The following content is adapted from group member Gao Rongfan’s shared travelogue:
11 Days 10 Nights Bali Free-and-Easy In-Depth Travelogue
Itinerary Overview
- Dates: Wednesday, January 1, 2025 to Saturday, January 11, 2025
- Airfare: China Airlines, approximately USD$858 for 2 people
- Accommodation:
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- Ubud: Bhuwana Ubud Hotel, 5 nights total USD$262, enjoy the tranquility of the jungle and bird songs.
- Jimbaran: Anja Jimbaran, 5 nights total USD$290, a 5-minute walk to the beach, experience the charm of golden sunsets and the sound of waves.
- Other Expenses:
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- Tourism Tax: USD$21 for 2 people
- Health Declaration Form: Fill out on the day of departure, URL: Health Declaration Form
- Customs Form: 1 per family, URL: Indonesia Electronic Customs Declaration
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Counter processing, USD$68 for 2 people, approximately 30 minutes
- Airport Pickup: Klook Booking, USD$25
- Airport Drop-off: Free transfer to the airport by private car driver
Quick Reference:
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (January 1, Wednesday) — Arrival in Bali, Start of Vacation Mode
At 6 PM, we arrived at our Ubud hotel, officially starting this journey. Bali’s night is filled with tropical charm, with a faint floral scent in the air, instantly making us feel relaxed and joyful. After dropping off our luggage, we walked out to the bustling streets for dinner, with many restaurants to choose from. We rested early to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Check out our stay: Bhuwana Ubud Hotel
Day 2 (January 2, Thursday) — Jungle Exploration and Rafting Adventure
ATV Ride and Rafting Experience
- Meeting Time: 9:15 AM
- Why We Recommend It: Perfect for adventure seekers!
In the morning, we drove ATVs through jungles, rice fields, and small streams. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, and the instructors patiently guided us on safety, making it easy even for beginners. Next, we headed to the river for rafting, which lasted about 2 hours. We recommend wearing light clothing or swimwear, as you’re guaranteed to get wet! During the rafting, the lush tropical rainforest views along the blue river were mesmerizing, and we even spotted monkeys jumping in the trees—a delightful surprise.
ATV / Rafting won’t flip
Interestingly, one of our fellow travelers wore high heels for rafting, which was quite amusing!
🏎️ Bali ATV Activity ▶Klook Discount
🚣 Bali Rafting Activity ▶Klook Discount
Day 3 (January 3, Friday) — Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour
Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour
Cost: USD$141 for 2 people (booked via Klook)
Meeting Time: 2:50 AM
The highlight of the day was the Mount Batur sunrise tour. We rode in a jeep through rugged mountain roads, admiring the starry sky along the way. Upon reaching the summit, the sky gradually brightened, and as the sun slowly rose, the entire island of Bali was bathed in warm morning light—a truly breathtaking sight.
Volcano sunrise / Black volcanic lava
Tip: Remember to wear a long-sleeved jacket, as the early morning temperatures at the summit are quite chilly. We only wore short sleeves and shorts at the time and were shivering from the cold, but this experience became an unforgettable memory for us.
🌋 Mount Batur Sunrise ▶Klook Discount
Day 4 (January 4th, Saturday) — Exploring Ubud’s Culture and Markets
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Ubud Palace
The fare is approximately USD$4 for a 20-minute ride, allowing you to experience the artistic beauty of Bali’s traditional architecture.
Ubud Market
Within walking distance, the market offers handmade crafts, clothing, and accessories worth purchasing, with room for negotiation.
Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace)
The entrance fee is around IDR 140,000, where the lake reflects the traditional architecture, creating a picturesque postcard-like scene.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The entrance fee is USD$16 for about an hour of exploration. The monkeys are quite mischievous, so remember to keep your belongings secure.
On this day, we deeply immersed ourselves in Ubud’s cultural atmosphere, capturing numerous stunning photos and leaving with a sense of fulfillment.
🐒 Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud Ticket ▶ Klook Discount
Day 5 (January 5, Sun) — Bali Safari & Marine Park
Bali Safari Zoo
Ticket Price: USD$98 per person (credit card payment)
Itinerary Time: Depart at 9 AM, return at 4 PM
Wildlife Safari
Bali Safari Zoo is a perfect destination for families and animal lovers. We spent an entire day exploring the park. In addition to seeing large animals like elephants and lions, there are many interactive activities such as feeding giraffes and taking photos with tiger cubs. The safari bus tour was particularly impressive, allowing us to observe various animals up close.
Families with children are highly recommended to include this in their itinerary - the kids will absolutely love it. The zoo also offers good dining options. After lunch, we continued exploring until 4 PM when we reluctantly returned to our hotel.
🦒Bali Safari Zoo Tickets▶Klook Discount
Editor’s Note: Next to Bali Safari Zoo, a new marine park will open in 2025. For details, see here
Day 6 (January 6, Monday) - Nature & Culture Tour: Ulun Danu Temple, Tirta Empul Temple & Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Entrance Fee: USD$10
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Ubud hotels
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple / Super Soft and Adorable Civets
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a must-visit destination. This temple is situated by the lake, with its clear waters reflecting the serene surroundings, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a fairy tale. We also experienced holding and feeding civets for photos here—these little creatures are incredibly cute and perfect for capturing memories with family or friends. On-site, you can also try civet coffee, priced at around USD$5 per cup. Its rich aroma makes it a unique and unforgettable experience!
🏞️ Explore Ulun Danu Beratan Temple ▶Klook Deals
Tirta Empul Temple
Entrance Fee: USD$7
Tirta Empul Temple is one of Bali’s famous religious sites, where many locals come to perform purification rituals. Although we didn’t participate in the holy water bathing, simply observing the locals’ rituals allowed us to feel the profound religious atmosphere. If you’re particularly interested in religious culture, this place is worth a visit; however, if time is limited, it can be adjusted based on your schedule.
🛕💦🙏 Experience Tirta Empul Temple’s Purification Rituals and the Fusion of Nature and Culture ▶Klook Deals
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Admission Fee: USD$7
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
In the afternoon, we headed to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces at Alas Harum, one of Bali’s most iconic natural landscapes. The cascading rice paddies resembled a masterpiece painted by nature. We spent the entire afternoon here, capturing countless beautiful photos and leisurely strolling along the paths between the fields, soaking in the tranquility of nature. Although our planned jungle swing experience in Ubud was canceled due to the rain, the breathtaking scenery of the terraces made the visit entirely worthwhile.
🌾🏞️🍃 The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are a must-visit spot in Bali, with their lush greenery and stunning sunset views that will leave you enchanted! ▶Klook Deals
More Ubud Food and Fun Guide
Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, captivates countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and rich traditional culture. Boasting magnificent temples, charming art markets, and abundant yoga and meditation experiences, Ubud is an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether exploring local traditions, enjoying natural beauty, or engaging in exciting outdoor activities paired with unique culinary and scenic experiences, Ubud promises unforgettable moments! Want to learn more about Ubud travel tips? Click here.
Dinner: Jimbaran Beach Restaurant
Cost: USD$44
After our visit to the terraces, we made our way to Jimbaran Beach for dinner. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, we savored fresh seafood dishes, making this romantic meal the perfect end to the day.
Quick Reference:
9 Recommended Seafood Restaurants in Jimbaran, Bali: No Regrets
Day 7 (January 7, Tuesday) — Tanah Lot Temple and Cliffside Bar Sunset
Tanah Lot Temple
Entrance Fee: IDR 150,000
In the morning, we set off early to avoid traffic and arrived smoothly at Tanah Lot Temple. This structure sits on a rock in the sea, surrounded by water during high tide, offering a breathtaking and unique view. It’s an unmissable landmark in Bali. We took many photos, appreciating the beauty of nature and religion intertwined.
🛕🌊🌅 Tanah Lot Temple, Bali’s must-visit sunset sanctuary, offering breathtaking sea views and a religious atmosphere ▶Klook Discount
Quick Reference:
Tanah Lot Temple Ticket Prices, Low Tide Times, and Nearby Attractions
Lunch: Babi Guling (Roast Pork)
Cost: USD$10
At noon, our driver took us to a local-recommended Babi Guling restaurant. The pork was crispy on the outside and tender inside, paired with Bali’s special spicy sauce—absolutely delicious! This hidden gem is known only to locals and comes highly recommended.
Rock Bar
Minimum Spend: Approximately USD$45 per person (redeemable for food and drinks)
Rock Bar is one of Bali’s most famous cliffside bars, perched on a seaside cliff with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. We arrived at 5 PM and secured a great spot to enjoy the stunning sunset while sipping on the bar’s signature cocktails. With the sound of waves and the sunset, the atmosphere was unforgettablely romantic.
Quick Reference:
How to Reserve Rock Bar in Jimbaran, Bali? Complete Experience Guide!
Day 8 (January 8, Wednesday) — Nusa Dua Water Sports Adventure
Nusa Dua Water Sports
Cost: 2,700,000 IDR
On this day, we headed to Nusa Dua for water sports, including snorkeling, kayaking, and banana boat rides. A word of caution: we didn’t pre-book tickets on Klook, which resulted in much higher prices on-site, becoming a small regret of the trip. We chose Flying Fish and Parasailing, spending a total of 2,700,000 IDR (approximately USD$175 for two people)…
If you plan to participate in water sports in Nusa Dua, don’t make the same mistake I did by not researching beforehand and ending up paying several times more! Be sure to book tickets online in advance, not only to save a significant amount but also to avoid being overcharged on-site.
Further Reading: Introduction to Nusa Dua Water Sports
🏖️🌊🚤 Nusa Dua Water Sports: Parasailing, Snorkeling, Underwater Walking, Banana Boat Experience ▶Klook Deals
Day 9 (January 9, Thursday) — Blue Point Cliff and Uluwatu Temple Kecak Dance
Blue Point Road
This stretch of road is flanked by towering cliffs, offering breathtaking views and is one of Bali’s most stunning spots, leaving visitors in awe.
🏖️🪨🌊 Explore the beauty of the Blue Road cliffs, where every shot is Instagram-worthy! ▶Klook Deal
Uluwatu Temple and Fire Dance Performance
Ticket Costs: Uluwatu Temple IDR 100,000, Fire Dance Performance IDR 300,000
Fire Dance . Sunset Watching the fire dance at the 6 PM show
In the afternoon, we arrived at Uluwatu Temple, perched high on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. As evening approached, we watched a traditional fire dance performance. Dressed in vibrant costumes, the dancers moved to the rhythm of drums and flames, showcasing the cultural charm of Bali. With the sunset casting its glow over the cliffs, the entire scene was breathtakingly beautiful. This is definitely one of the must-visit classic attractions!
🛕🌊🌅 Uluwatu Temple, a magnificent cliff-top attraction where you can also enjoy traditional fire dance performances ▶Klook Deal
More Uluwatu Food and Fun
Uluwatu is one of the most popular areas in southern Bali, renowned for its stunning cliff views, enchanting beaches, and excellent surfing spots. It exudes a romantic tropical vacation vibe, making it the perfect choice for enjoying sunset views and relaxing moments.
If you also want to stay in Uluwatu, check out our carefully curated guide to eating, drinking, and playing: Uluwatu Guide: Uluwatu Attractions, Food, and Fun Recommendations
Day 10 (January 10, Friday) — Relaxed Shopping and Food Exploration
Icon Bali
We planned a relaxed itinerary for the day, heading out at 11 AM to Icon Bali and the Seminyak area. Although we weren’t in a strong shopping mood, strolling along the streets, enjoying coffee and food, and soaking in the local fashion vibe made for a delightful day. Seminyak’s streets are filled with boutique shops and designer brand stores, making it a paradise for shopping enthusiasts!
What’s inside Icon Bali? Check out Xiao Jie’s introduction:
Quick Reference:
Day 11 (January 11th, Saturday) — Farewell to a Wonderful Journey
At 11:50 AM, we headed to the airport, ready to conclude this memorable trip and return to Taiwan.
Notes
- Massage Experience: Hot stone massage and aromatherapy massage, driver-recommended, guaranteed quality at great prices. We scheduled two massages during our trip—the first was a hot stone massage, and the second was an aromatherapy massage. Both experiences were fantastic and left us completely relaxed.
💆♀️🌿🕯️ Enjoy a super relaxing SPA in Bali, paired with aromatherapy and hot stone massage 😌, to soothe your mind and body! ▶Top-Rated SPAs Across Bali
- Private Car Service: Highly recommend hiring a private driver to customize your itinerary based on your preferences. Our driver, Ok Bali, was extremely professional, fluent in Chinese, and shared insights into Bali’s history and culture, deepening our understanding of this beautiful place.
On the right is our driver for the past few days—his name is “Ok.” Thoughtful, attentive, safe driver, non-smoker, and always punctual—Ok has so many great qualities.
🚗👨✈️🌴 When traveling in Bali, a private driver is your best companion! They know the local routes, are passionate and professional, and will take you on an unforgettable journey ▶Recommended Private Drivers Hall of Fame
Conclusion
We’re grateful to Ok Bali, our driver and guide, for his professional service during this Bali trip, allowing us to deeply experience Bali’s natural beauty and cultural charm. Bali boasts not only stunning landscapes but also a rich cultural heritage, leaving us enchanted at every turn. We hope this travelogue provides valuable insights for those planning a trip to Bali, and we wish everyone an unforgettable journey!
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