Bali, Lombok & Gili Islands: Hike, Bike, Raft & Snorkel
Trip Code: TIXB
Why we love it
Hike through lush forests as you make the challenging full-day climb to the rim of Mt Rinjani, where spectacular views across Bali, the Gili Islands and Mt Agung reward your efforts., Swim and snorkel among the colourful marine life and friendly sea turtles on a boat trip around the Gili Islands – this paradisical archipelago will steal your heart!, Navigate through Class 2 and Class 3 rapids on a whitewater rafting experience just outside of Ubud, against a backdrop of green rainforest, deep gorges and lush rice paddies., Leave the tourist trail in Eastern Bali as you visit the lesser-known temples and villages of Tenganan Village and Pura Luhur Lempuyang. These are golden opportunities to learn about local Balinese culture., Kick back and relax on the remote beaches of Amed and Gili Air with free time under the sun – the perfect places to rest your weary muscles after hiking and biking around Bali., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Is this trip right for me?
This trip is designed for those who love to get active. While prior training may not be necessary, a good level of fitness will help you to get the most out of the activities on this trip.
The white water rafting excursion just outside Ubud (Day 2), involves Grade 2 and 3 rapids, so a level of confidence in the water is essential. Similarly, you'll need to be a confident swimmer for the Gili Islands snorkelling trip (Day 11).
You will cycle from the hills inland of Candidasa to the coast with a distance of approximately 31 km, which involves some hill climbs and steep descents and some off road sections.
Be prepared for a few nights without hot showers – hot water can sometimes be unreliable at some destinations.
The hike to the Mt Rinjari crater is demanding and can vary a great deal depending on the weather. The climb involves an ascent of 2000 m and a distance of 9 km in each direction with some steep and dusty sections. Be sure to bring strong, sturdy walking shoes and clothes for cold temperatures and an overnight bag that you’ll need to carry. All camping gear will be carried by porters.
Important information
1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 7 & 9 (Guesthouses) and Day 8 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at least 30 days prior to departure. The National Park authorities requires this information for all climbers of Mt Rinjani.
4. This trip concludes on Gili Air. The closest departure flights operate from Bali (Ngurah Rai, DPS) Airport or Lombok International Airport.For those travelling back to Bali a fast boat option is available, and pre-bookable through Intrepid. Please allow sufficient time for daily boat transfers and travelling time to meet your onward arrangements. We recommend onward flights that depart after 7pm from Bali or after 1pm from Lombok.
What to bring/pack
What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Additionally packing lighter will make it easier to jump on and off smaller boats when travelling between the islands. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip.
ESSENTIALS
- T-Shirts/cotton shirts
- Long-sleeved top (for evenings when mosquitoes are out)
- Long trousers/long skirt/shorts (Denim not recommended due to humidity – cotton or quick drying clothes are better) Dress standards on Lombok are generally more conservative. To respect this and for your own comfort, modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees is best.
When visiting religious sites you will need to cover shoulders and knees, so for these visits t-shirts, long trousers, a long skirt, sarong, or scarf are best.
- Walking shoes or hiking boots with a good grip
- Sandals/flip flops/shoes: for the rafting you will need shoes that can get wet. Sandals with straps or shoes which are not likely to fall off are preferable
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Small to medium size day backpack (for overnight camping Mt Rinjani)
- Head torch (a head torch is best for when you are climbing to Mt Rinjani crater rim before sunrise)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and waterproof gloves
- Warm layers (While climbing to Mt Rinjani crater rim before sunrise temperatures can be very cold, so make sure you pack several layers that can be added/removed as you ascend/descend). Warm clothing can be rented in Senaru prior to ascent, please let your leader know if you require this service.
- Waterproof bag cover or plastic bags
- Swimming costume
You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for the overnight camp near Mt Rinjani crater rim. A capacity of 30-35 litres/8-9 gallons is suggested, and in this you will need to carry a change of clothes, head torch for trekking, toiletries, warm clothes and any other essentials. While trekking, you leave your main piece of luggage at a central point and return following the trek.
RECOMMENDED
- Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as, mild pain killers, adhesive bandages and electrolytes.
- Camera with spare batteries/charger
- Electrical travel adaptor plug
- Hand sanitizer
- Water bottle – some hotels may have filtered drinking water to refill your bottle.
- Money belt or pouch
- Water purification tablets
- Backpack or bag with shoulder strap – rather than wheelie bags
OPTIONAL
- Sleeping bag liner
- Trekking pole(s)
- A good book, a journal and music player
- Playing cards
- Travel washing line and Bio-degradable washing detergent
MORE!
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list
Physical rating
You’re in for an active trip! Whilst previous experience isn’t essential for getting involved, a good level of fitness will really help you get the most out of this tour. There are certain activities it’s not possible to skip. If you can imagine yourself hiking for two days on the trot or canoeing for a couple of days and setting up camp on the shore; this is the adventure for you.
If you’re already a regular exerciser, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, cycle the extra mile or swim a few more lengths to make sure you’re on top form. If you’re not exercising so regularly (we’re talking 2-3 times a week here), it’s important to start in the weeks leading up to your departure. Your best bet would be to tackle trip-related activities (yes, that’s cycling and hiking), but anything cardio based will make a huge difference (swimming, running or rowing). Add it to your routine now and you’ll be ready to go in no time.
Joining your group
Artini Bisma Ubud, Jl. Bisma, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, Ubud, INDONESIA, Phone: +62 3619000511
Artini Bisma Ubud is a Balinese family style accommodation with panoramic views of the rice terraces. The resort is situation just off the quiet and tranquil Jalan Bisma, while still being a 5 minute walk to the Ubud Monkey Forest and a 15 minute walk from Ubud town centre. The property features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, 24 hour reception, laundry service and safety deposit boxes. A free afternoon tea is served daily.
Rooms feature large windows, air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions with cable/satellite. Each room has an en suite bathroom with a bath or shower facilities.
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
If you have booked an airport transfer please proceed to the Golden Bird lounge, which is on the right side approximately 50 meters after you exit customs. Note that The Golden bird lounge is before the area where all the drivers are waiting. Please provide your name to the Golden Bird staff and they will then take you to your driver. If your flight has been cancelled and you are arriving on a different flight number than planned, please call Golden Bird on Phone number: + 62 361 701 621 / +62 361 701 111. If there is any complications please call intrepid’s 24 hour emergency number on +62 822 3553 2507. The transfer driver will wait up to 4 hours from when your plane has landed.
If you are arriving into the domestic airport the Golden Bird Lounge is located around 50 meters after the conveyor belt (baggage claim) just before the exit gate.
Alternatively, taxis are cheap, safe and reliable. As you exit from Immigration at Denpasar you will see a sign for public taxis. Expect to pay about IDR550,000. It takes up to one and a half hours to get to Ubud from the airport.
Look for the Intrepid information board at reception for suggestions of what you can do while waiting for the trip to start. Check-in time is 2 pm.
Finishing your trip
Villa Karang Hotel & Restaurant, Gili Air Island, North Lombok, Gili Islands, INDONESIA, Phone: +62 (813)39904440
Villa Karang Hotel offers an outdoor pool and direct access to Gili Air Beach. All rooms come with air conditioning and private ensuite. A TV is provided in each room.
Alternate Finish Point
Pre-booked departure transfers including boat and land transfers are available to Bali and Lombok International Airports.
Bali Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar (DPS): Please make your way to the Gili Air Harbour then proceed to the Gili Getaway counter. The latest check in time is 10.15am. If you wish to make changes to your booking, please do so directly at the Gili Getaway counter. Departure from Gili Air will be at 11.45 am. You will return to Serangan, Bali at approximately 2.15 pm, and then be transferred to the airport another 1,5 hrs (depending on traffic). Please note the boat will stop at Serangan, Bali which is where you will be required to disembark the boat to then travel by vehicle to the airport.
If flying out of Denpasar on the last day of the trip, we recommend you don't book a flight until after 7pm
Lombok International Airport: Please ask your leader to reconfirm your departure transfer pick up time (approximately 4 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure). Please make your way to the Gili Air Harbour and take the public ferry (at your own cost) to Bangsal Pier on Lombok where you meet your transfer representative (who will be holding and Intrepid sign) in front of Bangsal ticket counter, then take a private vehicle to Lombok International Airport (approx. 1,5 hours drive). If you have any difficulties locating your transfer please call our local operator Komang on +62 813 399 11409.
If flying out of Lombok on the last day of the trip, we recommend you don't book a flight untill after 1pm.
Please note there are no taxi's on the island, only the local 'cidemos' which are horse drawn carts.
Alternatively, should you wish to book your own fast boat and local transfers we recommend Gili Getaway https://giligetaway.com/ or Blue Water Express https://bluewater-express.com/ or Golden Queen https://goldenqueenfastboat.com/
In the event of severe weather and fast boat cancellations to Bali, you may need to travel to Lombok to fly to Bali or take the slow ferry back to Bali. A refund will be provided via our sales agent for any fast boat departure transfers that are cancelled due to bad weather. Your leader will be able to assist with booking travel to Lombok Airport or the slow boat ferry back to Bali
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 11
Lunches included: 4
Dinners included: 1
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
INDONESIAN FOOD:
Here are 10 quintessential dishes you have to try while travelling in Indonesia: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-eat-in-indonesia/
VEGETARIANS & VEGANS:
Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. Although there are many vegetarian options available, please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs. If you are travelling to Ubud, see our guide to vegan and vegetarian eats: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/vegan-vegetarian-guide-to-ubud/
Climate & seasonal information
FLOODS & MUDSLIDES:
Floods and mudslides can occur during the wet season (October - March). Heavy rains during this time can result in areas of the Jakarta region being affected by flood waters. Key services, such as emergency and medical care, telecommunications, transport, and the supply of food and water are often disrupted during floods and mudslides. Should our trips be affected by floods during this time we may need to reroute our itineraries and travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover additional costs.
VOLCANOES:
Indonesia has many active volcanoes that can erupt at any time and cause widespread disruption. Alert levels may be raised and evacuations ordered at short notice. Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. In the event of or following an eruption you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the volcanic activity. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent eruptions have been:
- Mt Agung, East Bali. Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late-September 2017. Ash from the volcano has disrupted flights. There is currently an exclusion zone around the crater, which may change at short notice.
- Mount Merapi (near Yogyakarta). Following an eruption in May 2018, people in the area were evacuated by local authorities.
EARTHQUAKES:
Indonesia is in an active earthquake region with a high level of earthquake activity, sometimes triggering tsunamis. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of or following an earthquake you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the event. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent earthquakes have been:
- Lombok & the Gili Islands. A series of powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage and loss of life in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands in July and August 2018. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants that temporarily closed as a result of the earthquakes are progressively reopening and ferry services are operating.
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Always celebrated on August 17, this is Indonesia's national day and marks Indonesia's declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945. Around this time you may experience some delays to transport due to events, or alternative accommodation may be need to be sourced due to it being a peak time.
NYEPI - BALINESE NEW YEAR :
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali. Custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence and do not leave their homes. Flights to/from Denpasar airport will be suspended for this day and majority of services and businesses do not operate. It is expected that travellers will respect the traditions of the Balinese people during Nyepi and stay within their accommodation at this time. Dates for Nyepi may change, but are currently: 11th March 2024, and 29th March 2025
RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +62 822 3553 2507