Bali is one of those destinations that is not too far from home, yet feels wonderfully different the moment you arrive. For me, Bali is beautifully dramatic, incredibly photogenic, and one of the places that many travelers keep returning to year after year. Bali is actually one of the 34 provinces of Indonesia, and many people may not realize just how big the island is. If you compare it with Phuket, Bali is roughly ten times larger. What makes Bali so unforgettable is not only its beaches and ancient temples, but also its distinct Balinese architecture and arts, from rumah adat, or traditional houses, to pura, Balinese Hindu temples, bale pavilions, and meru towers that resemble tiered shrines. All of them are so beautiful and culturally rich that I truly think everyone should see them with their own eyes at least once. Bali has such a clear identity, and it feels very different from other provinces in Indonesia.
Getting Around Bali
There are several ways to travel around Bali, but I have to say this first: most attractions on the island are quite far from one another. Driving from one place to the next can easily take more than an hour, and public transport around Bali is very limited. From my experience, these are the two options that work best for exploring Bali comfortably.
1. Hire a Private Car with Driver
Hiring a private car with a driver is one of the easiest options I recommend. You get to sit back comfortably, someone drives for you, and it also feels safer than renting a car or motorbike and driving by yourself. Finding a private car with driver in Bali is very easy too, as you can book one directly through Klook.
2. Rent a Car or Motorbike and Drive Yourself
Another option is renting a car and driving yourself. In Bali, there are both cars and motorbikes available for rent, so you can choose what you are most comfortable with. Personally, I would recommend renting a car. The process is very simple. On this trip, when I rented a car in Bali, I only had to show my Thai driving license with English information on it, and that was enough. The rental company did not ask me for an International Driving Permit. I personally like driving by myself because it gives me more freedom to go wherever I want without worrying about time limits. If you hire a car with a driver and accidentally go beyond the agreed hours, there will usually be an extra charge.
If you prefer something more adventurous and do not want to rent a car, renting a motorbike is also a faster way to get around. That said, please keep safety in mind. Many roads in Bali are narrow, and some routes can get very congested. If you are already confident riding motorbikes in busy cities, Bali should be manageable. Otherwise, take it slow and be careful.
Bali Itinerary
For anyone planning a trip to Bali, I recommend planning by area because each attraction is fairly far from the others, and driving can take several hours. Even though I planned this trip quite carefully, in reality, three places in one day already felt like the absolute limit. That is why it is important to divide your Bali itinerary by zones, whether that means the south, central Bali around Ubud, or the eastern side of the island, which is even farther away. This helps you make the most of your travel time. Ready? Let’s explore Bali together. This trip covers 6 full days, with temples, beaches, and iconic landmarks that I think are absolute must-visits when traveling in Bali.
| Day | Bali Itinerary |
| 1 | Ubud Area (Central Bali) |
| 2 | Central to North Bali |
| 3 | Central to West Bali |
| 4 | Uluwatu Peninsula (South Bali) |
| 5 | Nusa Penida Read the full review here
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| 6 | Nusa Penida Read the full review here
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| Hotels | |
| OTA Discounts |      |
Bali Day 1:
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
We started the first day in central Bali at Ubud, a district known as the artistic and cultural heart of Bali. It is one of the most popular places for travelers to visit, and even though Ubud is not by the sea, it is surrounded by nature and lush greenery. The moment you arrive in the area, the atmosphere already feels calm and refreshing.
The first place I’m taking everyone to is Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a forest sanctuary in Ubud that serves as both a natural habitat and a sacred place for Bali’s long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Inside the forest, there are three important temples: Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, Holy Water Temple, and Pura Prajapati. All of them sit within a rainforest filled with more than 100 species of plants.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is preserved according to the concept of Tri Hita Karana, a philosophy in Hinduism. The word “Tri” means three, “Hita” means happiness, and “Karana” means cause or action. Together, the phrase refers to the three ways to achieve spiritual and physical well-being. This philosophy emphasizes harmony between humans and God, between humans and other humans, and between humans and the environment.
To visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, you need to buy an entrance ticket first. You can buy it at the counter or book online through Klook, which can sometimes be cheaper. The ticket is 100,000 IDR on weekdays / 120,000 IDR on weekends (around US$6–7), and after that, you can walk straight into the sacred forest to meet the monkeys.
> Buy Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary tickets [Book via Klook]
The pathway leading into the sacred forest is lined with lush tropical trees, but what makes it even more interesting is the number of deity statues, stone carvings, and monkeys along the way. The whole place honestly feels like walking into a jungle dungeon from an adventure game. And of course, you will meet the local residents here: long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). There are so many of them, and Balinese people believe these monkeys are sacred, just like the temples and buildings inside the forest.
Next is Pura Prajapati, also known as the Cremation Temple, another temple where people come to pray to Brahma, the creator of the universe and all things in Hindu belief. The final temple is the Holy Water Temple, where people worship the goddess Ganga. The atmosphere here is different from the first two temples. There is a water pond with a monkey statue in the middle, surrounded by open stone pathways. It is believed that the sculptures in the Monkey Forest symbolize powers that support the spiritual energy of the temples.
Of course, the highlight of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is seeing so many monkeys scattered throughout the forest. Some sit together in groups, some lie around lazily, and some simply stare at people walking past. The rainforest itself, filled with many species of trees, is another reason this place is worth visiting. The greenery, the cool shade, the mystical atmosphere, the Balinese temples, and the old banyan trees that are believed to be over 100 years old all come together beautifully. This place has such a strong sense of Bali. It is definitely one of the attractions I think everyone should visit at least once when traveling in Bali.
TIS Restaurant
The original plan was to continue to Ubud’s famous rice terrace, Tegalalang Rice Terrace. But on the day I visited, the rain was pouring hard. If I had actually gone down into the rice terraces in that weather, I would have been completely ruined. The paths between the rice fields are made of soft, sticky soil, so once it rains, they turn muddy and slippery for sure. So I changed the plan and went to chill at a café called TIS Restaurant instead. This is a stylish Balinese café and restaurant with a really lovely atmosphere. The view is also amazing because you can see the green Tegalalang Rice Terrace stretching far into the distance without having to climb down into the fields. Honestly, just taking photos and enjoying the view from here already felt satisfying.
The atmosphere here is seriously beautiful. Apart from the rice terrace view, the restaurant design feels very Balinese, with bamboo architecture, a swimming pool extending toward the scenery, green gardens, and a swing that reaches out from the hillside. Everything is in one place. If you love taking photos, this is absolutely the right spot. Every corner photographs beautifully.
The food and drink menu has plenty of options, from fusion dishes, Western food, Asian dishes, Indonesian food, cocktails, smoothies, and coffee. I ordered Indonesian food, spaghetti carbonara, and satay, and everything tasted really good. The prices are moderate, not too expensive, so you can order several dishes and share them with friends. Very nice.
Pura Tirta Empul
Next, we continue to Pura Tirta Empul, a sacred spring water temple built around a large natural spring during the Warmadewa dynasty (962–1343). The name of the temple comes directly from the groundwater source: “Tirta” means holy water, and “Empul” means to gush out. This spring is the source of the Pakerisan River. The temple is divided into three areas: the outer courtyard (Jaba Pura), the central courtyard (Jaba Tengah), and the inner courtyard (Jeroan). It was built to honor Vishnu, the Hindu god, and today Pura Tirta Empul remains a sacred place where people come for rituals, while also being one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions.
Pura Tirta Empul was founded around a large spring during the Warmadewa dynasty, between the 10th and 14th centuries. The temple’s name comes from the sacred groundwater spring called Tirta Empul, which is also the source of the Pakerisan River. The temple is divided into three areas: Jaba Pura, Jaba Tengah, and Jeroan, and it was built to honor Vishnu, the Hindu god.
On this visit, I did not go into the sacred spring pool because I was too lazy to change clothes. Instead, I came to observe how the ritual is done and how people cleanse themselves here. Beside the sacred spring pool, there is an area where water flows out from the spouts, decorated with offerings and flowers above. Local people believe that bathing and cleansing themselves in the sacred spring helps purify the mind and wash away negative energy. I saw people queueing at each water spout, praying when their turn came, then cupping the water to drink, wash their faces, and cleanse their bodies. If you plan to join the purification ritual, the temple staff will ask you at the entrance whether you want to enter the pool. If you do, they provide the necessary items and lockers, so you do not need to prepare much by yourself.
Apart from the sacred spring pool, deeper inside the temple there is an inner courtyard filled with Balinese-style buildings and the iconic Balinese gates that many people are familiar with. This area is where local Balinese people come to pray and worship, giving the whole place a very strong Balinese spiritual atmosphere. I really liked it.
There is also a large koi pond inside the temple with so many koi fish. If you want to buy food to feed them, you can do that too. The fish here are really big and there are so many of them.
Personally, Pura Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s landmark attractions. Anyone planning a trip to Bali should include this temple. Beyond seeing the sacred spring, you also get to experience local culture, beliefs, and religious practices up close. For me, it is one of the Balinese temples most worth visiting.
Bali Day 2:
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
On the morning of day two, I started by driving about 50 kilometers north of Bali to visit one of the island’s most famous temples, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This is another important and very well-known Hindu temple in Bali. The temple sits on the shore of Lake Bratan, surrounded by water and mountain scenery, making the whole atmosphere feel almost like a painting.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple was built in 1633 and dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Balinese goddess of water. The main highlight is the water shrine with a tall tiered roof called a meru, made of layered thatch and rising 11 tiers high. It stands beautifully in the middle of the lake with intricately decorated walls. This is one of the most popular photo spots here. Locals also call it the “Balinese temple by the lake” because it looks as if the temple is floating on Lake Bratan.
This temple is so iconic and important that it was recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2012. It also appears on the 50,000 rupiah banknote, one of Indonesia’s high-value notes. Once you know that, how could you skip this place?
If you visit and want beautiful photos, I recommend renting a boat and taking photos from the lake with the water shrine in the background. The photos will look like something straight out of a celebrity Instagram feed. I have to admit, I did not rent a boat myself. I only watched other people taking photos from the shore, but honestly, it really did look beautiful.
If you do not rent a boat, like me, the best angle is to take photos from the shore with the temple and lake as the background. If you want to add more depth to your photos, look for flowers around the area and shoot through them. The result is genuinely beautiful and feels very Balinese. If that is still not enough, I recommend walking into the small lakeside lane nearby. You will find a path flanked by temple structures on both sides, and that spot also gives a raw, atmospheric Balinese feel.
Overall, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a famous temple that is genuinely beautiful. If you ask whether it is worth visiting, I would still say yes. Anyone traveling in Bali should consider driving up here, because it is one of the island’s signature landmarks. But if your only goal is to take a photo with the water shrine, and you do not want to spend nearly half a day traveling like I did, then you could also skip it. It is quite far from many other Bali attractions.
Leke Leke Waterfall
One of the most charming waterfalls in Bali, and one of the island’s most popular Instagram photo spots, has to be Leke Leke Waterfall. What makes Leke Leke Waterfall so beautiful is the way the water drops down between two tall rock cliffs, surrounded by a humid tropical forest full of lush greenery. Just seeing photos of it made me feel like I had to come see it in person. But before you reach a waterfall this beautiful, you do need a bit of adventure.
If you are driving here like I did and pin Leke Leke Waterfall on Google Maps, you will only be able to drive as far as a small village along the way. The road beyond that village toward the waterfall is very rough, narrow, and steep. So if you come by car, you will need to park there and take a local motorbike service operated by villagers who wait for tourists visiting the waterfall. Each motorbike takes only one passenger. I do not remember the exact price, but if I remember correctly, the round-trip motorbike transfer was around 36,000–45,000 IDR (around US$2–3) per person. The villagers will ride about 3 to 4 kilometers further in and drop you at the entrance. From there, you also need to pay the waterfall entrance fee, which is 50,000 IDR (around US$3). The person who drives you in will wait there until you come back out. If you are riding a motorbike around Bali by yourself, you can ride directly to this entrance point. I saw plenty of foreign travelers doing that.
From the ticket point, you still do not see the waterfall immediately. You need to walk into the forest for about 20 minutes. The trail to the waterfall is quite easy, with some uphill and downhill sections, plus a small bridge crossing a stream. Overall, the path is well prepared. You can simply follow it without worrying about getting lost, and the deeper you walk, the closer the sound of the water gets.
The first glimpse of Leke Leke Waterfall was genuinely impressive. The atmosphere felt refreshing and dramatic, with a tall, narrow waterfall pouring down through the gap between two high rock walls into a large pool below. Around the pool are layers of rocks, all wrapped in lush green forest. Once you see it, it makes complete sense why people make the effort to come here and take photos.
Luckily, when I arrived at the waterfall, there were not many people yet, so I managed to take quite a lot of photos. It was really great. After I finished taking photos, several groups of tourists started walking in, but overall it was still organized because everyone queued to take photos on the rock where the waterfall appears in the background. If you want to swim, it may be a little difficult because you might end up appearing in everyone else’s photos. That might be why I did not see anyone actually swimming. Most people really came just for the photos.
Bali Day 3:
Batu Karu Kopi
We started the new day with a fresh boost at Batu Karu Kopi, one of the most famous cafés in the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces area. The café is located halfway up Mount Batukaru at an elevation of 2,700 meters, and its highlights are seriously impressive. From the café, you can see the lush green valley of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces stretching endlessly into the distance. The surrounding area is also filled with more than 50 kinds of tropical vegetables and fruits that can be harvested throughout the year.
If you plan to visit Batu Karu Kopi, keep in mind that the café is located within the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces area. There is an entrance fee for the rice terraces, and if you do not pay it, you cannot reach the café. So if you are already planning to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, I really recommend stopping by this café as well.
I stopped at the café to recharge before walking through the rice terraces. The atmosphere around Batu Karu Kopi is open-air and decorated in a Balinese style with wooden furniture, from the tables and chairs to the pillars and raised roof, allowing the breeze to flow through the space all the time. It is a very relaxed café, perfect for sitting back and taking in the panoramic rice terrace view right in front of you. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and the café blends so naturally into its surroundings.
What makes this place special is its specialty coffee menu, which feels more distinctive than typical cafés in Bali. Their coffee drinks are created with carefully selected beans and special house recipes. Batu Karu Kopi also incorporates local Balinese desserts into some of its coffee creations. I ordered one, but honestly, I cannot remember the name. What I do remember clearly is the taste. It was a strong coffee topped with an Indonesian sweet, and the flavor was smooth and delicious. I also tried their local-style sourdough pancakes for 50,000 IDR (around US$3), made with a large piece of sourdough baked with berries, preserved fruit, and sugar. The taste was nicely sweet and tangy, served with rich palm sugar sauce that balanced everything beautifully.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
On the third day in Bali, I drove from the hotel to our first destination, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, one of the largest and most beautiful rice terraces in Bali. It is even recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. This area in Indonesia is filled with lush green rice terraces layered along the slopes of Mount Batukaru. The terraces sit at around 700 meters above sea level in Jatiluwih village, and more than 70% of the area is covered with terraced rice fields growing local Balinese rice varieties, known for their tall, elegant stems and beautiful rice grains.
The entrance fee for Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is 75,000 IDR (around US$5) per person, plus 5,000 IDR (less than US$1) per car. The main highlight is the five walking routes through the rice terraces, which vary in distance and duration. The red route is the Short Track, covering 1.5 kilometers and taking about 45 minutes. The purple route is a Medium Track, 2 kilometers long and taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. The yellow route is also a Medium Track, 2.3 kilometers long and taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. The blue route is the Long Track, 3.1 kilometers long and taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. For those who want a longer walk, the white Extra Track covers 5.5 kilometers and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. You can choose whichever route fits your time and energy.
I chose the purple route, which follows the red route for part of the way before turning left and looping to another side. After walking it myself, if I were to recommend one for anyone who does not have a lot of extra time, I would say the red route is already enough for the highlights here.
Foreign travelers visiting these rice terraces seemed genuinely amazed, and even for someone who has seen plenty of rice fields before, I still found this place impressive. The terraces stretch along the mountain slopes in long, flowing layers, giving the landscape a very different feeling from ordinary rice fields. Beyond the calming green scenery, you also get to see the real local Balinese way of life, with people farming, raising buffalo, and using small huts for resting during work. If you are worried about getting tired while walking, there are also small local shops along the paths selling drinks. Stopping for a cold smoothie in the middle of such beautiful scenery was honestly perfect.
ถ้าคิดว่ารีวิวนี้มีประโยชน์ เลี้ยงกาแฟก๊อตซักแก้วได้นะครับ 😆💙
จะได้มีแรงใจทำรีวิวออกมาให้ทุกคนได้อ่านเรื่อยๆ ครับ
Overall, if you want to see rice terrace views in Bali that feel grander than Tegalalang Rice Terrace, I recommend coming to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. For me, this is one of those places in Bali where the view looks almost too beautiful to be real. It feels like a painting. You also get to experience the local way of life and see something quite different from typical tourist areas. With several walking routes available, this place is especially great for people who enjoy walking and exploring. If you want to soak in a slow, peaceful, very Balinese atmosphere, go all in and try the 5-kilometer route.
Tanah Lot
The final stop of the day was Tanah Lot, located on the western side of Bali. The temple area sits on a headland extending into the sea, with a large rock formation where Tanah Lot itself stands. This temple is extremely famous. When the tide is high, Tanah Lot appears like a small temple island floating in the middle of the sea, and it is truly beautiful. Nearby, there is also Batu Bolong Temple, located on a rocky cliff about 100 meters away. Since the temple complex is quite spacious, I’ll walk everyone through the area one spot at a time.
Let’s start with Batu Bolong Temple. This temple stands on a high rocky cliff to the north within the Tanah Lot area, and you can walk there easily. Local people believe the temple was built as a place to pray for divine blessings. The atmosphere is peaceful, with a Balinese-style gate at the entrance and a shrine-like structure inside. From this temple area, you can look out across the sea as far as the eye can see.
Many tourists come to take photos around Batu Bolong Temple. Apart from the beautiful view, another distinctive feature is the rock base beneath the temple. The rock has a large hole running through it, creating a natural arch. This hole was formed by seawater erosion over time, as waves continuously crashed into the rock until parts of it collapsed. That makes this area one of the most photogenic spots in the complex. If you come around dusk, when the sun is about to set, the light shines through the opening under the rock and reflects on the waves rolling in and out. It looks almost like heaven on earth.
After enjoying the view, I walked over to Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s seven sea temples. It is one of the island’s most important cultural symbols and also one of the best places in Bali to sit and watch the sunset. The temple was built by Dang Hyang Nirartha, an important figure in Balinese history and a Hindu traveler. In the 16th century, he traveled along Bali’s southern coast and saw the beauty of this rocky island. He believed it was a sacred place and ordered a shrine to be built on the rock to worship Dewa Baruna, or Bhatara Segara, the god of the sea. That shrine eventually became Tanah Lot. Today, Dang Hyang Nirartha is also honored at this temple.
One interesting thing is that more than one-third of the rock formation you see today is actually made of artificial rock, blended very seamlessly with the natural rock. In 1980, parts of the temple’s cliff collapsed, and other areas of the island were deteriorating over time. The Japanese government lent the Indonesian government more than US$130 million to help restore the surrounding area. That is why artificial rock was used to repair and reinforce parts of the temple island. Honestly, I could hardly tell which parts were real and which were artificial. The restoration is very seamless.
I visited Tanah Lot in the evening so I could watch the sunset and walk around the lower rocks surrounding the temple. In the evening, the tide is often low, allowing visitors to walk down onto the rocky ground below. The exposed rocks form a wide basin-like area surrounded by high cliffs where the temple stands above. If you come during high tide, do not go down there, because the whole area will be filled with seawater and strong waves crashing against the rocks. That is when Tanah Lot appears like a temple floating on an island in the sea.
Bali Day 4:
Suluban Beach
We started day four at a place known as a paradise for surfers: Suluban Beach. This is one of the most unique beaches in Bali, hidden inside natural limestone cliffs. To reach the beach, you have to walk through narrow paths and squeeze between rock openings. The name Suluban Beach comes from the Balinese word “mesulub,” meaning to crouch or bow down. It describes the journey perfectly because before you reach the beach, you really do have to walk, crouch, and even duck through narrow gaps between the rocks.
When I visited, the tide was rising, and the waves were very strong. Every time the waves crashed into the cliffs, it was startling. Most tourists who come here have the same purpose: surfing. Suluban Beach is recognized as one of the world-class surf beaches, with waves ranging from 3 to 12 feet. If you are seriously coming to surf, I recommend visiting between April and August, which is Bali’s dry season and usually a great time for waves.
For me, I came mainly to enjoy the view and the sea. The fun part is exploring the rock openings that lead out to the beach. If you come during low tide, you can walk around and explore farther. If you swim here and want to shower or find somewhere to rest other than the beach, there is a pool area above Suluban Beach, but you need to pay an entrance fee. Overall, Suluban Beach is stunning, with clear water, dramatic cliffs, and a very unique atmosphere. If you come to Bali, this is a place worth visiting, and for surfers, it is absolutely not to be missed.
Uluwatu Temple
Next, we went to Uluwatu Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bali, located on top of a high cliff with the Java Sea as its dramatic backdrop. If watching the sunset at Tanah Lot was not enough, I recommend coming here too, because this is also known as one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Bali.
The history of Uluwatu Temple dates back to the 11th century. The temple was built on a 70-meter-high, or 230-foot, rock cliff jutting out into the sea. It was dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme god in Indonesian Hindu belief. There is also a legend that the rock forming the base of the temple was once part of a ship that turned into stone. Indonesians also believe this temple protects Bali from evil spirits.
After parking the car, I started walking along the ridge. The breeze was cool and refreshing. On one side was the vast sea stretching endlessly into the distance; on the other was a green coastal cliff line under a bright blue sky. It was the kind of atmosphere that impressed me from the very first step.
The atmosphere is beautiful, but let me warn you: the monkeys at this temple are seriously bold. Uluwatu Temple is home to long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and many light-colored monkeys, and they are famous for stealing visitors’ belongings. If you are wearing sunglasses, carrying a bag, holding drinks, or bringing snacks, keep everything secure. I recommend taking only what you really need from the car. These macaques are basically little thieves. If they see something tempting, they will run over and snatch it. The way to get your belongings back is usually to offer food in exchange. They are very smart. Scientists have even studied this behavior and found that the monkeys learned the idea of exchanging objects by observing humans. After seeing people trade things often enough, they remembered it and started doing the same.
Inside the temple area, you can walk around and admire the buildings at a relaxed pace. The main structure has a three-tiered raised roof and stands beautifully on the cliff. There are also several smaller structures placed around different parts of the temple, all built in a Balinese style. From the main temple area, you can enjoy a panoramic sea view. Once you have walked around and taken in the scenery, you can loop back out and follow the ridge to another side of the cliff. That area is an open-air amphitheater where the famous Kecak Dance is performed every day at 6 PM. This is one of the major highlights of Uluwatu Temple.
Of course, besides walking around the temple and enjoying the view, one of my main reasons for visiting Uluwatu Temple was to watch the Kecak Dance. If you plan to watch the performance too, I highly recommend booking tickets on Klook in advance, just like I did. The good thing about booking ahead is that you can show your E-ticket at the entrance and go straight in without wasting time queueing to buy tickets on-site. The line for walk-in tickets was very long, while those who had booked in advance could skip ahead and exchange their tickets quickly. I really recommend booking early.
> Buy Kecak Dance tickets [Book via Klook]
The Kecak Dance is probably one of the most famous performances in Bali. It features more than 50 performers retelling a story from the Ramayana, specifically the episode where Rama leads the monkey army to rescue Sita from Lanka. A group of male performers sit on the ground representing monkeys, wearing black-and-white checked cloth with red sashes and red hibiscus flowers. Instead of musical instruments, they create rhythmic sounds through powerful a cappella chanting. The main characters include Rama and Sita.
Before the performance starts, they hand out a leaflet explaining the story, because there is no spoken dialogue in the dance, and many of the audience members are international visitors who may not be familiar with the Ramayana. If you are worried about not understanding it, definitely read the leaflet first. The performance itself has a powerful, sacred mood created by the voices of around 50 men sitting in a circle, chanting loudly across the open space. Rama appears with dramatic makeup, dark clothing, and full ornaments, moving around in search of Sita, while Sita is also fully dressed and styled, moving through the scene as if calling for Rama to save her. The full performance takes around one hour. Personally, I thought it was wonderfully theatrical and unique. It is not something you can easily watch just anywhere. You really have to come here, and I think it is worth seeing with your own eyes at least once.
Another beautiful part is that the performance happens right around sunset. While watching the dance, you also get to see the sun slowly disappear into the sea in front of you. The view was incredibly beautiful and already worth the ticket. Overall, I really recommend coming here. The temple is beautiful, the atmosphere is excellent, and the Kecak Dance is truly valuable to experience in person.
Bali Days 5–6:
Nusa Penida
For days 5 and 6 of this Bali trip, I left Bali island and crossed over to Nusa Penida. Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Bali and is another place I think you should not miss when traveling in Bali. Because the island is mountainous, it is full of beautiful beaches and uniquely shaped cliffs. The most familiar one is probably the T-Rex-shaped cliff that often appears on Instagram, and yes, that is on Nusa Penida. The nature and sea here are truly stunning.
Read the full Nusa Penida review here
Where to Stay in Bali
Ume Sri Villas
The first place I stayed was Ume Sri Villas. If you like spacious, beautiful private pool villas, this is a place I recommend. It is a private pool villa in Ubud surrounded by green rice fields and equipped with everything you need. The villa covers more than 80 square meters and cost only around 1,300,000 IDR (around US$80) per night with breakfast included. For a private pool villa, that price is honestly very good.
One of the good things about Ume Sri Villas is its convenient Ubud location. It is only about 2 kilometers from Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and also makes it easy to travel to other Bali attractions. There is parking available for guests, though there is a small additional fee. Beyond the good location, Ume Sri Villas also offers excellent privacy. The villa walls are very high, so even if you walk around freely by the private pool, no one can see you.
The atmosphere of the pool villa feels like staying in a private house that is airy and comfortable. The high roof makes the space feel open and not cramped. Inside, the villa is decorated in wood, white, and gray tones, and it comes with all the facilities you need: a large comfortable bed, a long sofa corner for relaxing, a refrigerator, air-conditioning, television, and free Wi-Fi. My favorite part was the large open-air bathroom, decorated in a tropical Balinese style with plants and peace lilies blooming beautifully. There is also a skylight on the roof that brings in plenty of natural light. And of course, since this is a pool villa, the private pool in front of the villa is the highlight. It is a small pool where you can swim or simply soak and relax.
Breakfast is a combination of American and Indonesian styles, and you choose one set rather than having a buffet. The food tasted good, and you can definitely rely on it for breakfast. Overall, I was very impressed with Ume Sri Villas. For a private pool villa under 1,400,000 IDR (around US$85), it had everything I needed. It felt like renting a comfortable little home, and honestly, I could have stayed here all day without going anywhere and still been perfectly happy.
The Saren
Another pool villa I stayed at in Bali was The Saren. I booked one of the few pool villa rooms at this hotel. The atmosphere of The Saren is quite hip, with a slightly romantic mood, especially inside the pool villa. It is also located not far from Tanah Lot, making it very easy to drive there. If you are exploring central-west Bali, this is a good place to stay. Apart from the pool villa room I stayed in, the hotel also has other room types available. My pool villa cost around 1,200,000 IDR (around US$75) per night, which felt extremely worthwhile. It is the kind of price that is hard to find elsewhere for this type of room.
When you open the door into the pool villa, the entrance is enclosed by high walls filled with greenery, giving a lush and refreshing feeling from the moment you step inside. The room is decorated in a loft style with raw concrete and wood tones, creating a homey, slightly chic Balinese feel. What I really liked was how open and airy the room felt. Natural light enters beautifully through the glass walls, and every corner photographs well.
The facilities are complete too, with a large comfortable bed, refrigerator, and air-conditioning. Everything you need is there. The most striking part of the room is the open bathroom. The bathtub and rain shower are placed right in the middle of the room without much separation. Luckily, the dry toilet area is in a separate small room. The vibe is extremely romantic if you are staying with a partner, but if you come with friends or family, it might feel a little awkward because the bathing area is behind the bed, separated only by a large clear glass panel.
From the bedroom, you can open the door and step directly into the private pool. The pool size is just right for playing in the water or soaking. The wall on the pool side is not as high as the entrance wall, so you can look out toward the rice field view outside. It gives the feeling of swimming while looking over the fields. Breakfast is not included here, but the property has a café and restaurant at the front. If you do not feel like going out for food, you can eat there, though keep in mind that the restaurant is also open to outside guests.
Overall, The Saren is a very good place to stay. The pool villa room is extremely romantic and best suited for couples. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and the room I stayed in was very comfortable, almost like resting in the middle of nature. Everything was great, except that I would recommend this room mainly for solo travelers or couples. If you are traveling with friends, you can book one of the regular room types instead. Even if you are not in a pool villa, the property still has a shared swimming pool. Most importantly, the price is excellent value.
Sri Phala Resort & Villa
If you are planning to cross over to Nusa Penida, I recommend staying near the pier the night before your boat trip. It saves a lot of travel time in the morning. The night before I took the boat to Nusa Penida, I stayed at Sri Phala Resort & Villa. Its location is close to Sanur Beach pier and within easy walking distance, which made it a very convenient choice for catching the boat the next morning without rushing.
Sri Phala Resort & Villa is one of the hotels I found quite good because it is affordable and comfortable. The room has a large bed in the center, and the facilities are complete enough, including towels, a refrigerator, television, private bathroom, and a table and chairs on the balcony where you can sit and enjoy the breeze.
Overall, it was good and comfortable to sleep in. The best part was that I could wake up early and walk straight to the boat. The night before departure, you can tell the hotel reception that you have a morning boat, and they can prepare a boxed breakfast for you. I thought that was very thoughtful. If you want to book the same place, you can check it below.
Final Thoughts on Traveling in Bali
This 6-day, 5-night Bali trip was my return to the island, and it still left a strong impression on me. Bali has such a distinct style, culture, and art scene, and those elements appear almost everywhere I visited. Its nature is also not to be underestimated. The sea in Bali is stunning, with bright blue water and powerful waves that feel very much like Bali. The landscapes and attractions are grand, and the nature is incredibly lush. The only thing that made me pause a little was how locals seemed to charge small fees for almost everything they possibly could. Sometimes it did make me raise an eyebrow, but overall, real Balinese locals are genuinely lovely.
So if you are thinking of following this Bali itinerary, do not spend too long overplanning. I really want you to experience the real atmosphere for yourself. The photos may already look beautiful, but the real thing is even better. Lastly, if you have read all the way here and are planning your own Bali trip, I hope you have an amazing and joyful journey.
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