Bali has charmed travelers for centuries with its blend of Hindu temples, emerald rice terraces, volcanic peaks, and world-class surf. From royal palaces to cliffside shrines, the “Island of the Gods” rewards slow mornings, mindful rituals, and a healthy appetite for discovery. This 11-day itinerary focuses on three classic bases—Ubud, Uluwatu, and Canggu—so you can savor the island’s culture, nature, and coastlines without rushing.

Expect daily offerings of canang sari on sidewalks, gamelan echoing at dusk, and dances that retell epics by firelight. You’ll hike Mount Batur at sunrise, chase waterfalls through rainforest ravines, watch the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple, and sail to Nusa Penida for those postcard cliffs and turquoise coves. Along the way, feast on babi guling, nasi campur, fresh seafood on the sand, and some of Southeast Asia’s most inventive cafés.

Practical notes: Bali levies a tourist fee (about IDR 150,000) payable online or at arrival; carry some cash (IDR) alongside cards. Dress modestly at temples (sarongs available), ride scooters only if experienced, and respect strong ocean currents. Dry season runs roughly May–October; the wet season brings quick, dramatic showers and lush landscapes.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart—home to palace courtyards, artisans’ workshops, and trails that wander through terraced hillsides. It’s the best base for temple-hopping, yoga, cooking classes, and day trips to waterfalls and Mount Batur. Mornings are cool, markets are lively, and dusk brings dance and incense.

Days 1–4: Art, Temples, Rice Terraces, and a Volcano Sunrise

• Arrival and transfer: Fly into Denpasar (DPS). Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; typical regional flights (e.g., from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur) run 2.5–3.5 hours, while Australia is 5–7 hours. Private transfer to Ubud takes ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic (IDR 350,000–500,000).
• Ubud essentials: Stroll the Campuhan Ridge Walk at golden hour; visit the Saraswati Temple (lotus pond) and the Ubud Palace for evening dance. Explore artisan streets in Penestanan and Tegallalang’s rice terraces (go early to avoid crowds and heat).
• Temple circuit: Tirta Empul (holy spring water ritual; donation/entry ~IDR 50,000; bring a change of clothes), Goa Gajah (11th‑century “Elephant Cave”), and the serene Gunung Kawi rock shrines carved into a river valley.
• Waterfalls: Combine Tibumana (swimmable, jungle-framed), Tegenungan (big cascade, easy access), and if you’re up for a little adventure, Tukad Cepung (sunbeams through a cave slot). Entry fees are usually IDR 20,000–30,000 each.
• Mount Batur sunrise hike: Depart ~2:00–2:30 AM with a licensed guide (IDR 500,000–800,000 per person). Reach the crater for sunrise, breakfast cooked in volcanic steam, then soak at Toya Devasya or Batur Natural Hot Springs (IDR ~150,000) with lake views.
• Wellness and craft: Book a vinyasa or yin class at The Yoga Barn or try a Balinese massage in a jungle pavilion—Karsa Spa near the ridge is a favorite; reservations recommended.
• Cooking class: Learn to make lawar, sate lilit, and sambal matah at a local family compound (popular classes in Ubud run ~IDR 400,000–600,000 including market tour and lunch).

Where to eat and drink in Ubud:

• Breakfast/coffee: Alchemy Ubud (raw/vegan bowls and serious cold-pressed juices), F.R.E.A.K. Coffee (local Kintamani beans), and Clear Café (smoothies, coconut pancakes; airy vibe).
• Lunch: Warung Biah Biah (order a spread of small Balinese dishes: tempe manis, ayam betutu), Warung Babi Guling Gung Cung (roast suckling pig with crackling; spicy), and Milk & Madu Ubud (wood‑fired pizzas and salads; family-friendly garden).
• Dinner: Locavore NXT (multi-course, produce-driven tasting; book well ahead), Ibu Rai (classic Indonesian dishes in a leafy setting), and Zest Ubud (plant-forward plates overlooking the valley).
• After dark: Night Rooster (imaginative cocktails with local botanicals) and Laughing Buddha (live music nightly; casual vibe).

Stay in Ubud: Browse private villas and jungle stays on VRBO Ubud or compare boutique hotels near the palace, Penestanan, or Tegallalang on Hotels.com Ubud. Aim for properties set back from the main road for quiet nights.

Transfer to Uluwatu (Day 5, morning): Private car from Ubud to Uluwatu takes ~2–3 hours (IDR 400,000–600,000). No trains operate on Bali; rideshare and hotel cars are the norm.

Uluwatu

On Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is all about limestone cliffs, sapphire water, and legendary surf. Days float between hidden beaches, sunset viewpoints, and the island’s most dramatic temple perched over the ocean. Evenings bring the crackle of torches and the chorus of the Kecak dance.

Days 5–7: Clifftop Temples, Secret Coves, and Sunset Rituals

• Beaches: Descend to Padang Padang (calm cove; “Eat Pray Love” fame), Suluban/Blue Point (cave access; surfer watch), Bingin (tidal pools; stairs worth the view), and Melasti (dramatic road cut into the cliff; loungers and clear water).
• Uluwatu Temple & Kecak: Visit late afternoon, walk the ramparts, then catch the fire-and-chant Kecak at sunset (entry ~IDR 50,000–100,000; Kecak ticket ~IDR 150,000). Mind your belongings—macaques love sunglasses.
• Surf or learn: Book a lesson at Padang Padang or Dreamland; foam boards and coaches run ~IDR 350,000–500,000 for a 1.5–2 hour session. Even if you don’t surf, watching advanced riders at Uluwatu Main Peak from the cliff is a thrill.
• Day club options: Sundays Beach Club (inclined tram, kayaks; day pass often includes F&B credit), Ulu Cliffhouse (pool over the reef), or an afternoon at El Kabron (Spanish bites, sweeping sunset).

Where to eat and drink in Uluwatu:

• Breakfast/coffee: Suka Espresso (ricotta pancakes, espresso tonic), BGS Uluwatu (surf shop + specialty coffee), and Nourish (smoothie bowls, hearty breakfasts).
• Lunch: The Cashew Tree (salads, wraps; leafy garden, often live music), Ours (Mediterranean plates with Balinese produce), and Warung Bu Mi in nearby areas for customizable nasi campur if you’re exploring further north.
• Dinner: Cliffside sundowners at Single Fin after watching sets roll in, then seafood on the sand at Jimbaran Bay—try Menega Café or Lia Café for grilled snapper, prawns, and sambal with toes-in-the-sand seating.

Stay in Uluwatu: Find cliff villas and breezy bungalows on VRBO Uluwatu or compare resorts near Padang Padang, Bingin, or Melasti on Hotels.com Uluwatu. Cliff access often means plenty of stairs—confirm mobility needs.

Transfer to Canggu (Day 8, morning): Drive 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic (IDR 350,000–550,000). If you plan a Nusa Penida day trip, staying closer to Berawa/Pererenan will make the morning transfer to Sanur port easier.

Canggu

Canggu blends Bali’s beach life with a creative café scene—think smoothie bowls, third-wave coffee, stylish boutiques, and sunset surf sessions at Batu Bolong. Nearby Seminyak adds polished beach clubs and late-night energy, making this a great finale to your Bali itinerary.

Days 8–11: Surf, Café-Hopping, Nusa Penida, and Seminyak Sunsets

• Beach time and surf: Base around Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, or Berawa. Book a lesson with a shoreline surf school (board + coach ~IDR 350,000–500,000). Evenings, grab a coconut and watch locals catch last light.
• Nusa Penida day trip (Day 9 or 10): Depart early for Sanur (1–1.5 hours from Canggu), then a 40–50 minute fast boat to Penida (return tickets ~IDR 300,000–450,000). Choose a west-island loop—Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay—or head east to Diamond Beach and Atuh. Roads are steep; hire a driver on arrival. If snorkeling, ask about manta sightings and currents at Manta Bay or Gamat.
• Café and market crawl: Start at Crate Café (hearty plates, communal tables), Shady Shack (vegetarian with a garden), and Hungry Bird (roastery for purists). Check the Sunday market at Samadi for local produce and crafts.
• Seminyak side trip: Spend an afternoon at Potato Head Beach Club (design-forward, sustainable ethos), then walk to Ku De Ta for sunset. For a playful late dinner and dancing, Motel Mexicola is a riot of color and cumbia.
• Wellness: Try an ice bath/sauna circuit or a deep-tissue massage at a reputable spa in Canggu; yoga at The Practice or Samadi is popular with experienced teachers.
• Shopping: Browse independent labels along Batu Bolong and Berawa. Look for handwoven textiles, rattan homewares, and silver jewelry from Celuk artisans.

Where to eat and drink in Canggu/Seminyak:

• Breakfast/coffee: Revolver Espresso (Seminyak; espresso institution), Satu-Satu Coffee Company (Berawa; single-origin pours), and Baked. (Berawa; laminated pastries and hearty brunch).
• Lunch: The Lawn (sea-view salads, fresh fish; great for a long, lazy afternoon), La Brisa (bohemian beach club on Echo; seafood platters), and Warung Bu Mi (build-your-own nasi campur; budget-friendly local favorite).
• Dinner: Mason (wood-fired meats, house charcuterie; sleek setting), Santanera (share plates with Latin flair across multiple levels), and Naughty Nuri’s (Seminyak; sticky ribs and martinis since the ‘90s).
• Drinks: Old Man’s (beachside beers and DJs), Black Sand Brewery (craft ales, rice paddy views), and The Lawn transitions nicely from sundowner to evening grooves.

Stay in Canggu: Villas with pools and rice-field views abound—start with VRBO Canggu. For hotels near Batu Bolong, Berawa, or Pererenan, compare options on Hotels.com Canggu. Proximity to the beach saves time in peak traffic.

Getting Around, Costs, and Tips

• Transport between bases: Expect 1.5–3 hours per move; private drivers are ~IDR 350,000–600,000 per segment. Scooters rent for ~IDR 80,000–120,000/day (helmet mandatory); only ride if experienced.
• Typical costs: Temple entries IDR 20,000–100,000; Kecak ~IDR 150,000; day clubs often have minimum spends; surf lessons ~IDR 350,000–500,000; private day tours ~IDR 600,000–800,000 for an 8-hour car + driver (excl. fuel/fees).
• Etiquette and safety: Wear a sarong at temples, never point your feet at shrines, and step around ceremonies in progress. Ocean conditions can be powerful—ask lifeguards or locals before swimming. Monkeys will grab loose items; secure sunglasses and phones.

Across 11 days, this Bali itinerary layers culture and nature—Ubud’s ritual and rainforest, Uluwatu’s cliffs and surf, and Canggu’s breezy beach life—plus a thrilling detour to Nusa Penida. You’ll leave with sunrise memories, sand between your toes, and a notebook full of new favorite cafés and flavors. Selamat jalan—happy travels.