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Bali Small Group Adventure: From Sanur Beach Sunsets to a Mount Batur Sunrise

My Bali adventure began with a long‑haul journey from Manchester to Denpasar via Frankfurt and Singapore, ready for a two‑week small group tour of Bali and Lombok with the adventure and touring company G Adventures.

After a tight connection in Frankfurt to our onward flight to Singapore, I was convinced my case would never make it. To my surprise, it appeared safely on the carousel in Denpasar. With our e‑visas already completed online, we breezed through Bali airport, met our smiling driver holding a G Adventures sign, and set off on the short 20‑minute transfer to Sanur.

Sanur: Beach Time and First Taste of Bali

Our first base in Bali was Sanur, a relaxed coastal town on the east of the island. We checked into Swastika Bungalows for two nights, just a short stroll from Sanur beach.

That first full day in Sanur was all about settling into island life:

• Wandering along the beachfront promenade
• Sunbathing on the soft sands
• Swimming in the warm, gentle sea

That evening we met the rest of our G Adventures small group tour at the welcome meeting. Our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) AJ immediately put everyone at ease. The group was a mix of solo travellers, pairs of friends and couples, which is ideal if you are considering a Bali group tour but do not want anything too rowdy.

We rounded off the evening with a relaxed group dinner at the 101 Bali Oasis in Sanur, talking travel plans and swapping stories.

North Bali Scenic Drive & Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

After breakfast the next day, we left Sanur behind and started to see “real Bali” as we drove north. The roads were lined with decorative bamboo poles known as penjor, put up to celebrate the Balinese Hindu festivals of Galungan and Kuningan. They arch gracefully over the streets, a beautiful symbol of devotion.

Our first stop was the Ogoh‑Ogoh Art Museum, home to huge, nightmarish statues of monsters and mythical creatures. These dramatic figures are paraded during Nyepi celebrations, and up close they are both fascinating and slightly terrifying.

From here we continued to the famous Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful rice terraces in Bali. We walked through the emerald‑green landscape, stopping for crisps and freshly squeezed mango juice with incredible views. Lunch was a simple but delicious buffet in a nearby village.

Ulun Danu Temple, Munduk Waterfalls & Homestay Experience

In the afternoon we travelled to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, one of the most photographed temples in Bali. The lakeside setting is undeniably beautiful, with immaculate gardens, bright flowers and striking Balinese architecture. It did feel a little theme‑park‑like at times, with lots of Instagram photo spots and opportunities to spend money, but it is still a classic Bali sightseeing stop for a reason.

On the way to our overnight stop in Munduk, we stretched our legs on a short hike to a waterfall, surrounded by lush jungle and cooler mountain air.

In Munduk we stayed in a traditional homestay, Meme Surung Guesthouse, which felt more like a local Balinese B&B than a standard hotel. We were welcomed with a cooling drink and ordered supper before being offered in‑room massages.

I opted for a 60‑minute full body massage. The therapists arrived and, despite the compact room and limited space around the bed, they simply climbed on and worked their magic. It was one of the best massages I have ever had, and at roughly £7.92 it felt like an incredible Bali spa bargain.

That night we were very grateful for the complimentary earplugs: between the roosters and occasional street noise, Munduk is not the quietest village, but it feels wonderfully authentic.

The next morning we visited the serene Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, a peaceful complex with beautiful statues, gardens and shrines. It was a lovely contrast to the busier Hindu temples we had seen.

Banjar Hot Springs & Balinese Culture in Bulian

Day three took us through yet more lush rice fields and twisting mountain roads to the Banjar hot springs. Here we relaxed in warm mineral pools, surrounded by greenery, a gentle and very soothing Bali wellness experience.

From there we continued to a Bulian homestay, where we were treated to:

• A performance of traditional Balinese dancing
• A generous buffet lunch
• A hands‑on lesson in making daily Balinese offerings

We dressed in traditional Balinese clothing and processed down to the local temple, where our offerings were blessed. We were guided through the ceremony step by step. Whatever your beliefs or religion, it felt inclusive, peaceful and deeply moving, and for me it was one of the most meaningful cultural experiences of the whole Bali trip.

Kintamani & Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

The road then climbed higher into the mountains as we made our way to Kintamani. We checked into the Lake View Hotel, enjoyed a group dinner and went to bed early, setting alarms for 02:45 in preparation for the Mount Batur sunrise trek.

At 3 am, six of us met our local guide and drove to the base of Mount Batur, one of Bali’s most popular volcano hikes. Armed with head torches and walking poles, we began the steady climb in the dark.

We reached the summit around 45 minutes before sunrise, wrapped up against the chill. Our guides served us hot chocolate and a simple breakfast of eggs cooked in the steam of the volcano itself: a very unique way to start the day. As the sun rose over the crater and surrounding lakes, we took hundreds of photos. It is easy to see why the Mount Batur sunrise hike is such a highlight of many Bali itineraries.

We then walked around the rim of the caldera and descended via a different, steeper and very slippery route. Most of us slipped or slid at some point, but we arrived back at the hotel in time for a second breakfast and a quick freshen‑up before continuing our Bali tour.

Coffee, “Pooh Coffee” & Community Projects

On our journey onwards we stopped at a roadside stall to try durian, the famously pungent Southeast Asian fruit. It is definitely an acquired taste.

Next was Umah Bali Kuno, a botanical garden and traditional compound where we learned how Balinese families cultivate tea and coffee. We were introduced to civet coffee (often called “pooh coffee”), where arabica beans are partially fermented and passed by the civet animal before roasting. We sampled a range of teas and coffees and some of the group braved the giant swing overlooking the valley.

Lunch was at the Bali Community Training Centre, a wonderful social initiative that supports people living with disabilities in Bali. Through training in hospitality, they help participants gain independence and find meaningful employment. One of the managers, who is disabled himself, gave us a short and inspiring talk. The centre is funded entirely through donations, and it was a privilege to visit and support them.

Ubud: Markets, Monkey Forest & Poolside Work

That afternoon we arrived in Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, where we checked into Champlung Sari Hotel for two nights. The hotel sits right beside the famous Ubud Monkey Forest, and the grounds are full of cheeky macaques. Absolutely nothing could be left unattended on balconies: phones, sunglasses, snacks, all had to be hidden away from opportunistic monkeys.

In Ubud we:

• Explored the local market stalls, ideal for Bali souvenirs and handicrafts
• Enjoyed a relaxed morning while I caught up on some work by the pool
• Ate together at local restaurants, sampling everything from traditional Indonesian dishes to sushi

Our second evening in Ubud ended in a lively sushi bar where a few of the group ended up dancing, a fun reminder that Bali nightlife can be as low‑key or as energetic as you choose.

Candi Dasa: Culture, Coastal Time & Blue Lagoon Snorkelling

Leaving Ubud we drove east towards Candi Dasa, stopping first to see a traditional Barong and Kris dance performance at Jambe Budaya. With an English synopsis in hand, we followed the dramatic story of good versus evil. The Barong, a mythical creature you often see depicted by children dancing and collecting money in the streets, is an iconic symbol in Balinese culture.

We continued to Klungkung to visit Kerta Gosa, the ancient Hall of Justice, with its beautiful painted ceilings. Lunch was at Lereng Agung Restaurant, a viewpoint restaurant known for its sweeping views of the volcano and, somewhat randomly, a resident giant fruit bat.

By late afternoon we reached Candi Dasa and checked into the Ahyana Candidasa Beach Resort for two nights. That evening we ate at a restaurant across the road where AJ joined the live band on bass guitar and persuaded me to get up and sing. Let us just say it was not my finest musical performance, but it made for a very memorable Bali holiday moment.

The following day was blissfully free, a welcome pause after several very busy Bali sightseeing days. After a lazy morning by the pool, a few of us negotiated with some local boatmen next door. They took eight of us out in two small boats for a snorkelling trip.

We motored over to the Blue Lagoon, one of the best snorkelling spots in East Bali. The coral and tropical fish were stunning, with clear water and vibrant colours that felt like swimming in an aquarium. It was a real highlight for anyone who loves marine life and gentle adventure.

That evening we dined at the hotel and watched a traditional music and dance show. It was also a farewell dinner for six members of our group who were finishing the Classic Bali tour at this point, so we said our goodbyes.

Onwards to Lombok

Our final early start in Bali saw us travelling by bus to Padang Bai, a small harbour town on the east coast, where we boarded the local slow ferry to Lombok to begin the next chapter of the trip which can be see here Lombok and Gili Islands

This Bali small group tour combined cultural immersion, temple visits, rice terraces, a Mount Batur sunrise hike, beach time, snorkelling and meaningful community experiences. From Sanur and Ubud to Munduk, Kintamani and Candi Dasa, it was the perfect way to see many sides of Bali without having to plan every detail myself.

If you are looking for a Bali itinerary that blends gentle adventure with authentic local encounters and a sociable small‑group feel, this style of trip is a fantastic option.

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