Coast to Coast Traverse of Bali
This unique trek – dubbed 'Indonesia's Camino' – takes you far from the crowds, through the lush landscapes of this tropical island paradise
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking, local guidesHotels & Camping
4 nights camping, 1 night glamping, 5 nights in hotelsMeals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in between, including a support vehicle through the trekEquipment
All your camping gear, plus headtorch and trekking polesSmall ‘Like-minded’ Groups
Solo-friendly by design, our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Hike from south to north through the heart of the island, via dense jungle, verdant rice paddies and hidden waterfalls
Tackle Bali's second-highest summit, topping out on the ancient volcano of Mount Batukaru (2276m) for an ethereal sunrise
Explore beyond the beaches and soak up Bali’s rich culture, glimpsing local village life and tucking into delicious Indonesian food
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Bali
Touchdown in Bali and meet your host at the airport before being whisked off to your beachside accommodation in Tabanan, located on the south coast of the island. Settle into this tranquil spot and start soaking up the laidback vibe in this part of the world, maybe walking along Batu Tampih Beach or just chilling by the pool right by the shore. Meet up with your host and fellow adventurers for a welcome dinner this evening, tucking into classic Indonesian dishes and having a chat about the epic adventure ahead.
Day 2
The trek begins
Hiking
Grab a morning dip in the sea and fuel up with a big breakfast before the trek begins, setting off right from the resort – passing through the village of Tibubiu and continuing along a riverside and through family-run plantations of local fruits, such as durian and jackfruit. The going is fairly steady today, with six hours to get through along relatively easy terrain, stopping for lunch at a traditional Balinese restaurant. Today's trek winds up at a Kemetug Eco Camp, the first of a patchwork of community-run camps that you'll be bunking down at along your coast to coast route.
Day 3
Kemetug to Belimbing
Hiking
Wake up beneath canvas, unzip the tent to reveal the lush green surroundings and tuck into Indonesian coffee, settling into the rhythm of life on this unique trail. You're surrounded in this part of Bali by a tapestry of cacao, coffee, exotic fruit plantations and beautiful rice paddies, with volcanic peaks in the distance. Pick up the trail straight from the campsite, meandering through rice paddies and coffee plantations and witnessing farmers tending their crops in the same way that has been practised here for thousands of years. You'll pass through Pengesan and Kerta, traditional villages that see very few foreign visitors – don't be surprised if you are invited into a local's home for coffee! Continue on through jungle and bamboo forest traversing the valley; you're in the foothills of Batukaru volcano now. Eventually you'll reach your next campground on the fringes of Belimbing, where you will be welcomed by swimming pools and a natural outdoor jacuzzi to soak your tired trekker's legs ahead of dinner.
Day 4
Rice paddies and temples of Munduk Asah
Hiking
Leaving Belimbing, you'll set off through Bali's most fertile and productive area where myriad tropical foods are grown. Pass through emerald green fields, punctuated by Balinese temples and coconut palms. You'll see up close the intricate irrigation systems that sustain the rice paddies, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Balinese people. Finish up at Wana Sepi Munduk Asah, where you'll take a short transfer back to last night's campground to enjoy some downtime – the afternoon is free to relax however you choose. You'll be getting an early night ahead of an early start in the morning...
Day 5
Hike Mount Batukaru
Hiking
When we said early, we meant very early – roll out of your tent at 02:00, grab a headtorch and hit the trail in the darkness as your guide shows the way beneath the moonlight. Your aim in leaving so early is to reach the summit of the volcanic titan of Batukaru in time for sunrise. The hike today is by far the most challenging part of the trek, but the going is steady and the temperatures are a lot cooler by setting off in the middle of the night. You'll pass through ancient forest, jungle and volcanic rock. Eventually, as you reach the summit, the sun breaks over the horizon to reveal how high up you are, with sweeping views as you watch Bali wake up from the second-highest point of the island. Your host has designed a unique route up and over the volcano, which descends through dense rainforest to continue the coast to coast challenge (most day hikers go up and down Batukaru via the same route). After a long, challenging day, you'll reach Kampung Kopi Camp early afternoon for some well-earned rest in yet another beautiful spot.
*If you feel this hike is too much for you, there is the option to skip it and pick up the rest of the route afterwards, you can chat to your guide ahead of the hike to make a decision.
Day 6
Through the jungle from Pupuan to Bengkel Village
Hiking
You're now entering the northern section of the coast to coast trail through Bali, an area of vibrant jungle and rainforests that stretch to the coast. Trek along varied trails today from Papuan to Bengkel, stopping en route at Blamantung waterfall which crashes 100m down from above, creating an inviting pool for a dreamy wild swim. You're in dense, humid jungle for most of today and the conditions can get hot and sticky, making an idyllic waterfall swim all the more refreshing. The remoteness of this spot is in complete contrast to the side of Bali most visitors experience. You'll get through the trek in the morning and early afternoon, eventually reaching a lovely mountain-top resort hidden away amidst the forests. Enjoy some downtime here, soaking in the pool and taking in the 360-degree views from the rooftop bar. You'll bunk down in a proper bed for some extra comfort tonight, after several nights in a row under canvas.
Day 7
Bengkel village to Tista village
Hiking
The final sections of the coast to coast challenge are in sight now, as you set off trekking straight from the hotel – hiking through Bengkel village and its congregation of old clove trees. There'll be chances to stop and buy local coffee and cacao before reaching the river, where you'll pick up a riverside trail to reach a challenging section through a rice field embankment, having friendly interactions with passing locals. Tuck into a picnic served at a rice field in a beautifully scenic and peaceful spot. You'll head back to the same hotel for another bit of well-earned downtime after putting the hours in earlier in the day. You'll pick up the coast to coast trail tomorrow where you left off.
Day 8
Through dense rainforest to Tamblingan Lake
Hiking
Set off trekking straight from Atress Sari at an elevation of 880m through the coffee plantations and along dirtroads through a village, later traversing along a trail with beautiful views of Gunung Lesung mountain on the left. Continue along a hillside revealing Tamblingan Lake below which you'll descend towards and hike around, stopping at Pande Temple before the final section of today – through another tropical jungle again. You'll stay overnight at a hotel with beautiful views over the lake.
Day 9
Chasing waterfalls to the finish line
Hiking
Tackle the final section through Bali's secluded and picturesque highlands, passing through more authentic villages rarely seen by travellers. During this stage of the trek, you'll discover some of the island’s most spectacular waterfalls – starting with the mist-shrouded beauty of Dedari waterfall, before reaching Cemara waterfall where you'll stop for lunch and as many waterfall swims as you like. Descending further surrounded by lush trees and exotic plant life, you'll reach the ultimate reward of Aling Aling waterfall, a truly stunning cascade in a natural amphitheatre. A long day on the trail culminates as you reach the north coast at Penimbangan Beach – you've officially trekked Bali from coast to coast! Grab a quick swim to celebrate the achievement before a vehicle whisks you down the coast to Lovina, a beautiful spot to soak up some beach time and grab some sundowners to toast the completion of an epic trek along Bali's own 'camino'.
Day 10
Head back to the South
Driving
Tuck into a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, keeping an eye on the water – Lovina's population of dolphins may make an appearance. Settle into the van for a scenic drive back down south, through the highlands of Bedugul, stopping at Ulun Danu Temple for lunch in a lovely lakeside spot. Continue on to the Sanur area of south Bali, where you'll check into your final hotel of the trip. The rest of the day is yours to relax as you wish – there is a spa available here if you want to relieve your tired trekkers' legs with a massage later this afternoon. In the evening the group will have a celebratory dinner, tucking into one last feast of Indonesian food and reminiscing back on an epic adventure.
Day 11
Farewell, Bali
Enjoy one last tropical breakfast before your transfer to the airport in time for your return flight home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7 – Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Indonesian food varies greatly by region, but there is one thing you can always depend on finding: rice. Expect to eat a range of curries, noodle dishes and soups along the route, at various small scale local restaurants selected by your host, as well as certain meals taken at that day's accommodation. Breakfasts at the hotels will vary from banana or pineapple pancakes to omelettes, fried or boiled eggs, pisang goreng (fried sweet banana) and fruit salads. Lunches and dinners may include dishes such as mie kuah (noodle soup with vegetables and boiled eggs), mie goreng (fried noodles with vegetables, eggs and fried chicken), nasi goreng (fried rice with eggs and chicken) and nasi campur (steamed rice with sautéed vegetables and chicken).
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Bali Beach Glamping
Your first night of the trip is spent at Bali Beach Glamping, a luxurious tented retreat in the relaxed area of Tabanan on Bali's south coast. The resort is a great place to relax after your journey to reach Bali with its beachside pool, and Batu Tampih Beach is right next to the accommodation. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Community campsites along the route
During the first four nights along the coast to coast route, you'll bunk down in tents at a series of community campgrounds nestled in beautiful locations. You'll spend one night at Kemetug Eco Reserve Camp, two nights at Cempaka Blimbing and one night at Kampung Kopi Camp. You'll stay in twin-share tents with shared bathroom facilities. Tents with sleeping mats, pillows and sleeping bags are provided. At Cempaka Blimbing, you're treated to multiple outdoor swimming pools as well as an outdoor jacuzzi to relax in after your trekking efforts.
Atres Sari Resort
You'll spend two nights at Atres Sari Resort – situated in a stunning spot, surrounded by rainforest near the village of Munduk. You'll stay in spacious, twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The outdoor pool and terrace is a dreamy place to watch sunset or sunrise, taking in the epic views after your days eating into another section of the coast to coast trail.
Lakeside splendour on the trail
Overlooking the glistening Buyan and Tamblingan lakes, you'll bed down for one night at Garuda Villa in a twin-share room with ensuite bathrooms.
Final beach stays
Your last two nights are spent lapping up both sides of Bali at beachside spots on the north and south coasts. First up, after the completion of your coast to coast trek, is the Sunari Resort at Lovina Beach – an elegant hotel right off the beach, where you can toast your achievement the evening of the last trekking section. And then lastly, after driving back through Bali to the south coast, you'll spend a final afternoon and evening at Parigata Resorts and Spa, located on Sanur's beachfront. There is the obligatory outdoor swimming pool, plus spa facilities and massages available if you want to treat yourself after nine days of solid trekking. At both places, you'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers wanting their own space, you can request a solo room upgrade for the five nights in hotels. Please note that solo tents are not available at the community campsites. Please request on booking, as this is subject to availability. See Optional Extras for prices.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
Any time on Day 1
Ends
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
Any time on Day 11
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar Airport) and transfer you to your accommodation along the coast in south Bali. On Day 11, your host will transfer you back to the airport in time for any onward flights. Transfers are included if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 11. If you would like to arrive early or extend your stay, your host can arrange airport transfers for an extra cost; see Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Bali from major airports across the UK and Europe. North American travellers will generally transit in an Asian hub such as Bangkok, Singapore or Tokyo en route to Bali.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
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What's included?
- Twin-share tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag & pillow
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack
CLOTHES
- Fleece jacket, or similar lightweight jacket, for the evenings
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts (men and women are expected to cover knees in villages and small towns)
- T-shirts (men and women are expected to cover shoulders in villages and small towns)
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x2 litres
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Single/Twin/double room at Bali Beach Glamping
Payable Before Departure
Single/Twin/double room at Bali Beach Glamping
… Per Night
Single/Twin/double room at Parigata Resorts and Spa
Payable Before Departure
Single/Twin/double room at Parigata Resorts and Spa
… Per Night
Private airport transfer (one way, 1-2 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer (one way, 1-2 people)
…
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 533kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Our long term partner and host in Indonesia developed this route to create a coast to coast trail from the south to the north of Bali island, visiting rural communities along the way. The terrain is varied as you trek through rice paddies, jungles, volcanic foothills and to the summit of Bali's second highest peak, Mount Batukaru (2276m). The environment throughout is lush and green, with myriad waterfalls dotting the route. In many places along this route, you won’t find another tourist at all. Your host designed the route to get away from Bali's busier side and to help benefit local communities on the island. Most Bali trips concentrate on the south, east or north of the island. This coast to coast trail delves into the lesser visited west, doing something very fresh and new, as well as offering an insight into how ordinary people live in the villages, day by day.
You can read more about the route, the environment and the communities you'll pass through in our article The New 100km Coast to Coast Hiking Route Across Bali.
Trekking for eight consecutive days, covering 100km in total on a variety of terrain means you'll need average-to-good fitness levels, some determination and a sense of adventure. That said, this is a moderately difficult trek, there are no killer lung-busting days and the elevation gain is manageable throughout. Day 5 is a step above the average difficulty level for this trip, so you'll need some extra stamina and an extra shot of coffee when you rise early for that one. There are sections of dense jungle which add to the challenge, plus humidity and wet trails playing a factor, so come prepared to get hot and sticky at times – though the ample waterfalls and outdoor swimming opportunities ensure plenty of cooling off will happen throughout the trek. You won't need to carry a full trekking backpack with all your gear, just a daypack is needed – with that in mind, you won't need any prior experience of a classic multi-day trek, provided that your fitness is up to the job of hiking for 5-6 hours a day for eight days in a row.
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
$2-3 USD per person, per day for your guide.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality. A tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Clean drinking water will be provided throughout. Please pack your own reusable bottle, it will be well used.
Indonesia is positioned on both sides of the equator, so it has a similar climate year-round with average temperatures between 24°C and 35°C (75°F and 95°F). Indonesia's dry season (from mid-April to November) is when the conditions are ripe for trekking. From December to March, the rains come which make the trails less than desirable and potentially unsafe to hike on, so no trips are run during these months.
Your luggage can stay with you for the whole trip and will be transported for you. You won't return to the same hotel you stay at on the first night of the trip, so it's not feasible to leave luggage there to return to collect. Your host can store your additional luggage at their office if you request this in advance.
We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
The majority of the trail is doable throughout the April-October season with no deviations needed. The exception is for the Batukaru climb on day 5. This will involve your guide checking the weather forecast to determine that conditions are ok to tackle the climb. Storms or heavy rains can make the climb conditions unfavourable, so an alternative route will be taken that day in this eventuality.
There is a tour leader throughout the coast to coast trek who will guide the majority of the trekking sections. Additional specialist trekking guides will join the group on certain sections from the local communities along the route. This gives the trek a proper local insight and helps benefit the communities along the route.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
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Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday • 17th October 2024
to Sunday • 27th October 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 6 spots left at 10% off
