Bali—often called the Island of the Gods—mixes Hindu temples, emerald rice terraces, and a creative culinary scene with warm hospitality. Its history folds in centuries of temple-building, royal courts, and artisans who shaped dance, woodcarving, and ritual still seen today. You’ll taste it in the market spices, hear it in gamelan, and feel it on cliffside breezes.

This 7-day itinerary splits time between Ubud and Seminyak for a satisfying blend of culture and coast. You’ll greet the sunrise over Mount Batur, stroll the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, watch a Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple, and day-trip to Nusa Penida’s dramatic bays. Between adventures, you’ll refuel at beloved warungs, stylish cafes, and classic beach clubs.

Practical notes: Most visitors fly into Denpasar (DPS). Ride-hailing and private drivers are common, and cash (IDR) is still useful outside resorts. Dress modestly at temples (sashes and sarongs are often provided). Balinese cuisine highlights include babi guling (spit-roasted pork), sate lilit (spiced minced fish satay), and lawar (herbed coconut-chili salad).

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural capital—think temple courtyards perfumed with incense, riverside jungle paths, and craft villages where goldsmiths, painters, and carvers keep traditions alive. It’s the ideal base for rice terraces, sacred springs, and wellness.

• Top sights: Ubud Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul water temple, Goa Gajah, Tegenungan Waterfall.
• Eat and drink: Seniman Coffee Studio (house-roasted tasting flights), Clear Cafe (fresh bowls and juices), Naughty Nuri’s (sticky, smoky ribs), Warung Biah Biah (classic nasi campur), Ibu Oka (famous babi guling), Alchemy (raw/vegan treats).
• Stay: Splurge at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Social and central at Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel. Browse more stays: VRBO Ubud or Hotels.com Ubud.
• Fun fact: The Campuhan valley inspired foreign artists in the 1930s, helping shape Ubud’s now-legendary art scene.

Seminyak

Seminyak brings Bali’s coastal glam: broad golden sand, design-forward boutiques, and a dining scene that spans cozy warungs to destination restaurants. It’s also a smart base for Uluwatu sunsets and island-hopping from Sanur.

• Top sights and vibes: Petitenget Beach sunsets, beach clubs (Potato Head, KU DE TA), morning coffee culture, day trips to Uluwatu and Canggu.
• Eat and drink: Revolver Espresso (Aussie-style coffee), Sisterfields (brunch), La Lucciola (waterside Italian institution), Nook (rice-field views), Warung Nia (Bali satay and ribs), Da Maria (Neapolitan pizza and spritzes), Kynd Community (plant-based plates).
• Stay: Luxe escape at The St. Regis Bali Resort (nearby Nusa Dua for ultra-comfort); family favorite Bali Dynasty Resort (near Kuta); budget-chic M Boutique Hostel in Seminyak; or browse VRBO Seminyak and Hotels.com Seminyak.
• Fun fact: Petitenget Temple, tucked beside the beach clubs, still hosts ceremonies—proof that tradition hums beneath the buzz.

How to get to Bali (DPS): From Singapore (~2h45, often $80–$200 roundtrip), from Sydney (~6h10, $200–$500), from Los Angeles via a connection (~20–24h total, $700–$1,200). Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrive Bali → Ubud check-in, ridge walk, easy eats

Afternoon: Land at DPS and transfer to Ubud (1–1.5 hours; IDR 400k–600k/$25–$40 by private car). Check into your Ubud stay—anything from jungle villas to social hostels. Shake off jet lag with a gentle wander along the Campuhan Ridge Walk for sunset breezes and valley views.

Evening: Dinner at Clear Cafe (colorful bowls, satay, and fresh juices) or Casa Luna (long-running spot for Balinese classics and good wine). Nightcap at Night Rooster (seasonal cocktails with local botanicals) or keep it mellow with ginger tea back at your terrace.

Day 2: Classic Ubud—monkeys, rice terraces, temples, waterfalls

Make the most of a full-day, private Ubud highlights tour—stress-free logistics and cultural context included.

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

Morning: Meet your guide for the Ubud Monkey Forest—home to 1,000+ long-tailed macaques amid mossy temples. Continue to the Tegallalang Rice Terrace; walk a subak irrigation path and, if you fancy, try a jungle swing.

Afternoon: Purify at Tirta Empul (your guide provides sarongs and etiquette), then swim below Tegenungan or Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Lunch at Warung Biah Biah (nasi campur sampler) or Bebek Bengil (crispy duck).

Evening: Back in town, browse Ubud Art Market for ikat and woodcarvings. Dinner at Naughty Nuri’s (ribs and martinis) or Alchemy (raw/vegan). If you have energy, catch a traditional dance at Puri Saren Palace.

Day 3: Sunrise over Mount Batur, spa time, slow Ubud afternoon

Recommended tour: Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour with Optional Activities

Morning: Predawn pickup to the volcanic caldera. Your 4WD jeep climbs black lava fields to a lookout—no hiking required. Watch the sun spill over Mt. Agung and the lake, then warm up at nearby hot springs if you choose the add-on.

Afternoon: Brunch back in Ubud at Seniman Coffee Studio (pour-over flight plus banana pancakes). After, book a treatment at Karsa Spa or Tjampuhan Spa—think flower baths, river sounds, and herbal compresses.

Evening: Early dinner at Ibu Oka (babi guling with crackling and sambal matah) or Clear Cafe if you’re keeping things light. Optional night market snack run for klepon (palm-sugar rice cakes).

Day 4: Ubud → Seminyak transfer, beach time, sunset dinner

Morning: Transfer to Seminyak (1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic). A private driver makes it easy, with luggage space and flexibility. Book a reliable driver via Experts Bali Driver : Best Bali Private Driver for Tour in Bali (typical daily rates IDR 700k–900k/$45–$60).

Afternoon: Check in, then stroll Petitenget or Seminyak Beach. Coffee at Revolver Espresso (try the flat white) or Pison Coffee (ice latte with palm sugar). Shop along Jalan Kayu Aya for resort wear and homewares.

Evening: Sunset at Potato Head Beach Club—arrive early for daybeds and ocean views—or KU DE TA for a classic sundowner. Dinner at La Lucciola (beachfront calamari, house-made pasta) or Warung Nia for Balinese satay grilled over coconut husks.

Day 5: Nusa Penida by boat—snorkel and cliff viewpoints

Today is about turquoise water, manta-filled reefs, and epic viewpoints. Depart from the Sanur side in the morning; your operator handles the details.

Recommended tour: Premium All Inclusive Full Day Tour from Bali to Nusa Penida

Morning: Hotel pickup to the marina and a comfortable boat ride to Penida. Snorkel at spots like Manta Bay or Crystal Bay—visibility can be superb, with coral gardens and, in season, manta sightings.

Afternoon: Visit Kelingking (the famous T-Rex headland) and Broken Beach/Angel’s Billabong for dramatic limestone scenery. Simple island lunch of mie goreng or grilled fish.

Evening: Return to Seminyak. Casual dinner at Nook (rice-field views; order the Balinese crispy fish) or Da Maria for wood-fired pizza and spritzes.

Day 6: Uluwatu clifftops, Kecak fire dance, Jimbaran seafood

Combine beach-hopping on the Bukit peninsula with Bali’s most iconic temple sunset and a seaside feast.

Recommended tour: Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay

Morning: Head south to Padang Padang or Melasti Beach. The Bukit’s coves are clear and swimmable; pack reef-safe sunscreen and water.

Afternoon: Late lunch at a cliff cafe near Bingin (fresh juices, nasi goreng, ocean views). Then onward to Uluwatu Temple perched 70 meters above the Indian Ocean—watch for cheeky monkeys.

Evening: At sunset, the Kecak fire dance fills the amphitheater with chant and flame. After, feast on grilled prawns and snapper on the sand at Jimbaran Bay—pick your fish by the kilo and add sambal matah and kangkung.

Day 7: Slow Seminyak morning, last sips, departure

Morning: Brunch at Sisterfields (eggs benedict, smoothie bowls) or Kynd Community (plant-based pink pancakes). Shop last-minute for rattan bags and textiles.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to DPS (30–60 minutes from Seminyak, more with traffic). Compare any same-day flight changes on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you have extra time, relax with a final coconut on the beach.

Optional add-ons if you have an extra day: North Bali loop to Ulun Danu Beratan and Jatiluwih rice terraces or a Tanah Lot sunset run—consider this scenic private option: Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour: Scenic Journey.

Where to stay—quick picks:

• Ubud: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (jungle-icon suites), Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (social traveler favorite).
• Coast: The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua, refined beachfront), Bali Dynasty Resort (great for families), M Boutique Hostel (budget-chic in Seminyak).
• Browse more: VRBO Ubud, VRBO Seminyak, Hotels.com Ubud, Hotels.com Seminyak.

Local transport tips: Private drivers are best for day trips and transfers (expect IDR 700k–900k/$45–$60 per day). For airport and inter-city rides, prebook with your hotel or a vetted driver service like Experts Bali Driver.

Bonus Ubud tours if you want variety: Ubud: Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace, and Water Temple

With culture-rich mornings and ocean-scented evenings, this week in Bali gives you temples, terraces, reef time, and generous Balinese hospitality. Expect to leave with sandal tan lines, a camera roll full of sunsets, and a firm plan to return.