【Bali Travel Diary】A Six-Day, Five-Night Adventure Exploring Volcanoes, Beaches, and Island Hopping

Our Facebook group member Dai Yushan shared her six-day, five-night travel diary with us, and we’re honored to edit and repost it:

Bottom Line: For a six-day, five-night itinerary covering volcanoes, beaches, and island hopping, we highly recommend using top-rated private drivers recommended by the group—they know local routes and currency exchange spots, and can help with on-the-fly needs (like contacting vendors or reminding you of temple etiquette). This article shares our real experiences with two outstanding drivers to help you plan a smooth trip.

【Bali Itinerary Highlights】

First off, since I got so much useful Bali info from this group, I’m here to give back by sharing my travel diary.

Our Bali trip was packed with beautiful memories. We not only soaked in the island’s unique vibe but also met two amazing private drivers who added warmth and color to our adventure.

Let me start with our driver for the first three days: Komang Sucika. He’s incredibly warm and steady, and knows every corner of Bali like the back of his hand. He responded quickly to our messages and offered tons of helpful tips. On day one, after picking us up at the airport, he even took us to a money changer with an excellent rate—that instantly won our trust. His English is fluent, so he could share stories about Bali and fun local anecdotes. Plus, he drives so smoothly that I’d fall asleep within five minutes of getting in the car. At the end of day three, he surprised us with two big bags of mangosteens—such a thoughtful gesture that really touched us.

Provided by Dai Yushan

What’s the best season for mangosteens? Check out: The Queen of Tropical Fruits – Mangosteen Season in Indonesia/Bali

Every morning, he arrived at the villa on time to pick us up and always responded quickly to our needs. When we wanted to find a bookstore, he immediately called the shop and asked the staff in Indonesian. Even at Pura Besakih, he reminded us of important things to note before we got out of the car. We feel incredibly lucky to have met a driver like Komang Sucika! His service far exceeded the price he charged, and we gave him a generous tip because we believe he absolutely deserves more.

Komang Sucika Contact Info:

Line: crunchiebalitour / IG: crunchie_bali_tour

Should you tip in Bali? How to tip? How much to tip in various situations in Bali? Check here

For the last three days, we switched to another driver, who I’ll introduce below. Both drivers have different personalities—one is mature and warm, the other enthusiastic and lively. With their help, our six-day trip went very smoothly!

This Bali trip captivated us deeply. We not only fell in love with the stunning scenery of this land but were also deeply moved by the kindness and warmth of the locals. If we ever have the chance to visit Bali again, I believe it will be because of our longing and emotional connection to this place. I highly recommend these two drivers—they will definitely add wonderful memories to your Bali trip!

Now, let’s recap my itinerary:

Day 1 (Kuta/Canggu):

• We transited through Singapore and arrived in Bali at 13:25
• Exchanged money
• Lunch: iiga warung on Sunset Road Kuta (the pork ribs and satay were the best of the entire trip)

Provided by Dai Yushan

• Dinner: La Brisa Bali — the scenery is absolutely stunning! I really recommend spending a relaxing evening here.

Video provided by Dai Yushan

Want a detailed introduction to La Brisa and how to book? Check out: Known as ‘Bali’s Most Beautiful Restaurant’: How La Brisa Stands Out Among Tens of Thousands of Dining Options?

Want to learn more about Canggu? Click here

Day 2 (Ubud):

Provided by Dai Yushan

• Ubud Market
• Ubud Palace

How to explore Ubud’s town center? Check out the Ubud city center shopping guide

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces

🌾🏞️🍃 Tegallalang Rice Terrace is a must-visit in Bali, with its layered greenery and stunning sunset views that captivate every traveler! ▶Klook Deal

• Tirta Empul Temple

🔱💧 Tirta Empul in Ubud is a famous holy water temple in Bali, renowned for its purification rituals 🙏 and sacred springs 💧, bringing blessings and good luck ✨ to devotees and visitors alike! ▶Klook Deal

• Penglipuran Village (you can rent traditional costumes for photos)

Provided by Dai Yushan

For a detailed introduction to this attraction, check out: A Journey Through Time in Penglipuran Village: Experience Bali’s Ancient Charm

• Lunch: Naughty Nuri’s Ubud (famous for pork ribs)
• Snack: Tukies Coconut Shop (coconut ice cream)
• Dinner: Nomad Restaurant (traditional Indonesian cuisine)

Day 3 (Kintamani):

• Paperhills (viewing Mount Batur/Kintamani Volcano)

Provided by Dai Yushan

Klook Deal: Batur / Kintamani Instagram-Worthy Coffee Tour (Includes Sunrise 4x4 Jeep & Photography Experience) — A must-do for stunning sunrise views and photo ops. The jeep ride adds an adventurous touch, and the coffee at the end is a nice reward. Highly recommended for early risers!”

• Besakih Mother Temple
• Lempuyang Temple (the famous Gates of Heaven—not recommended, as the experience fell short of expectations)

Courtesy of Dai Yushan

• Dinner: Sun Sun Warung (absolutely delicious!)

More to Explore in Ubud

Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you're diving into local customs, soaking up natural beauty, or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a truly unique experience. Want more Ubud tips? Click here

Ubud Accommodation Themes

• 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
• 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
• Bali Ubud Yoga Retreats: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Mindful Relaxation
• 18 Bali Kids Club Family Resorts: Best Family-Friendly Options in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu & Ubud
• Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays

Day 4 (Canggu/Kuta/Jimbaran):

• Tanah Lot Temple

Courtesy of Dai Yushan

• Kuta Beach
• Kuta Art Market
• Rock Bar

Video by Dai Yushan

• Massage: The Calma Spa Bali - Jimbaran Beach (pricey but worth it—one of the best massage spots on our trip)
• Massage: MOKSHA SPA (in Kuta; foot massage and exfoliation are both comfortable and affordable)
• Lunch: Babi Guling Men Lari (the roast suckling pig is fantastic)
• Dinner: Waroeng Kampoeng (a local favorite stir-fry spot, very authentic)

Day 5 (Nusa Penida):

• Nusa Penida Island Hopping Day Trip

Provided by Dai Yushan

Nusa Penida Deals

• Nusa Penida Fast Boat Ticket
• Nusa Penida & Lembongan Private Boat Charter
• Discovery Tour - Departing from Bali (Meet at Sanur Port)
• Nusa Penida Private Car Charter
• Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience
• Nusa Penida Day Trip from Bali
• Nusa Penida Multi-Day Tour
• Nusa Penida Scooter Rental

Day 6 (Uluwatu):

• Uluwatu Temple

Provided by Dai Yushan

Bali Uluwatu Temple / Cliffside Travel Guide: Must-See Highlights & Practical Tips

• Suluban Beach (a stunning beach!)

Check out Xiao Jie’s video introduction

Uluwatu Dining and Entertainment Recommendations

Uluwatu is one of the most popular areas in southern Bali, renowned for its stunning cliff views, charming beaches, and excellent surfing spots. Filled with a romantic tropical vacation atmosphere, it's the perfect choice for enjoying sunset views and relaxing moments. If you're also considering staying in Uluwatu, you can refer to the following carefully curated dining and entertainment guide to make your trip even more enriching and fun: Uluwatu Guide: Uluwatu Attractions and Dining Recommendations

Uluwatu Accommodation Themes

• Uluwatu Accommodation Recommendations: 14 Private Villas with Stunning Ocean Views
• Bali's 18 Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs | Top Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
• Bali Group Travel: Uluwatu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays

• Massage: The Calma Spa Bali
• Shopping: Bali Banana (buy souvenirs)

This trip was incredibly rewarding. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, feel free to use my itinerary as a reference!

【Recommended by Travelers】Six Categories, Over 20 Bali Souvenir Ideas: Perfect Choices to Keep Precious Memories

【Bali Private Driver Recommendation Part 2】

During this Bali trip, we met our second driver, Odon. Many people in the community highly recommended him, and I chose him because I planned to visit Rock Bar on the fourth day and heard he could help with reservations. That caught my attention, so we decided to book his private driver service for the last three days.

Odon was outstanding at Rock Bar! He could get us through the staff entrance and had the authority to choose our seats (which is crucial!), with no minimum spend required. He could even pick seats that were already reserved. I strongly recommend booking his service if you want to visit Rock Bar, as regular tourists have to wait in long lines to enter, and only hotel guests at the Rock Bar’s resort can make reservations.

Odon gave a completely different vibe from our previous driver. He felt like a close friend—warm, friendly, and incredibly humorous. His English was very colloquial and easy to understand, and he was happy to recommend restaurants and massage places.

He took us to a seafood restaurant loved by locals, where the food was cheap and delicious. We even ate there two days in a row! In the car, Odon chatted with us the whole time, introducing attractions and engaging with us. When we ran into issues with island hopping, he quickly helped us resolve them.

He could also assist with arranging ferry tickets for island hopping and coordinating drivers on the islands. Nusa Penida is truly a beautiful place! We chose a tight itinerary, visiting both the east and west coasts, which felt very rushed. I recommend staying overnight there if you want a more relaxed experience.

On the last day, Odon took us to Uluwatu Temple, walking us through the site while explaining everything, taking plenty of beautiful photos for us, and recommending a great souvenir shop. He truly felt like a good friend from Bali!

I really liked both drivers, and you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Odon’s contact info: WHATSAPP: 085738149995 / LINE ID: drmwn8

Accommodation Overview

For their six-day, five-night trip, Yushan and their group stayed at three different accommodations. For detailed photos, descriptions, and a room tour video, check out Yushan’s post in our Facebook group.

Do you think Yushan’s itinerary sounds amazing? Start planning your own Bali adventure now! Feel free to share your travel plans in the group too!

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!

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