Travel Dates: 6–7 August 2026
Guests: Sure Remi LEROY, Marie LEROY, Romain LEROY & Baptiste LEROY
Some of the most memorable trips are not the ones that follow the original plan exactly. Sometimes, the best experiences happen when travelers decide to change direction and discover something completely different.
This was the case for the Leroy family, who booked two trekking experiences with us during their stay in Bedugul: Twin Lake Jungle Trekking with Banyumala Waterfalls on 6 August, followed originally by Mount Catur Trekking on 7 August.
What happened over those two days became a wonderful example of how local knowledge, flexibility, and genuine communication can create a truly memorable Bali experience.
Day 1 – Twin Lake Jungle Trekking & Banyumala Waterfalls
On the morning of 6 August 2026, we picked up Sure Remi LEROY, Marie LEROY, Romain LEROY, and Baptiste LEROY from their hotel in Bedugul at around 8:30 AM.
After arriving at the starting point of the Twin Lake Jungle Trekking route, we began with a warm introduction and a simple overview of the day’s program. Everyone was in a great mood, and the trek started with plenty of excitement and curiosity.
Before entering the forest, we visited Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple, giving the family an opportunity to see one of the most beautiful cultural landmarks in the Bedugul area.
From there, we continued into the forest.
Their local guide, Asmara Jaya, shared his knowledge of the surrounding environment along the way. Rather than simply leading the group from one point to another, he explained some of the things that are easy to miss when walking through the Balinese forest.
He introduced the guests to parasitic trees, traditional herbal plants, and plants that should be avoided in the forest. These small explanations turned the trek into more than just a walk through nature. The family became increasingly curious and engaged with the environment around them.
They were particularly interested in learning how local people traditionally recognize and use certain plants, as well as understanding which plants require caution.
The atmosphere throughout the trek was relaxed and happy.
During the journey, the family also started talking about their plans for the following day. Their original booking was Mount Catur Trekking, but after discussing the possibilities and considering what kind of experience they wanted, they eventually decided that they would prefer something more adventurous.
They asked about Mount Sanghyang Sunrise Trekking.
After discussing the route, timing, and experience, they decided to change their program.
A Last-Minute Change of Plan
Changing a trekking program at the last minute is not always simple, especially when it involves a sunrise trek requiring a very early pickup.
But because we work with local guides and have experience arranging trekking programs around Bali, we were able to reorganize the arrangements.
The original Mount Catur program was changed to a Mount Sanghyang Sunrise Trekking experience.
The family was ready for a completely different kind of adventure.
Day 2 – Mount Sanghyang Sunrise Trekking
The following morning, 7 August 2026, started very early.
We picked up the four guests from their hotel in Bedugul at approximately 2:00 AM.
The surroundings were completely quiet and dark as we headed toward the starting point.
We began the trek at around 3:00 AM.
There was almost no light around us. The forest was covered in darkness, and the only lights guiding the way were the headlamps and flashlights carried by the guests and guide.
For someone unfamiliar with Bali’s forests, trekking through the darkness can feel both exciting and mysterious.
The atmosphere was quiet, remote, and deeply atmospheric.
For Asmara Jaya, however, this was not simply another trekking route.
As a local guide who understands the environment and the traditional relationship between Balinese people and nature, he began the journey by asking for blessings and protection from the Almighty before entering the forest.
It was a simple but meaningful moment.
The trek then continued through the darkness.
Step by step, the group moved higher into the mountain.
There were moments of silence, moments of conversation, and moments when everyone simply concentrated on the trail ahead.
Eventually, the group reached the top earlier than expected.
There was still time before sunrise.
Rather than simply waiting in the cold and darkness, Asmara Jaya prepared coffee and tea for the guests.
After several hours of trekking, sitting together with a warm drink while waiting for the first light of the day created a special atmosphere.
Then the sky slowly began to change.
The darkness gradually disappeared.
The first light appeared over the horizon.
And finally, the sunrise come.
The difficult early-morning start, the darkness, the forest, and the long climb suddenly felt completely worthwhile.
The group enjoyed the sunrise together, and the entire experience had gone smoothly.
A Beautiful Ending to Two Days in Bali
What began as two separate trekking bookings became something much more personal.
The first day introduced the family to Bali’s forest environment, local plants, traditional knowledge, and the beautiful landscape around the Twin Lakes and Banyumala.
The second day became a completely different adventure — a dark pre-dawn trek to Mount Sanghyang, guided by local knowledge, patience, and a little flexibility.
Most importantly, the itinerary changed because the guests themselves wanted a different experience.
We were happy to make that last-minute change possible.
For us, this is one of the advantages of working as a local guide team. Bali trekking is not always about following a fixed itinerary from beginning to end. Sometimes travelers discover during the journey that they want to experience something different.
Our job is to listen, advise honestly, and when possible, make it happen.
A 5-Star Tripadvisor Review
After completing both experiences, the Leroy family kindly shared a 5-star review on Tripadvisor.
For our team, feedback like this means a great deal.
It is not only a rating. It is a reminder that the small details matter — explaining the forest, sharing local knowledge, adapting to a last-minute change, preparing a warm drink before sunrise, and making sure guests feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey.
We are very grateful to Sure Remi LEROY, Marie LEROY, Romain LEROY, and Baptiste LEROY for trusting our local guide team and for allowing us to share these two memorable days with them.
Their journey is a good example of what we believe a local trekking experience in Bali should be:
Authentic, flexible, personal, and connected to the place.
Sometimes the best memories begin with a change of plan.
