7 Days in Bali for Food Lovers: A Relaxing Ubud & Seminyak Itinerary
Bali’s story is written in stone temples, terraced paddies, and daily offerings. The island’s Hindu traditions—unique in Indonesia—shape everything from village festivals to the choreography of shadow and flame at a Kecak performance. Its UNESCO-listed subak irrigation system has watered emerald rice fields for a thousand years.
Travelers come for beaches and yoga; they stay for food. From babi guling (spit-roasted suckling pig) to sate lilit (hand-ground fish satay) and fragrant nasi campur, Bali rewards curiosity with big flavors and small, memorable meals. Coffee culture thrives, too—roasters in Ubud and breezy brunch spots in Seminyak keep days deliciously unhurried.
Practical notes: dress modestly at temples (a sarong is often required), carry some cash for warungs, and be mindful on scooters. Dry season runs roughly April–October; rain brings vivid greens and fewer crowds. For a relaxing, foodie-friendly week on a mid-range budget, this plan splits time between Ubud and Seminyak with easy day trips.
Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s cultural heartbeat—craft villages, jungle-fringed valleys, and a thriving dining scene that swings from humble warungs to fine tasting menus. Morning air smells of incense and coffee; evenings glow with gamelan and candlelit gardens.
- Top sights: Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul water temple, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Goa Gajah, local art markets.
- Food highlights: Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Bu Mangku (spiced chicken rice), Bebek Bengil—Dirty Duck Diner (crispy duck), Naughty Nuri’s (legendary ribs), Clear Café (colorful bowls), Alchemy (plant-based), Seniman Coffee Studio (roastery).
- Good to know: Early morning is best for ridge walks and terraces; bring small bills for temple donations.
Where to stay (Ubud): Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com. For your budget, consider social, clean digs at Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (central, fun pool, daily events). If you’d like one elevated night, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is rainforest serenity incarnate.
Getting there: Fly into Denpasar (DPS). Check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Airport to Ubud takes ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic; a private driver is the easiest option.
Seminyak
Seminyak blends sunset beaches with Bali’s most exciting dining. Think morning flat whites, lazy afternoons under frangipani shade, and dinners that hop from satay smoke to modern Indonesian plates. It’s a great base for day trips and beach time.
- Top sights: Seminyak Beach, Petitenget Temple, sunset bars, boutique shopping, easy access to Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.
- Food highlights: Sisterfields (brunch), Revolver Espresso (coffee), Nook (rice-field views), Warung Nia (excellent satay and Balinese dishes), Kaum at Potato Head (heritage Indonesian), Bo & Bun (SE Asian comfort), Boy’N’Cow (steak).
- Vibe: Breezy, stylish, and walkable near Petitenget; taxis or drivers for longer hops.
Where to stay (Seminyak): Search villas and apartments on VRBO or hotels on Hotels.com. Budget-friendly and central, M Boutique Hostel offers private rooms and a pool. If you’d rather base near Kuta’s family-friendly facilities, Bali Dynasty Resort is a strong value; for a luxe splurge down the coast, The St. Regis Bali Resort in Nusa Dua is spectacular.
Getting there from Ubud: A morning transfer takes ~1.5–2 hours. Book a flexible car and driver with this private car charter for convenient door-to-door service (typical full-day charters run roughly $45–65 for the vehicle).
Day 1 – Arrive in Bali, transfer to Ubud
Afternoon: Land at DPS and meet your driver for the 60–90 minute ride to Ubud. Check in and stretch your legs with a gentle stroll along Jalan Hanoman and the Ubud Market for batik, woodcarvings, and spices.
Evening: Welcome dinner at Bebek Bengil—Dirty Duck Diner for their crisp-skinned duck with sambal matah and rice in a garden setting. If you prefer something lighter, Clear Café has colorful bowls, fresh juices, and excellent vegetarian options. Finish with a scoop at Gaya Gelato (classic pistachio or local coconut-pandan).
Day 2 – Ubud essentials: monkeys, terraces, and holy springs
Morning: Fuel up at Seniman Coffee Studio (house-roasted pour-overs and flaky croissants). Then join the All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour to see the Sacred Monkey Forest, artisan villages, and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
Afternoon: Continue to Tirta Empul, where locals come for ritual purification—your guide will explain etiquette and the meaning of the springs. For lunch, try Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Bu Mangku: shredded chicken, lawar, egg, peanuts, and just enough chili heat.
Evening: Sunset on the Campuhan Ridge Walk (soft golden light, easy gradients). Dinner at Naughty Nuri’s for smoky ribs and martinis or opt for Alchemy’s plant-based plates and raw desserts for a lighter night.
Day 3 – Slow Ubud day: coffee, spa, and a river valley swing
Morning: Early stroll through Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple (lotus pond) before the crowds. Brunch at KAFE (scrambled tofu, shakshuka, or pancakes) and then book a spa session—Karsa Spa’s flower baths and massages are a perennial favorite.
Afternoon: For a bit of gentle thrill with big views, head to the Bali Jungle Swing Experience overlooking the Ayung River valley; go for the photo, stay for the valley breeze.
Evening: Early dinner at Warung Bintangbali (sunset rice-field views, grilled fish with sambal). If you’re up for a splurge tasting menu, Mozaic offers modern Indonesian courses—book ahead and consider this your one big night out in Ubud.
Day 4 – Transfer to Seminyak, beach time, and Petitenget eats
Morning: Depart Ubud after breakfast for Seminyak (1.5–2 hours). A private driver via this car charter keeps things flexible for photo stops or a quick temple detour.
Afternoon: Check in, then settle at Seminyak Beach. Grab a casual lunch at Nook (crispy duck, mie goreng, and smoothies with paddy views) or Warung Murah for a budget-friendly nasi campur plate.
Evening: Sunset cocktails at Petitenget Beach. Dinner at Kaum in the Potato Head complex for regional Indonesian dishes like rendang, papeda, and sambal-rich vegetables. Nightcap at Revolver Espresso’s cozy back room or an early night for tomorrow’s exploration.
Day 5 – Easy day and Uluwatu sunset Kecak
Morning: Brunch at Sisterfields (eggs benny, smashed avo, great cold brew). Meander Seminyak’s boutiques for textiles, ceramics, and resort wear around Jalan Kayu Aya and Petitenget.
Afternoon: Spa time—treat yourself to a Balinese massage and foot reflexology. Then head south for clifftop views at Uluwatu Temple.
Evening: Experience the Kecak Fire Dance and Sunset at Uluwatu: a hypnotic chorus, flickering torches, and the Indian epics set against the sea.
Day 6 – Optional full-day island escape to Nusa Penida
Trade crowds for turquoise water on a small-group boat day. The Premium All Inclusive Full Day Tour from Bali to Nusa Penida uses a private yacht (up to 13 guests) for a smoother, more relaxing crossing, then visits highlights like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and snorkeling spots.
Day 7 – Seminyak brunch, last shopping, and departure
Morning: Final coffee run at Coffee Cartel (latte art and fluffy pancakes). Pick up last-minute gifts: locally made soaps, Bali cacao, cashews, and pandan-flavored treats.
Afternoon: Check-out and transfer to DPS (25–60 minutes depending on traffic). If you’ve got extra time before your flight, Petitenget Temple and a final beach walk make a gentle farewell.
Optional add-ons if you want more scenery
If you’d like a photogenic temple day instead of Nusa Penida, consider the Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour for coastlines, highland lakes, and the Jatiluwih rice terraces.
Transport tips for a relaxing week
For flexible, stress-free days, hire a driver. This expert private driver service or the full-day car charter lets you set the pace, add food stops, and avoid parking hassles.
Where this itinerary leans: slow mornings, spa time, and food-forward days—with just enough iconic Bali (temples, terraces, sunsets) to feel complete. Adjust the pace by adding or skipping day trips, but always keep dinner plans: in Bali, meals are memories.