AWay From Home – Bali Village Tour

If you’re seeking a genuine peek into Bali’s rural life, the AWay From Home – Bali Village Tour offers a full immersion in the simplicity, traditions, and kindness of local villagers. This two-day, all-inclusive experience takes you deep into the remote village of Manggis, far from the tourist crowds, where you’ll live among Balinese families, learn their crafts, and enjoy home-cooked meals. It’s a unique way to connect with Bali’s authentic side, guided by knowledgeable locals who clearly take pride in sharing their way of life.

What we really love about this tour is its emphasis on authentic cultural exchange — from making offerings to feeding cows and crafting traditional spirits. Plus, the inclusive nature means that everything from food to activities is handled, giving you space to enjoy without constant planning. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the rustic living conditions: the rooms are small, with no air conditioning or wardrobes, and river bathing is part of the experience, which might not suit everyone.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are open-minded, curious about local customs, and comfortable with a simple, natural environment. If you love learning by doing and want a genuine glimpse into rural Bali, this experience will leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Authentic culture: Live with a local family and participate in traditional activities.
• All-inclusive experience: Food, drinks, activities, and transfers are covered.
• Unique hands-on activities: Make arak, palm sugar, and offerings; cook Bali-style.
• Rural adventure: River bathing, jungle trekking, feeding cows, and waterfall visits.
• Small, rustic accommodations: Traditional Balinese house with basic amenities.
• Expert guides: Local hosts Gede and Mira, praised for their warmth and knowledge.

An In-Depth Look at the Bali Village Tour

The AWay From Home tour is designed for travelers eager to step away from Bali’s more polished tourist sites and see what daily life looks like in a real Balinese village. It’s a full-on 2-day adventure, starting early with pickup from Ubud or other nearby locations, and ending after sunset on the second day. The price of $189 per person is quite reasonable considering the depth of experiences, meals, and transfers included.

Transportation & Convenience

The tour offers door-to-door transfers from Ubud, Sanur, Gianyar, and other areas, removing the hassle of logistics. The drive to Manggis takes about an hour, bringing travelers into the lush, scenic landscapes of east Bali. The transfer is comfortable, and given the itinerary’s busy nature, having transportation included ensures a stress-free start to the adventure.

Day 1: A Deep Dive into Village Life

Morning: Arrival & Traditional Breakfast

The journey begins with a warm welcome, followed by a traditional Balinese breakfast. This isn’t a quick snack—you’re sitting down to local dishes in a village setting, giving you your first taste of the area’s authentic flavors.

Waterfall Trekking & Scenic Views

Next, you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery of East Bali, with a trek to a waterfall that’s likely less crowded than the popular spots near Ubud. The lush surroundings and fresh air make this a wonderful way to connect with nature.

Spirit & Arak Making

One of the highlights is learning how traditional arak (a local spirit) is distilled. The guide Gede, famed for his warmth and deep knowledge, will walk you through the process before offering a tasting. It’s a fascinating glimpse into local craftsmanship and an authentic addition to your Bali experience.

Lunch & River Bathing

After a hearty local lunch, you’ll have time to relax and refresh by taking a river bath. Reviewers mention that this part of the tour can be a bit adventurous—bathe in the river with little privacy, but it’s part of the charm. If privacy is a concern, you can use the village bathroom instead.

Making Offerings and Praying

In the afternoon, participate in creating traditional Balinese offerings and learn about their spiritual significance. The hands-on experience is both educational and emotionally resonant. You’ll even get a chance to join a prayer session, adding a spiritual dimension to the day.

Evening: Balinese Cooking & Feast

The dinner is an interactive Megibung Feast, where you’ll prepare your own traditional Balinese dishes. Many reviewers describe this as a fun, communal experience that highlights local ingredients and flavors. After dinner, the tour continues with cultural storytelling over a glass of traditional arak, blending education with entertainment.

Day 2: Working & Connecting with the Land

Early Morning Wake-up & Breakfast

The second day begins early, with a simple, traditional Balinese breakfast. It’s a genuine start to a day of hands-on work and exploration.

Grass Cutting & Feeding Cows

You’ll then go into the jungle to help cut grass— a task that offers a real taste of daily sustenance activities. Following this, you’ll feed the cows, experiencing the rural lifestyle firsthand. Such activities, praised by reviewers, are appreciated for their authenticity and the chance to see sustainable farming practices.

Making Brown Sugar

Next, you’ll learn how to craft traditional brown sugar, a process that involves local techniques passed down through generations. You get to take some home, adding a tangible souvenir to your Bali memories.

Farewell & Coffee Plantation Visit

Before leaving, the tour takes you to a coffee plantation for tasting. The premium local coffees, like Luwak, are a treat for any coffee lover and round out your experience of Bali’s agricultural diversity.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The AWay From Home experience stands out because it offers more than just sightseeing. It’s about participation and genuine connection. The guides Gede and Mira are repeatedly praised for their hospitality and their ability to create a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Reviewers emphasize how they felt like they were part of the local community rather than just travelers.

The culinary experiences are another high point. The cooking class lets you get your hands dirty in a traditional kitchen setting, producing dishes you can replicate at home. The food is described as authentic and plentiful, with multiple meals included over the two days—perfect for foodies eager to understand Bali beyond the tourist fare.

Value & Authenticity

At $189, the tour offers exceptional value. It includes all meals, activities, transportation, and even special souvenirs like homemade arak and brown sugar. While the rustic accommodations are basic—small rooms without wardrobes or air conditioning—they perfectly suit the spirit of the experience, emphasizing simplicity and natural living.

Possible Drawbacks

Some might find the living conditions a bit rustic. The rooms are small, with no air conditioning, and river bathing might not appeal to everyone. Also, dietary restrictions aren’t accommodated; the tour doesn’t cater to gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian diets, although you can request a different plate for the feast if necessary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for adventurous travelers who want an authentic, culturally immersive stay. If you’re open to rustic living, enjoy hands-on activities, and appreciate learning about local customs firsthand, this tour will resonate deeply. It’s also ideal for those who love food—especially traditional dishes—and want to understand Bali’s rural economy and spiritual practices.

However, if you prefer comfort, air conditioning, or privacy, you might find this tour a bit challenging. Similarly, those averse to bugs or river bathing should consider their comfort level before booking.

The Sum Up

The AWay From Home – Bali Village Tour offers a rich, honest look into village life that few other experiences can match. By living with local families, participating in cultural activities, and enjoying traditional meals, travelers gain an appreciation for Bali beyond the beaches and temples. It’s a rare opportunity to see the heart of rural Bali through the eyes of the people who call it home.

This tour is especially suited for curious, open-minded travelers who want to connect with Bali’s authentic roots and create memories rooted in genuine community. Its value is evident not just in the activities—though they are plentiful and meaningful—but in the relationships formed and the stories shared.

If you’re looking for an experience that’s educational, heartfelt, and a little adventurous, this tour will deliver. Just pack your curiosity, a sense of humor, and some patience for rustic living—you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Bali’s true spirit.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfers from Ubud, Sanur, Gianyar, and other areas are included, making the start and end of the tour seamless.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 days and 1 night, with activities scheduled from early morning on day 1 to late afternoon on day 2.

What’s the price?
The tour costs $189 per person, which covers meals, activities, transport, and souvenirs like arak and brown sugar.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are included—two breakfasts, two lunches, and a dinner featuring Bali-style dishes.

Can I request special diets?
The tour does not provide specific dietary options like vegan or gluten-free, but you can request a different plate for the feast if necessary.

What’s the accommodation like?
You’ll sleep in a traditional Balinese home with basic amenities—small rooms (about 2.5m x 2.5m), no wardrobe, no air conditioning, but with a bed, pillow, and sheet.

Is river bathing private?
River bathing is part of the experience and might lack privacy; alternatives are available, such as using the bathroom.

What are the main highlights?
Participating in making offerings, traditional cooking, arak tasting, jungle trekking, feeding cows, and visiting a coffee plantation.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is private and can be tailored to different age groups, but consider the rustic living conditions and physical activity involved.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure are recommended.

In all, this tour offers a truly authentic, hands-on experience of Bali’s rural life—perfect for travelers seeking more than just scenic views, but genuine cultural connections.