Bali
Island of Discovery
Ecology, Ocean & Komodo Dragons
The Experience
Explore Bali's many cultural charms during your time on the island. Then snorkel, hike, raft, surf and boat your way through its majestic natural wonders.
Trip Highlights
PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS PLANNED FOR SUMMER 2024. IT IS NOT RUNNING DURING SUMMER 2023.
- Snorkel and scuba dive in crystal clear waters among vibrant undersea life unique to the local marine ecosystem
- Explore multiple cities on some of Indonesia’s most picturesque islands
- Discover ornate temples and rural villages found across the island
- Learn about local Balinese customs, from traditional dances to herbal medicine
- See endangered Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, a truly awe-inspiring experience
- Soak up the sun and take in the surf on some of the world’s best beaches
Bali
Island of Discovery
Program Overview
The island of Bali is a treasure chest filled with many wonders to unlock during your adventure!
A cultural haven, unique among the islands of Indonesia as the only province in the country with a Hindu majority population, Bali is a long-standing testament to peaceful coexistence. Many travelers seek spiritual refuge here, or just an opportunity to see the world with a new perspective.
Additionally, for lovers and caretakers of the natural world, Bali is truly like no other island on the planet. Bali is situated in the Coral Triangle, making it a biodiversity hot spot for marine life. You’ll also have the chance to witness some of the rarest land-based animals on Earth as well — the famous Komodo Dragons.
Temples, rituals, scenic vistas and wonderful local arts can be found everywhere around Bali… are you ready to begin your journey of discovery?
Bali
Island of Discovery
AT TEEN TRAVEL NETWORK, YOU'RE NOT ONLY TAKING A JOURNEY IN MILES, BUT A JOURNEY OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND SELF-DISCOVERY.
PROGRAM ITINERARY
THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Bali!
Arrive into Denpasar and meet up with staff and fellow travelers. Settle in to your accommodations for the night and get your bearings with a program orientation, where we’ll review our schedule and get to know each other and a bit more about Balinese culture.
Enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional food before turning in early — we have a long day ahead!
Day 2: Denpasar → Ubud
We’ll lose no time and head straight to Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali, which will be our home in the coming days.
It is famous for its traditional crafts and is bustling with galleries and artists’ workshops.
Get to know the village and culture with a scavenger hunt, Amazing Race style. Take part in a special blessing ceremony that will set the tone for our experience: this is a traditional ceremony to signify the readiness to learn.
Day 3: Ubud (Herbal Walk & Temples)
For centuries, Balinese have used native plants and herbs for therapeutic, medicinal and health-enhancing purposes. Local herbal experts will lead a walk around the Campuhan River valley area and will teach us to identify different species and how to use them in various medicinal capacities.
Next, visit the Tirta Empul Water Temple and journey to the nearby village of Kintamani, a favorite tourist destination against the backdrop of an active volcano.
In the afternoon, try your hand at Legong dance and get acquainted with Bali’s traditional gamelan music; we’ll spend time at Ubud’s banjar, or community center, a traditional meeting place and space to spend time together.
Day 4: Ubud (Rafting)
This morning you’ll experience the exhilaration of white water rafting down the rapids of Bali’s Telaga Waja River.
The route will take you past waterfalls, lush jungle and beautiful views of the Balinese countryside. Our expert guides will point out unique sights along the way.
In the evening we’ll pack up and get ready for our journey to next destination.
Day 5: Ubud → Amed
Today we will drive to Amed, a long stretch of coastline known for its excellent diving sites.
Visit Temple Tirta Gangga on the way which is famous for the Karangasem royal water palace, bathing pools and its Patirthan temple.
Then, check in to the hotel and hit the ground running. We’ll be diving right in to a snorkeling excursion over a Japanese shipwreck! Enjoy the clear, warm water and see a towering variety of marine life, some found nowhere else on the planet.
Day 6: Amed (SCUBA)
Amed is the ideal destination for water-based activities, and today we’ll take full advantage with SCUBA diving!
One of our dives will be at USAT (United States Army Transport) Liberty Wreck, which is a magnificent 120 meter long vessel deep under the waves.
Marine biologists estimate that about 400 different species of reef fish now live on the Liberty. With a little luck, you may encounter a pygmy seahorse, Mandarin fish or sea turtle during your dive.
Day 7: Amed (Tenaganan Trek)
Take in incredible scenery on a three-mile trek across beautiful rice paddies overlooking the biggest volcano in Bali. The scenic vistas are tremendous and we consider this trek not to be missed.
Sample local honey and visit the indigenous village of Tenganan at the end of the hike.
Before the 1970s, this place was known by anthropologists to be one of the most secluded societies of the archipelago — the people still uphold the original traditions, ceremonies and rules of ancient Balinese culture.
If you were looking for a bit of off-the-beaten-path cultural immersion, that few tourists on the island get to experience, today is your lucky day.
Day 8: Amed (Surfing)
Take a daytrip to Sanur, a town in the southeast of Bali.
Bask in the sun of the white sand beaches. Stroll along the cafes and shops that line the coast here. And take in the crisp coastal air of the Pacific as you remind yourself you’re a world away from everyday life.
We’ll try our hand at surfing — the conditions here are perfect for learning the ropes.
Bali has been a popular destination for surfers for surfers since the 1960s. Learn the basics from experienced instructors and with a little luck, you’ll be “hanging ten” in no time!
Day 9: Amed → Flores
Bid a temporary goodbye to Bali. We’re headed to Flores, a small Indonesian island just a short flight to the east.
Dotted by volcanoes, surrounded by terraced valleys and ringed by picturesque beaches, Flores is home to a wide variety of land and marine wildlife. For nature lovers, this is a dream destination.
Before dinner, we will visit the Gua Batu Cermin (Bat Cave) in Labuan Bajo, a limestone tunnel and cave system translated in Indonesian as “Mirror Cave” or “Mirror Rock.”
This cave has been made popular by the mirroring light, which seeps through the cave roof and reflects off the several “mirror rock” surfaces, in turn lighting up whole sections of the cave. It’s an exceptional sight to witness in person!
Day 10: Flores
Today we will go on a full-day speed boat trip around Komodo National Park.
Visit Komodo Island, home to the endangered Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Very few people ever get the chance to witness these towering, ancient animals, but with a little luck, today will be your day!
Then we’ll hang out at Pink Beach, where the snorkeling is world-class.
Padar Island is the perfect location for a midday hike, where we will get some amazing views.
In the afternoon, snorkel at Taka Makassar, a crescent-shaped sandbar, and Kanawa Island before boating back to Labuan Bajo.
Day 11: Flores
Boat around Flores’ smaller islands, stopping to hike through lush jungle and enjoy the beaches of Kelor and Kambing Islands.
We’ll log some more time in the water snorkeling off coastline teeming with brightly colored fish.
Wrap up the day with a beautiful sunset before heading back to Flores for the night.
Day 12: Flores → Sanur
We’ll enjoy one last Flores beach day before shaking the sand out of our clothes and flying back to Bali in the afternoon.
Shop for souvenirs and have fun in the sun!
Day 13: Sanur
Today we’ll gear up for an impressive waterfall trek in the middle of the rainforest. Hike to a cascading jungle waterfall in Sanur and take in the rhythm of the falling water and the sounds of wildlife echoing through the woodlands.
In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner as we prepare to say goodbye to island life and all of our new friends.
We’ll celebrate with traditional Balinese food and some unforgettable local entertainment to wrap up our time together!
Then head back and pack up, and spend a final night with your friends before departing tomorrow.
Day 14: Departure
Sadly, it’s time to bid our group farewell!
Staff will accompany students to the Denpasar airport, where they will help check students in for their flights home.
Reflect on the adventures you’ve had, the things you’ve learned and the people you’ve met. After all, the best part of travel are the things you take back with you after (and we’re not talking about souvenirs).
We hope you end your program feeling increased confidence, curiosity, understanding and yearning for your next adventure!
Bali
Island of Discovery
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Travel Program
| 2024 Dates |
|---|
| Planned for 2024… |
Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form
| Tuition |
|---|
| Full Tuition: $5,149 |
| Base Tuition: $4,999 |
| Internal Flight Fee: $150 |
Full Tuition is the combined amount of the Base Tuition + the Internal Flight Fee
Tuition Includes All Major Program Expenses, Such As:
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, tours and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Local transportation to each destination
- Secure overnight lodging at each location
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
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