East Bali (the old kingdom of Karangasem): Undeveloped, romantic and truly beautiful.

We will start early in the morning and drive north of Klungkung through magnificent rice fields and highlands at the feet of Bali's holy volcano, Mt. Agung. Small roads go through Rendang and Selat to Tirtha Gangga, the water palace of the late king of Karangasam. After visiting the pools and gardens of Tirtha Ganga we'll drive to Pura Luhur Lempuyang, one of the six most important directional temples. It is beautifully located and the only large temple on the island made of white stone. Then you may coose to make a pilgrimage to the top of the Lempuyang mountain to the upper temple. After Lempuyang drive further east through Culik to see some of the most beautiful panoramic views of rice fields and stop for rest and lunch in Amed, a sleepy fishing illage/resort along a quiet, black sand beach on the east coast.We will return to Purnati through the foothills of Mount Agung and at the end of the day drive through Sedimen valley, considered to be Bali's most beautiful. If you are interested in local textiles (ikat or songket) Sedimen village is a place where we may wish to stop.This will be a very full daytrip. We will be leaving at 7 AM latest.

Rice and spice plantations in the mountains of north Bali:
We will drive north to Lake Bratan and visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, the famous floating temple of Bali. Then follow the road along Tamblingan and Buyan lakes. Continue following the ridges of the northern mountains to the village of Munduk. Stop here for a picnic lunch. This will become ourbase for a guided 4 hour nature walk, through the rainforest to a picturesque waterfall and then through terraced rice fields, coffee, cocoa, clove and nutmeg plantations. This is a spectacular area with long range vies into the north coast and the Java Sea, unchanged in decades. You may choose a shorter walk as well. We will return to Purnati around 5pm

Back roads to Mt. Batur, Bali's second largest, still active volcano:

We will drive north of Ubud and stop in the village of Ceking to view dramatic rice terraces in the valley below. Continue to beautifully nested in a small valley, Pura Gunung Kawi. Drive through changing landscape to Penelokan, a small village and market on the rim of an ancient crater. We
will see the vast Batur Lake below. Drive down along the lake to Pura Ulun Danu, an important temple at the "head of the lake", source of especially sacred holy water. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way in a serene spot by the lake.
If you choose to go up Mt. Batur, a 3 hour locally guided trek will be offered.Those who decide not to climb the volcano can drive to Pura Ulun Danu Batur on the rim of caldera. This is second largest temple in Bali. Then we'll return to Ubud area through Payangan, along the Ayung River valley.

This will be a very full daytrip. It is suggested to climb Mt. Batur only if it isn't wet. The climb is not difficult, but may not be pleasant if too slippery. It is popular to start as early as 3 AM with an intention to view sunrise from the top of the volcano.

The Rice Basket Area of Tabanan and Pura Tanah Lot Temple.

From Purnati we will drive west to Pura Luhur Batu Karu, one of the six directional (in relation to Mt. Agung) temples of Bali. After visiting the temple drive down through some of the most beautiful rice fields and vistas of the region, from Wongaya Gede to Jatiluwih.Follow the roads south to Pura
Tanah Lot, the best know Balinese temple located on the sea. The site becomes an island in high tide. We may choose to visit a nearby village of Pejaten, just north of the temple, a center for terracotta roof  tiles, handicrafts and ceramic ware.

This is a full day, but we can start later, around 10AM.