Days 1–2
Acclimatise in your own area
First two days without an alarm: your area's beach, scouting warungs and cafes, sunset on the sand. On day two, add a massage (about Rp 150,000–250,000 an hour) and a first surf lesson if you're itching to try.
Day 3
Ubud: terraces, monkeys, swings
A full Ubud day: Tegallalang terraces at opening, then the Monkey Forest, a babi guling lunch, and either a jungle swing or the Tirta Empul spring temple in the afternoon. Tegenungan waterfall on the way back, dinner at a gorge-view restaurant.
Day 4
Nusa Penida
An early boat from Sanur for the most photogenic island around: Kelingking cape, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong and snorkelling with manta rays. You'll be back by 5–6 p.m. — plan nothing but a seafront dinner.
Day 5
Beach day or the water park
Recovery day after Penida: your beach, the villa pool, or the big water park in Kuta if you're travelling with kids. In the evening, stroll Seminyak's Eat Street or take a beanbag at a sunset bar on the sand.
Day 6
Mount Batur sunrise
A 2 a.m. start, but worth it: sunrise above the clouds from the crater rim of Mount Batur, breakfast cooked on volcanic steam and hot springs by the lake after the descent. Back by lunch for a well-earned nap; keep the evening light.
Day 7
The Bukit: Uluwatu and a farewell dinner
Finish in the south: Bukit beaches (Melasti or Bingin), then Uluwatu Temple at sunset with the kecak fire dance above the ocean. A farewell seafood dinner on the sand at Jimbaran is 15 minutes away on the drive home. Buy souvenirs at day markets, not the airport.
FAQ
How much should I budget for activities?
Nusa Penida, the Batur trek, Uluwatu with kecak and a swing come to roughly Rp 4–5 million for two (about $250–300). The other stops are free or nearly so.
Do I need a scooter for a week?
It makes beach-and-cafe life much easier. For the long days (Ubud, Batur) a car with a driver is more comfortable and cheap when shared — leave the mountain switchbacks to a professional.
Which area for a week?
Canggu for buzz and cafes; Seminyak for restaurants and walkability; Sanur for calm and the Penida boat; Ubud if the sea isn't your priority. See our area guides.
A base for this trip
Direct rentals across 15 areas with free cancellation — the manager can also help with transfers and tours.