7-Day Bali and Nusa Penida Adventure from Ubud

Day 1 · Wed, Sep 16
Ubud, Bali

Arrival and wellness in Ubud

  1. Ubud arrival and hotel check-in — Ubud center; settle in and leave luggage before exploring, early afternoon, ~1 hour.
  2. Saraswati Temple — Ubud center; admire the lotus pond and traditional architecture, mid-afternoon, ~45 minutes.
  3. Karsa Spa — Tegalalang; enjoy a peaceful massage in rice-field surroundings, late afternoon, ~2 hours.
  4. Campuhan Ridge Walk — Ubud; take an easy scenic sunset walk through the hills, early evening, ~1 hour.
  5. Locavore NXT — Ubud center; have a creative Indonesian tasting dinner, evening, ~2 hours, approximately IDR 500,000–1,000,000 per person.

Early Afternoon — Arrival and Check-in

Arrive in Ubud and check in at your hotel, allowing about an hour to drop luggage, freshen up, and settle in. If you are coming from another part of Bali, arrange a private car in advance; Ubud’s narrow central streets can be slow, and many hotels are reached via small lanes where cars cannot stop directly at reception. Keep valuables with you and ask the hotel about the easiest walking entrance.

Mid-Afternoon — Saraswati Temple

Walk to Saraswati Temple in central Ubud, ideally between 2:30 and 4:00 PM. The temple is known for its elegant Balinese gates and lotus pond, and 30–45 minutes is enough unless a ceremony is taking place. Entry is generally free, though modest clothing is expected; bring a sarong or borrow one at the entrance. From here, allow roughly 30–40 minutes by car to Karsa Spa in Tegalalang, depending on traffic. Reserve your massage ahead—appointments commonly last two hours and cost approximately IDR 500,000–1,200,000 per person depending on the treatment.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Karsa Spa, Campuhan Ridge Walk, and Dinner

After your treatment at Karsa Spa, return toward central Ubud and begin the Campuhan Ridge Walk around 5:30 PM, when the light softens and the path is cooler. The walk is free and takes about an hour at an easy pace; wear shoes with grip, as parts of the trail can be uneven. Finish at Locavore NXT for dinner, booking well in advance because its creative Indonesian tasting menu is popular. Allow around two hours and budget approximately IDR 500,000–1,000,000 per person before drinks. A short taxi or arranged hotel car is easiest between the ridge trail’s endpoint and the restaurant; avoid relying on parking directly beside the walk, as access is limited.

Day 2 · Thu, Sep 17
Ubud, Bali

ATV adventure near Ubud

  1. Bali ATV Adventure — Singapadu; ride through jungle, villages, rice fields, and waterways, morning, ~2 hours.
  2. Tegenungan Waterfall — Kemenuh; cool off beside one of southern Bali’s most accessible waterfalls, early afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  3. Goa Gajah — Bedulu; explore the historic Elephant Cave complex, mid-afternoon, ~1 hour.
  4. Ubud Art Market — Ubud center; browse handicrafts and textiles, late afternoon, ~1 hour.
  5. Hujan Locale — Ubud center; enjoy modern Indonesian dishes for dinner, evening, ~1.5 hours, approximately IDR 200,000–400,000 per person.

Morning — ATV adventure in Singapadu

Start with Bali ATV Adventure in Singapadu, ideally with an 8:00–9:00 AM pickup or arrival. The drive from central Ubud usually takes 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic; most operators include hotel transfers, but confirm this when booking. Allow around two hours for the ride, including safety briefing and changing time. The route is much more varied than a simple dirt-track circuit, passing jungle, village lanes, rice fields, and shallow waterways. Wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting muddy, and bring a waterproof phone pouch, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Expect roughly IDR 700,000–1,200,000 per person, depending on whether you choose a shared or private ATV and whether transfers are included.

Early Afternoon — Waterfall and temple history

After rinsing off and having lunch near Singapadu or Kemenuh, continue about 20–30 minutes to Tegenungan Waterfall. Visit around 1:00 PM, when the morning crowds have often thinned slightly, though the waterfall will still be lively. The viewpoint and lower pool involve stairs, and swimming conditions can change after rain, so follow local signage rather than going directly beneath the strongest flow. Entry is usually around IDR 20,000–30,000 per person, with small additional fees for parking or changing facilities. Spend about 90 minutes here before driving 15–20 minutes north to Goa Gajah in Bedulu. The archaeological complex is open roughly 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees, and borrow a sarong at the entrance if needed. Allow an hour to see the cave, bathing pools, stone carvings, and shaded paths. Admission is generally around IDR 15,000–30,000 per person.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Market browsing and dinner

From Goa Gajah, head to Ubud Art Market in the town center, normally a 15–25-minute drive but potentially longer during afternoon traffic. Arrive around 4:30 PM, when the heat is easing and the stalls are still active. Browse woven bags, batik, woodcarvings, and lightweight souvenirs, and bargain politely—start around half the first quoted price and settle somewhere reasonable. Because central Ubud roads are congested and parking is limited, ask your driver to drop you near the market and arrange a pickup point away from the busiest lanes. Finish with dinner at Hujan Locale, a short walk or brief ride from the market. Reserve ahead for a 7:00 PM table; the restaurant focuses on creative Indonesian cooking, with dinner typically costing IDR 200,000–400,000 per person before drinks. Afterward, return to your hotel by prearranged driver or a ride-hailing pickup point outside the pedestrian-heavy center.

Day 3 · Fri, Sep 18
Sidemen, Bali

River tubing and rafting in Sidemen

Getting there from Ubud, Bali
Private car with driver via the Amlapura/Sidemen route (1.5–2 hours, approximately IDR 400,000–700,000). Depart around 7:30 AM, as planned, to reach the Telaga Waja rafting area on time. Book through your hotel, Traveloka, or local driver apps such as GoJek/Grab where available.
GrabCar/GoCar (approximately IDR 250,000–400,000, availability less reliable in Sidemen).
  1. Ubud to Sidemen by private car — Ubud–Sidemen; depart around 7:30 AM and allow roughly 1.5–2 hours, with parking arranged at the rafting operator.
  2. Telaga Waja River Rafting — Rendang, Sidemen area; combine white-water rafting with riverside scenery, morning, ~3 hours.
  3. Sidemen rice-field walk — Sidemen village; take a relaxed walk among valleys and traditional farms, afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  4. Gembleng Waterfall — Sidemen; swim in natural pools and enjoy valley views, late afternoon, ~1 hour.
  5. Warung Damuh — Sidemen; have a casual Indonesian dinner overlooking the countryside, evening, ~1.5 hours, approximately IDR 75,000–200,000 per person.

Morning — Telaga Waja River Rafting

Leave Ubud around 7:30 AM with your prearranged driver and allow 1.5–2 hours to reach Telaga Waja River Rafting near Rendang, in the Sidemen area. The route becomes increasingly rural, so this is a good morning to keep breakfast light and bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, and a dry change of clothes. Confirm that your rafting operator has parking, hotel pickup details, insurance, and a place to store valuables before you set off.

The rafting experience usually takes about three hours, including safety instructions and changing time. Expect a lively stretch of white water, small cascades, jungle-covered banks, and views of eastern Bali’s valleys rather than a polished theme-park ride. Most operators provide helmets, life jackets, paddles, and lunch or refreshments; prices commonly fall around IDR 350,000–700,000 per person, depending on the package. Wear secure sandals or water shoes—flip-flops are easily lost.

Afternoon — Sidemen Rice Fields and Gembleng Waterfall

After rafting, have a relaxed lunch near the river or in Sidemen village, then take a 1.5-hour walk through the surrounding rice fields. Ask your driver or a local guide to begin near the village lanes rather than attempting to navigate solely by map, as paths often cross farmyards and irrigation channels. The walk is most enjoyable at an unhurried pace: you’ll pass traditional compounds, working fields, and broad views toward the hills. A small local guide fee of roughly IDR 100,000–200,000 is reasonable if you want help finding the best route.

Continue by car to Gembleng Waterfall, allowing around 20–30 minutes depending on your walking-route finish. The short approach includes steps, and the natural pools are refreshing after rafting, though surfaces can be slippery and water levels vary after rain. Plan about an hour here, bring modest swimwear, and avoid jumping unless local conditions clearly make it safe. Entry is generally a small donation or around IDR 20,000–50,000 per person.

Evening — Countryside Dinner

Finish at Warung Damuh, where you can settle in for a casual Indonesian dinner with views over the Sidemen countryside. Order local staples such as nasi goreng, mie goreng, grilled chicken, or vegetable dishes to share; expect approximately IDR 75,000–200,000 per person. It is worth arriving before full darkness if you want to appreciate the landscape, although the cooler evening air is part of the appeal. Arrange your return car in advance—ride-hailing availability is limited in Sidemen—and keep a light jacket handy for the drive back.

Day 4 · Sat, Sep 19
Canggu, Bali

Spa retreat and panoramic cafe in Canggu

Getting there from Sidemen, Bali
Private car with driver via Klungkung–Gianyar–Canggu (2.5–3.5 hours, approximately IDR 600,000–900,000). Leave around 8:00 AM; traffic near Kerobokan and Canggu can substantially extend the journey. Book through your hotel, Traveloka, or a prearranged local driver.
GrabCar/GoCar (approximately IDR 350,000–600,000; less dependable for pickup in rural Sidemen).
  1. Transfer from Sidemen to Canggu — Sidemen–Canggu; leave around 8:00 AM and allow 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic, with hotel luggage drop-off.
  2. Bali Countryside Cycling and River Tubing — Canggu-area countryside; choose a gentle tubing or cycling experience if available, late morning, ~2 hours.
  3. Desa Potato Head — Petitenget; relax by the beach and enjoy its design-focused beachfront setting, afternoon, ~2 hours.
  4. Spring Spa — Canggu; schedule a restorative massage or body treatment, late afternoon, ~1.5–2 hours.
  5. The Lawn Canggu — Canggu beachfront; enjoy sunset drinks and ocean views from a rooftop-style beach venue, sunset, ~1.5 hours.
  6. The Avocado Factory — Canggu; have a casual dinner or dessert, evening, ~1 hour, approximately IDR 100,000–250,000 per person.

Morning — Arrive in Canggu and ease into the countryside

Leave Sidemen around 8:00 AM with your private driver for Canggu, allowing roughly 2.5–3.5 hours via Klungkung and Gianyar. Traffic usually builds around Kerobokan, so keep the morning flexible rather than booking anything time-critical. After arriving, drop your luggage at your Canggu accommodation; if your room is not ready, most hotels will store bags. Have a light breakfast or coffee before joining Bali Countryside Cycling and River Tubing, a gentle late-morning experience of about two hours. Confirm whether cycling, tubing, transfers, footwear, and towels are included, and bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.

Afternoon — Beach club relaxation at Petitenget

After the countryside activity, take a car toward Petitenget, usually 25–45 minutes from Canggu depending on traffic, and spend the afternoon at Desa Potato Head. Its beachfront pool, striking architecture, and relaxed creative atmosphere make it a good place to slow down after the transfer day. Plan around two hours for a swim, a drink, and a late lunch; food and drinks commonly range from approximately IDR 100,000–300,000 per person depending on what you order. Check the venue’s current pool and day-visitor policy before going, especially on weekends, and bring a card as well as some cash for smaller local purchases.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Massage, sunset, and dinner

Return to Canggu for a late-afternoon treatment at Spring Spa, allowing 1.5–2 hours for check-in and a massage or body treatment. Reserve ahead, as popular time slots often fill quickly; arrive 10–15 minutes early and avoid scheduling a treatment immediately after a heavy meal. Afterward, head to The Lawn Canggu for sunset drinks and ocean views. It is best reached by car or scooter taxi rather than on foot from most parts of Canggu, and sunset seating can be limited, so make a reservation if you want a prime beachfront spot. Finish with a casual dinner or dessert at The Avocado Factory, budgeting roughly IDR 100,000–250,000 per person. The venues are close by Canggu standards, but allow extra time for one-way traffic and evening congestion around Batu Bolong and Berawa.

Day 5 · Sun, Sep 20
Toyapakeh, Nusa Penida

Transfer to Nusa Penida

Getting there from Canggu, Bali
Private car to Sanur plus Eka Jaya fast boat to Toyapakeh (about 3–4 hours total: 45–75 minutes to Sanur, check-in, and 45–60 minutes by boat; approximately IDR 450,000–750,000 per person including boat and car). Leave Canggu around 6:00 AM for a morning sailing. Book the boat on 12Go or the operator’s website, and arrange the Sanur transfer through your hotel or Grab.
Scoot Fast Cruises or Maruti Express from Sanur (similar duration and cost; compare sailing times and Toyapakeh availability on 12Go).
  1. Sanur to Toyapakeh fast boat — Sanur–Nusa Penida; leave Canggu around 6:00 AM, arrive at Sanur harbor by about 7:00 AM, and allow roughly 45 minutes for the crossing; confirm tickets and arrive early.
  2. Toyapakeh Harbour — Toyapakeh; meet your driver and arrange luggage transfer after arrival, late morning, ~30 minutes.
  3. Crystal Bay — Nusa Penida west coast; swim or snorkel in a scenic bay if sea conditions are calm, late morning, ~1.5 hours.
  4. Kelingking Beach viewpoint — west Nusa Penida; see the island’s famous T-rex-shaped headland without attempting the steep descent, afternoon, ~1 hour.
  5. Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach — west Nusa Penida; visit two dramatic coastal formations close together, late afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  6. Penida Colada Beach Bar — Toyapakeh; have a relaxed sunset dinner near the harbor, evening, ~1.5 hours, approximately IDR 150,000–300,000 per person.

Early Morning — Canggu to Toyapakeh Harbour

Leave Canggu at around 6:00 AM for Sanur Harbour, allowing extra time for traffic and the fast-boat check-in. Aim to be at the operator’s counter at least 45–60 minutes before departure; keep passports, tickets, and valuables in a waterproof day bag, as boarding can involve a short walk through shallow water. The crossing to Toyapakeh Harbour usually takes about 45–60 minutes, though sea conditions can affect the schedule. Once you arrive, meet your prearranged driver, load your luggage, and take a quick break—there are small warungs and convenience shops around the harbor, but facilities are basic.

Late Morning — Crystal Bay

Drive west to Crystal Bay, generally 30–45 minutes from Toyapakeh depending on road conditions. Spend about 1½ hours swimming or snorkeling only if the water is calm and local staff confirm conditions are safe; currents can be surprisingly strong here. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and cash for the small entrance and parking fees, usually around IDR 10,000–25,000 per person. A coconut or simple snack from one of the beach stalls is enough before continuing—save a proper meal for later, as the west-coast viewpoints have limited food options.

Afternoon — Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach

Continue by car to Kelingking Beach viewpoint, allowing roughly 30–40 minutes. The approach is bumpy and the viewpoint becomes crowded, so stay behind the barriers and skip the very steep descent to the beach; it is exhausting, exposed, and not practical on a transfer day. From there, your driver can take you to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach, around 25–35 minutes farther along rough roads. The two formations are connected by a short, uneven walking path and together take about 1½ hours. Wear proper shoes, avoid standing close to cliff edges, and do not enter the natural pool unless local conditions and signage clearly allow it.

Evening — Dinner at Penida Colada Beach Bar

Return toward Toyapakeh for sunset and dinner at Penida Colada Beach Bar, usually about 45–60 minutes from the west-coast sites, depending on traffic. Expect approximately IDR 150,000–300,000 per person for a relaxed meal and drinks; confirm the kitchen’s closing time when you arrive, since schedules can change with boat traffic and the season. This is a good place to slow down after a long road day, but arrange your hotel transfer in advance rather than relying on a late-night ride-hailing pickup.

Day 6 · Mon, Sep 21
Nusa Penida, Bali

Scuba diving around Nusa Penida

Getting there from Toyapakeh, Nusa Penida
No intercity transfer is needed: Toyapakeh is a harbor area on Nusa Penida. Use a prearranged private car or scooter for island transport. For the early dive briefing, arrange a driver through the dive center or hotel; typical short transfers cost IDR 100,000–250,000, while a full-day car with driver costs about IDR 600,000–900,000.
Rental scooter, approximately IDR 75,000–150,000 per day, only if experienced riding on steep, uneven Nusa Penida roads.
  1. Nusa Penida dive center briefing — Toyapakeh; complete equipment checks and dive planning, early morning, ~1 hour.
  2. Manta Point — southwest Nusa Penida; dive with experienced operators in a renowned manta area, morning, ~1 hour underwater plus transfers.
  3. Crystal Bay dive site — west Nusa Penida; enjoy a second dive subject to currents and seasonal conditions, late morning, ~1 hour underwater plus surface interval.
  4. Nusa Penida viewpoint drive — central island; recover with a scenic drive through the island’s hills, afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  5. Warung NG — Sampalan; eat a casual Indonesian seafood or local dinner, evening, ~1.5 hours, approximately IDR 75,000–200,000 per person.

Early Morning — Dive briefing and Manta Point

Arrange a private driver through your dive center for the early transfer from Toyapakeh to its Nusa Penida briefing point; allow roughly 30–60 minutes depending on the operator and sea conditions. Complete your equipment check, paperwork, and current briefing in about an hour, then head by dive boat toward Manta Point. The boat journey can be bumpy, so take motion-sickness medication before departure if you are prone to seasickness. The dive usually lasts around an hour, but sightings are never guaranteed, and strong surge or currents may mean the captain changes the exact site for safety.

Late Morning — Crystal Bay dive

After a surface interval with water and a light snack, continue to Crystal Bay, generally reached by boat from the southern dive area. This second dive is also about an hour underwater and depends on your certification, experience, visibility, and the day’s currents—do not plan strenuous sightseeing immediately afterward. Confirm that your operator follows the recommended no-fly interval; after two dives, wait at least 18–24 hours before flying. Expect a full morning on the water, with return to the harbor area around midday or early afternoon. Two recreational dives commonly cost approximately IDR 1,200,000–2,000,000 per person, including tanks and basic equipment; check whether marine-park fees and hotel transfers are extra.

Afternoon — Scenic drive through central Nusa Penida

Have a driver collect you after the dive and take a relaxed 1.5-hour route through the island’s central hills rather than attempting to ride yourself while tired. The interior roads are steep, narrow, and uneven, with limited lighting; a full-day car and driver typically costs IDR 600,000–900,000, while a short transfer is about IDR 100,000–250,000. Keep this as a scenic recovery drive—stop briefly at safe roadside viewpoints, stretch your legs, and return to your accommodation for a shower before dinner.

Evening — Dinner at Warung NG, Sampalan

Continue toward Sampalan for dinner at Warung NG, a casual choice for Indonesian dishes and seafood. Allow around 1.5 hours and budget approximately IDR 75,000–200,000 per person, depending on your seafood order. Ask what was freshly prepared that day, and carry cash because smaller island restaurants may have unreliable card facilities. Prearrange the return ride with your driver rather than relying on a late scooter journey; after a long dive day, the island’s dark, rough roads are best avoided.

Day 7 · Tue, Sep 22
Nusa Penida, Bali

Underwater walking and return to Ubud

  1. Underwater Sea Walking Nusa Penida — Toyapakeh; experience helmet-assisted underwater walking, morning, ~2 hours; confirm availability and sea conditions in advance.
  2. Banah Cliff Point — southern Nusa Penida; enjoy a quieter coastal viewpoint after the activity, late morning, ~1 hour.
  3. Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple — Suana; visit the remarkable temple inside a large limestone cave, early afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
  4. Giri Teja Restaurant and Bar — Sampalan; have a final island lunch with ocean views, afternoon, ~1 hour, approximately IDR 100,000–250,000 per person.
  5. Nusa Penida to Sanur, then transfer to Ubud — depart Toyapakeh around 3:00–4:00 PM for the fast boat, allow ~45 minutes on the water plus 1.5–2.5 hours by car to Ubud; prearrange a driver and allow extra time for harbor and traffic delays.

Morning — Underwater sea walking at Toyapakeh

Start early at Toyapakeh for your helmet-assisted underwater walk, allowing around two hours including briefing, changing, and transfers. Confirm the exact meeting point and departure time the day before, since sea conditions can affect operations. The activity is usually suitable for beginners, but bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and a dry bag; expect roughly IDR 700,000–1,200,000 per person depending on the operator and inclusions. Afterward, rinse off and allow a little time for breakfast or coffee before heading south by prearranged car—this is much more comfortable than riding a scooter with wet clothes and beach gear.

Late Morning — Coastal views at Banah Cliff Point

Drive toward Banah Cliff Point, allowing approximately 45–60 minutes from the harbor area on the island’s winding roads. Spend about an hour taking in the dramatic limestone coast and offshore rock formations; the viewpoint is relatively quiet compared with the island’s better-known western stops, but there is little shade, so carry water and wear shoes with a good grip. Avoid standing too close to the unfenced edges, especially if it is windy. From here, continue east toward Suana for your afternoon temple visit.

Afternoon — Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple, lunch at Giri Teja Restaurant and Bar, and return to Ubud

At Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple, you will squeeze through a narrow entrance before entering a vast limestone chamber used for Hindu ceremonies. Dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees; sarongs are generally available at the entrance, and a small donation is customary. Allow about 1½ hours, including the approach and quiet time inside. Continue to Giri Teja Restaurant and Bar in Sampalan for a relaxed final island lunch, budgeting around IDR 100,000–250,000 per person and allowing roughly an hour. Plan to leave for Toyapakeh by about 2:30 PM for a 3:00–4:00 PM fast boat to Sanur; arrive with your ticket ready and keep luggage protected from spray. The crossing takes around 45 minutes, after which your prearranged driver should meet you at the harbor. Allow another 1½–2½ hours to Ubud, depending on evening traffic, and confirm whether the driver is collecting you from the beach landing area or the designated port exit.

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