The following content is adapted from a travelogue shared by fellow traveler Yi Chen Lai:
For this Bali trip, the person I’m most grateful for is undoubtedly our private driver, Jimmi Liu — a Taiwanese local living in Bali. Not only is he super responsible and incredibly nice, but he’s also very thoughtful. I highly recommend him to anyone visiting Bali for the first time!
When we arrived at the airport and were about to apply for our visa on arrival, we accidentally stood in the wrong line. We were supposed to pay the fee (around USD$32) directly at the counter at the end of the immigration area, get a QR Code, and then proceed quickly. However, we got confused and ended up wasting a lot of time going in circles.
What took the longest was actually waiting for our luggage. Throughout this chaotic and slow process, Jimmi patiently waited outside without rushing us at all. At the time, I was a bit worried that he might leave after waiting too long, but we were overthinking it. Jimmi gave off a very reliable and patient vibe, which was such a great first impression for us first-timers in Bali!
🤍 Day 1: Beach Sunset & Ubud Jungle, Here We Come!
The highlight of our first day was enjoying a seafood feast at 【Jimbaran Bay】 in the evening! This spot is a must-visit for its stunning sunset views in Bali, and Jimmi thoughtfully arranged for us to have the best seats — right by the water’s edge. We savored grilled lobster while feeling the sea breeze and watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon. It was so beautiful that we didn’t want to leave! 🌅🦞
Photo provided by Yi Chen Lai
Further Reading: 9 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Jimbaran, Bali: No-Regret Recommendations
In the evening, we headed straight to Ubud to stay at 【The Ambengan Villas Ubud by Pramana Villas】. I highly recommend this villa—five stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Featured in 20 Stunning Bali Villas in Ubud
The rooms are spacious, the environment is tranquil, and the design seamlessly blends Bali’s natural essence with modern minimalism. The private pool area is simply dreamy. Choosing this as our base for the next few days in Ubud was absolutely the right decision.
The Ambengan Villas Ubud by Pramana Villas Rates & Availability
If you’re also looking for a reliable Chinese-speaking driver and want to stay in a reasonably priced, high-quality villa, you must save this travelogue!
🤍 Day 2: A Day of Thrilling Challenges! Rafting, ATV, and a Relaxing Massage 💦🛶🧖♀️
Day two was undoubtedly the most exhilarating day of the entire trip! We scheduled two of Ubud’s most popular outdoor activities—rafting and ATV riding—perfect for adventure lovers who want to experience the charm of nature!
🔹 Rafting Experience｜A 2-Hour Bali River Adventure 🚣♀️
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
The entire rafting activity lasts about 2 hours, taking you through tropical jungles, cliffs, and waterfalls—the scenery is absolutely breathtaking! However, here are a few important tips to keep in mind:
- You will definitely get completely soaked (and I mean definitely, not just possibly 😂)
- Bring a change of clothes. The shop provides towels, but it’s always best to bring your own for peace of mind.
- Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip, as you’ll need to descend a 15-minute staircase to reach the river from the meeting point, and climb back up afterward—trust me, it’s no joke!
But the moment you jump into the cool river after sweating is pure bliss—it’s like being baptized by nature. ✨
Further reading: Bali Rafting Guide (FAQs)
🔹ATV Adventure｜Thrilling Mud Trail Ride 🛻💨
Next, we took on a one-hour ATV ride, speeding through muddy forest trails—the splashing mud was incredibly therapeutic! Overall, it’s a slightly wet and dirty experience, but if you’re into photos, don’t worry—the staff are great at capturing the perfect angles, leaving you with plenty of epic shots!
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
Further reading: Bali ATV Adventure: Experience the Thrill and Freedom of a Tropical Paradise (Tips + FAQs + Operator Recommendations)
🔹Perfect Ending｜Relaxing One-Hour Massage 🧖♀️💆♂️
After a long, sweaty day, how could we not indulge in a relaxing massage? We booked a local SPA session right away to rejuvenate our tired bodies.
Further reading: 【Essentials】Recommended SPA and In-Home Massage Services in Bali, Organized by Area for Easier Searching
We were completely carefree throughout the day’s activities because Jimmi not only handled the transportation but also helped watch our bags, assisted with communication, and even took photos for us, making our experience both safe and comfortable～👏
If you want to skip the hassle of comparing prices and itineraries, you can also ask Jimmi to book activities for you. He has access to local pricing channels, which can sometimes be significantly cheaper than booking through official websites!
🤍 Day 3: Sunrise Chasing, Rice Terrace Views, and Swinging! Classic Ubud Highlands Day Trip 🌄🌾🛖
On the third day, we planned a quintessential ‘Bali-style’ itinerary. We set off early in the morning to Mount Batur for sunrise, then visited a famous volcano-view café, the Instagram-famous Tegallalang Rice Terrace Swing, and enjoyed a delicious Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck) feast! The day was fast-paced yet fulfilling, leaving us completely satisfied❤️
🔹 Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour 🌋🚙
This tour required us to depart in the early hours of the morning, heading to the base of the mountain while it was still dark, then transferring to a jeep for the ascent. Although the cold weather made us shiver, the moment we stood at the summit and watched the sun slowly rise between the volcano and the lake, it was all worth it!
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
Provided by Yi Chen Lai, the person on the far left is Jimmi
Reminder:
- Be sure to wear a thick jacket or windbreaker, as the mountain winds are strong and cold—it’s nothing like the tropical feel!
- The road conditions are rugged and bumpy, but the jeep drivers are very skilled, so you can trust them.
The afterglow of the sunrise on Lake Batur was so beautiful it looked like a painting, and it was one of the most moving moments of the trip.
Further reading: Bali Adventure: A Complete Guide to the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour
🔹 Montana Del Cafe: Volcano View Café ☕️⛰️
After watching the sunrise, we headed to the popular 【Montana Del Cafe】. This café boasts stunning volcano views, offering a vast panorama. Sipping a hot latte while admiring the majestic Mount Batur was a triple treat for the mind, body, and soul!
Image courtesy of Yi Chen Lai
The café features minimalist white architecture, and the outdoor seating is perfect for photos. However, it’s very popular, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
Further reading: 12 Best Volcano View Cafés in Kintamani, Bali 🌄☕
🔹 Tegalalang Rice Terraces & Instagrammable Swing 🌾💃
After satisfying our appetites, we headed back to Ubud to visit the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The cascading rice fields create a picturesque scene straight out of a painting. One of the most popular activities here is taking on the ‘Bali Instagram Swing’!
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
We also rented flowing long skirts to match the vibe, costing 370,000 IDR (around USD$23). While it was a bit pricey, the photos turned out absolutely stunning—especially when the swing launched out, with the entire rice terrace as the backdrop. It felt like we were starring on the cover of a travel magazine 😍
Further Reading: Swinging in Ubud: Bali’s 8 Most Beautiful Swing Photo Spots｜Ubud Swing/Dress Rental Guide
Further Reading: What to Do for Outdoor Activities in Bali? 50 Most Popular Outdoor Experiences
🔹 Bebek Tebasari Resto Dirty Duck Rice 🍗✨
To wrap up our trip, we headed to Bebek Tebasari Resto to indulge in Bali’s most famous local dish—dirty duck rice. Nestled amidst rice fields, the restaurant offers an elegant dining environment with exquisite and delicious meals. The crispy fried duck we ordered was tender on the inside and perfectly paired with spiced rice and side dishes—it was absolutely finger-licking good! Highly recommended 👍👍
Today’s itinerary is packed but unhurried, offering a complete experience from stunning natural landscapes to local cuisine — an absolute must-do day trip in Ubud!
🤍 Day 4: Market Shopping, Water Palace Stroll, Sunset Beach Club — A Day Full of Satisfaction 🛍️🏯🌅
On our fourth day in Ubud, we planned a relaxed and leisurely stroll, starting with market shopping, visiting the Water Palace, and then heading south to the wildly popular Finns Beach Club. From tradition to modernity, it was an incredibly fun day!
🔹 Ubud Market: A Bargain Hunter’s Paradise 🧣👛
We started the day by exploring the Ubud Market, which offers a variety of handicrafts, wood carvings, woven bags, sarongs, jewelry, and more. It’s one of the classic must-visit spots in Ubud. Vendors usually quote a tourist price, so remember — haggling is an essential skill!
I’ve heard you can slash the price in half, but my personal haggling success rate is only about 70% 🤣 Still, even if you don’t get the lowest price, getting something you love is what matters most!
Further reading: Complete Guide to Ubud’s Top 5 Art Markets: Souvenirs, Gifts, and Discovering Bali’s Cultural Treasures
🔹 Taman Saraswati Temple (Water Palace): A Romantic Hideaway Next to the Market 🌺
Right next to the Ubud Market is the stunning Taman Saraswati Temple, one of the few temples in Bali built over a lotus pond. While it used to be free to enter, there’s now an entrance fee of IDR 60,000 (around USD$4) per person. Also, note that you’ll need to wear traditional attire to enter!
Yi Chen Lai provides
Although the temple is not large, its atmosphere is exceptionally elegant, especially when the lotus flowers are in full bloom, creating a dreamy scene perfect for photography. It’s recommended to visit in the evening when the sunlight is softer.
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
🔹Finns Beach Club: Bali’s Top Beach Party Spot🏖️🍹
In the afternoon, we moved to Finns Beach Club in Seminyak, one of Bali’s most famous beach party bars. It’s super suitable for those who want to relax, watch the sunset, and take photos!
- Entry is based on seating areas with minimum spend, different seats have different minimum spends
- The club only accepts card payments, no cash, so remember to bring your credit card
- If it’s a peak time (like before sunset), it’s recommended to book in advance!
Further reading: Finns Beach Club Guide
The journey from Ubud southward took about 2 hours and was really super congested. However, Jimmi was very considerate, not waiting for us at a fixed spot but choosing to park nearby and rest, waiting for us to finish exploring and call him, then quickly coming to pick us up, which was very efficient and reassuring ❤️
🤍 Day 5: Luxurious Resort Day! Staying in the Dreamy Ayana, Leisurely Strolling at Rock Bar 🌴🏨🍸
As our journey draws to a close, we’ve arranged to stay at one of Bali’s most renowned five-star resorts, Ayana Resort & Spa—a veritable paradise in the world of vacations. The hotel facilities alone are enough to keep you entertained endlessly!
🏠 Ayana Resort & Spa: Dive into 14 Pools 💦
Ayana spans a vast area, featuring 14 swimming pools throughout the resort, each with its own unique style. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly pools, kid-friendly water play areas, or infinity pools perfect for couples to relax and snap photos, Ayana has it all. Walking through the resort feels like exploring a mini city!
We didn’t even step outside the hotel gates all day, completely immersing ourselves in the resort’s amenities and truly savoring what it means to ‘vacation.’
Further Reading: Ayana Bali Accommodation Guide
🔹 Rock Bar: Bali’s Most Iconic Sunset Bar 🌇🍹
One of the biggest perks of staying at Ayana is the ‘smooth entry’ to Rock Bar—meaning no waiting in line and priority booking for the best sunset seats!
Perched on the edge of a cliff, Rock Bar is accessed via a unique elevator ride that feels like entering a secret base from a movie. Sipping on a cocktail while watching the waves crash against the rocks and the sun slowly set is a scene that will stay etched in your memory forever—one of Bali’s most unforgettable experiences!
Further Reading: How to Reserve Rock Bar in Jimbaran, Bali? Complete Experience Guide!
🤍 Day 6: Soaring Over Uluwatu, Paragliding + Massage + Food + Shopping Guide 🪂💆♀️🍖🛍️
On the sixth day, we went straight for high-altitude thrills! Starting with paragliding in Uluwatu, followed by a relaxing massage, indulging in pork ribs, and ending with a bit of shopping, this day perfectly combined excitement and relaxation — truly the dream vacation rhythm!
🔹RIUG Paragliding in Uluwatu 🪂🌊
This time, we experienced 【RIUG Paragliding】 in Uluwatu. Taking off from the edge of a cliff, gliding under the blue sky, with the stunning coastline and luxurious villas beneath us, the 15-minute flight was absolutely unforgettable!
- Cost is IDR 1,000,000 (approximately USD$65), including instructor accompaniment and GoPro recording with instant file transfer
- Friends weighing over 100kg may not be able to participate, so be sure to confirm before heading out!
Further Reading: Paragliding Experience in Uluwatu, Bali! Breathtaking Ocean Views + Tips
Jimmi will assist you throughout the check-in process, handling all communication with the instructor so you can fully focus on enjoying the flight. He’ll also take photos and videos on the side, capturing every epic moment 📸
🔹ZEN Family Spa (Nusa Dua): Deep Relaxation Massage 💆♀️🕯️
After the thrilling paragliding experience, we immediately headed to ZEN Family Spa for a relaxing massage. Located in the Nusa Dua area, this family-run spa is known for its clean and comfortable environment and professional service, making it a favorite among locals.
The entire massage session was incredibly relaxing. Despite the affordable prices, the service was meticulous, with just the right amount of pressure. After the session, I felt completely refreshed, as if I had been rebooted!
- ZEN Family Spa: A mid-range family spa that offers a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for families.
Other Highly-Rated Mid-Range Spas in Nusa Dua:
- Royal Orchid Spa Bali: One of the best choices in Bali, combining rich Balinese massage techniques with a comfortable environment.
- Nusa Bali Spa: A 2023 Travelers’ Choice gem, offering a variety of healing options that let you experience the beauty of Balinese culture.
- Rumah Spa Spa House: A private retreat in the mid-range category, offering a luxurious spa experience with a minimalist and elegant style.
- Sekar Jepun Spa: A floral-themed spa in the mid-range category, focusing on natural elements to bring tranquility and relaxation.
- Zahra Spa: A garden-like spa in the mid-range category, offering high-quality treatments that immerse you in the fragrance of plants.
- M Spa is also a popular spot among travelers, with high ratings on TripAdvisor.
🔹Wahaha Pork Ribs & Pork Knuckle: Super Popular Local Delicacy 🍖✨
For dinner, we went to the famous 【Wahaha】, known among tourists for its pork ribs and fried pork knuckle. Every dish was flavorful and tender, especially the pork knuckle, which was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, not greasy at all. Paired with beer, it was hard to stop eating!
If you’re a meat lover, this place is a must-visit in Bali, offering great value and a relaxed atmosphere.
🔹Shopping Time in Bali 🛍️
As the trip winds down, we’ve scheduled some shopping time for souvenirs, gifts, and local skincare products. This is where Jimmi truly shines again! He assists us throughout with communication, payment, and confirming details, so we don’t have to worry about language barriers. Whether you need to store items or find a restroom, he’s got you covered!
Having him accompany us is both reassuring and efficient～
🤍 Day 7: Snorkeling Adventure in Nusa Penida! Turtles, Fish, and Hilarious Shower Scenes 🐢🌊🚿
On the seventh day of our journey, we couldn’t miss the increasingly popular island excursion—we booked a Nusa Penida snorkeling day trip through Klook, which includes transfers, boat tickets, and equipment rental, making it a relatively hassle-free and convenient option.
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
Klook offers various options, including tours to Nusa Penida’s famous spots and same-day return trips to Bali. You can choose your preferred package through the link below:
Nusa Penida Deals
- Nusa Penida Day Trip from Bali
- Nusa Penida Multi-Day Tour
- Nusa Penida Scooter Rental
- Nusa Penida & Lembongan Private Boat Charter
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience
- Nusa Penida Instagram Spots & Snorkeling Tour
- Discovery Tour - Departing from Bali (Meet at Sanur Port)
- Nusa Penida Fast Boat Ticket
🔹Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour 🐠🐚
Early in the morning, a shuttle picks us up from the hotel. After boarding the boat to Nusa Penida, we embark on a hop-on-hop-off snorkeling adventure at three different spots. The visibility is excellent, the water is crystal clear, and if we’re lucky, we might encounter turtles and schools of fish!
Reminder:
- I recommend taking photos first before going in the water! After snorkeling, you’ll be wet + messy hair + snorkel mask marks on your face, which makes for less than ideal photos 🤣
- The island’s washroom facilities are basic open-air spaces without proper partitions or hot water. It feels like they’re giving you the option to shower but not really expecting you to do it properly 🤣. So I suggest bringing extra clean towels and wet wipes, and just mentally prepare yourself!
This Nusa Penida trip, though sunny and a bit tiring, offered absolutely healing ocean views. It’s a snorkeling paradise you can’t miss when visiting Bali!
Nusa Penida Travel Guide
- 🏝️ Nusa Penida Attractions Guide
- 🍽️ Nusa Penida Dining with a View Guide
- 🤿 Nusa Penida Snorkeling Spots Guide
- 🏨 Nusa Penida Accommodation Guide
🏁 Perfect Ending: Find the Right Driver for a Smooth Journey! 💯
One of the most crucial roles in our Bali trip was definitely our private driver Jimmi Liu!
Here’s Jimmi Yi Chen Lai providing the service
From airport pickup, itinerary planning, check-in assistance, currency exchange, activity bookings, luggage handling, to taking photos and solving unexpected situations - he provided meticulous service throughout. Honestly, it was six-star level professional service!
👉 Language Master: Fluent in Chinese, Taiwanese, English, and Indonesian 👉 Local Expert: Knows every attraction, restaurant, and traffic routes with timing 👉 Super Reliable: When our eSIM almost lost connection in Bali, he immediately helped us reconnect and navigate our journey (laughs)
👉 熟門熟路：了解每個景點、餐廳、交通路線與時段狀況
👉 超可靠：我們的 eSIM 在峇里島幾乎失聯，他當下立刻幫忙處理，讓我們重新連上網、繼續導航人生（笑）
👉 Currency Exchange Helper: We exchanged USD in Taiwan beforehand, and he took us to safe, fair-rate exchange offices locally, keeping an eye on everything throughout the process—super reassuring!
Jimmi doesn’t take deposits, operating on a ‘mutual trust system’, but because of this, his schedule fills up really fast! If you want to book him, be sure to reserve early and don’t cancel last minute～
To contact Jimmi, scan the QR code to add him on Line.
Although we didn’t get to visit all the spots on this trip—Bali is just too vast, and the traffic often caused delays, forcing us to balance time, energy, and travel quality—we cherished the kindness and beauty we encountered along the way ❤️
Thank you to everyone who helped us, thank you to this land for its gentleness, and thank you to ourselves for making choices that made this trip so rewarding.
Bali, we’ll see you next time! 🌴🌞 Wishing everyone smooth and joyful journeys ahead 🥳🥳🥳
Did you find Yi Chen Lai’s itinerary exciting? Start planning your own Bali free-and-easy trip now! Feel free to share your itinerary in the group too!
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Bali Area Guides
- Nusa Penida Complete Activity Guide
- Nusa Dua / Tanjung Benoa: 40 Activities Guide
- Sanur Guide Map: 50 Things to See, Eat & Do
- Uluwatu Guide: 50 Recommended Spots
- Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Complete Guide
- Kuta Guide: 50 Places to Eat, Drink & Play
- Amed & Tulamben Dive & Snorkel Guide
- Seminyak Guide: 100 Things to Eat, Drink & Explore
- Jimbaran Guide: 30 Recommended Attractions
- Ubud Complete Guide: 100 Ways to Experience Ubud
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