The following content is adapted from a travelogue shared by fellow traveler Johnny Wei:
✈️ 6-Day, 5-Night Bali Self-Guided Travel Diary (6/22–6/27)
This trip was a long-awaited chance for just the two of us! 👫
After entrusting our child to my mother-in-law, my wife and I packed our bags with eager anticipation, ready to board our flight to Bali. For parents who haven’t had a chance to travel abroad in a while, this relaxing vacation was especially precious, and our excitement was through the roof.
📌 Practical Reminder: Three Online Procedures to Complete Before Departure
Before this trip, we took advice from several travel experts and applied for Indonesia’s e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) in advance. This step is crucial and can save you a lot of precious waiting time.
However, here’s a little trap to watch out for—my wife accidentally entered the wrong birthday date while filling out the e-VOA 😓. As a result, we had to go through the manual visa-on-arrival process, which took an hour and a half of waiting in line. We regretted it so much!
Besides the visa, there are two other important online procedures to handle before boarding your flight to avoid any last-minute hassles upon arrival:
- All Indonesia Arrival Card (including e-CD Customs Declaration and SSHP Health Declaration Form)
- Tourist Levy Payment Receipt
All four processes above can be completed online as electronic documents, and they’re actually quite straightforward. Just make sure to prepare copies of your passport, flight information, and payment method in advance. After completing them, it’s recommended to save the QR Code as a screenshot in your phone’s photo album—it’ll make scanning much faster upon arrival. For a detailed walkthrough, check this out: Understand Bali’s 2026 Entry Changes in One Minute: Indonesia/Bali Entry Process - From Landing to Customs to Baggage Claim
Next, it’s time to kick off our Bali getaway for two～🌴
🌅 Day 1: Arrival in Bali, Check-in at the Dreamy AYANA Resort
We took EVA Air’s direct flight departing at 9:50 AM and arrived in Bali around 3:30 PM. Although the flight was long, a quick nap onboard helped us shift into vacation mode.
After landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport, we went through the manual visa process, and by the time we cleared customs, it was already late afternoon. We hopped into our pre-booked transfer car and arrived at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali in Jimbaran by 6 PM.
🏨 AYANA Resort is Worth Staying Two Nights!
This hotel was definitely the highlight of our trip! AYANA is one of Bali’s most renowned resorts, offering top-notch facilities, stunning ocean views, and a variety of unique dining options. The must-visit spot here is the legendary Rock Bar Bali—a super popular Instagram destination hailed as one of the “Top 10 Sunset Bars in the World.”
Although we arrived a bit late and missed the sunset, capturing the night view was still magical. Standing at the cliffside bar, listening to the waves, and watching the lights sway created an incredibly romantic atmosphere💫. The food itself was decent but slightly pricey—though let’s be honest, you’re here not just for the meal, but for the enchanting ambiance of dancing with the sea and sky.
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
We stayed in an ocean view room, which cost around USD$387 per night. While it was already quite nice, here’s a small tip: The AYANA resort complex is massive. If you opt for a cheaper room, you might end up in a more remote area, and walking to the main facilities could be exhausting. I recommend spending a bit more to choose a room closer to the main facilities for a better experience!
Further reading: 【Bali AYANA】Ayana Bali Accommodation Guide》Ayana Segara, RIMBA, Ayana Resort..
📸 Day Two: Early Morning Rush to Capture Stunning Photos at the Famous H2O Pool!
To capture those dreamy pool photos often seen on Instagram, we woke up at 7 AM the next day and took the resort shuttle to AYANA Resort’s most famous H2O Infinity Pool. The photo crowd was already there early in the morning, with queues and a one-minute time limit per shot, but the good news is—you can queue up again! 📷
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
We took shot after shot, just to capture those perfect moments when the sunlight was at its best (laughs). Waking up early was totally worth it!
Quick reference: 【Must-See Spots in Bali】Six Stunning Pools at Ayana Resort
🍽 Breakfast Feast, Skip Lunch
For breakfast, we chose the buffet restaurant near the AYANA lobby. Although slightly pricey at around USD$29.6 per person (approximately NT$960), the options were incredibly diverse, featuring Indonesian local dishes, Japanese cuisine, European cold cuts, and even freshly made omelets and bread desserts. It was truly satisfying. After such a hearty meal, we couldn’t even think about lunch, effectively saving on one meal budget 😂
A little anecdote: we left a $2 tip while housekeeping was cleaning our room, and when we returned in the afternoon, we found that the housekeeping auntie had quietly prepared a small surprise for us. It was thoughtful and heartwarming, truly embodying the service spirit of AYANA. In contrast, when we were in Chiang Mai last time, a friend left a $10 tip but received nothing in return. I guess luck is also a kind of skill 😆
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
🌌 The Cave Restaurant, a Dream Dinner Experience You Must Try in Your Lifetime
In the evening, we had a reservation at the super popular The Cave by Chef Ryan Clift, a high-end restaurant located inside a real natural limestone cave. We almost arrived late due to traffic, but thankfully our thoughtful driver contacted the restaurant in advance, and we managed to arrive right at 18:00!
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
The entire dining experience was a sensory feast—not only was the food exquisite and delicious, but it was also accompanied by a beautiful light show and music, making dining in a cave feel both stylish and romantic. The atmosphere was truly unparalleled, and I highly recommend couples to experience it at least once ❤️
Light show (Provided by Johnny Wei)
Editor’s Note: The Cave also features a cliffside pool day club, which is another must-visit spot in the area!
Explore Oneeighty Day Club: Bali’s Ultimate Cliffside Pool with Stunning Views
☕️ Day 3: Heading to a Highland Café, Checking into a Romantic Jungle Villa in Ubud
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and a leisurely morning at AYANA, we checked out at 11:00 AM, ready to embark on the ‘mountain chapter’ of our journey 🌿.
🚗 A Long Drive, Just for Coffee and Scenery
The first stop of the day was a scenic café highly recommended by my cousin — Montana Del Café, located in the high-altitude Kintamani region in northern Bali. Driving from AYANA in Jimbaran took us two and a half hours one way, truly a journey over mountains and through valleys.
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
But I have to say, it was worth it once we arrived! Montana Del Café boasts breathtaking mountain views, with the majestic Mount Batur and its lake in the distance. Whether seated indoors or on the terrace, it felt like a scene straight out of a postcard 📸. We ordered two coffees and two slices of cheesecake, totaling around $16 USD, which is quite reasonable for a scenic café. The feeling of ‘drinking coffee in the clouds’ was truly priceless ✨.
If you love photography or enjoy the fresh mountain air, I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary. Just be mindful of the long travel time. You can ask your driver to suggest combining it with other Ubud attractions, like volcanic hot springs, for a more efficient trip.
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
🌿 Accommodation: Abisena Wellness & Resort Ubud
After finishing our highland adventure, we drove back to central Ubud and checked into Abisena Wellness & Resort, a hidden gem nestled in the jungle. This stay was one of the most delightful surprises of our trip, perfectly matching our desire for a ‘relaxing + romantic’ vacation vibe!
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
First and foremost, this is an adults-only resort, so the absence of children’s playful noises makes the environment exceptionally serene. The staff are warm and attentive, from the welcome drinks to luggage assistance, every detail reflects their thoughtfulness.
We chose the Jungle View Villa. The room design blends modernity with nature, featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to lush greenery. You can even hear birds chirping, insects buzzing, and the gentle flow of a nearby stream, making it perfect for couples seeking a romantic and peaceful retreat. The villa comes with a private balcony and pool, so even if you don’t feel like going out, you can soak in the tub while enjoying the greenery—pure bliss 💚
🏝 Day 4: Staying at The Claremont Luxury Villas in Seminyak, Enjoying a Convenient and Comfortable Night
After leaving the tranquil mountains of Ubud, we headed to the lively coastal area of Seminyak. This is Bali’s famous fashion district, brimming with restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and Instagram-worthy cafes. The area is super convenient, making it ideal for travelers looking to experience a city resort vibe.
That night, we stayed at The Claremont Luxury Villas, located in the heart of Seminyak. This villa offers incredible value for money—just around USD$150 per night—yet it’s spacious, well-equipped, and even has a private pool! Within a few minutes’ walk, you’ll find convenience stores, international restaurants, and massage parlors, so there’s no need to call for a ride.
The Claremont Luxury Villas Room Rates & Availability
If you’re on a budget but still want a stylish and conveniently located villa, this one is definitely worth noting ✅.
▶For detailed information about the surroundings, facilities, and rooms at The Claremont Luxury Villas, please check here
More Seminyak Dining and Entertainment
Seminyak is a charming area in Bali that combines fashion and tradition, offering top-notch restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife, making it a paradise for vacationers! Want to know more about exciting entertainment and dining options? Click here
Seminyak Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: A Guide to Coastal Luxury Theme Stays in Seminyak
- 【Bali Accommodation Recommendations】Private Paradise: 22 Stunning Bali Villas with Pools in Seminyak
- 18 Kid-Friendly Resorts in Bali｜Best Family Vacation Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides and Playgrounds
- Bali Group Travel: Seminyak Villa Rentals with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
🎉 Day 5: Pilgrimage to Finns Beach Club, Being a Luxury Plate for a Day is Worth It!
After visiting Bali so many times, we finally arranged a day at the long-awaited Finns Beach Club! It’s one of Bali’s most iconic beach clubs, located in Canggu. The entire venue faces the beach, featuring multiple pools, sun loungers, bars, DJ stages, and VIP lounges, creating an incredibly lively and energetic atmosphere.
However, online reviews are quite polarized. Some feel that the staff’s attitude is cold and the prices are high, while others believe the atmosphere is great, the facilities are excellent, and it’s worth a visit.
Our own experience was—if you only order the cheapest lounger package, you might easily be overlooked. But this time, we upgraded to a VIP sofa lounge package, and although we spent quite a bit, the treatment we received was completely different! ✨
💡The key to good service is really about spending money in the right places! When you choose a high-priced lounge, security, waitstaff, and even dancers will proactively greet and interact with you, instantly elevating the atmosphere to feeling like you’re at a private party.
The table next to us was also in the lounge area, but perhaps they didn’t order much or didn’t interact much, and as a result, they were almost ignored the entire time—even the dancers didn’t glance their way 😅 So, to fully enjoy Finns, you need to be a luxury plate for a day (the happy kind) to truly experience its charm!
(Provided by Johnny Wei)
Overall, we had an incredibly fun time—it was a perfect holiday filled with sunshine, bikinis, music, and cocktails 🌴🍹🎶
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
🛫 Day 6: Saying Goodbye and Heading Home
Our short six-day, five-night trip to Bali has come to an end. After checking out at 12:00 PM, we headed to Denpasar Airport to catch our flight back to Taiwan. Although the flight was scheduled to depart at 4:30 PM, we encountered delays due to airline scheduling issues and didn’t arrive in Taiwan until 11:00 PM, several hours later than expected. Exhaustion levels were off the charts.
But hey, that’s travel for you—always full of unexpected little twists. The important thing is that we’re left with unforgettable memories, and it was all worth it! 🎒
📝 Five Key Takeaways from Our Bali Trip (Hope This Helps!)
✅ 1. Make Sure to Apply for Your e-VOA Online in Advance!
Let me say it again: the e-VOA online visa is super important! It saves you a ton of time standing in line. Especially for travelers with kids or those on red-eye flights, applying in advance is a sign of respect for your own energy levels.
📱 2. Always Use Gojek or Grab for Ride-Hailing
These two local ride-hailing apps in Indonesia allow you to pay with a credit card, offering transparent pricing and peace of mind. Once, we tried to save time by flagging down a motorcycle on the street, only to get ripped off with a USD quote and an attitude that made it seem like it was “just the way things are” 😓. Don’t try to save a little money only to lose big.
More About Private Car Hire
- Must-Have Bali Travel App: Complete Gojek Guide
- Bali Mandarin-Speaking Drivers, Guides & Car Hire Tours
- Bali Motorbike Rental Guide: Prices, Safety & What to Know
- Private Car vs. Ride-Hailing: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Trip
- Bali Ride-Hailing Driver Scams: How to Avoid Grab/Gojek Traps
- Bali Motorbike Rental Safety Checklist
- Nusa Penida Transport Guide: Taxi, Gojek, Car Hire & Scooter
- Gojek & GoPay in Indonesia/Bali: Registration, Usage & Top-Up Guide
🚦 3. Traffic Jams Are a Daily Reality in Bali—Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary!
Especially on routes from Jimbaran, Seminyak to Ubud, traffic jams are common. It’s highly recommended to plan only 1-2 key activities per day, otherwise you’ll spend your trip constantly ‘missing out’ and it can be quite exhausting.
💵 4. Tipping Culture: It’s Okay to Tip, But Don’t Be Emotionally Manipulated!
Over 75% of Bali’s population works in the service industry, so tipping moderately is a polite way to show support. However, I’ve encountered situations where people use psychological manipulation or act entitled when asking for tips. In such cases, you really don’t need to force yourself to tip. Maintaining boundaries and self-respect is more important.
Quick Reference: Should You Tip in Bali? How Much to Tip? A Guide to Tipping in Various Situations
🐰 5. Gold Rabbit Coffee Factory? Please Google It Before Deciding to Go!
If you join a private car or guided tour, you’ll often be ‘conveniently’ taken to this coffee factory. These places mainly sell expensive civet coffee, and sometimes you might encounter high-pressure sales tactics or overly pushy explanations. Whether it’s worth visiting is up to you to decide~ 🧐
This journey took us from the laid-back beaches of Jimbaran, to the jungle villas of Ubud, and then to the vibrant and trendy Seminyak. Each day was filled with surprises and beautiful scenery. Although there were some minor hiccups along the way, it’s these ups and downs that make the trip more memorable.
🌴 If you’re also planning a trip to Bali, I sincerely hope this sharing will be helpful to you! Whether it’s for your honeymoon, a girls’ trip, or a long-awaited romantic getaway, Bali is worth slowing down and experiencing with your heart.
管你是蜜月、閨蜜出遊、還是久違的二人世界，峇里島都值得你放慢腳步、用心體驗。
🧜♀️Follow the lovely wife on IG: ellaine0308
Did you find Johnny Wei’s itinerary exciting? Start planning your own Bali adventure now! We also welcome you to share your travel plans in our community!
Bali Travelogue Treasure Trove
Click here for more Bali travel stories
Want to write a travelogue but don't know where to start? Check out "How to Write an Amazing Bali Travelogue" to make your travelogue shine!
Bali Area Guides
- Jimbaran Guide: 30 Recommended Attractions
- Canggu Ultimate Map: 100 Must-Visit Spots
- Komodo Island Guide
- Uluwatu Guide: 50 Recommended Spots
- Nusa Dua / Tanjung Benoa: 40 Activities Guide
- Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Complete Guide
- Seminyak Guide: 100 Things to Eat, Drink & Explore
- Nusa Penida Complete Activity Guide
- Amed & Tulamben Dive & Snorkel Guide
- Kuta Guide: 50 Places to Eat, Drink & Play
留言討論