First trip: Ubud, Nusa Penida and Kuta

Day 1: Arrive in Ubud

Ubud

• Ubud jungle swing · 2 h. Packages vary by number of swings and photo nests; check what is included.
• Ubud Palace and art market · 1.5 h. Bargain at the market; start at about half the first price.

Local tip: Packages vary by number of swings and photo nests; check what is included.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Ubud

Ubud

• Tegallalang rice terraces · 2 h. Go before 8am for soft light and no crowds; small donations are asked at bridges and the swings inside are charged separately.
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary · 1.5 h. Carry no food or plastic bags, keep sunglasses away and don't touch the monkeys. Higher price on weekends.
• Tirta Empul water temple · 2 h. Sarong and sash are included at the gate. Bring a change of clothes if you join the purification bath; go at opening (~8am).
• Balinese massage and flower bath · 2 h. A 60-minute Balinese massage costs ~IDR 150,000–250,000 in town; villa spas charge more.
• Legong dance at Ubud Palace · 1.5 h. Nightly at ~7:30pm; tickets are sold at the gate on the day.
• Campuhan Ridge walk · 1.5 h. Start by 7am — the ridge has no shade.

Local tip: Go before 8am for soft light and no crowds; small donations are asked at bridges and the swings inside are charged separately.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Ubud

Ubud

• Mount Batur sunrise trek · 8 h. Pickup 2–3am, ~2h climb on loose volcanic gravel to see sunrise ~6am, back by 11am. Bring a jacket and a torch.

Local tip: Pickup 2–3am, ~2h climb on loose volcanic gravel to see sunrise ~6am, back by 11am. Bring a jacket and a torch.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Ubud → Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida · Ubud to Nusa Penida, Car to Sanur (~1h) + fast boat ~45 min

• Kelingking Beach viewpoint · 2 h. The viewpoint is easy; the path down to the beach is steep, exposed and takes ~45 min each way — not for children or in wet weather.
• Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong · 1.5 h. Swimming in Angel's Billabong is only safe at low tide in calm seas — waves surge in without warning.
• Goa Giri Putri cave temple · 1 h. Enter through a narrow opening into a large cave; sarong lent at the steps.

Local tip: The viewpoint is easy; the path down to the beach is steep, exposed and takes ~45 min each way — not for children or in wet weather.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Nusa Penida → Kuta & Legian

Kuta & Legian · Nusa Penida to Kuta & Legian, Car to Sanur (~40 min) + fast boat ~45 min

• Kuta beach sunset · 2 h. Swim only between the red-and-yellow flags; rip currents are common.
• Beachwalk and Kuta shopping · 2 h

Local tip: Swim only between the red-and-yellow flags; rip currents are common.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Waterbom Bali water park

Kuta & Legian

• Waterbom Bali water park · 5 h. Online tickets are cheaper than the gate; arrive at opening to beat queues for the big slides.

Local tip: Online tickets are cheaper than the gate; arrive at opening to beat queues for the big slides.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Kuta & Legian

Kuta & Legian

• Beginner surf lesson on Kuta beach · 2.5 h. Soft sandy bottom and small waves make Kuta the easiest place to learn; book a school with insured instructors.

Local tip: Soft sandy bottom and small waves make Kuta the easiest place to learn; book a school with insured instructors.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps