AWay From Home: Bali Village Experience

Overview

If you’re seeking to explore the real & raw, authentic Bali, away from the bustling tourist spots, and curious to see how the locals live, this is the perfect experience for you!

Forget everything you think you know about Bali. This unique program will immerse you in the true spirit of Balinese culture and family traditions. You’ll step off the beaten path and discover what it’s really like to live as a local, in a peaceful village far from the crowds.

Get ready to be welcomed with open arms by the warm, kind-hearted families of East Bali. They’ll invite you into their homes, share their stories, and make you feel like part of their family. It’s a humbling, life-changing experience that you’ll treasure forever!

Your adventure begins with a private pick-up from your hotel or villa, where your guide, will be your driver, storyteller, and entertainer for the day. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic ride through Bali’s countryside, as we head to a picturesque village in East Bali where you’ll experience authentic local life.

You may even have the chance to participate in a temple, wedding, or other traditional ceremony (depending on the village’s cultural calendar).

Highlights

Experience the authentic, raw beauty of village life, as you connect with local families in a remote village far from the tourist crowds. It’s a true cultural immersion!
This tour is hidden from most tourists in Bali, offering you a rare opportunity to explore parts of the island few others get to see. It’s a journey that’s as unique as it is unforgettable.
Everything’s taken care of! From breakfast, lunch, and dinner to entrance fees and transportation, this is a fully-inclusive trip. All you need to do is relax and soak up the beauty of Bali. We've got you covered, so you can focus on enjoying every moment!

Day 1 :

Arrival

06:00 AM – Pick-Up from Your Hotel/Villa (exact time may vary depending on your location)
Your journey begins with a private pick-up directly from your hotel or villa. (Exact time may vary depending on your location.)

08:00 AM – Arrive at the Village & Enjoy a Traditional Balinese Breakfast
Start your day the local way! Indulge in a delicious breakfast prepared with love by the village families.

09:30 AM – Explore the Hidden Waterfall & Cleansing Spring
Discover a stunning, hidden waterfall and experience the serenity of the cleansing spring. Take a refreshing dip and feel rejuvenated by nature.

11:30 AM – Learn the Process of Making Traditional "Arak" Spirit
Dive into the fascinating world of Arak, Bali’s famous spirit. Learn the traditional techniques used to make this local drink and gain a deeper appreciation for Balinese craftsmanship.

12:30 PM – Lunchtime!
Enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared lunch with the locals. A perfect time to unwind and connect with your new Balinese friends.

01:30 PM – Afternoon Break
Take a moment to relax and soak in the tranquil village atmosphere.

02:45 PM – Make a Traditional Balinese Offering
Learn the art of creating a Balinese offering, a key part of the island’s spiritual and cultural life.

03:30 PM – Bathing in the River
Time for a refreshing and authentic experience, take a bath in the river, just as the locals do. Reconnect with nature in a beautiful and peaceful setting.

05:00 PM – Small Balinese Cooking Class
Learn how to prepare traditional Balinese dishes, and enjoy the fruits of your labor during dinner.

07:00 PM – Dinner: "Megibung Feast"
Indulge in a communal Balinese feast. Megibung is a traditional Balinese style of eating together, where everyone shares the delicious local dishes.

08:00 PM – Q&A Session While Enjoying Arak
Wrap up your day with some free time to chat with your guide, ask questions about Balinese culture, and enjoy a glass of Arak as you reflect on your experience.

Day 02 :

Departure

07:00 AM – Work as a Local: Visit the Fields & Help Feed the Cows
Rise early to join the locals in their daily routine. Head out to the fields, cut wild grass, and feed the cows. Experience Bali’s rural life firsthand!

08:00 AM – Breakfast
After a hard morning’s work, enjoy a hearty breakfast with the locals, refueling for the exciting day ahead.

09:00 AM – Learn the Process of Making Traditional Brown Sugar
Discover the fascinating process behind traditional brown sugar production. From sap to sugar, this hands-on experience is sure to surprise you!

10:00 AM – Refresh and Take a Shower
Take a break and freshen up perhaps, even with a cool river bath to wash off the day’s adventure!

11:00 AM – Lunchtime!
Sit down for a delicious, locally prepared lunch and enjoy the company of your Balinese hosts before it’s time to say goodbye.

12:00 PM – Farewell to the Villagers & Visit the Coffee Plantations
Bid farewell to your new friends and head to the nearby coffee plantations. Learn about the island’s rich coffee culture and perhaps sample some of Bali’s best brews.

01:30 PM – Return to Your Hotel/Villa
Sit back and relax as we start making our way back to your hotel or villa.

03:00 PM – Arrive Back at Your Hotel/Villa
By now, you’ll have a heart full of memories and a deeper appreciation for Bali. You’ll arrive back at your hotel or villa, ready to reflect on the experience of a lifetime.

FAQs

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Why Can’t I Book the AWay From Home Tour Every Day?

Our AWay From Home Tour is a unique and immersive experience designed to give guests a genuine insight into Balinese village life. To maintain the authenticity of the experience, we carefully plan each tour to ensure the best possible visit for our guests. We are also committed to preserving the originality of our village, ensuring it retains its natural charm and cultural essence rather than developing too quickly into a mainstream tourist destination.

Limited Availability with Local Hosts : This tour includes an authentic stay with local families, and to maintain the quality and authenticity of the experience. Ensuring we can provide a genuine and welcoming experience without being overwhelmed.

Cultural & Ceremonial Schedules : Since this tour is deeply connected to Balinese traditions, there are days when the community is engaged in religious ceremonies and local events. We respect and align with it to provide an authentic and uninterrupted experience.

Personalized & Small-Group Experience : To keep the experience intimate and exclusive, we limit the number of people who can join the tour. This helps maintain the high standards of service, attention, and engagement with each guest.

Logistical Arrangements : This tour involves multiple unique activities and local interactions that require detailed coordination. Offering it every day would compromise the seamless experience we aim to provide.

We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date. If your desired date isn’t available, feel free to contact us, we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule!

What should I bring with me?

Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared:

Comfortable clothing (at least 4 sets)
Flip flops or sandals (a must!)
Water bottle, camera, and mosquito repellent
Towel and toiletries
Beachwear for river bathing
Long pants (especially for work with wild grass)

Is this program suitable for everyone?

This program is designed for those who are adventurous and ready to experience real village life. It may not be suitable for:

Children under 18 years old
Those uncomfortable with insects or rural conditions (such as bathing in rivers or small living place)
Vegetarians or those with specific dietary restrictions (unless you’re okay bringing your own food)

Do I need to have prior experience with Bali culture?

Not at all! This tour is designed for those who want to learn, explore, and immerse themselves in Bali’s unique culture. Your guide will provide plenty of insights throughout the journey.

Is there any free time during the tour?

Yes! You’ll have some free time to explore, ask questions during the Q&A session, or simply relax after a busy day.

What’s the accommodation like in the village?

You’ll be staying in simple, traditional village homes. The rooms are small (about 2.5×2.5 meters) and basic, with just a bed and a sheet. There’s a bathroom, but most of the activities take place outdoors.

What if I’m not comfortable with the river bath?

If you’re not comfortable bathing in the river, there’s a bathroom available. However, river bathing is a core part of the experience, and it adds to the authentic local life immersion!

Will I have access to Wi-Fi or modern amenities?

The village is remote, so it’s a break from modern distractions. There is no Wi-Fi, internet connection, SIM Card signal or air conditioning, and the amenities are very basic.

Can I participate in a ceremony or temple festival?

It’s possible! Depending on the cultural calendar in the village, you may have the chance to join a local ceremony or temple festival, adding an extra topping of cultural immersion to your experience.

Reviews

Total Reviews 14

Average Rating

5.0

Based on 14 travel reviews

5 Excellent

4 Very Good

3 Average

2 Poor

1 Terrible

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By Waseem H February 20, 2025 Time to enjoy the important things.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone heading to Bali. You will experience the real daily life of the people here. Gede, Mira, and their family are the most welcoming people and will ensure you enjoy your time with them. I loved it!
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By Niklas Q February 7, 2025 So much than what we asked for
What a time we had with Gede, Mira and his wonderful family... unbelievable! If you are looking for an original perspective on Bali, this is it! Its hard to put in words, what we experienced last weekend, but we started to understand this island, its people and the culture that is rooted so deeply within it. Besides all the insightful, amazing, interesting, exhausting, drunk or tasty activities we mostly enjoyed just hanging out with Gede and Mira and chitchat. We have nothing but love and respect for this humble and kind family! We will come back for sure and cannot recommend this highly enough to anyone who is curious. Suksma!
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By Nevy W February 7, 2025 Unforgettable Journey of Raw and Real Bali
Staying with a Balinese family was the highlight of my trip. It was an incredible opportunity to witness their way of life up close and personal. The genuine hospitality and kindness extended by my host family made me feel like a part of their own. From sharing delicious home-cooked meals to engaging in meaningful conversations, I truly felt the embrace of Balinese traditions and values.One of the most awe-inspiring moments was witnessing a traditional Balinese ceremony. The vibrant colors, intricate rituals, and the deep spirituality that permeated the air left me in awe. Being able to participate and witness such a sacred event was a privilege that I will forever cherish.The tour itself was expertly curated, allowing me to explore the lesser-known gems of Bali. From visiting hidden waterfall nestled in lush forests to taking a bath in teh reiver. The knowledgeable and friendly guide shared captivating stories and insights, adding depth to the overall experience.I highly recommend AWay From Home tour to anyone seeking an immersive and genuine Bali adventure. This tour package goes beyond the typical tourist destinations and allows you to truly connect with the heart and soul of Bali. It is an opportunity to create lasting memories and gain a deeper understanding of this incredible culture.
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By Ilyas M December 24, 2024 unforgettable experience in the real side of Bali
It was an awesome experience. I was able to see a different side of Bali and experience an unforgettable adventure in Desa Manggis. Gede opened his home for us, and made sure we have everything we need to be comfortable and have a great stay in his home. It was a pleasure talking with Gede and getting to know him and his family. I will absolutely do the experience again, and I recommend anyone to do the same :)
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By Dianne C October 25, 2024 It does not get more than this tour, excellent
I booked this tour for my daughter and myself. I have been to Bali 4 times and wanted to experience the real bali, seeing their homes, helping them cook, meeting the extended family and so much more. We were not disappointed, I learnt more in 1 night, 2 days about the people and the culture than I had in my previous 4 visits. Gede and Mira, your hospitality into your home and village was amazing, your dad's cooking amazing. Learning about the process of Arak, not for the faint hearted , the well known smelly fruit, which you are the only one that eats in your family, I think that says a lot, yes the Durian. Feeding the cow, cutting feed for him, certainly a first. Eating at the village warang, real authentic local food. Mira did a fabulous job of doing our make up, hair and dressing us in traditional clothing. Beautiful memories we have of this experience.I could go on and on, but you have to experience the real and raw tour. If you looking for nature and culture filled experience, please support this tour. Gede gives back so much to his village .If you looking for comfort and luxury, don't book but if you want to understand the real way of life and people, please book.Gede, Mira don't change anything on your tour it is as real and raw as it gets.
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By John H October 24, 2024 See the Real Bali!
This is an incredible experience. I have lived in Bali for almost three years and jumped at the chance to see a more authentic side of this island.Gede and his family are wonderful and make you feel like another family member.The tour is authentic as it gets. You live like a local, and Gede is there to explain every step of the way.It is a well-organized tour, and you will leave with a sense of connection with the locals of this island and also a new perspective on how you live and what is actually essential.I cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
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By Imani F August 16, 2024 Step out of your comfort zone and book this tour!
Gede and Mira are absolutely wonderful people! And although I love the beach clubs and infinity pools, it was so awesome getting a true, authentic experience of Bali that you don’t typically see on Instagram. Manggis is also a stunning area of Bali, with natural waterfalls, rice terraces, and even distant views of the ocean. I highly recommend this tour if you want to learn more about actual Balinese culture and lifestyle. You’ll learn a lot, laugh a lot, and maybe be a bit comfortably uncomfortable at times 😉.
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By Maddison M July 25, 2024 Traditional Balinese Experience!
Gede & Mira were the best hosts! This was such an amazing experience. They welcome you in and teach you so much about traditional Balinese culture, something I don’t think most people who visit Bali get to see. You will encounter jungle things (ei bugs & a traditional outside toilet) but it’s very much worth the experience. If you want an amazing off the beaten path experience and to truly learn from the locals, this is a must do.
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By Matias M June 20, 2024 A Life Experience You'll Never Forget!
AW Collection tours are amazingly an eye opener and their hospitality was so warming!We booked the village 2 days 1 night tour and the experience was something we could never forget!Arwy and his team (family) made sure everything was comfortable for us, and the humble home cooked meals were delicious!This kind of tour is something both my husband I always look for, it's authentic, raw and living like the locals. - We are not into those instagrammable overrated places.If you like to experience something different, we highly recommend this village tour by them because it's so educational and you get to taste the experience too! Literally! 😝Thank you for your kind hospitality and we would definitely like to come back again for some of the traditional ceremonies we missed!
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By David W May 28, 2024 Raw, fun, fantastic, experience (You tube find)
An experience not to be missed. I truly believe where ever you travel in the world there is nothing better than to connect with the locals and learn a little about their culture and how they live. It just makes your whole trip so much more interesting and exciting. Gede and his family gave me, my husband, and my 23-year-old daughter an experience we will never forget. He picked us up from our homestay in Bali at 6 am where we spent the next 30 hours with his whole family before he dropped us back at our homestay at 12 midday the following day. From the moment we arrived, we just connected with Gede and his family they are so welcoming! Activities just to name a few were bathing at the waterfall, Gede and his brother took us to his, cousins, Auntie, and uncle's homes in the village where we watched his 60-year-old uncle climb a Coconut tree barefooted and then we tasted the coconut sap straight from the tree and then we watched his aunty making it into palm sugar, cooking together, sharing a meal together, sitting, talking, laughing together, watching how Arak distilling is done and so, so much more!!!
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By Vanessa H March 2, 2024 A never to be forgotten experience.
I had the most amazing five days (I felt 2 days was not enough so requested a longer stay) with Mira and Gede living as one of their family, partaking in events and activities in a remote area with no other tourists. Highlights were bathing under the waterfall, attending a ceremony in the village temple, understanding palm sugar making and Arak distilling. Thanks to all the family.🥰
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By Sophia H November 23, 2023 The real Bali
Where should I begin? Spending time with Gede and Mira felt like hanging out with old friends. I was lucky and could join two Balinese ceremonies which was such a unique experience which I will never forget. I missed some of the activities because I had to much Arak (Indonesian liquor) on our second night. Nevertheless I had a perfect time and made wonderful memories forever. Just keep in mind: this is a very honest and authentic experience with a simple bathroom and bedroom. You will learn about the life in the village and get to know more of the real Indonesia. Joining this tour was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Thank you for everything 𝗔𝗪 Collection, I will be back and recommend this tour 100%
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By Lauren M November 17, 2023 Such an insightful experience
Gede and his family were so welcoming and accommodating aswell as so much fun to be around! A great experience if you are wanting an insight to Balinese culture!
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By Max P April 13, 2023 Unforgettable Experience
Gede invited us into his family home in a village way up in the mountains. A real and raw Balinese experience, nothing is sugar coated (except for the sugar farm we visited and the snacks). A sobering and intimate experience. Pushed me out of my comfort zone and experienced things I wouldn’t have tried myself (Like durian!). There were moments of culture shock as well as genuine connection. The family are so welcoming and giving. Recommend for the adventurous and those looking for something off the beaten path.
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