My trip to Bali was a spontaneous decision, spurred by cheap tickets! I’ve been to Bali twice: once as a kid with my family, and more recently when I was just getting to know my partner. Bali is super special to me because it’s where my partner asked me to be his girlfriend.
So, follow along if you’d like an itinerary that’s cute, romantic, and fun. Beyond that, Bali is one of those places you can enjoy with anyone—friends, family, or even strangers. This itinerary can easily be adapted to suit a trip with family or friends.
I flew budget airlines from Bangkok to Bali with just 7kg of baggage for a week, and trust me, it was enough. If you’re traveling on an Indian passport, make sure to check your visa requirements. I arrived in Bali in the middle of the night, and since getting to the main areas from the airport takes 1-2 hours, I booked a stay nearby to unwind for the night.
As soon as I reached Bali, I purchased a SIM card at the airport. I hadn’t booked a tour or drivers beforehand, so here’s what I did to get around Bali: Two-wheelers aren’t really my thing, and although I can drive a car, I didn’t want to. So, I hired the first Grab driver I met, and for a few extra bucks, he became our driver for the entire week!
Rising early, we enjoyed a free breakfast at the hotel and then checked into Aryaswara Villa Ubud, a luxurious resort in the heart of Ubud. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, it felt like we were staying in the middle of a forest.
Our first stop was a tea and coffee tasting, including the famous Luwak coffee. Then, we visited the sacred Pura Tirta Empul temple. Next, we headed to Alas Harum Bali for the thrilling Bali Swing experience, where we swung over lush jungles and rice terraces, perfect for Instagram photos. Pro tip: you can rent flowy dresses there for the perfect shot!
Afterward, we trekked to Leke Leke waterfall, a hidden gem in Bali’s lush jungles. The scenic trek through tropical forests, crossing bamboo bridges and streams, was absolutely beautiful and worth the visit.
In the evening, we went to Creteya Ubud, a fun restaurant and day club with huge pools. We spent the evening there with drinks and food, enjoying the sunset with a view of the rice fields. It was the perfect way to end the day.
We started the next day super early at 3 am with a jeep tour to Mount Batur, the only tour we booked for our Bali trip. Pro tip: opt for the jeep tour instead of the hike, unless you’re keen on hiking. The hike starts at 1:30 am in pitch darkness, and the descent can be scorching by 8 am. Save your energy for other treks and hikes in Bali.
Mount Batur, an active volcano in the Kintamani District, offered a stunning sunrise view. At the top, we were served a simple breakfast of toast and poached eggs, cooked using the volcano’s steam. We also bought cute elephant bracelets from local vendors—a great souvenir.
After descending around 7 am, we visited the nearby black lava fields, which offer a stark contrast to Bali’s lush greenery. The rugged terrain and volcanic rocks are mesmerizing. We followed this with a quick dip at a hot spring before returning to Aryaswara Villa. The hotel staff kindly packed our missed breakfast, which we enjoyed as brunch upon our return.
After an afternoon nap, we headed to the Ubud Monkey Forest in the evening. Taking selfies with the monkeys was a fun experience, but be cautious as they can snatch things from you!
The area is also great for shopping and cute cafes. We grabbed dinner nearby and called it a day.
The next day, we checked out and drove to East Bali early in the morning. Our first stop was the Tukad Cepung waterfall, a hidden gem nestled within a lush canyon in Sidemen. After a short hike, we were greeted by sunlight filtering through the canyon, creating a magical display of light and shadow against the cascading waterfall—a perfect spot for Instagram pictures.
Next, we headed to Lempuyang Temple for the famous Gate of Heaven. Be prepared for a “my whole life has been a lie” moment because the iconic photos you’ve seen are an illusion created by a camera trick to mimic water. Plus, you’ll have to wait over 3 hours for a photo. It’s overrated, in my opinion, but if you want a similar picture without the wait, keep reading.
We then visited Tirta Gangga, the water palace. Built in the 20th century by the royal family of Karangasem, the palace features ornate pools, fountains, and lush gardens adorned with statues and Balinese architecture. It’s a lovely place to stroll around and enjoy lunch.
Our most anticipated stay was next: Hideout Bali. These unique, secluded accommodations amidst Bali’s natural beauty are perfect for glamping in the jungle or rice fields. The eco-friendly bamboo houses provide a serene retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The stay itself was romantic and dreamy. We spent the evening by a bonfire, dipping our legs in the river next to our room, and enjoying traditional tuak (a drink made from fermented palm sap or rice). We spent one night here before checking out the next day and heading to Kusamba port to get our tickets to Nusa Penida, bidding farewell to our Grab driver.
By the time we arrived in Nusa Penida, it was already 5 pm. At the port, we quickly found a driver to take us around the island for the next two days. We checked into our accommodation, a charming little hut at Batan Sabo.
In the evening, we enjoyed dinner at Greenkubu Cafe, a delightful cafe with an amazing view of the sea and the mountains. Here’s where it gets interesting: we found a replica of the Gate of Heaven with the exact same background and zero waiting time. We had the spot to ourselves and took as many pictures as we wanted. If you’re considering skipping the original Gate of Heaven, this is your go-to place.
The next day, we started early with a visit to Crystal Bay Beach, a popular snorkeling and diving spot on Nusa Penida. After a quick stroll, we headed to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. Angel’s Billabong is a natural tide pool with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying the stunning cliffs and rock formations. Broken Beach, or Pasih Uug, features a natural archway carved out of the cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise sea below. While both spots were amazing, they were also super crowded and hot, so plan accordingly.
Next, we went to Kelingking Beach. Many people take photos of the dramatic cliffs and viewpoints and leave, but if you skip the trek to the white sand beaches below, you’re missing out! The trek is a bit challenging, and I was out of breath many times, but it was so worth it once we reached the beach. By the time we climbed back up, we were exhausted and muddy, so we decided to call it a day.
The next day, we checked out after breakfast and headed to our next stay in Nusa Penida called Malibu Huts. It was a cute little accommodation on the eastern side of the island, closer to Diamond Beach. After bidding farewell to our Nusa Penida driver, we rented a bike and rode to Diamond Beach early in the morning. There was no crowd, and it was amazing to have the place to ourselves.
A short ride from Diamond Beach took us to the Tree House (Rumah Pohon). Getting there required a 20-30 minute trek, but it was relatively easy. Perched atop a cliff, the rustic treehouse offers a unique vantage point for capturing stunning sunset or sunrise shots against the backdrop of the ocean. While there is an entrance fee, arriving early allowed us to skip the lines for photos.
We checked out early and took a ferry ride back to the city, arriving this time in Kuta. We stayed at the amazing Amnaya Resort Kuta, which even offered a candlelight breakfast. The rooms were exceptional, providing the perfect place to unwind.
In the afternoon, we relaxed at the hotel and then headed out to party in the evening. We enjoyed an exciting pool party at Finns Beach Club, followed by dinner and drinks at La Favela and The Goat. We also recommend trying the traditional Babi Guling, a spit-roasted suckling pig seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs.
After partying until dawn, we returned to the hotel to get some much-needed rest.
On our last day in Bali, we planned to relax before heading back home. We had reservations at The Edge, a luxurious cliff-top resort in Uluwatu known for its stunning architecture, infinity pool, and fine dining. The Edge provided us with an unforgettable dining experience overlooking the Indian Ocean, where we enjoyed gourmet cuisine crafted from the finest local and imported ingredients. It was a wonderfully relaxing day filled with delicious food and swimming. I recommend calling ahead to book if you plan to visit.
In the evening, we took a Grab to see the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple. This traditional Balinese dance, accompanied by a chorus of chanting men, tells the story of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The performance, set against a fiery sunset and crashing waves, created a magical and unforgettable experience. It was the perfect way to end our Bali trip!
After a candlelit breakfast at Amnaya Resort Kuta, we boarded our flights back home. Bali is such a beautiful place, and we’ve made so many fond memories here. It’s one of those destinations I would definitely visit again.
