An early morning departure from selected resorts along Bali’s southern coast and charming Ubud kicks off the day. Together with an English-speaking guide and dedicated driver, you head deep into the verdant green heart of the island. The landscape slowly changes from a more populated region to a horizon, dotted with villages and mountains. The morning starts with a stop at the 17th-century sanctuary of Taman Ayun. Surrounded by a small moat and packed with gardens featuring shrines, pavilions and ponds, Taman Ayun is a Hindu temple that was the main place of worship during the Mengwi Kingdom. It is separated into three main courtyards, and all of these can be admired from a viewing platform at the back of the site.

An inundated visit to watch the calmness of Beratan Lake is next on the itinerary with its stunning Ulun Danau Beratan Temple. This temple sits on Lake Beratan's western side against a backdrop of Bedugul’s highland mountains, a popular weekend getaway for locals. The temple complex has a floating appearance above this still crystal clear lake that often has a mist hanging above it and encompassing the temple adding to its mythical appearance. The complex has four sacred buildings and is dominated by tiered temples. In the background, the sacred contours of Mount Catur set the tone for the lofty heights surrounding this charming lake. Lunch is included at a local restaurant

Next, meeting the locals at the thriving Candi Kuning market sees how commerce on a local level continues to thrive.

Via the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih for some Instagrammable images, the final stop of the day is made at the stunning religious shrine of the Pura Luhur Batukaru. A lesser-visited temple on the edge of the forest within the Jatiluwih region is a great example to admire of how the Balinese pay respect to the gods. We end the afternoon by driving back to selected resorts along Bali’s South Coast or in Ubud.