The following content is adapted from a travelogue shared by fellow traveler Feilin Huang:
This time, we chose Bali as our travel destination for a 6-day exploration journey. As a couple, we hoped to experience the local culture, natural scenery, and cuisine on this beautiful island. During our itinerary, we visited Seminyak Beach, the spectacular Nusa Penida, and the traditional Tampaksiring, with the assistance of a local driver to make our trip smoother. Let’s share the highlights of this journey!
Day 1
We arrived at the airport around 14:40. Since we had applied for an electronic visa in advance, the immigration process was very smooth, and the tourist tax was easily handled. Unfortunately, waiting for our luggage took an hour, which made us a bit anxious.
As Agus had something urgent come up, he asked his nephew Oddy to pick us up. First, Oddy took us to exchange money. Then, he quickly drove us to La Brisa so we could enjoy dinner before sunset.
After dinner, we visited the small market next door, Canggu Center, to soak up the lively local atmosphere.
More Canggu Food and Fun
Canggu is a hotspot on Bali that combines a relaxed atmosphere with trendy vibes. Not only does it boast stunning beaches, but it's also home to many unique cafes, creative restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a favorite among surfers and young travelers. Whether you're seeking natural scenery or looking to explore local culture, Canggu has something for everyone! Want to learn more about Canggu? Click here.
Canggu Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: Top 17 Canggu Stays You Can't Miss
- 16 Private Pool Villas in Canggu: Canggu Villa Recommendations You Can't Miss
- Luxury Resort in Canggu: Regent Bali Canggu
- 18 Family-Friendly Resorts with Kids Clubs in Bali: Best Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides and Playgrounds
- Bali Group Travel: Canggu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
🏠 We checked into our hotel in Seminyak for the first night, wrapping up a wonderful day.
Day 2
Today was packed with a full-day itinerary exploring the east and west routes of Nusa Penida, arranged by Agus, including lunch 🫶🏻.
Around 6:30, Agus arrived punctually at our villa to pick us up, took us to the harbor to collect our tickets, and guided us on how to proceed, ensuring we wouldn’t get lost 😌. Our day included visits to the stunning Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach. Although we had plenty of time, the trek down to the beaches was quite tiring for someone like me who doesn’t exercise regularly, especially given the poor path conditions—it felt like an adventure at times 😂.
Nusa Penida attractions (provided by Feilin Huang)
Nusa Penida Travel Guide
- 🏝️ Nusa Penida Attractions Guide
- 🍽️ Nusa Penida Dining with a View Guide
- 🤿 Nusa Penida Snorkeling Spots Guide
- 🏨 Nusa Penida Accommodation Guide
After returning to Sanur harbor in the afternoon, Agus took us for a massage session, which lasted about two hours. Thanks to the discount he negotiated beforehand, the price was significantly lower than the menu rate 👍.
🏠 We stayed overnight at a bamboo villa in Tampaksiring, Ubud, ending a fulfilling yet exhausting day.
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
Editor’s Note: Want to experience staying in an ethereal bamboo villa? Check out our recommended ‘11 Breathtaking Tree Houses/Bamboo Villas in Ubud’
Day 3
📍Penglipuran Village, ranked among the top three cleanest villages in the world. The morning sees relatively fewer tourists here, allowing us to quietly enjoy the local scenery.
Here, we also tried local specialties - salak (snake fruit), and Loloh Cemcem, which I found a bit hard to adapt to (similar to herbal tea). According to Agus, it’s made from coconut water and ground plant leaves, with a sweet and sour taste. While not bad, I really couldn’t get used to it. I recommend giving it a try if you have the chance 😆.
Loloh Cemchem
Editor’s Note: Loloh Cemchem is a traditional drink from Penglipuran Village. Cemchem leaves are one of the main specialties of Penglipuran Village. Local residents turn these leaves into fresh drinks that are beneficial to health.
This green health drink is often considered bitter. Many believe that cemchem leaves inherently produce a bitter taste when made into food. In fact, this is a misconception. You won’t feel bitterness when drinking Loloh Cemchem because palm sugar syrup balances out the bitterness.
During the preparation process, cemchem leaves are mixed with other plants like jatropha leaves, betel leaves, and coral tree leaves. These four types of leaves are crushed and then soaked in warm water. After that, cinnamon and palm sugar syrup are added to neutralize the bitterness of the leaves. To enhance the flavor, some sellers specifically add coconut meat. Adding ice makes it even more refreshing! It’s the best thirst-quenching drink in Bali’s hot weather. Your thirst will disappear instantly.
Loloh Cemchem is not only a refreshing drink but also offers multiple health benefits. For example, it can lower high blood pressure and improve digestive system issues. Because of these benefits, visitors to Penglipuran Village often try Loloh Cemchem. This drink is also easy to buy. Almost all residents of Penglipuran Village sell it, usually right in front of their homes. A bottle of Loloh Cemchem is also very affordable. So you can try it without worrying about the price.
📍During our free time, Agus took us to sample various types of coffee, including the famous Kopi Luwak💩. Unfortunately, we weren’t quite accustomed to this unique experience😅.
BJ4…
📍Next, we visited Pura Tirta Empul, where we had to wear sarongs to enter. We witnessed solemn traditional rituals and felt the profound religious atmosphere.
📍In the afternoon, we headed to Alas Harum Rice Terrace Club. Initially drawn by their pool and rice terrace swings, we arrived in the afternoon when it was quite crowded. The pool was packed like dumplings in a pot, which made me uncomfortable, so I didn’t go in. The actual experience didn’t quite meet our expectations, and I felt there could have been better options for the price🥲.
📍For dinner, Agus took us to a nearby restaurant to try pork ribs and dirty duck. However, these dishes didn’t quite agree with my roommate’s stomach🫠.
🏠We returned to our bamboo villa, ending a fulfilling day.
More Ubud Food and Fun
Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, attracts countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and rich traditional culture. It's the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you're exploring local traditions, enjoying natural beauty, or engaging in exciting outdoor activities, Ubud offers unique experiences that combine delicious food with stunning scenery! Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
Ubud Accommodation Themes
- 【Ubud Accommodation】Recommended Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Villa Recommendations】Private Pool Villas in Ubud: 20 Stunning Bali Villa Options
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreats: 10 Dreamy Options Combining Yoga Classes and Spiritual Relaxation
- Bali's 18 Best Kids Club Resorts｜Top Family-Friendly Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Group Travel: Private Ubud Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Day 4
📍The Lovina dolphin-watching trip was arranged by Agus🫶🏻. The night before, Agus drove us back to our villa, which was about a three-hour journey to his home. At 2:30 AM, he came to pick us up for the trip to Lovina, giving him barely an hour of sleep. He really went above and beyond🫠.
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
After waiting for quite some time in Lovina, we finally spotted a few adorable dolphins 🐬🐬. Although there weren’t many, the anticipation still lifted our spirits.
📍After the dolphin-watching, we headed to Tanah Lot Temple in Canggu. We arrived around noon, but due to the high tide, we couldn’t go down, so the crowd wasn’t as large as some online reviews had suggested.
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
Quick Reference:
Detailed Guide to Tanah Lot Temple: Tides and Nearby Attractions
Perhaps because we were too tired from waking up early, we only visited these two spots before returning to our villa in Seminyak to relax and enjoy some downtime.
Day 5
📍In the morning, we arrived at Pantai Batu Barak, a perfect spot for stunning photos, though it was quite crowded. Access requires paying a toll fee, and from the parking lot to the cliffside road, you’ll need to take an additional bus—so plan accordingly 🤣.
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
Editor’s note: For the latest updates on the new entry process for Pantai Batu Barak, click here.
📍At noon, we had lunch at Malini, where the breathtaking cliffside views left us in awe. Enjoying our meal with such scenery was truly delightful. While it wasn’t too crowded at midday, if you want a seat by the cliff, it’s best to book in advance, as those spots are usually fully occupied.
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
📍Next, we visited GWK Cultural Park, a grand and solemn park, though I found the ticket price a bit steep, so I didn’t go up to explore 🥲.
📍In the evening, we headed to Rock Bar to enjoy the sunset. Since we weren’t staying at Ayana, we had to pay a minimum spend fee.
It’s worth mentioning that shortly after we arrived at Rock Bar, the sun set—luckily, we didn’t have to wait in line. However, the place was packed with tourists soaking in the sunset. Once the sun went down, though, many people seemed to wrap up their plans, and the crowd thinned out quickly, leaving the atmosphere much more peaceful.
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
🏠 For our last two nights, we stayed at Ziva a Boutique Villa, which I highly recommend. Both the pool and the room left us thoroughly satisfied. The pool is spacious, giving us plenty of room to relax, especially in the evening when the atmosphere by the pool was incredibly soothing. The room was spacious and clean, with every detail meticulously attended to, allowing us to enjoy a high-quality rest environment during our trip. The only minor drawback was an issue with the hot water supply—it couldn’t fill the bathtub completely, and the shower’s hot water wasn’t very consistent. However, this small flaw didn’t detract from our overall positive experience, as the villa excelled in every other aspect.
A detailed introduction to Ziva a Boutique Villa is included in “22 Stunning Secret Gardens of Seminyak, Bali”. Don’t miss it if you’re planning a villa getaway in Seminyak!
Day 6
📍 Around 11:30, we headed to the supermarket and shops to buy souvenirs before making our way to the airport for our return flight ✈️.
Further reading: 【Reader Recommendations】Six Categories, Over 20 Bali Souvenir Recommendations: The Perfect Choices to Preserve Precious Memories
Unassuming street art, yet crafted by extraordinary masters!
(Provided by Feilin Huang)
Driver Recommendation
Our trip to Bali introduced us to an amazing driver — Agus Jon Devn. Here, we share our experience in an unprofessional but heartfelt manner. When it came to finding a driver, we contacted several beforehand, but Agus stood out with his quick responses, proactive attitude, and very reasonable pricing, making us feel reliable and at ease.
Agus Jon Devn (Provided by Feilin Huang)
Why Recommend Agus Jon Devn?
🫶🏻 Customized Itinerary Planning
Initially, we just gave Agus a rough idea of the places we wanted to visit. He immediately planned the most efficient route based on our needs. Moreover, he could adjust the itinerary on the fly if there were any changes, offering great flexibility and ensuring our plans weren’t disrupted. This made our journey relaxed and stress-free, without any pressure.
🫶🏻 Hidden Deals on Tours & Massages
Agus wasn’t just our driver—he also helped us book various tours and massages! Surprisingly, the prices were even lower than what we found online or on local menus. It felt like having an insider’s privilege, saving us quite a bit of money.
🫶🏻 Exceptional Time Management
Every time we scheduled a meet-up, Agus wasn’t just punctual—he often arrived early. This left us both amazed and a little embarrassed, as he was usually ready before us, waiting by the car with a smile when we arrived 🤣.
🫶🏻 Part-Time Guide & Cultural Ambassador
When we reached our destinations, Agus didn’t just stay in the car—he accompanied us into the sites, stepping in as a guide and enthusiastically sharing local culture and history. Even though our English wasn’t great and we struggled to understand everything, his passion still made us feel his deep connection to the land. However, it’s worth noting that a driver’s main job is driving, not guiding. If your driver doesn’t offer tour services, that’s completely normal; if they do, consider it a bonus!
🫶🏻 Shopping Bargain Assistant
While shopping at markets, Agus even helped us pick out fruits and negotiate prices with vendors. Often, we noticed that the initial prices quoted to us were lowered thanks to his intervention, making us feel like we had a shopping ally! 😆
🫶🏻 Unmatched Driving Skills
His driving skills were truly reassuring. I usually get car sick easily, but I slept soundly every time I was in Agus’s car, with no discomfort at all. Especially on the two days we stayed at a treehouse villa, where the roads were super narrow and winding—what might have been a challenge for most drivers was no problem for Agus. His skills were truly impressive! 👍👍
🫶🏻 Thoughtful Luggage Storage
One day we planned a day trip to an outer island, and Agus kindly let us store our luggage in his car so we could travel light without carrying bulky bags. Such thoughtful service really added value to our experience!
🫶🏻 Professional Photographer
Agus also acted as our photographer, excelling in both photos and videos, helping us capture many precious memories.
🫶🏻 Souvenir Shopping Expert
Whenever we mentioned souvenirs we wanted to buy, Agus was always attentive. When we passed by certain shops, he would stop to let us shop, and even once took the time to buy the cigarettes we mentioned wanting. His level of care truly touched us! 🥹
In summary, Agus Jon Devn wasn’t just a driver; he was like a thoughtful butler and friend during our trip. His professionalism, enthusiasm, and attentiveness made our Bali journey even more complete and worry-free. We’ll definitely hire him again the next time we visit Bali!
Contact Information for Jon Devn (Agus)
Our flight departed at 3:40 PM, and with hearts full of memories and a lingering affection for Bali, we concluded this unforgettable journey.
This trip to Bali was filled with exploration and surprises. I look forward to setting foot on this beautiful land again!
Bali Honeymoon & Couples Essentials:
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- Bali Ranked #1 Best Honeymoon Destination for 2026 — Why It Beats the Maldives
- World Travel Awards: Bali Named World's Most Romantic Destination
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- Bali Beats the Maldives as the World's #1 Romantic Destination
Did you find Feilin Huang’s itinerary exciting? Start planning your own Bali adventure now! We also welcome everyone to share their itineraries in our community!
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