My journey began in Manchester, with a connecting flight in Frankfurt where I met up with Julie, my travel companion. Despite some tight connections and delayed flights, we—and our luggage—made it through to Singapore, and finally to Denpasar, Bali. Armed with our e-visas, we breezed through immigration and were soon greeted by our G Adventures driver, sign in hand, ready to take us to Sanur.

Our accommodation, the charming Swastika Bungalows, offered the perfect blend of comfort and tradition. We soaked up the sun on Sanur’s beach, swam in the warm sea, and began to unwind before meeting our G Adventures group and CEO (Chief Experience Officer), AJ. A welcoming dinner at 101 Bali Oasis set the tone—an easy camaraderie among solo travelers, friends, and couples, all ready for adventure.

The following morning, we began our journey north. The roads were decorated with penjor, tall bamboo poles symbolizing devotion during the Galungan and Kuningan festivals. Our first cultural stop: the Ogoh-Ogoh Art Museum, a gallery of nightmarish monster sculptures used in ceremonial processions.

From there, we walked the breathtaking Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before a fresh village lunch. At Ulun Danu Temple, we wandered through beautifully manicured grounds, though it felt a little commercialised—a reminder of Bali’s popularity with Instagram tourists.

Our day ended with a short hike to a serene waterfall and check-in at Meme Surung Guesthouse in Munduk. After a delicious dinner and a memorable £8 full-body massage (yes, they really did crawl over the bed to reach us!), we drifted to sleep—earplugs in, roosters outside.

We continued through Bali’s vibrant countryside to Banjar Hot Springs before reaching Bulian village. Here, we experienced one of the most moving parts of our trip: learning to make traditional offerings, dressing in Balinese attire, and taking part in a temple blessing ceremony. It didn’t matter your faith—everyone felt the peace and power of the ritual. 

That evening we settled into the Lake View Hotel in Kintamani, setting alarms for the 2:45 am wake-up call. By 3 am, head torches on, we began our hike up Mount Batur. The climb was challenging but manageable, and the reward? Watching the sun rise over the caldera with hot chocolate in hand and eggs steamed in volcanic heat. Unforgettable. 

After breakfast and a quick taste of the infamous durian fruit, we toured Umah Bali Kuno, learning how Balinese families live and produce teas and coffees (including the famous civet “poo” coffee). We sampled dozens, and a few brave souls tried the massive jungle swing.

Lunch took us to The Bali Community Training Centre, a remarkable initiative empowering people with disabilities to thrive in hospitality. Their courage and resilience left a lasting impression. 

In Ubud, our hotel sat on the edge of the Monkey Forest, and yes, monkeys were everywhere—cheeky, clever, and keen to steal anything not nailed down. We explored the local market, lounged by the pool, and enjoyed group dinners, including a lively night at a sushi bar.

From Ubud, we journeyed to Candi Dasa, stopping first for the traditional Barong and Kris Dance, a theatrical, mythological performance complete with English synopsis.

We also visited Kerta Gosa, the ancient court of justice, before lunch with volcano views—and a surprise encounter with a massive fruit bat!

Our hotel, Ahyana Candidasa Beach Resort, provided a peaceful beachside base. One evening, our CEO AJ even joined the live band playing bass, and somehow, I ended up singing too! Not my finest moment, but one for the memory bank.

After days of early mornings and busy schedules, a free day was a welcome gift.

We opted for a spontaneous snorkeling trip to the Blue Lagoon—a kaleidoscope of coral and colorful fish that reminded us just how magical Bali’s underwater world can be. 

Our last evening was bittersweet as we said goodbye to those finishing the Classic Bali tour. This trip wasn’t just about checking sights off a list—it was about connection: to culture, to nature, to others, and to something deeper within ourselves.