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Trek throught the Heart of its Legendary Islands - Indonesia

Date

From October 8 to 20, 2027

Duration of the trip

13 days

Level of difficulty

Intermediate

Explore the islands of Bali—often called the “Island of the Gods”—and its equally captivating neighbour, Java. These natural gems, blessed with a tropical climate, offer an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes: rice terraces, volcanoes, waterfalls, coral gardens, hidden coves, and white or black sand beaches. Each island evokes a unique and exotic charm. Conclude your journey with a climb up Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak and Indonesia’s most sacred mountain.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: MONTREAL - BALI: Participants meet at Montreal-Trudeau Airport for the flight to Bali. Meal served on overnight flight.
  • Day 2: MONTREAL - BALI IN TRANSIT
  • Day 3: DENPASAR (BALI) – SEMINYAK: Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and your French-speaking guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in Seminyak to rest after your flight. Seminyak is a seaside resort town located on the southwest coast of the island. Check-in to your room and enjoy some free time. Overnight at the hotel. Dinner or snack included, depending on the flight arrival time. Transport: Approx. 45 minutes
  • Day 4: SEMINYAK – BANYUWANGI - Towards the rice terraces and the island of Java: After breakfast, set off for your first warm-up hike through some of Bali’s most stunning rice terraces. In the morning, you’ll leave the coastal area of Seminyak and head north toward the region of Belimbing, renowned for its breathtaking terraced rice fields. Today’s hike will lead you through lush, green landscapes and offer a first glimpse into Bali’s traditional agricultural life — from land clearing and rice planting to field maintenance and harvesting. For lunch, you’ll stop at a local restaurant (known as a warung) with panoramic views over the rice fields, before continuing northward across the island. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the famous Brahma Vihara Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Bali. Later, you’ll board a ferry for the crossing to Java, where you’ll settle in for the night in Banyuwangi, a town facing the strait that separates Java from Bali. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 7 km / Approximate walking time: 3 hours / Elevation: +200m/-200m. Transport: 4 hours by road + 1 hour ferry crossing
  • Day 5: IMMERSION IN THE HEART OF JAVA’S PLANTATIONS: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Gombeng Sari Park, where you’ll explore the region’s rich and diverse plantations. Along the way, you’re likely to meet workers from the local cooperative among the groves of rubber trees, coffee, cocoa, and a variety of aromatic spices. A delicious 100% local lunch will be served on-site before everyone returns to the hotel in the afternoon. You’ll then have free time to relax by the strait that separates us from Bali — a peaceful pause before tomorrow’s first mountain ascent. Overnight at the hotel in Banyuwangi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 6 – 8 km / Approximate walking time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours / Elevation: +200m/-200m. Transport: 1.5 hours by road
  • Day 6: KAWAH IJEN AND THE SULFUR CARRIERS: Early departure around 4 AM for an unforgettable ascent of Kawah Ijen, famous for its spectacular acidic crater lake perched at 2,400 meters above sea level and its striking sulfur mining activity. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter the brave sulfur carriers, hauling heavy loads of mineral on their shoulders down the steep volcanic slopes. Due to volcanic activity, access to the summit is not always permitted, and the crater itself is officially off-limits — though some daring visitors still attempt the descent (not part of our program). If the trail is closed, an alternate hike will be offered. A short transfer will bring you to the starting point of the trek. The ascent begins on a wide forest trail, then continues along a steeper path leading to the rim of the crater. Once at the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking: before you lies the world’s largest acidic lake, shimmering in surreal hues — a one-of-a-kind panorama that makes every step worthwhile. After soaking in this magical moment, you’ll begin the descent — about 45 minutes — toward the valley. On the way, enjoy a refreshing stop at the beautiful Jagir Waterfall, where you can take a revitalizing dip in a lush, natural setting. Return to the previous night’s hotel for a well-earned shower and some time to relax. After lunch, you’ll board a ferry back to the island of Bali, followed by a transfer to Pemuteran — a peaceful fishing village on the island’s northwest coast, overlooking the island of the same name. Overnight at a hotel in Pemuteran. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 6 km / Approximate walking time: 4-5 hours / Elevation: +600m/-600m. Transport: 1 hour by road + 1 hour ferry crossing
  • Day 7: PEMUTERAN – MUNDUK – Mountains, temples and plantations: In the morning, you’ll leave the coast to head to the mountainous region of Munduk (about a 2-hour drive). Along the way, you will stop at the Pulaki temple, then enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation at the famous Banjar hot springs, cherished by locals for their soothing properties. Once you arrive in the heights of Munduk, you will begin a beautiful hike through lush landscapes. You will discover the rich plantations that have made the region famous: cocoa, coffee, vanilla, cloves, and many others. Next, you will stop in the village of Munduk to enjoy a traditional Balinese dinner, prepared and shared with a local family — a wonderful opportunity for exchange and conviviality. In the afternoon, the hike will continue through the village, offering new insights into local life. At the end of the day, you will visit the famous floating temple of Ulun Danu Bratan, enhanced by the colours of the setting sun. You will finish this discovery-filled day by settling into your hotel, perfectly located facing the plantations. Overnight in Munduk. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 8 – 10 km / Approximate walking time: 3 - 4 hours / Elevation: +200m/-200m. Transport: 2 hours by road
  • Day 8: MUNDUK – SIDEMEN – The waterfalls of Sambangan: After breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road inland to explore the magnificent waterfalls of the Sambangan region, on Bali’s north coast. A hike through lush jungle and waterfalls takes you from one cascade to another, with the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim at the end — a true moment of communion with nature. At lunchtime, you’ll have a picnic surrounded by nature, in a peaceful and exotic setting. In the afternoon, you’ll continue the journey crossing the spectacular caldera of Mount Batur, an impressive panorama that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Then, you’ll head to the village of Sidemen, nestled in the heart of a green valley, facing the majestic Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred volcano. You’ll settle in and spend the night at a hotel in Sidemen. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 10 km / Approximate walking time: 4 – 5 hours / Elevation: +350m/-500m. Transport: 4 hours by road
  • Day 9: ASCENT OF MOUNT AGUNG, THE ROOF OF BALI: In the early hours of the day, around 2:30 AM, you will begin the ascent of Mount Agung, a legendary peak and the sacred home of the Balinese gods. Standing at 3,142 meters, it is the highest point on the island. After several hours of effort under a starry sky, you will reach the summit just in time to admire a spectacular sunrise, bathing the neighboring islands of Lombok and Nusa Lembongan in golden light. A suspended moment, both powerful and unforgettable. You will have a well-deserved breakfast at the summit before descending back to Sidemen. In the afternoon, you will set out for a unique experience at the hidden temple of Pecampuhan Sala, nestled in the heart of a secluded canyon. This mysterious sanctuary houses sacred baths and several waterfalls, where the Balinese come once a year to purify themselves during an ancient ritual called Melukat. You will have the opportunity to participate in this purification ceremony with the utmost respect for the traditions — a true immersion in nature and spirituality, for both body and mind. Return to the hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Sidemen. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 14 – 16 km / Approximate walking time: 7 - 8 hours / Elevation: +1200m/-1200m. Transport: 2 hours by road
  • Day 10: SIDEMEN – AMLAPURA – The Balinese Hinterland: This morning, you’ll set off to discover a more authentic and lesser-known side of Bali, far from the usual tourist routes. After a short transfer, you will begin with a sensory immersion at the Amlapura market, before visiting the Tirta Gangga water palace, a peaceful place surrounded by sacred pools and carefully maintained gardens. The hike will then start at Kastala, crossing stunning terraced rice fields, leading to the village of Tenganan, one of Bali’s oldest and best-preserved villages. There, you will explore unique artisanal traditions, including local crafts and honey culture. You will continue to the enchanting site of Taman Ujung, the former summer palace of the King of Klungkung, surrounded by pools and elegant pavilions. Return to the hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Sidemen. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 8 – 10 km / Approximate walking time: 4.5 - 5 hours / Elevation: +100m/-100m. Transport: 2.5 hours by road
  • Day 11: SIDEMEN – JIMBARAN: After lunch, you will leave the beautiful rice fields of Sidemen to reach the Tampaksiring area, the starting point for a pleasant bike ride of about two hours. This route will take you through lush plantations, traditional villages, and peaceful temples, offering a wonderful glimpse into rural Balinese life. Accompanied by your guide, you will continue exploring the region by visiting the rice fields and fruit plantations north of Ubud, including the famous salak, or “snake fruit,” an Indonesian specialty with a unique taste. You will then head toward Jimbaran. The afternoon is free to enjoy your last moments on the Island of the Gods. For your final evening, head to the traditional fish market in Jimbaran by the sea at the magical hour of sunset. You will choose fresh fish and seafood, which will be grilled directly on the beach in local warungs around their typical barbecues. A simple and authentic moment to beautifully conclude this journey. Overnight at the hotel in Jimbaran. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance: 2 km / Approximate walking time: 2 hours / Elevation: +100m/-100m. Transport: 2 hours by bike
  • Day 12: JIMBARAN – DENPASAR – MONTREAL: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Montreal. Meal and overnight stay on the plane.
  • Day 13: MONTREAL: Arrival in Montreal.

The Challenge Against Cancer program is a series of fundraising travel campaigns to benefit cancer research. It offers its participants the chance to explore the world and surpass themselves through a variety of sporting activities. This unique adventure carries a deeply meaningful purpose, as the funds raised by participants help to make a significant difference to the advancement of cancer research.

Learn more about the Challenge Against Cancer Program