April 2024 “Discover Bali” – Off the Beaten Track Luxury Cuisine & Culture Experience

Another UNIQUE “Small-Group” Cuisine & Culture Experience

April 2024 – “Discover Bali ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Luxury Cuisine & Culture Experience”

DATES
11 Days / 10 Nights
Friday 19th April 2024 to Monday 29th April 2024

PRICING*
$USD2530pp – (Double or Twin** Occupancy)
$USD3320pp – (Single Occupancy/Own Room)

Group of Four Bookings** (Save $US255 per person)
$USD2275*pp (Double or Twin Occupancy)

**Join our “Discover Bali Experience” with a group of four family or friends together and save $USD255 per person  for bookings made before October 1st 2023

– BOOKED OUT –
Booking Deadline : Monday October 30th 2023

2024 “DISCOVER BALI EXPERIENCE” WAITLIST
Should you wish to be placed on our 2024 “Discover Bali Experience” Waitlist, should any additional places become available, please email Nico at urbanprovider@icloud.com.

 

*ALL INCLUSIVE LAND CONTENT including 9 Nights Luxury Accommodations; Balinese Cuisine & Culture Experiences;
Bali Land Transfers by Private Vehicles; Hands-on Balinese Cooking Class; Tour Photographer

Not Included: International Flights, Visa on Arrival, Non-included meals or drinks; Non-included transfers;
Arrival Night in Jimbaran Accommodation

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WHAT OUR TRAVEL ALUMNI ARE SAYING

2023 “Discover Bali ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Experience”

Hi Nico and Belinda,

Wow how great was our tour? We are still coming down from a high!! Thank to all you special people!

We can honestly say our experience on your tour was undoubtedly one of the best we have experienced. We thank you so very much!

So many places and experiences we would not have sourced out ourselves. All experiences equally favourable, can’t pick a favourite, maybe vegan food experience at Mt Batukaru or cooking at Bali Asli !!

We would highly recommend the “Discover Bali ‘Off the Beat Track’ Cuisine & Culture Experience”!

Everything promised, from Deluxe accommodation to experiencing delicious flavours at a variety of restaurants, to all land transfers, cultural experiences, all delivered by our delightful escorts Nico and Belinda without a hitch.

Small group tour was a great opportunity to meet and make new friends.

Happy Festive Season and we look forward to a Tour Reunion early 2024! Kind regards...Trish and Johnny

*****

Thanks Nico and everyone! It was a wonderful trip that I will always remember…Bene x

*****

I can’t believe it’s already been a week since coming home. I had a great holiday and met all of you lovely people! Thank you Nico and Belinda for showing us a different side of Bali ❤️…Sharnie

*****

Thanks Nico and Belinda for an amazing trip. Lovely to meet everyone… X Lisa

*****

Terrific trip to Bali and really enjoyable meeting you all.. Sarah

 

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Before there was a Canggu
…there was a Seminyak.

Before there was a Seminyak
…there was a Legian.

And before there was a Kuta or Sanur
…there was the “Island of the Gods” with a beauty, history and magic that dates back centuries.

This is the real Bali!

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Experience Bali like you never have before on our unique luxury
Small Group exploration to Central, North and East Bali!

With over thirty years experience of travelling and escorting groups to Bali, Belinda & I are very excited to share with you our new “secrets“ of this island paradise where you can discover the essence of the real Bali, way beyond the crowds, traffic and chaos of South Bali’s hectic tourist precincts and into the beauty, serenity and stunning scenery of this island paradise!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

*Inclusive of all Luxury accommodations, Cuisine & Culture excursions and included meals as per intinerary including:

• 2-Night stay in Deluxe accommodation at Batukaru Coffee Estate, Tabanan Regency in Central Bali

• 3-Night stay in Deluxe accommodation at Taman Sari Resort, Buleleng Regency in North West Bali

• 1-Night stay in Deluxe Villa Accommodation at Aloka Bahari Villas, Buleleng Recency in North Bali

• 3-Night Stay in Deluxe accommodation at ALiLA Manggis, Karangasem Regency in East Bali

• Daily Breakfast

• Cuisine & Culture Experiences including:

  • Most meals including experiences at some of Bali’s most unique contemporary and traditional restaurants

  • Balinese Cacoa & Coffee Plantation Experience

  • UNESCO Heritage Listed Jatiluwih Rice Terrace Experience

  • Mountain Villages and Waterfalls Experiences

  • Balinese and Cooking Experiences

  • Coral Reef and Turtle Rehabilitation Experiences

• Complimentary 60-minute Spa Treatment at the award-winning SPA ALiLA in East Bali

• All land transfers (Jimbaran/Central Bali/North Bali/East Bali/Airport)

• Small Group Experience of only 10 travellers

• Group Escorts (Including Registered Nurse) during duration of tour

• Tour Photographer

• Group Pre-Trip Briefing (Perth)

RELAX…REVITALISE…RENEW

Our “Off the Beaten Track” Bali Experience has been designed so that you can do as little, or as much as you like; be invigorated or take time out; with the emphasis being on experiencing the people, culture and beauty of Bali’s less-frequented regions.

Cooking Passions Cuisine & Culture Experiences are designed to allow  you plenty of free time to explore and immerse yourselves in the activities YOU want to experience (we’ll be happy to provide suggestions and tips on some of our Bali favourites). We’ve arranged all of the accommodations, local transfers, cooking classes, cultural Balinese excursions and most meals, so that all you have to do is book your preferred flight, pack a bag & sense of adventure and join us for an unforgettable and unique Balinese experience!!

Tour Itinerary

Day One – Friday April 19th 2024 – Arrival and Group Welcome Dinner – JIMBARAN

Our ‘off-the-beaten track’ exploration of Bali will officially start tomorrow morning, Saturday November 12th, so we suggest that you arrange to book your preferred airline (not included) to arrive into Bali sometime on the afternoon on Friday November 11th 2023, or before this date if you’d like to spend some time visiting any of South Bali’s tourist precincts.

We have not arranged for any included accommodation for this first night but suggest that you select a hotel to suit your preferred budget somewhere in Jimbaran, where we have arranged for our Group Welcome Dinner for tonight at one of our favourite restaurants on the island. Belinda & I will be booking  the Anja Jimbaran for the night which is reasonably priced and conveniently located directly opposite Cuca.

If you would like any suggestions on suitable hotels to book in Jimbaran, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.

19:00pm – Welcome Group Dinner

We have arranged for our Welcome Group Dinner to be at one of our favourite Bali restaurants which is located in Jimbaran called Cuca.

We were introduced to the culinary alchemy that Chef Kevin Cherkas and his kitchen team create at Cuca when we first visited them over 10 years ago when Kevin and his partner Virginia Entizne first set up Cuca in 2013.

Tonight we will indulge in some of the most innovatively created & presented dishes we have ever experienced, which adhere to Cuca’s philosophy of using all locally sourced ingredients to prepare globally inspired flavours and textures in one of the most relaxed dining spaces on the island.

Accommodation: Not included
Included Meals: D

Day Two – Saturday April 20th 2024 – CENTRAL BALI (Tabanan Regency) – UNESCO World Heritage Site – Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and Cacao & Coffee Plantation Experiences

9:00am – Pick Up from your chosen Jimbaran hotel for our departure to Central Bali (Tabanan Regency).

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TABANAN REGENCY

Known as the rice bowl of Bali, the vast Tabanan regency is famed for its magnificent rice paddies and pristine natural scenery. One of the eight regencies in Bali, Tabanan spans a vast area of land from the western coastline toward the centre of the island and offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery on the island.

Tabanan is home to some of the most famous rice paddies on the island.

The stunning Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO protected world heritage site. and once you see the cascading green fields, you’ll understand why. The rice paddies in Jatiluwih are much more expansive than those in Tegalalang (near Ubud) and also blissfully void of hawkers.

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11:00am – Balinese Cacao & Chocolate Experience – Enroute to Jatiluwih and located between verdant rice fields and cacao plantations, we will stop in the small village of Marga where we will learn about the process of transforming organic cacao beans into the finest Balinese chocolate. In one of the few places where chocolate is made only a short distance from where its key ingredient is grown, we will have a short walk through a cacao plantation where we will learn how the plants are grown and harvested before being fermented and dried. We will then watch the the subsequent processes of grinding, crunching and tempering of the chocolate making process.

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JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES

Bali’s largest rice terraces and some of its most beautiful, Jatiluwih has always been known as one of the regions in Bali that produces some of the islands best quality rice.

Located in the highlands (700 meters above the sea levels), and nearby the second tallest volcano in Bali, Mount Batukaru, the area spans more than 53,000 hectares of agriculture lands  covered mostly with rice terraces. The area has hilly contours with fertile soils and offers an incredible scenery for photographs. Back in the day, the locals did not realize they have shaped nature into such a spectacular way that would be protected as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Today you’ll find Jatiluwih to be one of Bali’s must-see attractions, an iconic landmark that’s worth a visit for sure.

Terracing is one of the methods in agriculture management, that is created to make agriculture possible on lands that have a steep contour, such as the highlands and mountain slopes. Bali’s known for the Subak irrigation system that is considered sacred and culturally important and has been developed all over the island since the 11th century.

The system is developed based on the Hindu religion’s beliefs of being in harmony with nature in order to yield optimal results upon harvesting. This is manifested due to the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, a philosophy of maintaining balance between man, nature, and the Creator. Since 2012, Subak has been listed as one of the UNESCO cultural world heritage sites.

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14:00pm – Arrival at the UNESCO Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. We will check into our accommodation at Batukaru Coffee Estate & Retreat set at the foot of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second highest mountain.

OUR ACCOMMODATION : BATUKARU COFFEE ESTATE* & RETREAT

Nestled on the south easterly slopes of Mount Batukaru, Batukaru is an organic coffee estate & retreat center. Surrounded by protected jungle, the estate is the ideal place to escape from modern living, reconnect with nature and take in the breathtaking views of Bali and beyond.

The estate is situated approximately 1000m up on the south eastern slopes of Mount Batukaru, the highest dormant volcanic peak in central Bali and with its peak at 2275m it is the second highest mountain in Bali. Batukaru is worshipped by the Balinese and is home to Pura Luhur Batukaru, one of the nine directional temples in Bali.

The inspiration of founder Kentri (Wayan) Norberg, Batukaru Coffee Estate is a labour of love built by local craftsman, using only natural materials such as bamboo and wood. Its buildings are individual and uniquely constructed in a manner that fully respect the  natural terrains of the mountains and vegetation. Each room* is different from the next with all interior furnishings lovingly adorned to ensure that guests enjoy the best comfort while being totally immersed in the wild nature.

* Each of the suites and rooms at Batukaru Coffee Estate & Retreat are unique & bespoke, with no two rooms being the same. As such there are only limited rooms which can accommodate twin beds, while remaining rooms have either queen or king beds.

pm – Remainder of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the tranquil mountainside retreat.

18:00pm – Group Batukaru Estate Dinner

The focus at Batukaru is serving organic, fresh whole foods, direct from garden to the table. Besides its coffee plants, this 10-hectare estate grows around 50 varieties of wild fruits and vegetables that you can enjoy moments after harvesting. The dishes served are delicious home cooked vegetarian food, served in a traditional Indonesian way.

The adoption of biodynamic farming allows Batukaru to treat Mother Earth with the utmost respect. They reject the use of any chemical pesticides and believe that healthy soil is the basis of nutritious crops and that wholesome food is the basis of good health. Therefore, with over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables growing on its property, they’re  in the unique position to be able to serve freshly harvested organic produce straight to your table.

Accommodation: Batukaru Coffee Estate
Meals: D

Day Three – Sunday April 21st 2024 – CENTRAL BALI (Tabanan Regency) – Pura Luhur Batukaru, Waterfall and Jatiluwih Experiences

08:00am – Breakfast at your leisure. For any in the group that practice yoga, wander up to Batukaru’s beatiful Yoga Shala which offers 180 degree views of emerald green valleys and the south-eastern shoreline in the distance. On a clear day, majestic Mount Agung is on full display. Yoga mats and equipment are provided and available for your use.

 

09:00am – Group transfer to explore the sights around Jatiluwih

Pura Luhur Batukaru is a Hindu temple in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia. Located on the southern slope of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest volcano, the temple is one of nine kayangan jagat (directional temples) meant to protect Bali from evil spirits.

Originally built during the 11th century, Pura Luhur Batukaru was dedicated to the ancestors of the rajas of Tabanan. It was destroyed in 1604, but rebuilt in 1959. The temple’s most important shrine is a 7-tiered meru dedicated to Mahadewa, the God of Mount Batukaru.

Today, Pura Luhur Batukaru remains an extremely sacred site for Bali’s Hindu population. Many of the complex’s grounds remain off-limits to visitors for various ceremonies and events throughout the year. The temple is also the first stop one must take before ascending to the summit of Mount Batukaru. A pilgrimage takes place to the peak once a year, and may see thousands of worshipers walk its trails at once.

Air Yeh Hoo Waterfall – Situated a short distance from the village of Jatiluwih, we will make a visit to the Air Yeh Hoo Waterfall

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Walking or Cycling Trail – If you would like to immerse yourself in the rice terraces of Jatiluwih, there are a number of wonderful walking and cycling trails that have been established around the village. Each of them are of a different length to suit any level of fitness, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.  Choose your option or simply find yourself a nice quiet spot to sit and view the terraces or grab a bite to eat or something to drink from one of the cafes situated around the viewpoints.

pm – Remainder of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the tranquil mountainside retreat.

18:00pm – Group Batukaru Dinner

Accommodation: Batukaru Coffee Estate
Meals: B, D

Day Four – Monday April 22nd 2024 – NORTH WEST BALI (Buleleng Regency) – Munduk Village, Waterfalls and Pemuteran Village

08:00am – Breakfast at your leisure. Yoga or a walk around the coffee plantation anyone?

09:30am – Checkout and Group Transfer to North Bali via the town of Bedugul with its famous lake temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which is enrolee to the beautiful mountain village of Munduk.

10:30am – Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of Bali’s most picturesque and photographed temples which was built in the 17th century. Located on central Bali’s Lake Beratan, the temple shares similar  scenic qualities of Bali’s sea temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression. The misty Bedugul mountain range surrounding the lake complements the temple’s scenic backdrop.

12noon – Arrival in the village of Munduk in Buleleng Regency.

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MUNDUK VILLAGE (North Bali)

With its rural and authentic feel, Munduk is a great option for those wishing to get away from the tourist attractions of Bali.  It is our new favourite hidden gem that we discovered on our “off the beaten track” explorations in Bali in March 2023. Munduk is a charming mountain village situated in the highlands of Northern Bali in Buleleng Regency. For us, it felt like what Ubud would have been like 30 years ago. 

 Munduk is surrounded by some of the best waterfalls of the island scattered among plantations of clove & coffee and fields of dusty-blue hydrangeas. It definitely one of the most underrated places on the island. After the Dutch took control of north Bali in the 1890s Munduk was established as a hill station and plantations of cocoa, coffee, vanilla and cloves were established. The area grew as a popular retreat due to the cooler climate and even today you can still see a small number of Dutch buildings remaining in the area.

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Lunch – We will grab a bite of lunch at a beautiful restaurant with forest views of the surrounding area. For those that would like to visit two of our favourite Munduk waterfalls, after lunch Nico will escort you on the short trek to the amazing  Munduk Waterfall and Golden Valley Waterfall. For those that don’t want to visit the waterfalls, enjoy a long lunch at your leisure before we depart for Pemuteran.

13:30pm – Depart Munduk for the far north west of Bali and the seaside`village of Pemuteran

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PEMUTERAN

Hidden off on Bali’s northwest coastline is another of Bali’s underrated hits, the peaceful seaside getaway of Pemuteran.

Pemuteran village is framed by a small pretty bay with calm waters that are renowned for offering some of the most vibrant marine life in Bali and also boasts some of the first local coral conservation projects in the region

It provides the perfect location to relax while exploring its nearby famous neighbours of Menjangan Island – known for offering some of the best diving & snorkelling sites in Bali – and the West Bali National Park – home to over 100 species of wildlife including the near-extinct Bali starling which is endemic to this region.

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15:30pm – Arrive at the beachfront Taman Sari Resort & Spa in Pemuteran’. Check into our accommodation.

OUR ACCOMMODATION : TAMAN SARI RESORT & SPA

Located in the northwest coast of Bali overlooking the mountain and sea, Taman Sari Resort and Spa provides beachfront accommodation with an outdoor pool. As a community and eco-tourism program, the resort is supporting a reef conservation project using Biorock technology and guests can participate in the conservation effort.

. Comfortable Deluxe Garden Bungalows, with terraces and open sky showers, all look out onto large lawns and tropical gardens and some have views of the sea.

pm – Afternoon & Evening at your leisure – Enjoy a drink poolside or sunset cocktails and dinner at the resort’s Poleng Beachfront Restaurant. There are a number of dining options around the resort in the village of Pemuteran that Nico & Belinda can suggest, or we can arrange for those that would like to dine together tonight to select a restaurant together.

Accommodation: Taman Sari Resort & Spa, Pemuteran
Meals: B

Day Five – Tuesday April 23th 2023 – PEMUTERAN & BALINESE COOKING CLASS

08:00am – Breakfast at your leisure

10:00am – This morning we will learn about classic Balinese cuisine with a cooking class under the supervision of Taman Sari’s chef. Following the class we will enjoy the taste of our new Balinese cooking skills with lunch seaside.

Afternoon at your leisure to explore or relax around Pemuteran. Some suggested activities are:

• Snorkelling the BioRock – This is a wonderful conservation project that was first established in 2000 by Australian Chris Brown in an effort to regrow coral that had been devastated by dynamite and cyanide fishing. Awarded the Equator Prize by the United Nations Development Programme, the Biorock Pemuteran Project is the world’s largest, longest running and best coral restoration project. Situated a short walk along the beach from our accommodation, hire your goggles and snorkel and access the more than 70 Biorock reefs, covering five acres of ocean floor, directly from the beach.

Photo : jimandlynn.net

• Visit the Proyek Penyu Turtle Conservation Hatchery – A short distance from BioRock is another of Pemuteran’s conservation projects. “Proyek Penyu” is a nonprofit organisation set up to protect the declining populations of sea turtles in the region.Turtle eggs collected from the beaches along Pemuteran or small turtles that may not survive until they have grown are hatched or looked after until they’re ready for ocean release. Thousands of turtles have been released since the project began in 1994.  You may visit the project for a small donation to view baby turtles being released of a morning or to be fed in the early evening.

• Relax poolside  – Enjoy some relaxing time at one of the resorts beachfront pools.

 

• Enjoy a massage or spa treatment – Arrange for an on-site treatment at Taman Sari’s Spa or book into one of Pemuteran’s spas for a massage or treatment.

• Snorkelling or Dive Trip to Menjangan Island – Join one of Pemuteran’s many dive centres for an organised dive or snorkelling trip to the coral reefs of Menjangan Island, one of Bali’s best diving locations.

pm – Evening at your leisure. –

Accommodation: Taman Sari Resort & Spa, Pemuteran
Meals: B, L

Day Six – Wednesday April 24th 2023 – WEST BALI (FREE DAY) & OPTIONAL “East Java Adventure” Experience

08:00am – Breakfast at your leisure

Today is an opportunity for you to to explore or relax around Pemuteran at your leisure.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY – EAST JAVA ADVENTURE – For those in the group that might like to explore even further “off-the-beaten track” today, Join Nico on an adventure across the Bali Strait for a visit to Eastern Java. We will make the 30 minute crossing from nearby Gilimanuk in West Bali, to the East Java town of Banyuwangi where we will visit the Banyuwangi Traditional Market in East Java.

pm – Evening at your leisure. For those interested in eating other than Balinese this evening, Join Nico & Belinda for dinner at a favourite wood-fired pizza restaurants.

Accommodation: Taman Sari Resort & Spa, Pemuteran
Meals: B

Day Seven – Thursday April 25th 2024 – NORTH BALI (Buleleng Regency) – Dapur Bali Mula Experience

08:00am – Breakfast at your leisure

10:00am – Group departure from Pemuteran to the North Bali village of Tejakula.

12:30pm – Arrival and Check In at Aloka Bahari Villas

13:00pm – Group transfer for lunch at the unique Dapur Bali Mula situated in the traditional seaside community of Les on Bali’s north coast.

Dapur Bali Mula

One of the most unique dining experiences that Belinda & I enjoyed during our research tour was a visit to Dapur Bali Mula, not far from the village of Les, an area steeped in traditions such as fishing, salt making and the harvesting of lontar palm nectar.

Dapur Bali Mula is owned by chef and now pemangku (Balinese priest), Jero Mangku Dalem Suci Gede Yudiawan. Having returned back to his village during the pandemic, after operating three successful restaurants in South Bali, Jero Mangku Yudi, as did many Balinese in the tourism industry, realised the need to preserve & value the island’s rich cultural & culinary traditions going forward.

Everything is cooked over wood-fire in a hand-built clay stove, using only traditional, local ingredients and techniques. Dishes prepared and served celebrate the bounty of his ancestral land such as just-caught squid tossed with spices, barracuda satay, and mackerel cooked over wood fire in young bamboo.

The traditional process for distilling traditional arak, made from the nectar of the lontar tree, is also celebrated with the restaurants walls lined with antique 8th century Chinese ceramic jars used to ferment and store Jero Mangku’s impressive collection of house-made arak.

15:00pm – Return to our villas for a relaxing afternoon either by your villa pool or arrange for a spa treatment onsite.

OUR ACCOMMODATION : Aloka Bahari Villas

Located on Bali’s North Coast, Aloka Bahari Villas offer beautifully designed and spacious 2 Bedroom Pool Villas with a stunning beachfront accommodation. The area is well-known for snorkelling and diving.

pm – Group villa dinner at Aloka Bahari’s seaside restaurant

Accommodation:  Aloka Bahari Villas, Tejakula
Meals: B, L, D

Day Eight – Friday April 26th 2024 – EAST BALI (Karangasem Regency) – Taman Tirtagangga Water Palace and ALiLA Manggis Resort

08:00am – Breakfast at your leisure

10:00am – Group departure for East Bali (Karangasem)

11:30am – Tirtagganga Royal Water Palace Visit

Built in 1946 by the last King of Karangasem,  the beautiful Tirtagganga Royal Water Palace is a complex consisting of a collection of tropical gardens, pools & fountains, fish ponds and temples showcasing a unique mix of Chinese and Balinese architecture. The complex is a cooling retreat perched at the foot of Mt Agung.

14:00pm – Arrival and check in to ALiLA Manggis Resort.

OUR ACCOMMODATION : ALiLA Manggis Resort

Since our first Bali experience in 2023, Belinda & I continue to return to ALiLA Manggis as it is one of Bali’s best kept resort secrets and one of our favourite “home away from home” properties. 

Nestled amid a verdant coconut grove on the shores of Buitan Beach, the boutique Alila Manggis resort boasts an idyllic location that is the perfect base from which to explore Bali’s blissfully unspoiled East Coast. After a long day wandering the traditional villages and tranquil beachfront surrounding your luxurious seaview accommodation, pamper yourself with a heavenly massage at Spa Alila, indulge in traditional Indonesian cuisine at Seasalt restaurant or unwind on one of the sunloungers lining the main swimming pool, where you can take in stunning ocean views as you soak up the sun.

Designed by renowned Australian architect, Kerry Hill, the hallmark of Alila is the combination of innovative design and luxury unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space,crafted artisanship, personalised hospitality, and bespoke learning journeys. 

14:00pm – Check in to your Deluxe Room which boasts a private balcony and relaxing day bed designed to maximise the clear views across the resort’s coconut grove, stunning swimming pool and beautiful sea views towards the straits of Nusa Penida island.

Remainder of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the amenities of  ALiLA. We have Included one complimentary 60-minute spa treatment, per person, to be used anytime during your stay, at the award-winning Spa ALiLA with its idyllic seaside treatment bales.

15:00pm – Enjoy complimentary afternoon tea and Balinese sweets either poolside or in the comfort of your room.

17:00pm – For pre-dinner drinks, follow the sound of the waves to the resort’s Ocean Bart. Nestled right by the ocean, the Ocean Bar is a cosy al fresco lounge and bar offering an extensive and creative menu of drinks and light bites. A relaxing destination to enjoy cool refreshment, sunset cocktails, or drinks under the stars.

19:00pm – Group Dinner at ALiLA’s SeaSalt Restaurant. Dine on vibrant Indonesian and Western flavors in a traditional pavilion set on a lotus pond. Ingredient-led dishes are all flavored with sea salt farmed from the salt pans of nearby Goa Lawah.

pm – Remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Accommodation:  ALiLA Manggis, Manggis
Meals: B, D

Day Nine – Saturday April 27th 2024– EAST BALI (Karangasem Regency) – Bali Asli Cooking Experience

am – A la carte breakfast at your leisure. Visit the seaside Yoga Shala if you’d like to welcome the morning with a few “sun salutations”.

8:30am – Group Departure for our Bali Asli Experience.

Bali Asli Experience – Former Executive Chef at ALiLA Manggis when we first met Penny almost 15 years ago, this morning we will learn more of the unique aspects of Balinese cuisine and culture with a visit to her wonderful  Bali Asli Cooking School & Restaurant in the tiny East Bali village of Gelumpang.

About Penny Williams & Bali Asli Restaurant

Established by one of Bali’s best chefs, and our great friend, Chef Penny Williams, Bali Asli is stunningly situated with spectacular views of Bali’s most sacred mountain, Mt Agung.

For over 14 years, Penny has called Bali home and has embraced her love of Bali like no one we have every met. As Belinda & I tell everyone, Penny is more Balinese than some Balinese and her passion for her Bali, her village of Gelumpang, her staff and their families is infectious and inspiring.

11:00am – Bali Asli Balinese Cooking Class – Today’s cooking class will showcase the typical ingredients used in Balinese cooking before you try your hand at cooking your own Nasi Goreng to be enjoyed with our Bali Asli mountain-view Balinese lunch.

 

1:45pm – Return to ALiLA Manggis. If you haven’t already, indulge yourself with your Spa ALiLA treatment in one of their seaside treatment cabanas, or enjoy some more downtime around the resort.

19:00pm – Group Dinner at ALiLA’s SeaSalt Restaurant.

pm – Remainder of the eventing at your leisure.

Accommodation:  ALiLA Manggis, Manggis
Meals: B, D

Day Ten – Sunday April 28th 2024 – EAST BALI (Karangasem Regency) – FINAL RELAX AND UNWIND

am – A la carte breakfast at your leisure

FREE DAY – As our final full day, today is a chance for you to relax and take in the peaceful serenity of this stylish seaside resort before your departure tomorrow.

Today there is no need to leave the resort if you didn’t want to. Laze around the pool; chillout on your daybed overlooking the sea; enjoy lunch at your leisure when you are hungry; or if you haven’t already, indulge yourself with a Spa ALiLA treatment.

Alternatively, if you would like to venture out, take the Hotel Shuttle service into Candidasa to do some sightseeing or last minute shopping or consult with one of the ALiLA Leisure Concierge about arranging for any Day Trips for you to explore the fascinating nearby villages; snorkel nearby reefs; trek the nearby rice terraces or visit any other of East Bali’s attractions.

Lunch at your leisure at SeaSalt Restaurant.

19:00pm – Final Group Dinner – enjoyed overlooking the relaxing surrounds of ALiLA’s seaside coconut grove.

Accommodation:  ALiLA Manggis, Manggis
Meals: B, L, D

Day Eleven – Monday April 29th 2024 – DEPARTURES & PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFERS

am – A la carte breakfast at your leisure

10am – Checkout from ALiLA Manggis – For those returning to the airport, we have arranged for your Private Airport Transfer, or for those continuing on in Bali, a transfer to your hotel in the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak area can be arranged with an additional surcharge depending on location.

 

HOW TO BOOK YOUR REQUESTED PLACES

If you are able to join us on our special 2024 “Discover Bali -‘Off the Beaten Track’ Luxury Cuisine & Culture Experience”, please contact us via email urbanprovider@icloud.com or +61 402 154 358 to secure your places and request a Booking Form.

Booking Deposit: An $AUD1300 per person non-refundable BOOKING DEPOSIT is required to hold a booking for the tour, at the time of your reservation. We are able to refund your Booking Deposit should a replacement be found for any cancelled places. Booking Deposits are used to secure accommodations and tour service deposits at the time of your request for places. Please forward completed BOOKING FORM and email or post to Urban Provider/Cooking Passions Cooking School at urbanprovider@icloud.com.

Booking Deadline: 30 November 2023

Final Payment: Final Payment in full is required at least 90 days prior to departure (Friday January 19th 2024). Payment can be made at any time before the final due date, if you prefer.

Final Payment will be converted from $USD to $AUD based on the prevailing Foreign Cash Currency Exchange rate at the time of payment. To view the Foreign Cash Currency Exchange to be used at the time of payment, please visit the Wise International Currency Exchange rates website at https://wise.com/au/currency-converter/usd-to-aud-rate

International Flight Arrangements

Should you require assistance with arranging your own international flights, our Agent – Globetrotter Travel – would be happy to assist in booking your international flights, travel insurance and any pre-tour and post-tour requirements. Please contact Lori Burns of Globetrotter directly on 08 9442 0164 or email  lifestyle@globetrotter.com.au  website  https://globetrotterlife.com.au/

We look forward to hosting you on this very special Bali experience!! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.

Terima kasih,

Nico & Belinda Moretti

 

REVIEWS FROM OUR PREVIOUS “DISCOVER BALI” EXPERIENCES –

“A fabulous Bali experience”

Reviewed July 7, 2013

Here is another rave review for Nico and his Secrets of Bali tour. Perfectly planned, perfectly executed. If you’ve been to Bali before, this is a completely different way to experience it – if you haven’t been before, this is a great introduction. This is about the beautiful, the gentle, the relaxing Bali and the food!

Nico and Belinda have done their homework well and provide the group with fantastic experiences and great suggestions on how to spend the free time as well. You can be as much a part of it all as suits you.

Meeting people’s expectations is not necessarily easy – in my book, this trip meets and surpasses all expectations!

A huge thank you to Nico and to Belinda…… and to everyone else on the tour who all contributed to this fabulous Bali experience.

 

“Gourmet Bali Tour”

Reviewed July 1, 2013

Nico is a superb tour organiser! He has excellent contacts in a myriad of locations and years of experience, which equals an unforgettable holiday. I recently went on the Secrets of Bali tour and feel I have had a unique experience seeing the hidden Bali that many tourists don’t get to see. We trekked to a quiet East Bali village, cooked with a variety of talented chefs, stayed in beautiful and unique hotels and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Nico arranges for his groups to dine at the best tables in the restaurants visited and this time one of those tables was in a tropical coconut grove by the ocean.

The tour was well balanced with shared activities and meals and time for individual exploration and relaxation. I love having the security of the group and the activities all planned and organised but still having time to venture out.

Nico’s wife, the lovely Belinda, is nurturing and kind and an authority on spa’s and treatments…take her advice!

This was my second trip with Urban Provider and it was as fabulous (if not better) as my first. I highly recommend them.

 

“Secrets of Bali”

Reviewed June 29, 2013

If you love cooking, traveling, meeting new people and delving beneath the thin tourist veneer of a culture, Urban Provider can offer this experience. A holiday with extras and all the benefits of an experienced host enables you the opportunity to enjoy all that is on offer. We recently joined the “Secrets of Bali” tour and what a delight. A perfect balance between cooking, activities, leisure time and time spent with fellow travelers.