Bali, Lombok & Sumbawa: Mythical Volcanoes

Upon your arrival at Denpasar airport, transfer to Ubud, nestled on the hills north of Denpasar, surrounded by lush rice fields and picturesque ravines. Known for its painting school, Ubud has managed to preserve its charm and tranquility despite tourist development.

After settling in, take advantage of your free time to soak up the local atmosphere.

This morning, discover the Ubud Palace, an emblem of Balinese history where the royal family once resided. Just across from it, the craft market invites you to stroll among the colorful stalls to find souvenirs and local items.

You then set off for a pleasant walk through magnificent rice fields to TTampaksiring, where a family of Balinese artists welcomes you in their traditional home and offers you a typical meal, accompanied by a Balinese dance performance.

Hiking time: approximately 4 hours

In the afternoon, stop at Tampaksiring to visit the impressive Gunung Kawi temples, famous for the nine royal tombs carved into the cliff, then continue to Temple Tirta Empul and its sacred pools, where hundreds of Balinese come each day to purify themselves.

Return to Ubud early in the evening, with the possibility of strolling freely through the village.

The morning begins with the discovery of the caldera of the Mount Batur. You visit the temple Ulun Danau Batur the second largest temple in Bali after the Temple of Besakih, rebuilt in 1926 after a lava flow destroyed the original building. This temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers.

In early afternoon, you set off to climb the volcano through fields of solidified lava. Along your walk, you go around the four craters formed by successive eruptions, before beginning the descent.

Hiking time: approximately 2 hours / Elevation gain ~600m

Transfer to your hotel in late afternoon, for a well-deserved moment of rest.

Mid-morning, you head towards the traditional Bali Aga village of Trunyan, along Lake Batur. You discover this unique village by boat and visit its singular cemetery, where the deceased decompose in the open air according to ancestral traditions.

Late morning, head to Kehen Temple, one of the most beautiful and emblematic temples of Bali, to admire its architecture and sacred atmosphere. After this visit, transfer to Sidemen to reach your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful setting of the region.

At night, transfer to the Pasar Agung temple (1,600 m) to begin the ascent at midnight, after a ritual offering performed by the guide to request protection and safety. The hikers, in a gesture of respect, light some incense sticks and recite a short prayer.

The trail circles the temple and quickly enters a dense and steep tropical forest, punctuated by ravines and roots that sometimes need to be stepped over. After an hour, the vegetation clears, offering first views of the surroundings. The climb continues through rocky and steep passages, where caution and concentration are essential. As altitude increases, the volcanic landscape gradually unfolds: the caldera, the Balinese coastline and neighboring islands appear before your eyes.

The final part of the ascent is the most demanding: rocky and stony, it requires patience and endurance. After passing the base camp at 2,622 m and a final technical section, you reach the sub-peak (*2,866 m*), offering a spectacular panorama of the surrounding volcanoes and the mountain ranges of Bali. The guide's offerings and prayers mark gratitude for the protection received during this exceptional ascent. For the most daring, a few extra minutes allow you to reach the true summit of the Agung volcano (3,028 m).

The descent, long and technical, demands as much attention as the ascent, but the beauty of the landscape and the pride of having tackled this unforgettable summit make the effort memorable.

Hiking time between 10 and 12 hours round trip

Elevation gain ~1,430m

In the morning, transfer to the port of Padangbai, from where you board a speed-boat to reach the island of Lombok.

Upon arrival, continue towards Sembalun Lawang, a village located at the foot of the island's majestic volcanoes, an ideal starting point for your next adventures.

The Segara Anak lake, perched at 2,020 m altitude, offers an impressive spectacle but is sometimes marred by waste left by large groups of Muslim and Hindu pilgrims who stop there. Despite this, the area remains an essential stopping point thanks to the presence of the hot springs of Aik Kalak, accessible in ten minutes' walk. To reach them, simply follow the opening of the lake where water flows out, cross the stream twice, then descend a steep slope for 200 m. Natural pools have been developed to retain the thermal waters and allow bathing. Be careful though: the highest pools are often too hot – and rather dirty – while the large lower pool, adorned with two small waterfalls, offers an ideal temperature and clearer water.

The more adventurous can extend the experience by climbing the Barujari volcano (Gunung Baru), located in the center of the lake. Following the east shore, you reach the crater in about two hours, then the smoking summit in an additional hour. This climb requires a round trip of at least four hours: plan an extra night by the lake if necessary. Note that access may be prohibited in case of volcanic activity.

In the afternoon, you resume your journey north via Goa Susu ("milk cave", 1,885 m), before reaching Torean (over 10 km). A vehicle awaits you there to take you back to Sembalun Lawang. The journey then continues to Kayangan port, where you board a ferry to the island of Sumbawa. This island, at the crossroads of Indian cultural influences, remains famous for the cataclysmic eruption of Tambora in 1815, the deadliest ever recorded, which disrupted the global climate.

Your day begins with a low-altitude trail, where the heat and humidity of the jungle are quickly felt. After about an hour of walking, you will find a clear water source, ideal for filling your water bottles before continuing the ascent.

The route then progresses in stages through several posts:

- Post 1 – 1,080 m

- Post 2 – 1,320 m (*water point available*)

- Post 3 – 1,630 m (*water point available*)

- Post 4 – 1,800 m

After 6 to 7 hours of walking, you reach post 5 at 2,060 m, where you set up your camp for the night. This stage marks the end of your long approach day and prepares you for the final ascent of Tambora.

Hiking time approximately 6-7h

Elevation gain ~ +1,620m

The morning is free, ideal for resting or enjoying the surroundings.

In the afternoon, you head towards the port of Labuan Jambu. Nestled away from the most crowded tourist circuits, this fishing village is a true hidden gem. Here, nature, culture and adventure meet to offer travelers an authentic and unforgettable experience.

The Saleh Bay, located facing Labuan Jambu, is famous for hosting the majestic whale sharks, the largest fish in the world that can reach 12 meters long. Peaceful, they feed mainly on plankton and small fish that abound in these rich waters.

Late at night (*around 4am*), you board a traditional boat to join, at sunrise, a small group of fishermen pulling in their nets. This is the privileged moment when whale sharks appear. You put on mask, snorkel and fins to approach them as closely as possible and swim alongside them. Their friendly and curious behavior makes this experience truly unforgettable.

You return to Labuan Jambu mid-morning for a moment of relaxation before lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Sumbawa Besar, capital of the western part of the island, where your journey continues.

Free morning to enjoy the island one last time, stroll by the water or take a last sun bath.

Late morning, transfer to Sumbawa Besar airport for your flight to Bali.

End of services and farewell to Indonésie, taking away unforgettable memories.