Bali, the Island of the Gods, blends Hindu temples and volcanic peaks with terraced rice fields and warm-water reefs. Its story stretches from Majapahit-era kingdoms to vibrant contemporary arts, with rituals and offerings still punctuating daily life. You’ll hear gamelan music at dusk and smell incense near every family shrine.

On this 7-day itinerary, you’ll split time between Ubud—the island’s cultural heart—and the Uluwatu coastline, famed for surf breaks and cliffside sunsets. Expect sacred water temples, emerald rice terraces, jungle swings, a sunrise over Mount Batur, and a private-boat day to Nusa Penida to look for manta rays.

Practical notes: Dry season (Apr–Oct) means calmer seas; wet season (Nov–Mar) brings short tropical showers. Carry some cash (IDR) for warungs and temple donations, and wear a sarong at temples. Scooters are common, but if you’re not confident, hire a driver and keep travel days light to enjoy Bali’s pace.

Ubud

Set among ravines and paddies, Ubud hums with craft ateliers, royal palaces, and storied dance stages. Mornings begin with kopi and birdsong; afternoons drift from art museums to jungle-shaded spas. It’s the perfect base for rice-terrace walks, holy springs, and volcanic vistas.

• Top sights: Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul (holy springs).
• Why stay: Central access to temples, waterfalls, white-water rafting, and sunrise on Mount Batur; countless cafés and wellness studios.
• Dining scene: From babi guling (suckling pig) and smoky ribs to plant-based temples and elegant tasting menus.

How to get to Bali (DPS): Book flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstops: Singapore–DPS ~2.5h (~$120–250), Sydney–DPS ~6h (~$300–600), most U.S. cities 1–2 stops, ~20–28h (~$900–1,500). From the airport to Ubud, plan 1.5–2 hours by car (IDR 350,000–500,000 / ~$23–33).

Where to stay in Ubud:

• Iconic splurge: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (riverside jungle luxury) — Check availability
• Social & budget: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (friendly, central, with pool) — Check availability
• Browse more stays: VRBO Ubud | Hotels.com Ubud

Ubud tours to consider (book ahead):

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

Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour with Optional Activities

Bali ATV Ride and White Water Rafting

Cafés, eats, drinks (Ubud):

• Breakfast/coffee: Seniman Coffee Studio (brew bar, single-origin tastings), Yellow Flower Café (Balinese breakfasts, jungle views), Suka Espresso (Aussie-style brunch, great poached eggs).
• Lunch: Warung Biah Biah (nasi campur “little plates”), Clear Café (fresh juices, wrap-around menu), Ibu Oka (classic babi guling—go early).
• Dinner: Apéritif at Viceroy (elegant tasting menu), Casa Luna (Balinese classics since the 1990s), Naughty Nuri’s (legendary sticky ribs and martinis).
• Evening vibe: Laughing Buddha Bar (live bands nightly), Bar Luna (literary lounge, cocktails).

Day 1 – Arrive in Bali; Settle into Ubud

Afternoon: Land at DPS and transfer 1.5–2 hours to Ubud (IDR 350,000–500,000). Check in, refresh, then stroll Ubud Palace and the lotus pond at Saraswati Temple for a first glimpse of Balinese architecture and water gardens.

Evening: Dinner at Casa Luna for ayam betutu (spiced slow-cooked chicken) and lawar. Cap the night with a ginger-lime soda or arak cocktail at Bar Luna.

Day 2 – All-In Ubud Icons (Private, Full-Day)

Explore Ubud’s essentials on a door-to-door private tour that typically includes Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul holy springs, a hidden waterfall, and a coffee plantation. Convenient if you want one polished day with a guide who handles tickets and timing.

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

Day 3 – Mount Batur Sunrise, Soak, and Spa

Morning: 3:00–3:30 a.m. pickup for a 4x4 ride to a volcano viewpoint. Watch orange dawn spill over black lava fields, then opt for a soak at nearby hot springs.

Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour with Optional Activities

Afternoon: Nap, then book a massage at Karsa Spa or a flower bath at Fivelements Day Spa. Coffee at Seniman—try a V60 or siphon brew.

Evening: Tasting menu at Apéritif (reserve), or go casual with grilled fish and nasi goreng at Warung Bintangbali overlooking paddies.

Day 4 – River Rapids and Jungle ATVs (Full-Day)

This adventure combo pairs a guided raft trip on the Ayung River (jungle cliffs, small waterfalls) with a muddy, grin-inducing ATV course through tunnels and splashy tracks—gear and lunch included, hotel transfers from Ubud.

Bali ATV Ride and White Water Rafting

Uluwatu (South Bali)

South Bali trades paddies for limestone cliffs, cove beaches, and long shimmering sunsets. Uluwatu Temple, perched above the Indian Ocean, stages a nightly Kecak fire dance, while Jimbaran Bay grills seafood right on the sand. Surf breaks lure dawn patrols; day clubs blend house beats with horizon pools.

• Top sights: Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance, Padang Padang and Bingin beaches, GWK Cultural Park, Jimbaran seafood, day clubs with sunset views.
• Why stay: Easy access to beach days and boat trips to Nusa Penida; closer to the airport for departure.

Where to stay on the South Coast:

• Refined beachfront: The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua; white-sand bay, standout service) — Check availability
• Family favorite: Bali Dynasty Resort (Kuta; pools, kids’ club, central location) — Check availability
• Budget & social: M Boutique Hostel (Seminyak; clean pods, walkable eats) — Check availability
• Browse more stays: VRBO Uluwatu | Hotels.com Uluwatu

Getting from Ubud to Uluwatu (morning of Day 5): 1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on traffic (IDR 350,000–600,000 / ~$23–40). Booking a private driver for the transfer and local touring is convenient:

Experts Bali Driver: Best Bali Private Driver for Tour in Bali

Uluwatu tours to consider:

Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner Jimbaran Beach

Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 Spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

Cafés, eats, drinks (South Bali):

• Breakfast/coffee: Drifter Surf Shop & Café (specialty coffee, smoothie bowls), Suka Espresso Uluwatu (hearty brunch plates), BGS Bali (good beans pre-beach).
• Lunch: The Cashew Tree (salads, wraps, shaded garden), Mana Uluwatu (island plates, breezy deck), Warung Local (cheap, tasty nasi campur).
• Dinner: The Cave by Chef Ryan Clift (multi-course in a limestone cave—book), El Kabron (Spanish flavors and sunset), Jimbaran Bay seafood at Menega Café or Lia Café (pick your fish by the kilo, grilled over coconut husk).
• Sunset & night: Single Fin (clifftop sundowners), Potato Head or Finns for a day-club detour if you venture to Seminyak/Canggu.

Day 5 – Transfer to Uluwatu, Beach Time, Kecak Fire Dance

Morning: Depart Ubud by 9:00 a.m. for Uluwatu (1.5–2.5 hours). Check in and grab an espresso at Suka before a swim at Padang Padang or Bingin (tide-dependent).

Afternoon: Laze under umbrellas, or explore GWK Cultural Park’s giant Vishnu statue. Light lunch at The Cashew Tree—order the tempeh bowls or fish tacos.

Evening: Head to Uluwatu Temple for golden-hour cliff views and the Kecak fire dance, then continue to Jimbaran for toes-in-sand seafood dining.

Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner Jimbaran Beach

Day 6 – Nusa Penida by Private Boat (Full-Day)

Set out on a private speedboat to Nusa Penida from the south coast. Snorkel four spots—often including Manta Bay when conditions allow—then tour Insta-famous viewpoints like Kelingking. Plenty of fruit, drinks, and a pro photographer if you opt for the premium upgrade.

Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 Spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

Back on the mainland, toast the day at Single Fin or book dinner inside The Cave for a one-of-a-kind setting.

Day 7 – Slow Morning & Departure

Morning: Easy breakfast at Drifter or BGS, final dip at your favorite cove, and a last-minute souvenir run (spices, sarongs) at local shops in Uluwatu or Jimbaran.

Afternoon: Transfer to DPS (30–60 minutes depending on traffic). If you need outbound flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Build in buffer for traffic and check-in queues.

Good to know: Carry a sarong for temples, keep small bills for donations and parking stands, and hydrate—it’s tropical year-round. If you’ll ride a scooter, wear a helmet and check your travel insurance’s coverage; otherwise, a private driver is stress-free and affordable for most days.

Optional swaps or add-ons: If your departure is late, a half-day northbound scenic loop to Tanah Lot and floating-temple vistas is gorgeous at sunset:

Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour: Scenic Journey

In one week you’ve experienced Bali’s essence: sacred water and volcanic fire, terrace-green mornings and rose-gold sunsets over the sea. Keep this itinerary handy—it balances icon and secret, leaving room to return for the corners you didn’t yet see.