Bali is Indonesia’s island of gods—home to ancient temples framed by banyan trees, terraced rice fields fed by a UNESCO-recognized irrigation system (subak), and villages where daily offerings (canang sari) perfume the air with frangipani. Centuries of Hindu influence shape ceremonies you’ll witness in passing: gamelan rhythms on the breeze, dancers balancing age-old stories in their hands.

In this 6-day Bali itinerary, you’ll split your time between two essential bases: Ubud for culture, craft markets, jungle swings, and waterfalls; and Uluwatu for cliffside temples, luminous beaches, and world-class surf. A full-day boat trip to Nusa Penida adds the island-hopping sparkle everyone dreams about.

Practical notes: The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR); cash is handy for warungs and taxis. Wear a sarong at temples and cover shoulders. Traffic can be slow—plan buffers, especially for airport runs. For flights into Denpasar (DPS), compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Dry season (May–September) is best for beaches; expect brief tropical showers in the wet season.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, a patchwork of emerald rice terraces, artisan ateliers, and sacred spaces like Goa Gajah and Pura Taman Saraswati. It’s where you trade beach clubs for jungle air, explore waterfalls by morning, then settle into a courtyard warung for smoky sate or crispy duck.

• Don’t miss: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul water temple, Campuhan Ridge Walk, and bustling Ubud Market.
• Food & drink highlights: Coffee nerdery at Seniman Coffee Studio; iconic crispy duck at Bebek Bengil; smoky ribs at Naughty Nuri’s; plant-forward bowls at The Elephant; gelato at Gaya Gelato.
• Fun fact: Ubud’s subak irrigation dates back to the 9th century, managed by community water temples that keep the terraces lush and cooperative.

Where to stay (Ubud):

• Splurge in the jungle: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (legendary Ayung Valley setting, award-winning spa, serene pools).
• Social and budget-friendly: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (great location, daily activities, clean pool and garden).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Ubud | VRBO: Ubud villas

Day 1: Arrival in Bali (DPS) → Ubud Welcome

Morning: In the air—book your flight to Denpasar (DPS) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim to land by early afternoon to beat rush hour.

Afternoon: Arrive DPS and transfer to Ubud (1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic; IDR 350,000–500,000 by taxi or prearranged car). Check into your hotel and decompress with a stroll along the Campuhan Ridge Walk—golden light over palm fronds and village roofs.

Evening: Dinner at Bebek Bengil (“Dirty Duck”) for crispy duck and sambal matah, or The Elephant for breezy vegetarian plates with valley views. Cap the night with gelato at Gaya Gelato (try stracciatella or coconut pandan).

Day 2: Ubud Highlights—Temples, Terraces, and Market Life

Morning: Fuel up at Seniman Coffee Studio—order a V60 or cold brew and a flaky croissant. Then dive into Ubud’s greatest hits on a curated day out:

Suggested tour: All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour (Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, rice terrace, waterfall; private driver/guide, flexible routing).

Afternoon: After Tirta Empul’s water purification, stop for lunch near Tegallalang—Cafe Pomegranate for ridge views or Warung Bintangbali for nasi campur and satay skewers under coconut palms. Browse Ubud Market for wood carvings, woven baskets, and textiles; bargain kindly.

Evening: Dinner at Naughty Nuri’s (sticky ribs, smoky and sweet; their martinis have local legend status). If you prefer Balinese plates, Warung Biah Biah serves small, flavorful dishes—perfect for sampling. Optional nightcap at Laughing Buddha Bar with live music.

Day 3: Adventure Day—ATV, River, and Jungle Swing

Morning: Breakfast at Watercress Ubud (ricotta pancakes or smashed avo on toast). Then rev into the countryside on an ATV track that tunnels through jungle and splashes past cascades:

Suggested tour: Bali ATV Quad Bike Through Tunnel, Waterfall, White Water Rafting (combo day; mud, river, and scenery with guides and gear).

Afternoon: After rafting the Ayung, break for a late lunch—try Clear Café for colorful bowls, zesty wraps, and fresh juices. If time allows, swing over the Ayung valley at one of Ubud’s swing parks or wander Saraswati Temple’s lotus pond right off the main street.

Evening: Treat yourself to an herbal massage at a local spa. Dinner at The Elephant (light, fresh, river-view) or IBU SUSU Bar & Kitchen (Balinese-inspired small plates and craft cocktails). Early night—you’ll transfer south tomorrow.

Uluwatu (South Bali)

Welcome to the Bukit Peninsula: limestone cliffs, cave-framed surf breaks, and sunsets that paint the Indian Ocean in molten copper. Uluwatu blends the raw beauty of beaches like Padang Padang and Bingin with a temple perched dramatically over the sea.

• Don’t miss: Uluwatu Temple at golden hour, the Kecak fire dance, Melasti’s turquoise waters, Suluban’s cave walk, and sundowners at Single Fin.
• Cafes & restaurants: Suka Espresso (Aussie-style brunch), The Cashew Tree (healthy bowls, live music nights), Drifter Café (surfer vibes), La Baracca (cozy Italian), seafood feasts on Jimbaran Beach (Menega Café or Lia Café).
• Pro tip: Wear reef-safe sunscreen; many beaches require steps down/up—bring water and sandals with grip.

Where to stay (South Bali):

• High-end beachfront serenity: The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua; private beach, refined dining—an easy base for day trips to Uluwatu).
• Family favorite near Kuta Beach: Bali Dynasty Resort (pools, kids’ activities, walkable to sands).
• Budget/social by Seminyak’s beach scene: M Boutique Hostel (clean, modern pods; cafes and nightlife nearby).
• Browse more cliffside stays: Hotels.com: Uluwatu | VRBO: Uluwatu villas

Day 4: Ubud → Uluwatu Transfer, Beach Time, and Clifftop Sunset

Morning: Depart Ubud after breakfast for Uluwatu (2–2.5 hours by private car; expect IDR 600,000–900,000 for a day charter with wait time). There are no trains within Bali; flights aren’t needed for this move—hire a driver through your hotel or local agency.

Afternoon: Check in and head to Melasti Beach—clear, swimmable water, limestone backdrops, and loungers. Late lunch at Suka Espresso (great burgers and hearty salads) or The Cashew Tree (fresh bowls, smoothies).

Evening: Make your way to Uluwatu Temple for golden hour and the famed fire dance: Kecak Fire Dance and Sunset at Uluwatu Temple All Inclusive (timed for sunset; transport and tickets arranged).

After the show, head to Jimbaran Bay for a feet-in-sand seafood feast—grilled prawns, snapper, and corn under lanterns.

Day 5: Nusa Penida by Boat—Cliffs, Coves, and Turquoise Bays

Morning: Early pick-up for your island day. Skip crowded public ferries and go small-group yacht for comfort and time savings: Premium All Inclusive Full Day Tour from Bali to Nusa Penida (limited to ~13 guests; visits hotspots like Kelingking, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay; snorkeling gear included).

Afternoon: Expect photogenic cliff overlooks and clear-water swims. A boxed or beachside lunch is usually included; otherwise, simple warungs serve mie goreng, nasi campur, and fresh coconuts. Keep reef etiquette in mind—no touching coral or turtles.

Evening: Return to Bali in time for sunset. Toast the day at Single Fin above Suluban Beach (classic surf bar view) or opt for El Kabron’s cliffside lounge for a quieter, romantic vantage. Dinner at La Baracca (Italian comfort food) or Mana Uluwatu (wood-fired mains, breezy design).

Day 6: Beach-to-Brunch Slow Morning and Departure

Morning: Last swim at Bingin Beach or a relaxed yoga class nearby. Brunch at Drifter Café (good coffee, banana pancakes, and surfer crowd) or Ours Bali (Mediterranean-leaning plates).

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to DPS (30–60 minutes depending on traffic; leave generous buffer). If you’re catching a flight onward, compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If extending, consider a half-day to Tanah Lot for another sunset over sea-temple silhouettes.

Evening: Airport bites or a final Jimbaran skewers snack if time allows. Selamat jalan—until next time.

Optional Add-Ons (Swap into any Ubud day)

• Photo-forward temple circuit to Bali’s east (Lempuyang’s “Gate of Heaven,” Tirta Gangga water palace) on a private guided route: Gate Heaven Lempuyang Tirta Gangga East Bali Private Guided Tour.

  

Transport recap: Fly into/out of Denpasar (DPS) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Within Bali, there are no trains; hire a private driver (IDR 600,000–900,000 per day) or book day tours that include hotel pickup. Ubud → Uluwatu transfer is ~2–2.5 hours in the morning.

At-a-Glance Daily Dining Picks

• Ubud breakfasts: Seniman Coffee Studio; Watercress Ubud.
• Ubud lunches: Warung Bintangbali; Cafe Pomegranate.
• Ubud dinners: Bebek Bengil; Naughty Nuri’s; IBU SUSU.
• Uluwatu breakfasts: Suka Espresso; Drifter Café.
• Uluwatu lunches: The Cashew Tree; beach warungs at Melasti.
• Uluwatu dinners: Jimbaran seafood cafés; La Baracca; Mana Uluwatu.

Activities featured (bookable):

• Ubud private highlights tour: All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour
• Ubud adventure combo: Bali ATV Quad Bike + Rafting
• Uluwatu sunset show: Kecak Fire Dance
• Nusa Penida boat day: Premium All-Inclusive Tour

In six days you’ll taste the essence of Bali—rituals and rice fields in Ubud, cliff-top sunsets and coves in Uluwatu, and the jagged beauty of Nusa Penida. Expect a gentle rhythm: culture, coast, cuisine, repeat—leaving just enough wonder to pull you back.