CMV Australia

The Island of Bali embodies the very essence of the exotic and mysterious East. Steep hillsides of tropical green reveal terraced rice paddies while plantations of coffee, banana, cacao and fragrant spices line the roads. Traditional villages produce intricate batik, superb jewellery and beautiful paintings. For all Bali's scenic beauty, the Island has weathered great natural disasters, from the 1963 eruption of Mt. Agung to a massive earthquake in 1976. The Island emerged relatively unscathed from the great tsunami of 2004.
From the pier, you drive towards the interior of the Island and your first stop will be at a Batik Outlet, where you can see the process of the famous ‘batik’ through the traditional wax-resist dye and industrial techniques such as the stamp. From here, you will drive to Setia Darma, House of Masks and Puppets, a place where various kinds of masks and puppets from different regions in Indonesia and around the world have been collected, stored, and displayed for the public since 2006. The collections are housed in four different traditional Javanese antique houses, commonly known as Joglo. These unique Joglos are mostly originated from East and Middle Java and made out of good quality teak wood.
The fine art of woodcarving was once reserved exclusively for royal families and religious purposes and during a visit to Kemenuh Village you will be able to observe craftsmen turning slabs of wood into beautiful carvings. During your tour, you will also learn about Bali's Hindu Dharma religion. This unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and ancestral worship has evolved over the centuries, and today combines outside influences with its ancient rites and practices.  
A typical Balinese set-menu lunch, including a choice of a soft drink or beer, will be served at a local restaurant before you continue to Kehen Temple. This 12th century Temple dedicated to Shiva rises up the mountainside and culminates in an 11-tier shrine. Through an ornate entrance, a courtyard shelters a giant holy banyan tree and a bell tower used to summon villagers for ceremonies. The main shrine sits on a cosmic turtle, symbolising the spiritual world, entwined by serpents, symbolising the material. This is the state temple of the Bangli Kingdom. This Temple is often described as the miniature version of the Pura Besakih. Built in the 11th century, the Kehen Temple is the largest temple in East Bali and is considered to be the finest.
The last stop on your Bali discovery will be at Kertha Gosa in the city of Klungkung, the ancient Court of Justice at Semarapura, which features exquisitely-painted ceilings. Kertha Gosa Pavilion was first built in the early 18th century by Dewa Agung Gusti Sideman. The first function of the Pavilion was for the court of law in 1945. It was repainted in the 1920’s and again in the 1960’s.

By mini-van or bus/on foot. Min 20/Max 150.
Please note: This tour involves approximately 30-minutes walking/standing at each of the sites visited and so there is a total of approximately 2½ hours of walking/standing, including steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Although US$ / AUD may be accepted at some venues, Indonesian Rupiah is recommended for purchases. The order of the tour may vary. Buses on Bali generally have less legroom than those in Europe.
 

From the pier you travel to Celuk village, home of silver and gold jewellers. In workshops behind the stores, you can watch artisans working the silver and setting semiprecious stones. Filigree pieces with detailed, imaginative designs—ships, flowers, butterflies—are among the many items you can see or purchase from Silver and Jewellery shops.
Continue to Ubud, a quiet cultural centre in Bali, famous for its handicrafts and surrounded by rich and lush vegetation. The bus will drop you off by the Puri Lukisan Museum, which has a collection of early works from Ubud and the surrounding villages. From the drop off point you can walk to Ubud Market. Ubud’s popularity as an art village is famous internationally, so take your time to explore the artist’s shops and test your bargaining skills. You will have approximately two hours free time to discover Ubud’s village.
Before returning to the pier coffee or tea and a local snack will be provided at the Museum Puri Lukisan.

By mini-van or bus/on foot. Min 20/Max 300.
Please note: The drive to Celuk will take approximately 45-minutes depending on traffic. The drive back from Ubud will take approximately 1 hour depending on traffic. There is approximately 45-minutes of free time at Celuk and 2 hours at Ubud. Traffic delays may impact length of time spent at the stops. This tour does not include entrance fees. The local currency is the Rupiah and it is required for entrance fees to most venues. Currency exchange is available at the cruise terminal and in the city at major hotels. Please ensure that you note the coach departure time and meeting point and arrive in good time for the return. The order of the tour may vary. Buses on Bali generally have less legroom than those in Europe.
 

From Benoa harbour, an approximate 90-minute drive takes you to Taro Elephant Safari Park in central Bali, north of Ubud. Set in over four acres of exotic botanical gardens and surrounded by lush forest, the Elephant Safari Park is home to some 27 elephants that were rescued from deforestation in Central and Southern Sumatra. An official member of the World Zoo Association, the Park not only meets international standards for animal care but is a sanctuary for the endangered Sumatran elephants.
Once you arrive, begin your tour of the Park's Museum, which contains over 1,000 exhibits including fossils that date back over five million years, mammoth tusks, a full-sized 15,000 year-old mastodon skeleton and a 300-year-old carved African elephant tusk. Then, you can watch the elephants play during their daily bathing rituals, touch them, help feed them and you can even have your photo taken with them. But the highlight of your visit will be an approximate 30-minute elephant ride. Experienced park guides will help you climb up and into a teak wooden chair atop one of these gentle giants. Then, you are off on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you get used to the gentle, swaying gait of your elephant, enjoy panoramic views of the tropical rainforest, terraced rice paddies and dry riverbeds.
When you get back to the Park, enjoy a buffet lunch including a bottle of water or soft drink or juice and coffee/tea, featuring an international assortment of dishes on the terrace overlooking the elephant pool.
From the Elephant Park you drive approximately 90-minutes to Sangeh village for an approximate 30-minute visit to the Sangeh Monkey Forest. The six hectares of forestland have giant nutmeg trees that grow as high as 41m (135ft), but the main attractions are the hordes of mischievous Balinese monkeys. Monkeys have always had a sacred place in the Hindu religion, and inhabit both trees and its 17th century temple, Pura Bukit Sari, found in the heart of the forest. From here it is an approximate hour-long drive to return to the port.

By mini-van or bus/on foot. Min 20/Max 150.
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking/standing (approximately 1½ hours) including some uneven ground and steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guides will help you climb in to the basket for the Elephant ride. Those guests who are unable to complete this may remain in the Park for this portion of the tour however there will not be a part refund. Please note the elephants and monkeys are wild animals and their behaviour can be unpredictable, however friendly they may seem. Please listen to your guide and follow their instructions. At the Monkey Forest we recommend that you are mindful of your belongings as they are very quick to steal your possessions! There is a souvenir shop next to the restaurant where AUD are accepted. Traffic delays may impact length of time spent at the stops. Buses on Bali generally have less legroom than those in Europe.

Depart from the port for an approximate 30-minute drive to Kuta, a must for visitors, shoppers and locals who wish to sport the fashionable look of well-known locally made Bali designs and established international brands. There are numerous shops in Kuta, lined up on Kuta Beach, Kuta Sidewalk, Legian Street; even small alleys called Poppies that are famous for small hotels, guesthouses and villas. Shops selling clothing, leather goods, DVDs and handicrafts line the streets. Prices differ from store to store but with the variety of choices, you will be sure to find something that matches your budget. You will be dropped at a central location near the main shopping areas (Discovery Shopping Mall) and then you are free to explore until the pick-up time for the return to Benoa. 

By mini-van or bus/on foot. Min 20/Max 300.
Please note: The drive between Benoa and Kuta is approximately 30-minutes each way depending on traffic. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Maps will be provided on the coach journey. This tour does not include entrance fees or refreshments.  Shops generally open at 1000h and close by 2200h. The local currency is the Rupiah and it is required for entrance fees to most venues. Currency exchange is available at the cruise terminal and in the city at major hotels. Please ensure that you note the coach departure time and meeting point and arrive in good time for the return. Buses on Bali generally have less legroom than those in Europe.