A week in Bali split between Ubud’s rice terraces and temples and Uluwatu’s cliffs and beaches, with sunset spots, cafés and stays for every budget.
Updated
Four days in Ubud for the palace, the Monkey Forest and the Campuhan Ridge Walk, then three days on the Uluwatu coast. Save time for the cliff-top temple at Pura Luhur Uluwatu and a beach day at Padang Padang.
Per person for 7 days: a room shared by two, food, local transport and sights. Flights are extra.
Budget
$170–210
Mid-range
$290–420
Comfort
$600–710
A rough guide from typical local prices; yours depends on season and choices.
A travel eSIM gives your phone mobile data in Indonesia as soon as the plane touches down: maps, ride apps and messages work at the airport, with no roaming bill and no SIM card to swap. Set it up at home in a few minutes; your own number keeps working for calls and texts.
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Day 1 · Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Start in the middle of Ubud at the palace and the market, then head north to the Tegallalang rice terraces and finish at Karsa Kafe.
Your base for the next 4 nights: Ubud
Days 1 to 4 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓12:00 PM · 1.5 hours
A 90-minute drive north through farmland and into the hills. Book a ride-share on arrival (around 150,000 IDR / $10 USD) or grab a taxi from the booth outside baggage claim. Head straight to your hotel.
1A working royal compound with ornate wooden gates, carved pavilions, and local Balinese architecture that's still occupied by the royal family. Walk the grounds freely and soak in the craftsmanship. A 5-minute walk from central Ubud.
Insider tip: Go mid-afternoon when tour groups thin out. Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees); sarongs are available at the entrance if you need one.
2A sprawling covered market selling fabrics, woodcarvings, souvenirs, spices, and fresh produce. It's colourful and lively, packed with Balinese vendors and local life. Right beside the palace, a 2-minute walk.
Insider tip: The spice stalls at the back left are the freshest; try dried turmeric and vanilla. Bargain gently if you're buying crafts, but market prices on produce are fixed.
3Bali's most famous rice paddies: emerald-green staircase fields climbing the hillside, dramatic and photogenic. Walk the terraced paths between the paddies for the best angles. A 15-minute ride north of central Ubud.
Insider tip: Arrive by 5:30 PM to catch golden light on the terraces before sunset. Wear shoes with grip; the paths can be muddy. The light is best from the small viewpoint café on the east side of the main terrace.
Intimate garden restaurant overlooking rice terraces, with candlelit tables and Balinese cuisine. Order the bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck) or grilled fish with sambal. Back down the hill from Tegallalang, a 5-minute drive or pleasant walk.
Insider tip: Call ahead (0361-975919) and ask for a table on the terrace with a view. The sunset glow lingers on the fields after dark, and the restaurant lights come on softly.
If you land early
Optional, close to your stay, before the plan above.
Popular experiences worth booking ahead.
Half day
Walk through impossibly green rice fields at dawn, see mist rise off the paddies, then eat breakfast at a terrace-side cafe with views.
Book now
Half day
Learn to make rendang, satay, and sambal with a local chef, visit a real market, and eat what you cook together.
Book now
Half day to evening
Book a beachside table at Potato Head or Finns Beach Club for sunset cocktails, sea views, and a laid-back vibe; the drive from Ubud is 45 minutes but worth it for romance.
Book nowFull day
Trek through valleys, bathe in natural hot springs fed by waterfalls, and hear stories about the local ecosystem from a knowledgeable guide.
Book nowStay in central Ubud, within walking distance of Ubud Palace and the market. You'll be in the heart of things: cafes, restaurants, and the best access to both the cultural sights and transport to waterfalls and villages.
Want more choice for your 4 nights? See everything in Ubud, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Courtyard setting, traditional duck and satay. Go early, it fills up fast.
Candlelit tables among gardens. Order the babi guling and share plates for romance.
Day 2 · Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Spend the morning at Tegenungan and Kanto Lampo waterfalls, have lunch at Warung Pulau Kelapa, then walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Prefer a guide? · Half day
Perfect romantic spot for a dip in emerald pools surrounded by jungle, with fewer people if you go early or skip the main cascade.
Book this tour
1A 15-metre cascade in lush forest with a pool deep enough to swim. The water's cool and clean, and mornings are quieter. About 10 minutes by taxi east from central Ubud.
Insider tip: Go early, before 9 AM. Skip the main pool and wade upstream to the smaller cascades for better light and fewer people.
2A hidden gem with tiered falls and natural rock pools shaped like steps. The water is cold and clear. About 15 minutes by taxi from Tegenungan, heading further east.
Insider tip: Wear water shoes. The rocks are slippery, and you'll want to climb and jump between pools safely.
A simple riverside spot with grilled fish, satay, and fresh juice. No fuss, good value, locals eat here. About 10 minutes by taxi back toward central Ubud from Kanto Lampo.
Insider tip: Order the ikan bakar (grilled fish) and ask for sambel matah on the side. Cash only.
4A 27-hectare temple complex and forest preserve with hundreds of grey monkeys and ancient stone carvings. You'll walk through canopy, temples, and moss-covered pathways. About 10 minutes by taxi south of central Ubud.
Insider tip: Don't carry food or loose items. Keep your bag zipped. Enter from the north gate and walk downhill; you'll exit near the south temple without backtracking.
Local spot near Monkey Forest entrance. Order nasi kuning and fresh juice to fuel up before 7am.
Riverside garden setting. Try babi guling or the gado-gado. Relaxed pace fits post-waterfall energy.
Terrace overlooks valley and jungle. Book ahead for sunset table. Romantic grilled fish and wine list.
Day 3 · Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A longer drive out of Ubud to walk through Penglipuran village, take in the Kintamani highland views, and stop at Buana Amertha Sari.
1A preserved traditional Balinese village with a single main street lined with identical family compounds. The architecture and daily life feel genuine, not staged. A 45-minute drive north from central Ubud; hire a taxi or Grab for the round trip (around 400,000 IDR return).
Insider tip: Arrive before 9:30 AM to beat tour groups. Skip the 'official' entrance and walk in from the north end for fewer tourists.
Volcanic landscape with views of Mount Agung and Batur across the caldera. Stop at a roadside viewpoint or one of several cafes perched on the ridge. A 20-minute drive from Tembuku market; the road climbs steeply so a driver is essential.
Insider tip: Eat lunch here at a simple warung with a view rather than in Ubud. Kopi Luwak is oversold; try local Kintamani coffee instead.
A romantic dinner spot with a quiet terrace overlooking rice paddies and valley views. The menu blends Indonesian and Western, with grilled fish and fresh vegetables. Book ahead; it's a 30-minute drive back south towards Ubud (ask your driver to wait or order a fresh Grab for the return).
Insider tip: Request a table by the edge for the best view during golden hour. Arrive just before sunset for the light to fade as you eat.
Local spot in Ubud town. Order nasi campur and fresh juice before heading north.
Overlooks the caldera near Kintamani. Grilled fish and volcano views. Worth the drive up.
West Ubud, candlelit and intimate. Duck confit and local herbs. Perfect for your honeymoon.
Day 4 · Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Walk the Campuhan Ridge early, spend the middle of the day at Yak Gedhe Art Space, and watch the sunset from Penestanan Viewpoint.
1The most romantic sunrise walk in Ubud: a 2km trail through jungle and valley with zero crowds before 7 AM. You'll cross a traditional bridge, pass through lush ravines, and catch soft light on the rice paddies below. Start from Campuhan Ridge trailhead, a 5-minute ride from central Ubud.
Insider tip: Go before 7 AM to have the ridge almost to yourselves. Wear sneakers, not sandals; the path gets muddy after rain.
A gallery and creative studio run by a Balinese artist, calm and rarely crowded. Browse contemporary Balinese art, textiles, and sculptures. Twenty minutes by ride from central Ubud, heading west toward Campuhan.
Insider tip: The owner often works here and loves talking about the pieces. It's a real artist's space, not a souvenir shop. Pieces are pricey but beautiful.
A peaceful overlook of the western valleys and rice paddies, perfect for golden hour. Watch the sun dip behind the mountains with a drink. A 10-minute ride from Yak Gedhe, or walk down if you're staying nearby.
Insider tip: Bring a sarong or shawl; it gets cool after sunset. A warung nearby sells beers and soft drinks at tourist prices but the view is unbeatable.
Garden setting with local dishes. Order nasi campur and fresh juice at sunrise.
Terraced rice field views. Try satay and gado-gado after your ridge walk.
Clifftop sunset spot with fine dining. Book 5:30pm for golden hour over ocean.
Day 5 · Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Move to Uluwatu, visit the clifftop temple and the Karang Boma viewpoint, then stay for sunset at Sunset Point and dinner at Karma Kafe.
Your base for the next 3 nights: Uluwatu
Days 5 to 7 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓Getting here: Ubud to Uluwatu by Private ride-share or taxi (1.5 hours).
1:00 PM · 1.5 hours
Private taxi or ride-share south from Ubud to Uluwatu (1.5 hours, around 55,000 IDR). Drop straight at your hotel to settle in and freshen up before heading out for golden hour.
1Clifftop Hindu temple perched 70 metres above the Indian Ocean, with sweeping views and the sound of waves below. The complex is working shrine and tourist draw, so dress respectfully (sarongs provided). A 10-minute taxi ride south from central Uluwatu village.
Insider tip: Arrive before 4 PM to skip tour groups; watch for monkeys near the entrance, they steal sunglasses and phones.
2Walk the narrow coastal path south of the temple to unfenced clifftop overlooks where the peninsula drops sheer to rocky coves. Virtually no other tourists find these spots, and the light turns honey-gold by 5:45 PM. A 5-minute walk from the temple car park.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy shoes; the path is rocky and steep. Stay on marked ground, the cliff edge is real and unguarded.
Either a rooftop bar or free clifftop viewpoint near Pura Luhur Uluwatu where you can watch the sun drop into the ocean from a seated vantage. Most have a small drink minimum (50,000–100,000 IDR per cocktail). Back to the temple area, 2 minutes on foot.
Insider tip: Order a drink just before sunset; the light peaks around 6:10 PM, then clouds roll in fast.
4Clifftop restaurant with open-air seating, Indonesian and international menu, and unobstructed sunset views. Book a table for two with a view; grilled fish and satay are solid choices. A 10-minute taxi ride back towards central Uluwatu (or a steep 15-minute walk if you're energetic).
Insider tip: Reserve a table for 7 PM by phone or walk in early; ask for a seat on the western terrace for the best light.
Popular experiences worth booking ahead.
Half day
Two stunning waterfalls with natural pools perfect for swimming together; the early morning light is soft and the water is cleanest then.
Book nowHalf day
Stroll through impossibly green stepped rice paddies and visit a working temple; it's peaceful, photogenic, and feels properly cultural without feeling like a zoo.
Book now4 hours
Learn to make rendang and sambal from a local chef, starting at the market; you'll eat what you cook and take home the skills.
Book now
2-3 hours
Dine on fresh seafood or Indonesian cuisine while the sun drops into the Indian Ocean from a table metres from the cliff edge; this is the honeymoon moment.
Book nowFull day
A quieter, less-touristy alternative to Tegallalang with views of Mount Batukaru; the winding roads are dramatic and the landscape feels remote.
Book nowBook south of the main road in Uluwatu village or near Padang Padang Beach: short walk to clifftop spots and sunset bars, easy taxi access to Pura Luhur and the south-coast beaches you'll explore next two days.
Want more choice for your 3 nights? See everything in Uluwatu, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Clifftop warung with ocean views. Order the grilled fish and satay, eat at sunset.
Rooftop bar overlooking Uluwatu cliffs. Book a table for sunset, splurge on the seafood.
Day 6 · Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
A beach day on the coast: Padang Padang and Suluban in the morning, lunch at Warung Bodag Mulberry, then Blue Point Bay.
1A sheltered crescent of sand tucked beneath limestone cliffs, calm enough for a swim and quiet in the morning before crowds arrive. The walk down is steep but short. Start early, around 8 AM, and you'll have the beach nearly to yourself.
Insider tip: Go down before 8:30 AM; the beach fills up by mid-morning. Bring reef shoes for the rocky entry.
2A wilder, more dramatic cove with a natural cave entrance and smaller crowds than its neighbours. Walk through the cave mouth at low tide to reach the sand. A 15-minute walk from Padang Padang via the clifftop path.
Insider tip: Check tide times before you go; low tide gives you the best cave entry and beach space.
Clifftop warung with views straight down to the ocean and a short menu of grilled fish, satay and nasi goreng. Perfect for a casual lunch with your toes nearly over the edge. 10-minute walk back up from Suluban.
Insider tip: Order the grilled snapper and ask for it with sambel matah. A beer or fresh juice costs less than 5 dollars.
4A larger, livelier beach cove popular with surfers and backed by rustic beach clubs. The walk down is longer but the views from above are striking. Arrive by 4 PM to claim a spot for golden hour. A 15-minute drive from your lunch spot.
Insider tip: Skip the busy clubs and find a quiet corner of sand or a smaller warung; the view is the same but the price half.
5Iconic clifftop bar perched above Blue Point with a wide deck, cold drinks, and unobstructed sunset views. The sun dips into the ocean right in front of you around 6:17 PM. A 5-minute walk up from Blue Point Beach.
Insider tip: Arrive by 5:50 PM to grab a deck spot; book a table online if it's Friday or Saturday, or just walk up and squeeze in. Cocktails run 8 to 12 dollars.
Clifftop warung with ocean views. Order nasi goreng and fresh juice at sunrise.
Uluwatu institution above Padang Padang Beach. Fresh fish, cold beer, surfer vibe.
Six-course tasting menu overlooking cliffs at sunset. Book ahead, arrive by 5:45pm.
Day 7 · Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
A slow last day: start at Melasti Beach, then move on to Dreamland Beach and the beach club for the afternoon.
1A quieter, curved beach below the cliffs with soft sand and calm water. Walk down the stone steps for a peaceful morning swim and a moment to breathe in the salt air. A 15-minute taxi ride south from central Uluwatu.
Insider tip: Go early to avoid crowds and get the clearest water. The steps can be slippery when wet.
2Perched on the cliff edge with an arc of sand below and a natural rock archway in the distance. Grab a table, order a grilled fish or pasta, and settle in for the views. A 10-minute drive or walk north along the clifftop from Melasti.
Insider tip: Book a table by the edge for the view. The fish with lemon butter is reliable, and a beer costs around 50,000 IDR.
3The curve of sand below Dreamland Beach Club is perfect for an afternoon swim. The water is warm and clear; rent a sunbed if you want to lounge. You're already here from lunch, so just head down the steps.
Insider tip: Bring a light wrap to throw on after your swim. The sunbeds cost around 150,000 IDR for the day.
Beachfront dining at Melasti. Order the grilled fish and local vegetables with sambal.
Clifftop spot with sunset views. Book 5:30pm table, try the barramundi. Watch the light change from your seat.
What travellers ask about each place on this trip, answered.
What travellers ask about Ubud, answered.
Yes. You'll see the temples, rice paddies, waterfalls, and enjoy two good dinners without rushing. Add a beach day trip if you want sunset by the sea, though it's an hour away.
Tegenungan is closest (15 minutes from Ubud centre, 50,000 IDR entry) and swimmable, but gets crowded by 10am. Kanto Lampo, 30 minutes north, has stacked cascades and fewer tourists. Go early and bring a change of clothes.
Mozaic Beach Club in nearby Seminyak has a sunset cliffside setting and Michelin-star food (book 2 weeks ahead). In Ubud itself, Bridges Bali or Sayan House offer garden terraces and Indonesian-modern menus. Both around 350,000-500,000 IDR per person with wine.
Book restaurants and any paid experiences (waterfalls, cooking classes) the day before. Temple visits and hikes don't need booking. Grab a hire-driver on the morning you want to explore; no advance booking needed.
Expect warm days around 28-30°C (82-86°F) with afternoon showers that usually pass quickly. Pack light layers, a compact rain jacket, and waterproof bag for your phone.
Spoken here: Indonesian. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, though learning a few phrases goes over well.
Useful phrases
• Terima kasih (tuh-REE-muh KAH-sih): thank you
• Berapa harganya? (buh-RAH-puh HAR-guh-nyuh): how much does it cost?
• Satu es teh manis, tolong (SAH-too es teh AH-nis, TOH-long): one sweet iced tea, please
• Dimana toilet? (dee-MAH-nuh TOY-let): where's the toilet?
• Selamat malam (suh-LAH-mat MAH-lahm): good evening
Ubud is very safe for tourists. Watch out for scooter traffic when crossing streets and keep valuables in your hotel safe.
Call 112 for any emergency. Police 110, ambulance 118 or 119.
Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated. Round up restaurant bills or leave 5-10% at nicer places. For drivers and guides, $3-6 is generous.
• Book romantic dinner reservations two days ahead at places like Sayan House or Karsa Kafe; September availability is good but sunset slots fill up.
• Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces at dawn (6:30am) to skip crowds and shoot photos in golden light; hire a driver through your hotel to get there.
• Eat warung food (street stalls and small restaurants) for authentic flavour at 30,000-50,000 IDR per dish; ask locals which warung is best that day.
• The Tegenungan Waterfall gets busy by 10am; swim in the upper pool for solitude and fewer tourists.
What travellers ask about Uluwatu, answered.
Tegenungan, about 1.5 hours inland. September has good water flow without rainy-season crowds. Book a driver for the half-day (IDR 400,000–500,000); it takes 3–4 hours total with stops.
Mozaic Beach Club and Single Fin are the top honeymoon picks. Both have clifftop views, cocktails, and dinner. Book ahead and arrive by 5pm. Expect IDR 150,000–300,000 per person for drinks and snacks; dinner is extra.
Smart casual is fine: linen trousers or a sundress, closed shoes (no flip-flops). Mozaic and Single Fin ask for shoulders covered; a light shawl works. Avoid beachwear.
Expect 26-31°C (79-88°F) with occasional afternoon showers. Pack light cotton, a light rain jacket, and sandals you don't mind getting wet.
Spoken here: Indonesian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels, but minimal in local warungs and villages.
Useful phrases
• Terima kasih (tuh-REE-muh KAH-sih): thank you
• Berapa harganya (buh-RAH-puh HAR-guh-nya): how much
• Air terjun (AH-ir TER-joon): waterfall
• Sangat lezat (SANG-aht luh-ZAT): very delicious
• Maaf (mah-AHF): sorry or excuse me
Petty theft from scooters and beach bags is the main risk, so don't leave valuables unattended. Uluwatu's cliffs are stunning but unforgiving, so stay behind barriers.
Call 112 for any emergency. Police 110, ambulance 118 or 119.
Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated. Round up restaurant bills to the nearest 5,000 or 10,000 IDR (50-100 cents), and give $1.25-3 to drivers and spa staff for good service.
• Book sunset clifftop dinners 2-3 days ahead, especially Mozaic Beach Club or Single Fin, so you get the best tables as light fades.
• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall early (before 9am) to swim without crowds and avoid the midday heat.
• Rent a private driver for the day (around 400,000-500,000 IDR / 25-30 USD) instead of hopping taxis; you'll move faster and it's more romantic.
• The Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple (6pm showing) is theatrical and touristy but genuinely worth seeing once, especially from the clifftop amphitheater at sunset.
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