Bali’s story arcs from ancient kingdoms to contemporary creativity. Hindu temples dot volcanic ridges and rivers, farmers still coax rice from emerald terraces, and artisans carve, weave, and dance living traditions. The island’s rhythm—ceremonies, gamelan, incense—threads daily life with grace.

Beyond Ubud’s jungle calm, Bali’s southern peninsula erupts into cliffs and crescent coves. Uluwatu rolls from surf breaks to sky-wide sunsets, beach clubs, and grilled seafood feasts on the sand. Offshore, Nusa Penida’s sea cliffs and neon-blue water feel like a separate world yet fit perfectly into a weeklong itinerary.

Practical notes: carry some cash (IDR) for temple fees and small warungs; wear a sarong (usually provided) when visiting temples; and pack light layers for dawn on Mount Batur. Scooters are common but only ride if confident; otherwise, use a private driver. Dry season runs roughly April–October; monsoon showers are heaviest November–March but often brief.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart—a village-turned-creative hub ringed by ravines, rice fields, and river valleys. It’s the place for temple hopping, craft villages, jungle swings, wellness, and some of the island’s best cafés.

• Top sights: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Tirta Empul water temple.
• Good to know: Many attractions open early—arrive before 9am for softer light and fewer crowds.
• Food vibe: From nasi campur at family warungs to farm-to-table kitchens and serious coffee roasters.

Where to stay (Ubud): For splurge-in-the-jungle serenity, consider Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (approx $650–1,200+ per night): Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Social vibes and great location on a budget: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (dorms from ~$25–35; privates ~$90–130): Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel. Or browse more stays on VRBO Ubud and Hotels.com Ubud.

Getting to Bali (DPS): Check fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Typical one-way deals: Singapore–Bali ~$80–150, Sydney–Bali ~$180–350, West Coast USA–Bali ~$800–1,200 (season-dependent). Airport taxi or prebooked car to Ubud costs ~$25–35 (IDR 400k–550k), ~1.5 hours.

Day 1 — Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Ubud, and Sunset Ridge Walk

Afternoon: Land at Denpasar (DPS) and head to Ubud (~1.5 hours; taxi ~$25–35). Check in and decompress by the pool. Coffee pick‑me‑up at Seniman Coffee Studio (single‑origin pour‑over ~$3–4; try the cold brew flight).

Evening: Stroll the Campuhan Ridge Walk before dusk (free). Dinner at Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner)—signature crispy duck with rice and sambal (~$8–12) or a Balinese rijsttafel sampler (~$14–18). Nightcap at Copper Kitchen & Bar (Bisma Eight) for spice-forward cocktails (~$9–12) with jungle views.

Day 2 — Ubud Highlights with a Private Driver (All-Inclusive)

Spend the day with a driver-guide to weave together temples, terraces, and waterfalls without the backtracking. Expect hotel pickup, entrance fees, and lunch included on many tours.

• Viator pick: All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour (typical from ~$55–85 per person). Stops often include the Monkey Forest (ticket solo: IDR 80k), Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul for a water blessing, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Food today: Breakfast at Flock Ubud (corn fritters, soft eggs, sambal matah; ~$5–8). Tour lunches are usually local nasi campur or sate lilit. Post-tour dinner at Casa Luna (established institution—beef rendang or pepes fish ~$6–9; lime pie for dessert ~$3.5).

Day 3 — Two Wheels and Jungle Thrills

Morning: Glide the backroads on an e‑bike through rice fields and quiet villages (3.5–4 hours). Electric Bike Tour in Ubud is typically ~$45–65, helmet and guide included.

Afternoon: Ubud’s famed jungle swings are part adrenaline, part photo fun. Bali Jungle Swing Experience runs ~$20–40 with multiple swings and nests.

Evening: Early dinner at Warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Bu Mangku (classic Balinese chicken rice; ~$2.50–4). Optional: Traditional dance at Ubud Palace (Legong; ~IDR 100k ticket). Gelato stop at Gaya Gelato (tropical flavors like soursop and coconut; ~$2.50–3.50).

Day 4 — Mount Batur Sunrise and Hot Springs

Very early morning: 2:00–2:30am pickup for a volcano sunrise. Mt Batur Sunrise, Breakfast & Natural Hot Springs usually runs ~$60–85 per person including guide, flashlight, breakfast, and hot springs soak.

Afternoon: Nap and spa time back in Ubud. A 60–90 minute Balinese massage is ~$12–25 at local spas; midrange boutiques ~$25–45. Coffee at Ubud’s Anomali Coffee (espresso-based classics ~$2–3.50).

Evening: Dinner at Clear Café (vibrant bowls, satay, and juices; mains ~$5–9). For something refined, book Copper Kitchen’s tasting menu (~$35–55) showcasing local produce.

Uluwatu (Bukit Peninsula)

Uluwatu is laid-back and cliff-framed, with pastel sunsets, white-sand coves, and world-class surf. It’s also home to one of Bali’s most cinematic temples, perched high above the Indian Ocean.

• Top sights: Uluwatu Temple and Kecak at sunset, Padang Padang Beach, Bingin, Melasti, and Balangan viewpoints.
• Vibe: Beach cafés, board shops, smoothie bowls by day; music, cliff bars, and seafood by night.

Where to stay (Uluwatu): Browse VRBO Uluwatu and Hotels.com Uluwatu for ocean-view villas, suites, and boutique stays (nice doubles from ~$95–220; luxe cliff resorts $350+). If you’d rather base in nearby areas: Bali Dynasty Resort (Kuta; family favorite, ~$130–220): Bali Dynasty Resort. For true-luxury beachfront, The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua; ~$650–1,200+): The St. Regis Bali Resort. Budget hostel option in the south (Seminyak): M Boutique Hostel (~$10–20 dorms).

Day 5 — Ubud to Uluwatu via Temple & Beach

Morning: Depart Ubud after breakfast, aiming for Uluwatu (~2 hours by car; IDR 400k–600k / ~$25–40). Want flexibility and photo stops? Book a full-day car charter (10 hours) with an English-speaking driver for ~$45–70: Private Car Charter in Bali.

Afternoon: Check in, then drop to Padang Padang Beach (parking IDR 5k; beach access ~IDR 15k). Smoothie bowls at Suka Espresso (~$4–6) or poke at Drifter Café (~$6–9). Grab a coconut on the sand (~$2).

Evening: Uluwatu Temple at golden hour (entrance ~IDR 50k). Stay for the cliffside Kecak & Fire Dance (ticket ~IDR 150k–200k; book on-site earlier in the day). Dinner at Single Fin (grilled mahi-mahi tacos ~$8–10) or Jimbaran’s Menega Café for toes-in-sand seafood (shared platter for two ~$28–40).

Day 6 — Day Trip to Nusa Penida (All-Inclusive)

Make it a big day of Bali’s most photogenic coastlines without the logistics stress—hotel pickup, fast boat or yacht, transport on the island, and lunch included on premium tours.

• Viator pick: Premium All Inclusive Full Day Tour from Bali to Nusa Penida (often $139–189 per person). Expect Kelingking Cliff, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and time for a swim or snorkel (weather/conditions permitting).

Food today: Tours include lunch—usually Indonesian set menus. Back in Uluwatu, celebrate with sunset at Ulu Cliffhouse (cocktails ~$9–13) or pizza + negronis at La Baracca Uluwatu (mains ~$8–12).

Day 7 — Beach Time, Spa, and Departure

Morning: Swim at Melasti Beach (cliff road views; entry ~IDR 10k–15k). Coffee at BGS Bali (flat white ~$2.50–3). If you prefer a final unique experience, consider an hour of Bali Horse Riding at Saba Beach (~$45–70).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping for sarongs or rattan bags around Padang Padang/Bingin (bargain kindly; small pieces ~$5–15). Quick spa foot reflexology (~$8–12). Transfer to DPS (~45–60 minutes; plan extra time for traffic). Browse departure flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If your flight is later, early dinner at Mana Uluwatu (Bali bowls, wood-fired fish; mains ~$7–12) or a final seafood spread on Jimbaran Beach with your toes in the sand.

Optional Add-Ons (if you extend or swap a day)

• East Bali Icons: Gate of Heaven, Water Palace, Sleeping Gajah (~$60–95 pp private).

  

• ATV + Rafting Combo: ATV and White Water Rafting (often $65–95 pp; hotel transfers and lunch included).

  

Approximate Costs (per person unless noted)

• Airport–Ubud private transfer: $25–35 per car.
• Private driver day charter: $45–70 per car (10 hours).
• Temple fees: Uluwatu ~IDR 50k; Kecak show ~IDR 150k–200k; Tirta Empul ~IDR 50k; Tanah Lot ~IDR 60k.
• Mt Batur sunrise tour: ~$60–85.
• Nusa Penida premium day tour: ~$139–189.
• Café meals: Warung lunch $2–5; midrange dinner $8–15; cocktails $9–13; coffee $2–4.
• Spa (60–90 mins): $12–45 depending on venue.
• Scooter rental (only if experienced): $7–10/day; helmet essential.

In a week, you’ll have bathed in temple blessings, watched sunrise from a volcano, and stood on cliffs where the ocean seems to breathe. Ubud slows you down; Uluwatu opens the sky; Nusa Penida adds the exclamation point. Bali lingers—its flavors, fragrances, and friendly smiles—long after wheels up.