BALI
Adventure Artists International Presents…
Culture · Conservation · Creativity · Connection
APRIL 23 – MAY 4, 2027 · 11 NIGHTS · SMALL GROUP
Travel with curiosity. Create with purpose.
Journey beyond the postcard into the heart of Bali—where creativity, conservation, and genuine connection become part of your story.
MORE THAN A VACATION…
An Adventure That
Inspires Change
Bali invites us to look closer.
Beyond its extraordinary beauty lies a place where ancient traditions, creative expression, fragile ecosystems and modern tourism are deeply intertwined.
This small-group creative journey is curated by Adventure Artists International and operated in Bali by Mandara Bali. It is an invitation to explore Bali with curiosity—to meet the people who call it home, experience its culture beyond the surface, discover local efforts to protect the places we visit, and consider how we can all become better travelers.
Come ready to explore, create, connect—and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
This journey is curated by Adventure Artists International and operated in Bali by Mandara Bali. Mandara Bali and its local service partners arrange all on-island transportation, local guiding, activities and logistics.
OCEAN CONSERVATION
Participate in a locally operated marine conservation experience while learning from the people working to protect Bali’s reefs, mangroves and coastal ecosystems.
LIVING CULTURE
Step beyond sightseeing to experience Bali through its traditions, food, art, agriculture and the people who keep them alive.
TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE
Explore how the choices we make as travelers can support local communities, protect natural places, and create a more positive impact.
CREATIVE EXPLORATION
A welcoming creative community throughout the journey, with optional prompts and opportunities for photography, art, storytelling and reflection.
Below is an idea of how the journey will unfold. All activities listed are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen reasons:
SANUR & NUSA LEMBONGAN
3 NIGHTS
Arrive. Exhale. Connect with the sea.
Our adventure begins gently on Bali’s southeast coast, where there is time to settle in, feel the sand beneath your feet and let the long journey fade away.
Sanur becomes our introduction to a bigger question we’ll explore throughout this expedition:
How can we experience the world we love while helping to protect it?
ARRIVE & CONNECT
You will be picked up by Mandara Bali in for a comfortable journey to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take some time to relax on the beach and recover from the journey. Join us for a welcome dinner in the evening (Dinner included this evening, excluding alcoholic drinks).
April 24 - CONSERVATION THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Morning free time on the beach. In the afternoon, we will visit the Coral Triangle Center’s conservation exhibits and learn how science, art and education come together to protect one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth.
April 25 - INTO THE CORAL TRIANGLE
Journey by boat to Nusa Lembongan for a hands-on conservation experience focused on mangrove and coral restoration.
We’ll meet the people working on the front lines of marine conservation, explore the connection between art and environmental awareness, and venture across the water for a hands-on day discovering Bali’s coastal ecosystems.
UBUD • 4 NIGHTS
Culture, creativity and the living landscapes of Bali.
We’ll journey into Bali’s lush cultural heart, where art, spirituality, agriculture and everyday life have been intertwined for generations.
April 26 - Discover Ubud
After breakfast in Sanur, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Ubud. After checking in to the hotel, opt to go out and explore on your own or join the group in a casual walkabout to get acquainted with the area. There will be many spots to eat, drink, shop and have fun along the route.
April 27-30 - Our days in Ubud balance deeper cultural experiences with the freedom to follow your own curiosity. Together, we will step into village life and learn alongside the people who tend Bali’s iconic rice landscapes. Wander among artists and temples. During free time, you can seek out adventure, wellness or creative inspiration.
This is Bali beyond simply seeing beautiful places—it’s an opportunity to slow down, look closer and discover the traditions, people and ideas that give them meaning.
INTO THE RICE TERRACES
On one of our days in Ubud, we will all journey with Mandara Bali into the magnificent landscapes of Jatiluwih, where generations of farmers have shaped the mountainsides through Bali’s ancient subak system of cooperative water management.
Rather than simply photographing one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes, we’ll begin to understand the relationship between water, agriculture, community and the traditions that have sustained these fields for centuries.
EXPERIENCE THE LIVING CULTURE
With Mandara Bali, the group will spend a half-day immersed in village life—learning alongside local residents, preparing traditional meals, creating daily offerings, and learning how generations have cared for these remarkable rice terraces.
CREATIVE INSPIRATION
We’ll spend part of a day exploring Nuanu Creative City—an imaginative destination where art, nature, culture, technology, and community come together. We’ll wander through its creative spaces and large-scale installations, offering a fascinating look at a more contemporary, experimental side of Bali and the ideas shaping its future.
FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY
Your arrival afternoon plus one full day is intentionally left open for you to choose your own Bali. Explore Ubud’s art and markets, seek adventure in the jungle, experience a traditional water purification ritual, indulge in wellness and spa time—or simply find a beautiful corner of Bali and do absolutely nothing.
Optional experiences might include the Mt. Batur sunrise hike or Jeep adventure, waterfalls, river experiences, wellness, art and cultural activities.
See excursion options here - https://book.mandarabali.com/
We recommend waiting on booking excursions until closer to the departure date or while you are actually in Ubud.
On one evening, there will be an included group dinner (alcohol excluded)
EAST BALI • 2 NIGHTS
A quieter side of the island.
Our adventure begins gently on Bali’s southeast coast, where there is time to settle in, feel the sand beneath your feet and let the long journey fade away.
April 30 - Leaving Bali's busier regions behind, we'll slow down and experience a quieter side of the island where traditional villages, volcanic landscapes, and coastal communities reveal a different rhythm of life.
After checking in to the hotel, enjoy some free time to relax on the beach or walk about into nature.
May 1 - Through our local partners, we'll spend time with the people who call East Bali home, learning from their traditions, daily lives, and the challenges and opportunities facing their communities today.
EAST BALI POVERTY PROJECT
One of the highlights of our time , the group will take a visit to the East Bali Poverty Project to learn about efforts being made in the areas of education, youth empowerment, sustainable community health, water sanitation and hygiene, land conservation and more.
“Instead of focusing on short-term aid, the emphasis has been on building strong foundations in education, practical skills, and community-led initiatives that can support long-term progress.”
KERAMAS • 2 NIGHTS
The Perfect Ending
Our final chapter brings us back to Bali's spectacular southeastern coastline, where the pace slows and there is time to simply be.
May 2 -4 - After days of discovery, creativity and meaningful connection, these final days are intentionally left unhurried. Watch the sunrise over the ocean, enjoy time at the beach or pool, revisit your favorite photographs, journal about your experiences, or simply relax before the journey home.
The best journeys don't end at the airport. These final days give the experience space to settle before you return home.
WELLNESS & RESTORATION
Choose the rhythm that feels right for you.
Enjoy optional yoga, meditation, spa treatments, wellness experiences, ocean swims, quiet walks along the beach, or simply a comfortable chair overlooking the waves.
Sometimes the greatest gift of travel is giving yourself permission to slow down.
CREATIVE REFLECTION
Before saying goodbye, we'll gather one final time to celebrate the journey we've shared.
Share a favorite photograph, a sketch, a journal entry, or simply a story about a moment that changed how you experienced Bali.
No presentations.
No pressure.
Just good conversation with new friends.
A farewell dinner will be included on our last evening together (Alcohol excluded)
LEAVE WITH MORE THAN MEMORIES
Adventure Artists expeditions aren't designed simply to check destinations off a list.
They're created to change the way we travel.
Our hope is that you'll return home carrying new friendships, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the people, places and stories that make Bali so extraordinary.
Beautiful Places to Call Home
We've selected boutique properties that reflect the spirit of each region—comfortable, locally inspired, and thoughtfully chosen to complement the rhythm of the journey.
Interested in Joining?
Contact us today to secure your accommodations!
Rooms are already booking up at our selected hotels. If there is no availability in the hotels that the group is staying at, there are other options in nearby hotels and villas.
Sanur
Hyatt Regency Bali
April 23-26, 2027
A peaceful beachfront retreat to recover from your journey and begin settling into Bali's rhythm.
Sea Turtle Village Conservation Program
Discover the Sea Turtle Village Conservation Program, nestled between Andaz Bali and Hyatt Regency Bali on the stunning Sanur beachfront. Witness rescued turtles and engage in thrilling activities like feeding and release programs.
Ubud
Adiwana Svarga Loka
April 26-30, 2027
Set beside the river and surrounded by tropical forest, this peaceful sanctuary places you close to Ubud while offering a quiet place to recharge.
Art Studio
Unleash your creativity at their Art Studio! The vibrant and inspiring space provides everything you need to bring your artistic visions to life. With top-of-the-line equipment and experienced instructors, the studio is the perfect place to explore and express your inner artist.
East Bali
The Griya Villas & Spa
April 30 - May 2, 2027
Private villas overlooking Bali's dramatic eastern coastline, offering space to slow down and soak in one of the island's most beautiful regions.
Channa SPA, SAUNA & GYM
The Spa and Wellness centre offers an extensive menu of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments to keep you "looking & feeling" your best on vacation. Escape into their luxurious yet intimate Channa Spa, chill with a healthy herbal tea in our lounge while having a pedicure, or keep up with your fitness routine in our gym.
Keramas
Desa Swan Villas & Spa
May 2 - 4, 2027
Your final retreat—a quiet coastal hideaway where you can reflect on the journey before returning home.
Keramas Beach
Keramas offers a quieter side of Bali, where dramatic black-sand beaches, powerful surf, and a more relaxed coastal rhythm create a striking contrast to the island’s busier resort areas. It’s an ideal place to slow down, enjoy the ocean, and let the journey settle before heading home.
Hotel selections are subject to changed based on availability at the time of booking
Some journeys change
where you've been.
Others change how you
see the world.
Bali Experience Costs:
From $2,250
Paid to Mandara Bali for the locally operated expedition experience.
Daily private transportation and airport arrival coordination
Local guides, cultural experts and daily logistics
Included cultural, community and conservation experiences
Entrance fees and selected group meals (Daily breakfasts. 3 group dinners. Alcohol excluded)
On-the-ground support throughout the expedition
Optional excursions are extra
Hotel Accommodations:
From $2,250
Booked separately through LuxRally Travel based on current single-occupancy rates and availability.
11 nights across four destinations
Private room for each solo traveler
Shared-room options available to split costs
Room upgrades and pre/post extensions can be arranged
Daily breakfast included
Rates and hotel selections are not guaranteed until confirmed
All hotel reservations will be made through LuxRally Travel
Total Trip Cost Estimate - $4500
Final cost will be determined after hotel room selection and any optional excursion selections.
This intimate small group is limited to 12 people.
Meet Mandara Bali.
Your local destination management team.
Mandara Bali arranges and operates the on-island journey, including local guides, transportation, activities and day-to-day logistics. Their local knowledge and relationships help us experience Bali thoughtfully, respectfully and beyond the usual visitor trail.
Chandra Sahadewa
Mandara Bali is Chandra's operation. He selects the drivers, sets the standard, and ensures every guest is looked after — from first message to final transfer. One operation. One standard. Whoever is with you carries it.
Founder & Ground Operator, Ubud Bali
The Mandara Team
Mandara is not a fleet. It's a small group of trusted locals aligned around one standard: If we wouldn't send our own family, we won't send your guests.
A Small, Intentional Collective
Meet The Adventure Artists
April Howland
Co-Founder | Artist | Community Builder | Travel PlannerApril is an established artist focused on art as a vehicle for positive change. She also runs Howland Studios, where her work explores connection, creativity, and creative community building.
April has many years of travel planning experience and can help you with flight searches and suggestions.
Susan Richey
Co-Founder | Photographer | Visual Storyteller | Travel PlannerSusan is a creative entrepreneur whose work centers on nature, travel, and meaningful impact. She leads Good Focused, a creative studio dedicated to intentional storytelling and visual adventures.
Susan is a travel agent for LuxRally Travel. She will go over hotel room options with you and secure bookings.
** Susan and April will travel with the group and foster the creative community that makes Adventure Artists journeys special. Local guiding, transportation, activities and on-island operations are provided by Mandara Bali and its local partners. Adventure Artists International curates the creative vision and brings the group together.
What It Means to Travel With Us
Susan and April curate the creative purpose of each Adventure Artists International journey. They collaborate with trusted destination partners to identify experiences that reflect AAI’s values, host pre-departure conversations, travel alongside the group, offer creative encouragement, and help build a thoughtful community among participants.
They are your artist hosts—not your destination guides.
The local operator named for each journey is responsible for on-the-ground operations, including local guides, transportation, scheduled activities, destination logistics, and operational safety. Hotels, transportation, activities, and other travel services are supplied by independent travel providers under the booking and cancellation terms disclosed for that journey.
Together, Susan and April bring complementary strengths—photography and fine art, mentorship and community-building, curiosity and connection. Their role is to help you experience the journey more intentionally and return home with meaningful stories, creative inspiration, and a deeper relationship with the places you visited.
Adventure Artists International · Bali 2027
Ready to experience
Bali differently?
Small group. Meaningful connection. Space to explore. Stories you’ll still be telling years from now.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact us by email to let us know that you are interested. We will put you on the sign-up list.
Once we have 8 or more guests committed to going, we will contact you to book your hotel rooms.
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Our quoted starting rate of $2250.00 for hotels is based on single-occupancy in the entry level room at the selected hotels.
You can choose to upgrade room category at an additional cost.
You may choose to share a room with a friend to save on costs with double-occupancy.
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Not at all. While photographers and visual storytellers will feel right at home, this expedition welcomes painters, writers, creatives, and anyone who enjoys traveling with curiosity and intention.
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This expedition is designed for active travelers with a moderate level of mobility. Most activities involve walking, uneven paths, village visits, and boat transportation, but no technical hiking or extreme adventure activities.
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No. You're always welcome to enjoy free time, relax at the hotel, or explore independently when appropriate.
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Susan and April are happy to share ideas, creative prompts, and encouragement throughout the journey, but this is not a formal photography workshop. Optional guided creative time will be sprinkled in throughout.
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No. International airfare is booked separately, allowing guests flexibility in choosing departure cities and travel preferences.
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Yes. Airport transfers in Bali and all transportation included in the itinerary are provided as part of the expedition.
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Hosted Adventure Artists expedition
Local guides and transportation
Activities listed in the itinerary
Boutique accommodations (booked separately through our travel advisor)
Daily breakfast
Select lunches and dinners
Creative community and hosted experiences
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International airfare
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Some meals
Personal expenses
Optional activities during free time
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Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation.
We will provide a travel insurance option through our partners at LuxRally Travel at the time of your hotel booking.
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Absolutely. Many Adventure Artists guests travel solo. Our small-group format makes it easy to build friendships while still enjoying personal space and quiet time.
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This experience is intentionally limited to a small group of a maximum of 12 to encourage meaningful connections and minimize our impact on the communities we visit.
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Your flights should be booked roundtrip in and out of
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) -
Bali is generally considered a welcoming destination for international visitors. As with any international trip, we'll provide guidance before departure on health, safety, cultural etiquette, and practical travel tips.
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The itinerary balances hosted experiences with opportunities to explore independently, relax, or simply enjoy time at each destination.
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Adventure Artists International curates the creative concept and brings the group together. Mandara Bali arranges and operates the on-island itinerary, including local guides, transportation, activities and logistics. Accommodations are booked separately through LuxRally Travel.