15-Day Bali Itinerary for Two Brazilian Sisters (Dec 26 - Jan 10)

Day 1: Arrival & Seminyak Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport and transfer to a budget-friendly, safe hotel in Seminyak such as Dash Hotel or Tij Villas, well-located for dining and beaches.

Afternoon: Relax with a gentle beach stroll at Seminyak Beach and visit local artisan shops.

Evening: Dinner at Sea Circus for vibrant atmosphere and fresh dishes. Light walk in Seminyak Square.

Day 2: Ubud Cultural Immersion

Morning: Hire a local driver (approx 1.5 hours) to Ubud. Visit the iconic Ubud Monkey Forest.

Afternoon: Explore the Ubud Traditional Art Market and nearby Puri Saren Royal Palace.

Evening: Dinner at Warung Bintangbali - affordable Balinese cuisine with river views.

Day 3: Temples & Rice Terraces

Morning: Guided visit to Tirta Empul Temple for a cultural cleansing experience.

Afternoon: Explore the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces and nearby cafés for lunch.

Evening: Return to Ubud; evening free for light relaxation or spa treatment.

Day 4: Elephant Sanctuary & Light Adventure

Morning: Depart early to Mason Elephant Park near Taro (approx 45 mins from Ubud). Spend the morning enjoying the sanctuary ethically.

Afternoon: Return to Ubud with a stop at Gunung Kawi Temple for a calm, historic walk.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Locavore (booking advised) for a modern Indonesian dining experience.

Day 5: Mount Batur & Hot Springs

Morning: Optional early hike up Mount Batur for sunrise (hire a guide for safety). Alternatively, sleep in and start late.

Afternoon: Relaxation at nearby Toyabungkah Hot Springs.

Evening: Light dinner in Ubud; pack for transfer to southern Bali next day.

Day 6: New Year's Eve in Jimbaran

Morning: Private driver to Jimbaran (approx 2 hours). Check in at budget-friendly and secure accommodations like La Joya Biu Biu.

Afternoon: Relax at Jimbaran Beach - perfect for a calm beach day before celebrations.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with seafood BBQ at the famous Jimbaran Bay Beachfront Cafes, known for festive yet safe atmosphere with live music and fireworks.

Day 7: Recovery & Uluwatu Temple

Morning: Sleep in or enjoy a spa treatment to recover from New Year festivities.

Afternoon: Visit Uluwatu Temple (approx 30 minutes drive) and watch the traditional Kecak fire dance at sunset.

Evening: Dinner at Single Fin Bar overlooking the waves, casual and lively.

Day 8: Nusa Dua Beach & Water Activities

Morning: Head to Nusa Dua Beach (approx 30 minutes), enjoy calm, clean waters ideal for snorkeling or kayaking.

Afternoon: Try water sports, or relax at the beach club Bali Collection for lunch and local shopping.

Evening: Return to Jimbaran for a quiet dinner.

Day 9: Day Trip to Nusa Penida

Morning: Early boat trip to Nusa Penida with a local guide/driver arranged (1-hour boat). Visit iconic spots like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong.

Afternoon: Continue exploring Broken Beach and Crystal Bay before returning.

Evening: Back in Jimbaran; light dinner or room service.

Day 10: Seminyak Return & Beach Relaxation

Morning: Transfer back to Seminyak (approx 1 hour). Check into a budget hotel like Capsule Hotel Bali or Villa Lilibel.

Afternoon: Chill at Double Six Beach and explore cafes.

Evening: Dinner at Warung Eny, a local favorite for authentic and affordable Balinese food.

Day 11: Cultural Day in Gianyar

Morning: Driver to Gianyar (approx 30 minutes) for traditional Celuk Village (silver jewelry) and Mas Village (wood carving).

Afternoon: Visit Taman Sari, a royal water garden with peaceful surroundings.

Evening: Return to Seminyak; casual dinner near the hotel.

Day 12: Beach & Sunset at Canggu

Morning: Transfer to Canggu (about 20 minutes) for a laid-back beach morning at Batu Bolong Beach.

Afternoon: Visit local cafes like Crate Café for lunch and explore street art.

Evening: Enjoy sunset at Echo Beach with vibrant beach bars.

Day 13: Waterfall & Coffee Plantations

Morning: Full day trip with driver (approx 1.5 hours) to Gitgit Waterfall, then visit nearby Balinese coffee plantations for tastings.

Afternoon: Lunch in a nearby warung with traditional dishes.

Evening: Return to Canggu or Seminyak for rest and dinner.

Day 14: Free Day & Shopping

Morning: Relax or revisit favorite spots like Seminyak Beach or markets.

Afternoon: Shopping at Beachwalk Shopping Center in Kuta for souvenirs and gifts.

Evening: Farewell dinner at Bambu Restaurant in Seminyak, known for authentic Balinese ambiance.

Day 15: Departure

Morning: Pack, last-minute stroll on the beach or hotel pool relaxation.

Afternoon: Transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport (approx 30 minutes from Seminyak) for departure.

Evening: Flight back home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Ubud Monkey Forest - 2 hours, approx $5 per person
• Tirta Empul Temple - 1.5 hours, $3 entry
• Tegalalang Rice Terraces - 2 hours, free (small donation suggested)
• Mason Elephant Park - 3 hours, approx $35 per person
• Gunung Kawi Temple - 1 hour, $2 entry
• Mount Batur Hike (optional) - 4 hours, $45 for guide and permit
• Toyabungkah Hot Springs - 2 hours, $5 entry
• Jimbaran Seafood BBQ - 3 hours, approx $20 per person
• Uluwatu Temple + Kecak dance - 2.5 hours, $10 total
• Nusa Dua Water Sports - 3 hours, $20-$40 depending on activity
• Nusa Penida Day Trip - full day, approx $60 per person including boat, guide, and driver
• Art Villages (Celuk & Mas) - 3 hours, free entry (shopping optional)
• Gitgit Waterfall & Coffee Plantation Tour - 6 hours, $40 per person with driver
• Local meals & cafes - Avg $5-$15 per meal
• Driver hire (daily) - Approx $45 per day when hired full day

Total estimated cost: approx $850-$1,000 per person (excluding flights)

Tips

If you want a more relaxed trip, consider extending your stay in Jimbaran or Ubud by a few days to enjoy more spa treatments and cultural performances at a slower pace. For a more adventurous itinerary, reduce time in beach areas like Jimbaran and Seminyak and add extra day trips to places like Mount Agung or snorkeling trips around Nusa Lembongan.