Bali Photography Retreat 2026

Dates: 14 – 21 June 2026 (8 days)
Led by: Seng Mah
Maximum 8 participants (3 places left)
Price: AUD$4799 inclusive of your own private room
Pace: Moderate

Discover Bali, the “Island of the Gods” in a way that is unique, authentic and inspiring!

The Bali Photography Retreat is designed for photographers who are passionate about growing their creative vision and photography skills. Across 8 days, we will journey off the tourist-trail and into the heart of Bali, capturing images and moments that will excite your eyes and warm your heart.

This retreat is all about vision and education. You’ll learn to see — to respond, frame, capture, and refine your images with intention. Structured learning sessions include an in-depth exploration of photographic composition, followed by two hands-on image critique and editing workshops. Throughout the retreat, you’ll gain insight into what strengthens an image and what weakens it while shooting across a wide variety of subjects and scenes.

But this experience is more than just workshops and theory. You’ll be photographing sunrise over volcanoes, pristine waterfalls hidden deep in Bali’s highlands, lakeside temples bathed in golden light, and intimate portraits of local villagers within their communities. This is Bali far beyond the resort walls; an experience of place, people, and photography.

You’ll love this retreat if:

• You value authenticity, connection, and real moments over tourist clichés
• You’re on a journey to learn and improve as a photographer
• You want to create images that tell stories and stir emotion, not just snapshots
• You thrive on discovery and exploration when you travel
• You want to connect with the culture and beauty of Bali (and not just lounge by the pool with a cocktail and an airport paperback).

Retreat Highlights

Day 1

Arrive and check in to your accommodation in Sanur. After meeting your fellow photographers, join Seng for a foundational session on travel photography and creating compelling compositions across landscapes, portraits, and documentary styles. We wrap up the day with a group Welcome Dinner (included).

Day 2

We begin at sunrise in Bali’s lush rice fields, photographing the timeless rhythms of the agricultural heartland.

Later, we visit a sacred holy spring, where locals gather for traditional purification ceremonies. You’ll capture moving images of people cleansing body and spirit—and you’re welcome to participate yourself (a highly recommended experience).

In the afternoon, we shift focus to a dramatic cultural shoot featuring topeng dancers—masked performers who embody warriors, kings, and sages through stylised, powerful movement.

Day 3

The morning is devoted to chasing stunning waterfalls — we will visit two amazing waterfalls, the first plunging into a gorge, the second a river valley filled with multiple falls and cascades. Note that both waterfalls will require a reasonable level of fitness and mobility to access.

In the afternoon, we transfer to Kintamani, high in the mountains. Here we have our first image critique/editing session.

Day 4

At dawn, we photograph the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Batur, hoping for mist-laced ridges lit by soft golden rays.

We then transfer to the village of Pelaga, where we immerse ourselves in local village life: crafting portraits of local families in their compounds.

Our accommodation in Pelaga is a scenic eco park immersed in rainforest.

Day 5

We visit a school to meet with local school children and spend time getting to know them and to take their portraits. The kids will, naturally, be super-excited to have a distraction from their morning lesson, and will be thrilled to welcome us to their school.

After lunch, we transfer further into the highlands of north Bali, to the tranquil village of Munduk.

Day 6

Being in Munduk places us in the heart of Bali’s waterfall country, and we will make the most of our morning here by shooting at two incredibly scenic falls.

After a late breakfast, we return to our hotel in Munduk for the second of our image critique/editing sessions.

In the afternoon, we depart for Tasik Tamblingan and its lakeside temple, to photograph the landscape at sunset.

Day 7

We visit one of Bali’s most hallowed and iconic lake and its temple: Pura Ulun Danu Berata. This tiered temple at sunrise presents a magnificent sight, especially when the surrounding lake is full.

After breakfast, we return to Sanur, checking into our hotel for one more night.

Day 8

We wrap up the retreat with a morning visit to Jimbaran Bay, to photograph the fishing boats returning with the night’s catch and the thriving fish market along the shore. It’s a bustling place with many opportunities to capture candid, storytelling moments.

After returning to Sanur for breakfast, the retreat officially concludes with check-out and farewells.

If you’re a photographer seeking to grow your craft while exploring one of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations on Earth, this retreat is for you.

Spaces are strictly limited to 8 participants. Join us, and let your camera lead you into the heart of Bali.

What’s included:

• Accommodation (Sanur, Kintamani, Pelaga and Munduk)
• Land transfers during the retreat (mini bus or similar)
• Tutoring and photographic instruction
• Welcome dinner on Day 1 of the retreat.

What’s excluded:

• Airfares to/from Bali
• Airport transfers
• Entry visa and levy
• Meals and drinks
• Gratuities (for our drivers and guides)
• Comprehensive travel insurance (compulsory for participation in this event)
• Any transport or fees outside the itinerary/programme for this event
• Personal expenses such as laundry, wifi, shopping and medication.
• Photographic equipment

Reviews by Previous Attendees

Seng’s Bali Worksop was an incredible experience, offering a diverse range of shooting scenarios from vibrant markets to serene landscapes and cultural portraits. The guidance was top-notch, blending technical skill with creative inspiration in every session. I left feeling inspired, more confident behind the camera, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their photography. (Adrian Hall)

I really loved the Bali workshop with Seng. In a word it was FUN! Even if you’ve been to Bali a hundred times you cannot get these types of images on holiday. Each location and scene was very well coordinated and this made it impossible not to come away with amazing photos! I’d highly recommend this unique experience. (Leeanne Willows)

Thank you Seng for the best photography experience I’ve had. Your experience, guidance and friendship has been a highlight for me and hopefully more to come in the future. (Brian Thompson)

The workshop immersed us in the beauty of Balinese beaches, waterfalls, countryside, markets, and villages, using a variety of photography styles to capture the island’s essence. Each day began early and was packed with breathtaking shoots, making the experience dynamic and energizing. Seng’s inclusive teaching style catered perfectly to our group of eight photographers, fostering growth and confidence in each of us. Throughout the workshop, we explored seascapes, landscapes, waterscapes, action, portraiture, documentary, and street photography capturing the essence of Bali. I returned home with some stunning images, and unforgettable memories. The highlights for me were meeting the Balinese people—capturing moments of their vibrant, peaceful culture, and connecting with the Seng and the workshop participants over some delicious local food. I highly recommend an adventure in Bali with Seng Mah to anyone who enjoys travelling and photography. (Carolyn Toleman)

It was my first tour with Seng and it certainly won’t be my last.  I found Seng to be very approachable, extremely knowledgeable , informative and patient.  He’s an  excellent  teacher who  ensures we have the correct camera settings.  Doing this workshop was the best thing I have done and I learnt a lot.  I’ve come away feeling very happy and a lot more confident. Well done Seng and thank you for sharing your immense knowledge. For anyone wanting to up their photography skills I highly recommend Seng Mah. (Liz Smith)

I always associated Bali with Bingtang and Bogans! Was I wrong! Seng showed us such a beautiful side of Bali. Seng not only got us to the right place at the right time and refreshingly for a photography trip was great with help and advice. With recommendations on the right lens to use at different places, advice on settings, slow shutter speeds, filters etc everyone came away with stunning photos. Also have to point out Seng has  a great sense of humour, is easy to get on with and loves cats! (and flowery shirts and Legong dancer’s flowers in his hair!) (Katie Hustler)

This workshop far exceeded my expectations. Every moment was filled with energy, beauty, and inspiration. If you’re looking for an unforgettable photography adventure, don’t miss Seng’s epic workshop in 2026. It’s an experience you’ll treasure forever. (Irma Ferreira)

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

An AUD$1500 deposit is required to secure your place in this retreat. The balance of AUD$3299 is due by 1 February 2026. Please complete and submit the form below to reserve your place in the Bali Photography Retreat.