Heart of BaliA 5-day guided trek in Bali
Five days from the ancient banyan tree at Kayu Putih, through primary forest and farming landscapes, to the waterfalls of Golden Valley.
Why this trail
Walk the central section of the Astungkara Trail in five days. Stay with local hosts, cook and learn together, and follow your guides into forest and sacred waters. A journey with time for nature, community and yourself.
Day by day
Approximate elevation of each overnight stop. Numbers show the day of the journey.
Kayu Putih to Rumah Desa
Meet at the ancient banyan tree at 2 pm. Tua village and its terraces, then a family compound: Balinese script, home garden and cooking together.
103 m up · 72 m downRumah Desa to Sandan Natural Farm
Join a melukat water purification ceremony led by a priest, then walk through plantations to a regenerative family farm. Bamboo weaving by the fire.
526 m up · 59 m downSandan to the mountain shelter
Bamboo forest to the Geothermal Gate, then across the Batukaru primary forest with a local forest guide. A foot soak on arrival.
1,041 m up · 564 m downMountain shelter to Golden Valley
Down through the plantations of Munduk to the waterfall. Coffee propagation, jungle soup and a traditional body scrub.
96 m up · 514 m downGolden Valley waterfalls
Melanting and Labuan Kebo waterfalls, a swim in a river pool, a last lunch and a closing circle. Ends around 2:30 pm.
503 m up · 521 m downGood to know
- DifficultyIntermediate. Five days of 2.5 to 12 km. Day three is the long one: 12 km with a big climb through the Batukaru forest.
- What you carryA day pack with water, rain jacket and sun protection. Your main bag travels by car to the next stop.
- Where you sleepYou sleep the way the trail lives: together, on open bamboo platforms and in village homes, each with a super comfy mattress, pillow, blanket and mosquito net. There are no private rooms, and your stay goes straight to the families who welcome you.
- Travelling soloMany of our pilgrims come on their own. Groups are small, and you share meals, evening circles and sleeping space, so you feel part of the family from the very first hour.
What's included
- AccommodationCommunal sleeping on bamboo and wooden platforms, with mattress, pillow, blanket and mosquito net.
- MealsThree vegetarian and vegan meals a day plus snacks, from fresh local ingredients.
- Luggage transportYour bags travel by car from one stop to the next.
- Local guides, day and nightGuides with you throughout, for cultural and natural insight.
- Village feesContributions to the communities who host you.
- Workshops and activitiesCooking, bamboo weaving and more.
- Drop-offFree drop-off to Ubud or Canggu after the trail.
Pick-up before the trail is not included. We can arrange it separately.
After you book
- We confirm your place by WhatsApp. Include your number with country code when you book.
- Closer to your dates, we add you to a private WhatsApp group with logistics and pre-trail forms.
- A few days before departure, we host a short video call to answer questions.
What your booking does
Your journey supports the people who call Bali home. Four nights with local hosts connect your journey to the people caring for these landscapes. Your booking supports guides, farming families and village partners, and helps sustain our regenerative farming work.
Ask about Heart of Bali
Tell us your dates and who is coming. Lucie replies personally, usually the same day.
Walk it with people who call it home.
Part of the Astungkara Trail, National Geographic Best of the World 2026, Readers' Choice winner.