Bali
Lush tropical jungles, mystical temples, stunning rice terraces, sacred rituals and much more await you on the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok. This paradise on earth will seduce you with its turquoise waters, mysterious volcanoes, and magnificent coral reefs. Dive into an unforgettable world of wonder and amazement.
-
​Ubud – a bustling artist village
-
Hiking tour up a volcano
-
Scenic beaches on Lombok
Visual inspiration
Details
Day 1, Sun, 12.05.2024: Welcome to the Island of the Gods
After arriving in Denpasar (flights not included), you’ll transfer to the hotel in Sanur where exotic Balinese delicacies await you at a welcome dinner with the other guys.
Day 2, Mon, 13.05.2024: Temple dreaming
Why not spend the morning lounging at the beach not far from the hotel? After a refreshing dip in the ocean, your guide will take you on a discovery tour to the picturesque Taman Ayun temple surrounded by a moat. The famous Tanah Lot temple, which sits atop a rock in the ocean, has been a must-see for visitors for ages. With a bit of luck, the sky will provide the perfect backdrop with an unforgettable sunset for the first full day of your gay holiday.
Day 3, Tue, 14.05.2024: Mystical caves and steaming hot springs
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll make your way to the lush interior of the island where you’ll explore the mystical Elephant Cave and encounter mysterious stone monuments in Gunung Kawi. Afterwards, you’ll make a detour to the holy spring in Tirta Empul where pilgrims bathe in the healing waters. You might even get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a colourful temple festival – there’s always a ceremony going on somewhere in Bali. Make sure to have your cameras ready as we approach the rice terraces of Tegalalang. At the end of the day, you’ll check into your hotel in the artist village of Ubud where you’ll have time to go shopping in the countless artisan shops and galleries there.
Day 4, Wed, 15.05.2024: Did someone say “relax”?
What gay holiday would be complete without relaxation? Spend the day relaxing in Ubud. This is the perfect opportunity to check out one of the many legendary Balinese spas in town. If you’re the type of person who finds cooking relaxing, why not take a cooking course and learn the secrets of Balinese cuisine from an experienced chef (additional fee)? The possibilities in Ubud are endless.
Day 5, Thu, 16.05.2024: Country life
Today, you’ll make your way to the small farming community of Cau where the village residents will give you a behind-the-scenes look into their chocolate farming and production facilities. You’ll learn fascinating facts about the bitter-tasting cocoa bean and receive in-depth knowledge about producing delicious chocolate. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Ubud where mesmerising temple dances and exquisite smoked duck are sure to entice you in the evening.
Day 6, Fri, 17.05.2024: Rice terrace paradise
Rise and shine! Today, you’ll get an early start on your journey into the mountains! In Jatiluwih, you’ll marvel at what are quite possibly Bali’s most beautiful rice terraces – a work of art formed by the natural landscape and by human hands. After taking lots of pictures, your driver will then lead you through dense tropical vegetation up into the highlands where another iconic photo opportunity awaits you at Lake Bratan. You’re sure to be charmed by the quaint Ulun Danu temple right on the shore of the lake. Before checking into your hotel on Lovina Beach, you’ll check out the impressing Gitgit Waterfall.
Day 7, Sat, 18.05.2024: Living the beach life
Take the whole day to embark on your own gay adventures exploring Lovina and its sultry black sand beach. If you’re interested in exploring Bali’s underwater world, you can go on a snorkelling excursion to the offshore island of Menjangan (additional fee). The crystal-clear water and intact coral reef are sure to be a highlight of your gay holiday.
Day 8, Sun, 19.05.2024: Highland adventures
In the morning, you’ll visit the bustling market in Lovina where you can try all sorts of exotic fruit such as jackfruit, langsat or mangosteen. Afterwards, it’s time to make new discoveries in the highlands. A must-see in Bali is Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple, which was built on the slope of an active volcano, Gunung Batur. In Kintamani, you’ll have the most impressive view of Gunung Batur and the lake bearing the same name. After a day full of magnificent panoramas, you’ll settle into your fully equipped glamping tent. Even rugged gay adventures need a little glam!
Day 9, Mon, 20.05.2024: Volcano exploration
Adventure is in the air: your alarm will ring at 3 o’clock in the morning today. Get ready to climb the volcano Mount Batur by torchlight with a professional mountain guide (600-metre ascent). Your athletic efforts will be rewarded with a majestic panoramic view of the Balinese sunrise. Back at the hotel, you’ll have a hearty breakfast, after which you’ll head for the East Coast by bus. On the way, you’ll stop in Tenganan, a unique village inhabited by the indigenous Bali-Aga people, before reaching your destination for the day, Candidasa.
Day 10, Tue, 21.05.2024: Pool life or island adventure?
Are you experiencing sensory overload from your unforgettable gay holiday? Why not spend the day lounging at the hotel or maybe explore another tropical island! By speedboat, you’ll travel to the offshore island of Nusa Penida with its turquoise waters, jagged cliffs, romantic beaches, and cascading waterfalls (lunch included; additional fee).
Day 11, Wed, 22.05.2024: Lombok calling!
The time has come to say “goodbye” to the Island of the Gods – but rest assured, your gay adventure will continue. After breakfast, a speedboat will take you to the multifaceted island of Lombok. On the way to your tropical beach hotel in Senggigi, your new guide will give you an introduction to the Islamic way of life on the island: you’ll see towering mosques instead of ornate Hindu temples and you’ll hear the call of the muezzin instead in the place of mystical ceremonial dances. Lombok is another world!
Day 12, Thu, 23.05.2024: Sasak tour
Today, you’ll explore the southern part of the island and tour the traditional village of Rambitan with its impressive, thatched roof huts. There you’ll learn about the largest ethnic group on Lombok – the Sasak. After getting your fill of local culture, it’s time to jump into the ocean at the secluded beach of Mawun – absolutely fantastic! On the way back to Senggigi, you’ll stop at Pura Lingsar temple, a special shrine revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. To end another day of gay adventure, you’ll make a contrasting visit to the ornate and colourful mosque in Mataram.
Why Bali & Lombok?
-
If you’re a beach lover, Bali is the place for you. The island has some of the most breathtaking shorelines in the entire world as well as amazing coral reefs. The black sand beaches typical of volcanic islands are definitely a highlight.
-
There’s never a bad time to visit Bali or Lombok: the weather is warm all year around with average daily temperatures of 28°C (82°F).
-
With thousands of ancient temples, thick tropical jungles, enchanting rice terraces, smoking volcanos, and a culture of mysterious rituals and dance, Bali is guaranteed to awaken the spirit of adventure in you.
-
Nature lovers will feel right at home in Lombok which is much more pristine and untouched than its “sister island” Bali. Because there are fewer tourists and less traffic, the island is somewhat more affordable, especially when it comes to eating out.
-
As a predominantly Muslim country, Indonesia is very traditional and conservative, especially when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community. That being said, Bali is predominantly Hindu and has always been more liberal and accepting of the queer community. Nevertheless, sex remains a taboo topic in all of Indonesia – regardless of your sexual orientation. So it’s best not to draw attention to yourself with public displays of affection.
Hotels
During your holiday, you’ll be staying at a variety of hotels and island resorts such as the 101 Bali Oasis, the Rama Phala Resort & Spa and The Lovina. You’ll even spend one unforgettable night at Toteme Glamping Kintamani.
THE 101 Bali Oasis | Sanur
Arma Resort | Ubud
The Lovina | Lovina
Toteme Glamping | Kintamani
Ramayana | Candidasa
Holiday Resort Lombok | Lombok
Add-ons
Optional excursions are available for you to book on the tour:
-
Day 4 - Cooking class in Ubud (+ €75): Take a cooking course and learn the secrets of Balinese cuisine from an experienced chef.
-
Day 7 - Snorkeling on Menjangan (+ €125):
Go on a snorkelling excursion to the offshore island of Menjangan. The crystal-clear water and intact coral reef are sure to be a highlight of your holiday. -
Day 10 - Nusa Penida tour (+ €210):
Travel by speedboat to the offshore island of Nusa Penida with its turquoise waters, jagged cliffs, romantic beaches, and cascading waterfalls.
LOMBOK EXTENSION
2-day extension at Holiday Resort Lombok (+ €169 in a shared double room | + €259 in a single room):
Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of life on Lombok from your Marco Polo guide, take two days to explore the island on your own and discover even more of its natural beauty and its spectacular sights.
​
Included in the price of the extension package:
​
-
2 overnight stays in a single room with bath or shower/WC
-
2 x breakfast
-
Transfer by speedboat and bus to Denpasar
Tour operator
This Guys.travel gay tour is organised and carried out by Marco Polo Reisen, a renowned specialist for worldwide discovery trips for over 60 years.
Prices and services
Have a room all to yourself
€ 2359,-
≈ $ 2524 *
Share a room with a partner/friend
€ 1739,-
≈ $ 1860 *
Price per person includes:
-
Individual airport transfers upon arrival and departure
-
Transfers, excursions, and round trip in a good local coach
-
14 nights in a single room
-
Breakfast, 1 welcome dinner (day 2)
-
Alternating English-speaking Marco Polo tour guides
-
Entrance fees according to the itinerary
-
CO2 compensation – climate neutral gay tour
Day 13, Fri, 24.05.2024: Last minute adventures
What better way to spend your last day on Lombok than by taking a dip in the ocean or by taking another tour of the island? The day is yours to make the most of your gay holiday. Do whatever makes you happy!
​
Day 14, Sat, 25.05.2024: Back to Bali
Today, you’ll travel by speedboat back to Bali. After transferring to the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to just relax or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping for your friends and family back home.
Day 15, Sun, 26.05.2024: Goodbye, island paradise!
Time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe that your gay adventure is now coming to an end. Today, you’ll transfer to the airport to board your flight home (flights not included). But wait – maybe you’d like to spend a few more days in paradise. Why not book a two-day extension on Lombok?
Lombok extension (optional)
Day 14-15, Sat, 25.05. – Sun, 26.05.2024: Island exploration
Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of life on Lombok from your Marco Polo guide, take two days to explore the island on your own and discover even more of its natural beauty and its spectacular sights.
​
Day 16, Mon, 27.05.2024: Next stop, Bali!
You’ll travel by speedboat back to Bali where you’ll transfer to the hotel. You’ll then have the rest of the day to do some last-minute souvenir shopping for your friends and family back home or to just sit and relax by the pool.
​
Day 17, Tue, 28.05.2024 Homeward bound
After an unforgettable gay holiday, the time has finally come to say “goodbye” to paradise. Today, you’ll transfer to the airport to board your flight home (flights not included).
​
Book your trip now
Travel cancellation insurance:
You can purchase travel cancellation insurance from us immediately after booking by clicking on the link provided in the confirmation e-mail.
Next steps
Step 1
After submitting the booking form, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt from Guys.travel with a comprehensive overview of the next steps.
​
Step 2
You will receive a booking confirmation by e-mail from the tour operator Marco Polo with an invoice and secured payment certificate. You will be asked to make a 10% deposit up front (full payment also possible).
​
Step 3
Once the minimum number of participants for the tour has been reached, you will be notified by Marco Polo and it is safe to book your flights.
​
Step 4
Marco Polo will send you your travel documents by e-mail 10 to 14 days before the start of the tour.
