Bali, the Island of the Gods, is a blend of emerald rice terraces, mystical temples, and an artist community that has been welcoming travelers for over a century. Hindu rituals float through daily life—look for canang sari flower offerings on doorsteps—and dance, woodcarving, and gamelan music remain living traditions.

Across one compact island, you can greet sunrise on a volcano, lounge on white-sand beaches, and slurp smoky satay at a night market by dinner. Ubud anchors the cultural heart with craft studios and temples, while Uluwatu’s limestone cliffs deliver world-class surf, cinematic sunsets, and the iconic Kecak fire dance.

Practical notes: Dry season runs roughly April–October; November–March is greener and more humid. Sarongs are required at temples (often provided). Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and private drivers are common; roads can be busy, so build in buffer time. Many nationalities can get Visa on Arrival; check current rules before you fly.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural capital, where mossy temples sit under banyan trees and artisans carve teak masks in open-air workshops. The town is a springboard to rice terraces, waterfalls, and Mount Batur’s volcanic landscapes.

• Highlights: Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul water temple, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Campuhan Ridge Walk, local markets, day spas, yoga studios.
• Food & drink: From babi guling (spit-roasted suckling pig) at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka to modern tasting menus at Mozaic, Ubud spans humble warungs to destination dining. Save room for late-night sweets at Room 4 Dessert.
• Fun fact: Ubud’s name derives from “ubad,” meaning medicine—fitting for a town long associated with healing arts and plant-based remedies.

Where to stay (Ubud): Browse a range of villas and hotels on VRBO or Hotels.com. Standouts include the riverside sanctuary Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (legendary service, jungle views) and social, central Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (great for meeting travelers).

Getting there: Fly into Denpasar (DPS). Search competitive fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical flight times: 3–6 hours from Southeast Asia hubs, 5–7 from Australia’s east coast, 20–30 (1–2 stops) from North America. DPS to Ubud runs ~1–1.5 hours by car, ~IDR 300,000–500,000 depending on time of day.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu crowns Bali’s Bukit Peninsula with sheer cliffs, turquoise coves, and high-perched temples. By day it’s a surf haven; by evening, it’s all rosy sunsets, cliff clubs, and the rhythmic chorus of the Kecak fire dance.

• Highlights: Uluwatu Temple, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Melasti beaches, beach clubs (Ulu Cliffhouse, El Kabron), Jimbaran Bay seafood.
• Culinary notes: Mornings hum at Suka Espresso and BGS Bali; dinner can be toes-in-sand grilled snapper at Menega Cafe or inventive tasting menus at Cuca in nearby Jimbaran.
• Insider tip: Tide matters—some beaches require stairs and are easiest at mid-to-low tide; check boards at cafes for daily surf conditions.

Where to stay (Uluwatu & South Bali): Explore options on VRBO or Hotels.com. For a polished resort stay 25–35 minutes away in Nusa Dua, consider The St. Regis Bali Resort. Families who prefer Kuta’s conveniences can look at Bali Dynasty Resort, and budget travelers near Seminyak might like M Boutique Hostel.

Getting from Ubud to Uluwatu: Depart mid-morning to skirt traffic; it’s ~1.5–2.5 hours by car. Expect ~IDR 350,000–600,000 for a private transfer; your hotel can arrange or use ride-hailing apps. DPS airport is 40–70 minutes from Uluwatu depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival in Bali → Ubud

Morning: Travel day. Book your flights to Denpasar (DPS) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Land, clear immigration, and transfer to Ubud (~1–1.5 hours). Check in and stretch your legs on the Campuhan Ridge Walk—gentle hills, alang-alang grass, and soft late light.

Evening: Dinner at Casa Luna (Balinese duck and heritage recipes) or Naughty Nuri’s (legendary sticky ribs). If you’re awake, catch a traditional dance at Ubud Palace (most nights around 7:30 pm; buy tickets at the venue). Nightcap at Night Rooster for spice-forward cocktails.

Day 2: Temples, Monkeys, Waterfalls — Ubud Highlights

Morning: Fuel up at Seniman Coffee Studio (single-origin pour-overs, house roastery) or Milk & Madu Ubud (fluffy pancakes, eggs bennies). Head to the Sacred Monkey Forest early to beat the crowds; secure your sunglasses and avoid touching the macaques.

Afternoon: Explore Goa Gajah (ancient cave temple) and lunch at Warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Bu Mangku—classic Balinese chicken rice with spicy sambal and peanuts. Continue to Tegallalang Rice Terrace; wander the subak irrigation paths or try a jungle swing.

Evening: Relax with a Balinese massage at a reputable day spa, then dine at Mozaic (seasonal tasting menu spotlighting Indonesian spices) or Nusantara by Locavore if reservations align. Dessert at Room 4 Dessert—try the cacao garden tasting plate.

Optional guided day: Consider the All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour to bundle Monkey Forest, rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and waterfalls with a driver/guide. See link for current pricing and inclusions.

Day 3: Mount Batur Sunrise + Hot Springs

Early Morning: Pre-dawn pickup for the Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour. Watch daybreak over volcanic calderas without the hike, then roll through black lava fields. Many tours include optional hot springs—perfect after the chill.

Afternoon: Return to Ubud for brunch at Pison Ubud (excellent coffee; truffle scrambled eggs) and downtime by the pool. Stroll the Ubud Art Market for batik, baskets, and silverwork—bargain kindly.

Evening: Gentle yoga class at The Yoga Barn, then dinner at Clear Cafe (colorful bowls, wood-fired pizzas) or Warung Bintangbali for a sunset rice-field view.

Day 4: Water Temples, Crafts, and a Taste of Village Life

Morning: Visit Tirta Empul for a holy water purification. Wear a sarong; observe the sequence at the fountains. Coffee stop at a small roastery near Tegallalang to learn about Balinese beans (skip civet coffee; opt for ethical tastings).

Afternoon: Workshop-hop: silver jewelry classes in Celuk, woodcarving in Mas, or painting studios in Penestanan. Lunch at Warung Pondok Madu (great grills and sambal matah) or KAFE (vegetarian-friendly).

Evening: Last Ubud dinner—book Locavore NXT if you’re into culinary storytelling, or go casual with crispy duck at Bebek Bengil. Pack for tomorrow’s coastal change of scene.

Day 5: Ubud → Uluwatu Transfer, Beach Time, and Kecak Sunset

Morning: Depart Ubud around 9–10 am. The ride to Uluwatu is ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic; expect ~IDR 350,000–600,000 for a private car. Check in and drop bags.

Afternoon: Padang Padang or Thomas Beach for a swim. Lunch at Kelly’s Warung (smoothie bowls, wraps) perched above Bingin’s turquoise water or Warung Local for build-your-own Indonesian rice plates.

Evening: Experience temple-on-a-cliff drama with the Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay, capped by grilled seafood dinner on the sand. Arrive early for golden-hour photos; mind the temple monkeys.

Day 6: Nusa Penida by Private Boat — Snorkel with Mantas + Land Sights

Full-day adventure by fast boat to Nusa Penida. Snorkel four spots (Manta Bay conditions permitting), then tour photogenic viewpoints like Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay. This premium, small-group day feels special and saves time versus public ferries: Nusa Penida by Private Boat - Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour. Breakfast on the go, lunch included on many options; check details and weather updates when booking.

Post-trip bites: Back on the Bukit, celebrate with a sunset table at El Kabron (Spanish bites over the sea) or drinks at Single Fin. If you prefer calm, Sundara in Jimbaran pairs craft cocktails with a beachfront firepit.

Day 7: Slow Morning on the Cliffs + Departure

Morning: Sunrise stroll to Suluban’s cave and lookout. Brunch at Suka Espresso (breakfast burritos, excellent flat whites) or Ours Uluwatu (Mediterranean plates). If time allows, a quick dip at Melasti Beach—its new cliff elevator makes access easy.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to DPS (plan 2–2.5 hours before flight time plus traffic buffer). Pick up last-minute snacks: pia Bali pastry and local coffee beans. Fly out via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: In transit. Reflect on your week: temple bells, cliff sunsets, and the hush over rice terraces at dusk.

Good to know: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered). Exchange money at reputable counters; ATMs are common in Ubud and South Bali. Plastic bags are banned—carry a tote. If renting a scooter, ride only if experienced and always wear a helmet.

Hotels quick links:

• Ubud stays: VRBO Ubud | Hotels.com Ubud | Signature picks: Four Seasons Sayan, Puri Garden
• Uluwatu & South Bali stays: VRBO Uluwatu | Hotels.com Uluwatu | Alternatives: The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua), Bali Dynasty Resort (Kuta), M Boutique Hostel (Seminyak)

Optional extra tours if you extend: Tanah Lot sunset circuit, East Bali “Gate of Heaven,” or ATV + whitewater combo days (many depart Ubud/South Bali; check Viator for current routes and prices).

Summary: In one week you’ll trace Bali from Ubud’s serene temples and volcanic sunrises to Uluwatu’s wave-lashed cliffs and firelit dance. A private-boat dash to Nusa Penida brings manta rays and postcard vistas—an exclamation point on a deeply textured island escape.