Bali packs centuries of Hindu-Balinese tradition into a lush volcanic island ringed by beaches and coral reefs. Kings once ruled from Ubud’s palaces; today, temple ceremonies still braid through daily life, and dance dramas echo stories from the Ramayana. From royal water temples to jungle-framed rice terraces, the island offers a rare mix of living culture and laid-back island time.

Travelers come for the surf of Seminyak and the cliffside temples of Tanah Lot and stay for Ubud’s cool highland air, sacred springs, and craft villages. You’ll taste suckling pig and smoky sate, sip single-origin coffee, and unwind in flower baths scented with frangipani. Day trips to Nusa Penida reveal turquoise coves and manta-filled waters straight from postcards.

Practical notes: Many nationalities qualify for Visa on Arrival (check current rules), and Bali introduced a tourist levy (IDR 150,000) payable once per visit. Dress modestly at temples (sarong and sash), carry cash for small warungs, and think twice before renting a scooter if you’re not experienced. Dry season (April–October) is best for sun-seekers; the wet season brings fewer crowds and greener hills.

Seminyak

Seminyak is Bali’s polished surf-meets-style enclave—golden beaches by day, design-forward restaurants and beach clubs by night. Petitenget’s temples and shrines sit quietly among boutiques and cafes, reminding you this is still deeply Balinese.

Top picks include learning to surf gentle beach breaks, sunset rituals on Petitenget Beach, and an evening run to Tanah Lot—a temple perched on sea rocks that glows at dusk. Between swims, graze your way through Third Wave coffee bars and Indonesian grills.

• Where to stay (Seminyak):
  • Hotels.com: Seminyak stays | VRBO: Seminyak villas
  • For families: Bali Dynasty Resort (Kuta; waterslides, kids’ club; 15–20 minutes from central Seminyak)
  • Budget social vibe: M Boutique Hostel (near Seminyak/Legian; pods and a pool)
  • Beachfront splurge (nearby Nusa Dua, 35–45 min): The St. Regis Bali Resort
• Getting in: Fly into Denpasar (DPS). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Typical one-stop flights from North America are 20–28 hours ($800–1,400), from Southeast Asia 2–4 hours ($100–250).
• Food & drink to try: Balinese sate lilit (minced fish satay), nasi campur (rice with assorted sides), and sunset cocktails at a beach club.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart: craft markets, woodcarving ateliers, and canang sari flower offerings on every doorstep. The town is ringed by rice terraces and jungle valleys where waterfalls tumble into natural pools.

Top experiences include the Sacred Monkey Forest, the water-blessing ritual at Tirta Empul, the Campuhan Ridge Walk at golden hour, and long, slow meals that highlight Indonesian terroir. Yogis and wellness lovers will find world-class studios and riverside spas.

• Where to stay (Ubud):
  • Hotels.com: Ubud stays | VRBO: Ubud villas
  • Iconic jungle luxury: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (leaf-shaped bridge and Ayung River views)
  • Great value/social: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (pool, yoga, daily activities)
• Seminyak → Ubud transfer: 1.5–2 hours by private car (IDR 350,000–600,000). No trains on Bali; hire a driver or taxi/ride-hail.

Day 1: Arrive in Bali → Seminyak Sunset and Soft Landing

Afternoon: Land at DPS and head 30–45 minutes to Seminyak. Check in, then revive with an iced latte at Revolver Espresso (laneway favorite with Aussie beans) or Coffee Cartel (signature pink latté art and hearty brunch plates).

Evening: Watch your first Bali sunset on Petitenget or Double Six Beach; rent a beanbag and sip a fresh coconut. Dinner at Warung Nia (homestyle Balinese BBQ sate and peanut sauce, plus cooking classes) or Biku (teahouse in a Javanese joglo—great for curries and scones). Nightcap at La Favela (eclectic jungle interiors and vintage tunes) or the mellow beachfront Ku De Ta.

Day 2: Seminyak Surf + Tanah Lot at Golden Hour

Morning: Fuel up at Sisterfields (all-day brunch: smashed avo, brisket benedict) then take a beginner-friendly surf lesson right on Seminyak Beach.

Private Surf Lesson in Seminyak Beach — expert instruction on fun sand-bottom waves; ideal for first-timers or rusty intermediates.

Afternoon: Browse Jalan Kayu Aya’s boutiques and Seminyak Village. Lunch at Nook (open-sided pavilion over rice fields; Indonesian plates and fresh salads).

Evening: Join a guided trip to Tanah Lot for a photogenic sea-temple sunset, followed by a pampering spa session.

Tanah Lot Sunset and Spa Tour from Bali — temple visit plus indulgent treatments; temple entry typically IDR ~60,000.

Day 3: Nusa Penida Day Trip by Yacht (All Day)

Trade Seminyak’s surf for sea cliffs and aquamarine coves on a small-group yacht day. Expect Kelingking’s T-Rex headland, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and snorkeling in crystalline bays. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, motion tablets if needed, and water shoes.

Premium All Inclusive Full Day Tour from Bali to Nusa Penida — small-group yacht (not the public ferry), hotel transfers, and lunch included.

Back in Seminyak, celebrate with dinner at Da Maria (Neapolitan pies, Amalfi vibes) or Motel Mexicola (lively tacos and mezcal). Early night or a mellow beach stroll.

Day 4: Morning Transfer to Ubud + Town Temples and Market

Morning: Depart Seminyak after breakfast; the drive to Ubud takes 1.5–2 hours (IDR 350,000–600,000 by private car). Optional stop at Tegenungan Waterfall for a quick swim and photos.

Afternoon: Check in and have a fresh, colorful lunch at Clear Café (bowls, wood-fired pizzas, juices). Explore Saraswati Temple (lotus pond) and the Ubud Art Market for handwoven baskets and batik.

Evening: Traditional Legong dance at Ubud Palace (most nights; arrive 20–30 minutes early). Dine at Casa Luna (Balinese classics from a local culinary pioneer) or bridges Bali (romantic, layered terrace over the Wos River; Indonesian tasting menu available).

Day 5: Ubud Culture Highlights (All Day)

See Ubud’s essentials with a private driver-guide: Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul water temple for a purification ritual (bring a change of clothes), and a waterfall swim. This efficient route avoids backtracking and handles temple etiquette for you.

All-Inclusive Ubud Private Tour — air-conditioned van, local insight, and photo stops built in.

Lunch ideas en route: Terrace Padi Café (rice-field views) or Warung Dedari (grilled fish, sate, and breezy pavilions). Dinner back in town at Copper Kitchen & Bar (modern Indonesian, rooftop herbs) or Naughty Nuri’s (smoky ribs; local institution).

Day 6: Jungle Adventure + Spa Evening

Morning–Afternoon: Pair adrenaline with scenery on a zipline and ATV combo that zips above rice terraces and rumbles through muddy jungle trails. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty; lockers and showers typically available.

Bali Ubud Zipline and ATV Quad Bike Adventure

Late Afternoon: Soothe the muscles with a Balinese massage and flower bath at a riverside spa; book ahead for golden-hour slots. For coffee and cake, stop at Seniman Coffee Studio (roastery with superb pour-overs).

Evening: Treat yourself to Mozaic’s seasonal tasting menu (longstanding fine-dining temple blending Indonesian ingredients with French technique) or go plant-forward at Zest Ubud (temple-topped jungle views). Nightcap at Apéritif Bar (colonial-glam cocktails, house infusions).

Day 7: Ridge Walk, Yoga, and Departure

Morning: Sunrise Campuhan Ridge Walk (easy, scenic path) followed by a vinyasa or yin class at The Yoga Barn (drop-ins available; arrive early). Brunch at KAFE (wholesome global plates) or Alchemy (raw chocolates and smoothie bowls).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping on Jalan Hanoman for textiles and ceramics. Transfer to DPS (allow 1.5–2.5 hours from Ubud depending on traffic). Check flight options again on Trip.com or Kiwi.com if you’re continuing in Indonesia.

Food & Coffee Shortlist (Save These!)

• Seminyak: Sisterfields (brunch), Revolver Espresso (coffee), Nook (views), Warung Nia (Balinese BBQ), Biku (teas and curries), Da Maria (Italian), Ku De Ta (beachside), La Favela (late-night).
• Ubud: Seniman Coffee Studio (roastery), Clear Café (bowls and pizzas), Casa Luna (Balinese staples), bridges Bali (date night), Mozaic (tasting), Zest (plant-based), Naughty Nuri’s (ribs), KAFE/Alchemy (wellness brunch).

With beaches and temples to bookend your days, and jungles, waterfalls, and rice terraces to fill the middle, this one-week Bali itinerary threads the island’s greatest hits with local flavor. You’ll leave with sun-kissed skin, sandalwood-scented memories, and a plan to return for everything you didn’t fit in.