BALINESE RURAL LIFE

Renowned for its beaches and its volcanos, Bali’s extraordinary farming and forestry are not often considered as tourist attractions. Pengelipuran village is an entirely old world – one of ancient tradition and even more ancient and ecologically significant bamboo forests.

The unique town planning and architecture are a photographer’s delight.

The existence, protection and cultivation of the bamboo forests honour the Hindu religion, and protect the Balinese art and culture. There is an interesting and historical distinction from rice terraces, coffee plantations and vegetable farming to bamboo forests, deeply connected to spiritual values.

PENGLIPURAN VILLAGE

For something completely different, connect with ancestral Bali. Stage one of the Volcano & Village Tour is a visit to Penglipuran, a beautiful highland village best known for its well-preserved culture and traditional village layout. Ask your guide about the mythology behind the name of the village.

The family compounds are well-kept to retain their old-world architecture, with manicured gardens lining its single stone-paved street running through the centre of the village toward the village temple, the age-old arched entrance gates and walls that conceal their houses within.

PENGLIPURAN BAMBOO FOREST

Penglipuran has also succeeded in preserving its 75-hectare bamboo forest located in the northern part of the village. The forest consists of several different types of bamboo: Tiying Jajang, used as house construction material; Tiying Tali used to produce rope, plaiting works, and house roofs; and Tiying Ampel, short segments; and, Tiying Selem, a black bamboo.

VOLCANO EXPLORER (FROZEN LAVA) TOUR

Stage two of the tour begins at the Expedition Bali Adventure Camp.  Meet your tour guide, a trained 4WD specialist, and climb aboard one of our custom-built, four-wheel drive vehicles. Your guide is also a certified member of the Mount Batur Guide Association, so expect great stories about the history of the region, interesting information about the features of the landscape, all with a great sense of humour. You are in safe hands on this off-road adventure through the incredible Kintamani landscape.

Explore a large cave formed from a lava flow and wonder if you are on a different planet. Ask your guide why it is called a holy cave?

Wander through the volcanic lava flow of 1964 and be surrounded by world famous black lava formations. Witness the extraordinary view of an active volcano in the distance. How did it happen? Your tour guide has the answer. Incredible photo opportunities await.

BATUR NATURAL HOT SPRING

Before hitting the road again, take a welcome break for an a la carte lunch and a long soak in the healing waters of Batur Natural Hot Spring. Enjoy the photographic panorama of beautiful Lake Batur from a completely different angle.

COFFEE PLANTATION

Turning toward home, stop into a locally owned coffee plantation and try traditional Balinese or world famous luwak coffee. This is the place to see various tropical plantains growing coffee robusta, pineapples, Balinese snake fruit (salak), Balinese potatoes, durian and more.

By this time, you will have enjoyed a full day of being immersed in Balinese ways of life.