Planning a trip to the Island of the Gods? Here are our top things to do in Bali plus the actual 6-day Bali itinerary that we used for our Sep-2022 trip! Enjoy!
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Things to do in Bali (6-Day Bali Itinerary)
Below is the 6-day itinerary for our Sep-2022 Bali trip.
Bali Itinerary: Day 1 (Ubud)
- Ubud
- Ubud Palace
- Saraswati Temple (aka Ubud Water Palace)
Ubud
A small town located in the uplands of central Bali, it is the cultural and artistic heart of the island. In addition, Ubud’s proximity to breathtaking rice paddies, stunning waterfalls and grandiose temples ensured that it is one of the top destinations for all visitors to the island.
Ubud Palace
Located at the centre of Ubud town, the palace is the official residence of Ubud’s royal family. Only a small section of the palace is open to the public and it takes just a few minutes to explore. (Admission is free)
Saraswati Temple (aka Ubud Water Palace)
A stone’s throw away from Ubud Palace, this small Balinese Hindu temple is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati. The temple is popular for its lotus pond. (Admission is free)
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Day 2 (Central Bali)
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
One of the top visitor destinations in Bali, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple built on the shores of the serene and panoramic Lake Beratan (~1200m above sea level).
Construction was believed to have started in 1634 by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu. Such is its prominence, the temple was featured on a previous edition of the Indonesian 50,000 rupiah note. To date, Ulun Danu Beratan remains one of the most important Hindu temples in Bali.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The largest rice terrace in Bali, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the epitome of Bali’s picturesque rice fields and its unique irrigation system. Its rolling hills and Instagram-perfect rice paddies ensured that Jatiluwih is at the top of the list for most visitors to Bali.
With over 600 hectares of fertile rice fields, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces represent the Balinese Subak system (a unique cross-village cooperative network) that enables the success of the centuries-old farming activities on the island. Such is the uniqueness and importance of the Subak system that it has been inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since June 2012.
Fun Fact: Former US President Barack Obama and his family visited Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in 2017 during a private visit to the island.
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Day 3 (Central/Eastern Bali)
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall
- Kintamani (Mount Batur and Lake Batur)
- Pura Tirta Empul
Tegenungan Waterfall
One of the most popular waterfalls in Bali, though the water can be murky at times. Approximately 10km from Ubud town. (Admission ~Rp 20K)
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Another popular attraction near (~11km) Ubud. Kanto Lampo is a cascading waterfall that although lacking in height, is relatively wide and has clear clean water. With its cascading rockface, visitors could easily climb onto the rocks at the bottom of the falls.
In our view, Kanto Lampo is way more enjoyable than Tegenungan Waterfall. (Admission Rp 10K)
Kintamani (Mount Batur and Lake Batur)
Mount Batur is an active volcano in the northeast part of Bali. The stratovolcano is at the centre of two concentric calderas formed between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. Lake Batur is the volcanic crater lake located at the southeast section within the calderas.
Kintamani is a small village located along the southwestern rim of the outer caldera and offers stunning panoramic views of both Mount and Lake Batur. Numerous restaurants and cafes dot the village, most of which offer a bird’s-eye view of the area. Highly recommended to patronise one of these restaurants/cafes to enjoy the food and spectacular views!
Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese water temple 15km north of Ubud. Also known as Holy Spring Water Temple, the complex is famous for its holy spring water, where locals and tourists can perform purification rituals according to Hindu customs. The spring water originates from a natural pool within the temple complex. (Admission Rp 50K)
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Day 4 (South Bali)
- Melasti Beach
- Padang Padang Beach
- Uluwatu Temple
Melasti Beach
Situated at the southern-most point of Bali, the soft white sand of Melasti Beach is set against tall cliffs and plays host to several clubs and resorts. (Admission ~Rp 10K)
Padang Padang Beach
A small but famous surf spot in southern Bali. The beach was prominently featured in the movie “Eat Pray Love” by Julia Roberts. (Admission ~Rp 15K)
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is approximately 1hr (by car) from Denpasar Airport (DPS). Majestically built on a 70m high cliff projecting into the Indian Ocean, the temple is renowned for it’s panoramic sea views and charming sunsets. One of the most popular temples in Bali.
(Admission: Rp 30K for adults, Rp 15K for children. Might have increased to Rp 50K since 2023)
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Day 5 (Nusa Penida)
- Nusa Penida
- T-Rex (Kelingking Beach)
- Broken Beach
- Angel’s Billabong
- Crystal Bay Beach
Nusa Penida
A small and relatively undeveloped island 45 minutes (by boat) off southeastern Bali. Day trips (from Bali) to Nusa Penida have become increasingly popular amongst tourists in recent years due to the island’s stunning coastal landscape.
Top things to do in Nusa Penida include:
#1: T-Rex (Kelingking Beach)
The most well-known (and “Instagramed”) attraction on Nusa Penida. “T-Rex” is a spectacular cliff shaped like a Tyrannosaurus, thus its name.
Visitors access “T-Rex” via the parking area at the top of the cliff. From the parking area, visitors could walk a short distance along a narrow and extremely steep stairway for the best view of “T-Rex”.
For those more adventurous, you could continue on the stairway to the bottom of the cliff to reach Kelingking Beach. However, this climb is time-consuming, physically demanding, and not for the faint-hearted.
#2: Broken Beach
Famed for its archway that allows incoming waves to sweep into a waterhole (billabong).
#3: Angel’s Billabong
Stunning natural infinity pool. Though picturesque, the pool is extremely dangerous due to the waves, especially at high tide. For safety, do not enter the pool at all times. During high tide or inclement weather, do not get close to the edge of the pool and stay alert for rogue waves.
(Note: Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are located next to each other)
#4: Crystal Bay Beach
A small bay on the western side of Nusa Penida. The bay has a relatively small beach that is slightly shy of 300m in length. There is a popular snorkelling site a short distance off the beach. However, visitors might find it hard to overcome the surf (to get to the snorkelling site) during certain times.
Note that there are no fresh water facilities (washroom/toilet) at the beach.
How to visit Nusa Penida
At the time of writing, roads on Nusa Penida are notoriously bad and undeveloped in numerous parts. Thus, it is strongly encouraged to engage a travel agent who will arrange for a private car with a local driver for transportation on the island. Most travel agents in Bali would provide all-inclusive day tours to Nusa Penida.
Typical West Nusa Penida tour package
- Cost: Rp 650-700k per person
- Cost includes:
- Return hotel transfer (southern Bali)
- Return fast boat transfer to Nusa Penida
- Private tour (private car with driver on Nusa Penida)
- Lunch with drink
- Sites include
- Kelingking Beach (T-Rex)
- Broken Beach
- Angel’s Billabong
- Crystal Bay Beach
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Day 6 (South Bali)
- Legian Beach
- Seminyak Beach
- END OF TRIP
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Related posts:
See our other blogs on Malaysia:
- Malaysia: Sipadan/Mataking
- Malaysia: Sarawak
- Malaysia: Kota Kinabalu
- Malaysia: Pulau Tenggol
- Malaysia: Genting Highlands
- Malaysia: Johor
- Malaysia: Tioman
- Malaysia: Langkawi
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