Bali—“the Island of the Gods”—is Indonesia’s Hindu heartland, famed for its emerald rice terraces, incense-scented temples, and a creative culture that nurtures artisans, dancers, and chefs. From the Majapahit era to Dutch colonial rule, the island has preserved a distinct identity you’ll feel in daily offerings, gamelan rhythms, and community ceremonies.

In one compact week, you’ll explore Ubud’s jungle-fringed temples, slow paths above rice paddies, and rejuvenating spas before shifting south to Uluwatu’s wave-battered cliffs and golden-hour horizons. Expect a delicious dive into Balinese cuisine: babi guling, sate lilit, fragrant sambals, and tropical fruit.

Practical notes: dress modestly at temples (sarongs are provided or rentable), carry small cash for donations and parking, and allow buffer time for traffic. Ride-hailing apps work in many areas, but some beaches favor local taxis. Always hydrate, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and respect monkeys—no loose sunglasses or snacks on display.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural cradle: a tapestry of temples, craft workshops, yoga shalas, and cafés spilling onto rice fields. Morning mists cling to terraces, while evening brings dance performances at palaces built for kings.

• Top sights: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tirta Empul water temple, Goa Gajah, and the Tegallalang rice terraces.
• Experiences: A Balinese cooking class, sunrise trek on Mount Batur, sound healing or yoga at The Yoga Barn, and a half-day spa ritual at Karsa Spa.
• Food scene: From smoky barbecued ribs at Naughty Nuri’s to refined tasting menus at Mozaic, Ubud is a feast of warungs and white-tablecloth rooms.

Where to stay in Ubud: For jungle views and easy access to cafés, base near Penestanan or Sayan; for walkability to the market and palace, stay close to Jalan Monkey Forest.

Book accommodations: Browse stays on VRBO Ubud or compare hotels on Hotels.com Ubud.

Getting to Bali (DPS): Fly into Denpasar (Ngurah Rai International). Check fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Ubud takes ~60–90 minutes by car; expect IDR 350k–500k (USD 22–32) by taxi or prebooked driver.

Uluwatu (Bukit Peninsula)

Uluwatu is Bali’s dramatic edge: limestone cliffs wrapped in surf breaks and sunset skies. Between temples perched above the Indian Ocean and hidden coves, days unfold in a rhythm of beach, swim, and golden-hour rituals.

• Top sights: Uluwatu Temple and its sunset Kecak dance, Padang Padang and Suluban (Blue Point) beaches, Balangan and Melasti viewpoints, and nearby Jimbaran Bay.
• Experiences: Surf lessons at gentle breaks, clifftop lounges like Single Fin and Rock Bar, and a seafood feast on Jimbaran’s sand.
• Food scene: Aussie-influenced cafés, Indonesian grills, and Mediterranean lounges with infinity pools.

Where to stay in Uluwatu: For surf access, base near Padang Padang or Bingin; for views and nightlife, consider Uluwatu cliff area; for a calm lagoon and kids, look to Ungasan/Melasti.

Book accommodations: See villas and bungalows on VRBO Uluwatu or hotel deals on Hotels.com Uluwatu.

Ubud to Uluwatu: No flights or trains needed—hire a private driver. Travel time ~2–2.5 hours depending on traffic (IDR 450k–700k / USD 28–45). Leave in the morning to beat midday congestion.

Day 1 – Arrive Bali (DPS) → Ubud

Afternoon: Land at DPS and transfer to Ubud (60–90 minutes). Check in, refresh, and take a gentle stroll on the Campuhan Ridge Walk for late-afternoon breezes and soft valley views.

Evening: Dinner at Casa Luna (Balinese classics; try the bebek betutu and green papaya salad). For a nightcap, grab a pour-over at Seniman Coffee Studio—Ubud’s benchmark roaster with Indonesian single origins.

Booking tip: Compare flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Book Ubud stays via VRBO or Hotels.com.

Day 2 – Ubud Core: Monkeys, Markets, and Palaces

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Ubud Coffee Roastery (tiny, excellent) or smoothie bowls at KAFE (vegetarian-friendly). Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (allow 1–1.5 hours; ticket ~IDR 80k). Keep sunglasses secure—macaques are curious.

Afternoon: Lunch at Warung Biah Biah (small plates of sate lilit, lawar, and spicy tempeh for sampling). Visit Ubud Palace and the traditional market next door for rattan bags and handwoven textiles; bargain politely.

Evening: Book a Balinese dance performance at the palace (most nights, ~IDR 100k–150k). Dine at Mozaic (tasting menus spotlighting Indonesian botanicals; reserve ahead) or Ibu Rai for classic Indonesian dishes with a garden vibe.

Day 3 – Temples and Terraces of Northeast Ubud

Morning: Depart early with a driver (8–10 hours ~IDR 700k–900k). Begin at Tirta Empul (entry ~IDR 50k; sarong provided) for a purification ritual—ask your guide about proper bath sequence. Continue to the cliff-cut shrines of Gunung Kawi (allow 60–90 minutes).

Afternoon: Head to Tegallalang for terrace views. For a relaxed perch, choose Tis Café (rice-terrace pool, Indonesian and Western bites) or a family-run warung with a balcony. Optional swings are available for a fee.

Evening: Back in Ubud, feast on smoky ribs at Naughty Nuri’s or go plant-forward at Alchemy Ubud (salad bar, raw desserts). If you fancy cocktails, try No Más for mezcal-forward mixes and live music.

Day 4 – Mount Batur Sunrise + Hot Springs (Full-Day)

Day tour: Start around 2:00–2:30 a.m. for the Mount Batur hike (guide required; tour ~IDR 500k–900k per person including pickup, breakfast, and entrance). Reach the crater rim at sunrise for volcanic silhouettes over Lake Batur. Afterward, soak at Toya Devasya hot springs (~IDR 200k) before returning to Ubud by early afternoon.

Late afternoon/evening: Book massages at Karsa Spa (advance reservations essential). Dinner riverside at Kubu at Mandapa (cocoon tables, Mediterranean-leaning menu) or romantic Apéritif at Viceroy for a grand, old-world tasting experience.

Day 5 – Ubud → Uluwatu Transfer, Waterfall Stop, and Sunset Kecak

Morning: Check out and drive south toward Uluwatu (2–2.5 hours). En route, stop at Tegenungan Waterfall (entry ~IDR 20k–30k). Arrive in Uluwatu and check in to your clifftop villa or beach bungalow.

Afternoon: Lunch at Suka Espresso (great sourdough, tuna bowls, flat whites) or The Loft Uluwatu (colorful bowls, burgers, vegan options). Swim at Padang Padang or explore the sea caves of Suluban at lower tide.

Evening: Visit Uluwatu Temple (entry ~IDR 50k; sarong included). Stay for the Kecak fire dance at sunset (~IDR 150k)—a hypnotic chorus retelling the Ramayana. Post-show dinner at Single Fin (clifftop views, pizzas and fish tacos) or head to Jimbaran Bay for toes-in-sand seafood at Menega Café or Lia Café (order grilled snapper, prawns, and kangkung).

Day 6 – Beach Clubs, Surf, and Clifftop Sundowners

Morning: Coffee at BGS Bali (espresso plus surf gear) and a beginner surf lesson at Padang Padang Right or Jimbaran’s gentle beach (~IDR 400k–600k for board + instructor). Non-surfers can swim at Melasti Beach (entry ~IDR 10k–15k; dramatic cliffs).

Afternoon: Long, lazy lunch at The Cashew Tree (Bingin; fresh salads, wraps, juices) or book a daybed at Sundays Beach Club (kayaks, snorkeling; day pass applies). Alternatively, Ulu Cliffhouse offers a pool, DJs, and grilled seafood.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at Rock Bar (AYANA; cable-car descent to the rocks—arrive early). For dinner, try Cuca in Jimbaran for share plates (honey-baked pumpkin salad, BBQ octopus) with an open-kitchen show.

Day 7 – Slow Morning, Spa, and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Ours Bali (Mediterranean-leaning plates, airy interiors) or Drifter Café (excellent coffee, surf-art shop). Book a final spa treatment—many cliff resorts offer sea-view rooms; independent options include deep-tissue and Balinese massage studios along Jalan Labuansait.

Afternoon: Transfer to DPS (45–75 minutes from Uluwatu; taxi ~IDR 250k–400k). If needed, check same-day flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Buy last-minute gifts: Bali coffee, sea-salt caramels, or woven baskets.

Practical Planning Notes

• Private driver for day trips: IDR 700k–900k for 8–10 hours; agree on price and route in advance.
• Temple etiquette: shoulders/knees covered; remove hats; follow posted signs. Many sites provide/rent sarongs.
• Entrance fees (subject to change): Monkey Forest ~IDR 80k; Tirta Empul ~IDR 50k; Uluwatu Temple ~IDR 50k; Kecak ~IDR 150k; Melasti ~IDR 10k–15k; Tegenungan ~IDR 20k–30k.
• Money: ATMs are common; keep some small notes for parking and donations. Some cafés accept cards or QRIS.
• Safety: Watch currents at beaches; heed lifeguards. Don’t feed monkeys. Use reef-safe sunscreen.

In a single week, you’ll trace Bali’s essence—from sacred springs and rice-swept hills to luminous cliffside sunsets and seafood on warm sand. With this itinerary, you’ll leave with stories scented by incense, sea breeze, and volcanic dawns—memories that linger long after your tan fades.