Bali—known as the Island of the Gods—has enticed travelers for centuries with its emerald rice terraces, cliff-top temples, world-class surf, and a living Hindu culture found nowhere else in Indonesia. From royal palaces to jungle waterfalls, daily offerings called “canang sari” perfume the air with incense and remind visitors that devotion is woven into everyday life here.

In this 7-day Bali itinerary, you’ll split time between Ubud (Bali’s cultural heart) and the Bukit Peninsula around Uluwatu/Jimbaran (home to golden beaches and sunset cliffs). Expect temple sunsets, legendary seafood on the sand, and an unforgettable day trip to Nusa Penida to swim with manta rays and gaze over Kelingking’s T‑rex headland.

Practical notes: Scooters are popular but rideshares and private drivers are safer for most visitors. Dress modestly (knees/shoulders covered) at temples; sarongs are usually provided. Dry season runs roughly April–October, while November–March brings tropical showers—lush landscapes guaranteed either way.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s creative soul—think batik workshops, gamelan rehearsals, coconut-fringed ravines, and markets brimming with woodcarvings and baskets. The town anchors classic sights like the Ubud Royal Palace, the lotus-framed Saraswati Temple, and the vine-draped Sacred Monkey Forest.

• Don’t miss: Tegallalang Rice Terrace at golden hour; a water blessing at Tirta Empul; the Campuhan Ridge Walk for breezy sunset views.
• Eat & drink: Sip single-origin pours at Seniman Coffee Studio; dig into fragrant Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku; and share ribs at the storied Naughty Nuri’s.
• Fun fact: Ubud’s name comes from “ubad,” meaning medicine—its healing reputation goes back centuries to herbalists and priests.

Stay in Ubud (search and book): Hotels.com: Ubud stays | VRBO: Ubud villas

• Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (jungle icon, riverside spa; usually premium rates): Book on Hotels.com
• Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (social, central, great value): Book on Hotels.com

Getting to Bali (for your Ubud start): Fly into Denpasar (DPS). From Singapore (~2h40m) or Kuala Lumpur (~3h), fares often start around $120–$250. From Sydney (~6–7h) typical sales are $300–$600; from the US West Coast (1 stop, ~18–22h) $800–$1400 is common. Compare on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. Airport to Ubud takes ~1.5–2 hours by taxi or prebooked driver (≈IDR 350k–500k / $23–$33).

Uluwatu & Jimbaran (Bukit Peninsula)

Carved by wind and waves, the Bukit Peninsula pairs sapphire coves with limestone cliffs. Uluwatu Temple stands sentinel above the Indian Ocean, and nearby breaks—Padang Padang, Bingin, and Uluwatu—draw surfers from around the globe.

• Highlights: Cliff sunsets and the fiery Kecak dance, lazy beach days, and seafood feasts with toes in the sand at Jimbaran Bay.
• Eat & drink: Breakfast at Suka Espresso or Drifter Cafe; Mediterranean plates at Ours Uluwatu; grilled snapper at Menega Cafe or Lia Cafe on Jimbaran Beach.
• Fun fact: Uluwatu’s cave-framed surf entry doubles as a photogenic gateway to the sea when the tide drops.

Stay in South Bali (search and book): Hotels.com: Uluwatu | VRBO: Uluwatu villas | Hotels.com: Jimbaran | VRBO: Jimbaran villas

• The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua) — palatial beachfront, calm lagoon: Book on Hotels.com
• Bali Dynasty Resort (Kuta) — family favorite with pools and slides: Book on Hotels.com
• M Boutique Hostel (Seminyak) — stylish, budget-friendly base up the coast: Book on Hotels.com

Getting between Ubud and Uluwatu/Jimbaran: Hire a private driver (≈1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic; IDR 300k–600k / $20–$40). Rideshares operate in most areas (pickup zones around some beaches may be restricted—use designated points). Day rentals for scooters run ≈IDR 80k–120k; always wear a helmet and ensure your travel insurance covers riding.

Day 1 — Arrival in Bali, Transfer to Ubud

Morning: Travel day. If you’re still in the air, hydrate and set your watch to Bali time. Browse flight options for future legs on Trip.com or Kiwi.com and bookmark your e-tickets offline.

Afternoon: Land at DPS, meet your driver, and head to Ubud (~1.5–2 hours). Check into your hotel or villa. Shake off jet lag with a gentle wander to the Ubud Royal Palace and the lotus pond at Saraswati Temple.

Evening: Dinner at Warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (spiced chicken rice with sambal, long beans, and crunchy peanuts). Cap the night with a calm foot massage or a mocktail at No Más Bar right off Jalan Monkey Forest.

Day 2 — Classic Ubud: Palace, Market, Monkey Forest, and Rice Terraces

Morning: Espresso and sourdough at Seniman Coffee Studio, then explore the revamped Ubud Art Market—shop for handwoven ata bags and songket textiles; bargain kindly. Stroll the palace courtyard and lotus-lined Saraswati Temple for photos.

Afternoon: Walk through the vine-draped Sacred Monkey Forest (secure your sunglasses—macaques are cheeky). Lunch at KAFE (Balinese bowls, smoothies). Head to Tegallalang Rice Terrace for the subak irrigation story and a light jungle swing; best lighting is mid-to-late afternoon.

Evening: Feast at Naughty Nuri’s (sticky, smoky ribs legend since the ‘90s). If you have energy, take the breezy Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunset, then gelato on Jalan Raya Ubud.

Day 3 — Ubud’s Icons with a Private Guide (All Day)

Let a local expert streamline the greatest hits and the hidden gems, complete with transport and timing to miss the biggest crowds.

Suggested tour: Discover The Best of Ubud: All-Inclusive and Private Guided Tour

Typical stops include the Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a coffee plantation (learn about Bali’s arabica and sample kopi made in a “cebong” pot), Tirta Empul for a water-blessing, and a rainforest waterfall for a swim. It’s an efficient, photography-forward day with cultural context and scenic variety.

After you return, grab dinner at Warung Biah Biah—order several small plates (lilitan satay, lawar, sambal matah) to taste across Bali’s spice spectrum.

Day 4 — Transfer to Uluwatu, Cliff Temple Sunset & Kecak Fire Dance

Morning: Depart Ubud after breakfast; private transfer to Uluwatu/Jimbaran (~2 hours). Check in and unpack your beachwear.

Afternoon: Hit Padang Padang Beach for a swim beneath limestone arches. Coffee and a late lunch at Suka Espresso (great eggs benny, brekkie bowls, and cold brew).

Evening: Experience Uluwatu the iconic way: sunset on the cliff, then a rhythmic Kecak dance as the sky turns ember-orange. Book a driver-inclusive option like Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner Jimbaran Beach for smooth timing and reserved seats.

Finish with a seafood feast on Jimbaran Beach—choose your fish by weight and have it grilled over coconut husk. Try Menega Cafe or Lia Cafe for classics like clams in garlic butter, prawns, and whole snapper.

Day 5 — Nusa Penida Snorkeling with Manta Rays (All Day)

Today is your island-hopping adventure: reefs, manta rays, and dramatic viewpoints on Bali’s wild little sister.

Suggested tour: Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour

Depart from Sanur on a private fast boat, snorkel four sites (often including Manta Point and Gamat/Crystal Bay), then hit land highlights like Kelingking and Broken Beach. Lunch is typically included or at a scenic island cafe. Return before dinner—if you’ve still got juice, toast the day at AYANA’s Rock Bar with waves booming beneath the cliff.

Day 6 — Beaches, Surf, and Lazy Luxe in Uluwatu

Morning: Fuel up at Drifter Cafe (surfers’ favorite: banana pancakes, flaky croissants). Wander down to Bingin or Balangan Beach for a mellow swim; consider a beginner surf lesson when the tide and swell cooperate.

Afternoon: Book a day pass at a cliff or cove hideaway—Sundays Beach Club offers kayaks and stand-up paddleboards with talcum-soft sand at low tide. Alternatively, indulge in a spa session and sunset soak.

Evening: Dinner at Ours Uluwatu (Mediterranean plates—think burrata, seared octopus, and lamb with herb yogurt). Nightcap at Single Fin on the cliff if it’s a live music night; otherwise, a quiet gelato and early bed feels just right.

Day 7 — Souvenirs, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Brunch near the airport corridor or Nusa Dua to simplify timing: consider Bumbu Bali (if open for lunch hours) for heritage recipes or swing by a curated craft boutique for last-minute gifts (rattan, silver, and natural-dye textiles are smart picks).

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to DPS (~30–60 minutes from Uluwatu/Jimbaran depending on traffic). If you’re planning onward flights in Southeast Asia, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Selamat jalan—safe travels!

Optional Add‑Ons (Swap into Days 2–4 if You Prefer Adventure)

• ATV Quad Bike Bali with Waterfall Gorilla Cave and Lunch — muddy fun through rural Ubud with a hidden waterfall stop.

  

• Full-Day Tour to Water Temples and UNESCO Rice Terraces in Bali — serene northern temples and Jatiluwih’s sweeping paddies.

  

Where to eat and drink (quick-reference picks)

• Ubud breakfasts: Seniman Coffee Studio; Clear Cafe (colorful salads, wraps); Milk & Madu Ubud (crowd-pleasing brunch).
• Ubud lunches/dinners: Warung Biah Biah (Balinese tapas), Naughty Nuri’s (ribs), Alchemy Ubud (plant-based salad bar and raw desserts).
• South Bali breakfasts: Suka Espresso; Drifter Cafe; The Cashew Tree (near Bingin, live music some nights).
• South Bali dinners: Menega Cafe or Lia Cafe (Jimbaran seafood on the sand), Ours Uluwatu (Mediterranean), Bumbu Bali (heritage Balinese in Nusa Dua).

That’s a week balanced between culture and coastline: water blessings and rice terraces in Ubud, cliffside sunsets and beach time down south, plus a manta-filled day on Nusa Penida. You’ll leave with incense in your clothes, salt in your hair, and a deeper appreciation for Bali’s living traditions.