challenging, but manageable for active people. You are welcome to hike as far as you'd like and enjoy the view from below the summit.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Breakfasts will be served at your hotel.  Dinners are enjoyed in local restaurants.

Balinese cuisine is based on fresh spices and herbs, rich in flavor, and often described as savory, hot, and spicy.  The diversity of Balinese cuisine is a product of the island’s own ancient recipes influenced by its distinct cultures.

In Indonesia, they say it is not a real meal without rice.  Hence, rice is the main ingredient of the Indonesian diet.

Sample Breakfast Menu:

• Bread, egg, sausage, bacon, chicken, fish, fried rice, steamed rice, vegetables, pancakes, fruit, juice, coffee or tea.

Sample Dinner Menu:‍

• Steamed or fried rice, fried noodles
• Vegetables, Tempe, salad
• Chicken, beef, tofu

You will be traveling by private ground transportation throughout your trip.

You will access the Gili Island via a public boat service.

Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included)

Public bus and taxi around Ubud, Bali (Not Included)

Optional activities do not include transportation.

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms during your trip.

Laundry is available at the hotel in Ubud for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal effects. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to participate in.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please read your plan’s coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Very Flexible

Give us at least 30 days' notice, and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover you for some expenses. 

We cannot transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30 Experience trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

‍Tipping Trip Leaders: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

Please be eco-friendly!

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
• Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
• Bring "reef-safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so one main piece of luggage per person is limited. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with!  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

IMPORTANT:   Bring a two-prong 220-volt power adaptor to charge your electronics. Shop here for one.

Do not forget a water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

A visa is required to enter Indonesia and the island of Bali. If you are staying for less than 30 days, you will need the Visit Visa / Visa on Arrival type visa. This can be acquired at the Denpasar International Airport by queuing up at a Visa kiosk, or you can apply online 14 days before traveling to Indonesia to quicken the process at Immigration.

The cost is 500,000 IDR or 35 USD. This fee can be paid by credit card or cash. American Express is not accepted. 

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

The tap water in Bali is NOT safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Bali beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

Check the US Center for Disease Control for any recommended inoculations.

Mosquito-borne viruses exist in most of Southeast Asia.  Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

We suggest bringing 350 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Bali is the Indonesia Rupiah (IDR)

Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

US Citizens, please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” which can contact your family in case of emergency.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Indonesia’s tropical monsoon climate has two distinct seasons: the dry season, between May and September, and the wet season, between October and April.

Most trips will be traveling during the dry season, but the more prepared you are for your trip, the better.

Dry Season of May to September

• Average high is 88 degree Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius)
• Average low is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degree Celsisu)

Wet Season of October to April‍

• Average high is 90 degree Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius)
• Average low is 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius)

Indonesia has a tropical, humid climate. This trip involves a lot of movement throughout the day, and you will sweat.

When you’re exploring Bali, dress appropriately. Modesty is key, especially when visiting temples and sacred sites. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Sarongs are often provided at temple entrances if you’re not dressed appropriately, but coming prepared with your own is a good idea.

Pointing: The index finger is not used to point at things or people, as it’s considered rude.  Indonesian people use their palms or thumbs when gesturing or pointing.

Temples: When entering homes or temples (sometimes even hotel rooms), leave your footwear outside the premises.  Homes and temples are sacred, and wearing footwear is considered dirty and is a form of disrespect in these sacred places. When entering a Hindu temple, wear a sarong with a sash. If you do not own one, they usually rent them out at the front of a temple. Make sure your upper body is not too exposed, either. Upon leaving the temple, it is also nice to leave the temple a donation.

Meals: Balinese prefer to eat their meals in silence as a sign of respect for the nourishment the meal gives them.  Do not be offended if a Balinese person sits away from you during a meal.

Sidewalks: Be mindful of where you walk as, every morning, Balinese people leave offerings on the sidewalks outside of homes and businesses. These offerings consist of palm leaves with flowers and herbs.  It is considered rude and offensive if you happen to step on one.

The Head: In Indonesian culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body, and the soul is believed to live in the head. Avoid touching another person’s head or placing your hands or any other objects over the head.

Lounging: When lounging, don’t put your feet up on a table showing the bottoms of your feet. It is considered to be very rude.

Key Phrases in Balinese

• Hello -- Swastiastu
• Thank you -- Suksma
• You’re welcome -- Suksma mewali
• I'm hungry -- Saya lapar
• Goodbye -- Om santi santi

Tipping Customs

In Indonesia, it is not expected to leave a tip. It's obviously greatly appreciated if you do; however, it won't be considered rude if you don't.  

At many restaurants, there is a 5-10% service charge already added to the bill, so be sure to double-check when paying.

Here are some common guidelines to follow:

• Restaurant server = 2-5% of the bill.  Be sure to give directly to the person.
• Hotel staff = 2-4 USD for the duration of your stay
• Spa service = 2 USD per hour
• Tour guides (non-U30X activity leaders) = 5-10 USD at the end of the tour

• The Yoga Barn: 10 USD
  A spiritual oasis in the middle of Ubud, this center aims to provide a relaxed and inspiring environment for the nourishment of body, mind, and soul through daily classes, workshops and retreats in yoga, dance, meditation, Ayurveda, detox, breath work, and various other healing modalities.

• Bali Swing: 33 USD
  Everyone loves a great swing, but who has ever swung out over a jungle canopy? The Bali Swing offers travelers five different options from a leisurely swing to a high adrenaline rush where you need to be harnessed in. It is a perfect place to grab a fantastic photo for your social media while enjoying a cold drink and a nice view of the valley.
• Tegenungan Waterfall:  2 USD entrance fee / up to 20 USD private transportation.
  Pose for photos or dip in the clean freshwater pool at this 50-foot waterfall.  Visitors can hike up the stairs to the top of the waterfall to peak over the edge for an additional fee.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Recommendations in Ubud

• The Artini Dijiwa
• Greenfield Resort
• Bali Bohemia

Recommendations in Sanur

• Oasis 101
• The Samata
• Taksu Sanur Hotel

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