The following content was provided by fellow traveler Zhao Kangkang and rearranged by us:
Our Bali trip began with great anticipation as we explored Ubud’s cultural atmosphere, enjoyed leisurely moments at Atlas Beach Club, and tasted delicious local street food at night markets. From the moment we arrived on a red-eye flight, our family was captivated by Bali’s charm. This travelogue will take you through our 6-day, 5-night itinerary, sharing the beauty and surprises of each day.
Day 1: Red-Eye Flight and First Glimpse of Ubud
We planned a 6-day, 5-night family trip to Bali, opting for Scoot’s red-eye flight. After a 2-hour layover in Singapore, we had breakfast and explored Changi Airport. We arrived in Bali around 10:00 AM and started our adventure immediately, wasting no time!
Since we had purchased a SIM card in Taiwan beforehand, we quickly contacted our private driver, Mr. Awan from Bali Holiday, upon arrival.
Further reading: Bali Travel Essentials: How to Get Bali Internet/SIM Card?
He was very friendly, communicated fluently in English, and drove a highly recognizable pink car that was easy to spot anywhere. After getting in the car, we first asked him to take us to exchange currency, then headed to Ubud. Along the way, we visited the beautiful Tegenungan Waterfall and stopped by a supermarket to buy snacks and drinking water.
Tegenungan Waterfall. (Provided by Zhao Kangkang)
Further Reading: Guide to Three Famous Waterfalls Near Ubud, Bali: Tegenungan Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Further Reading: What to Buy at Supermarkets/Convenience Stores in Bali? | What are the must-buy items when you visit a supermarket?
This time, we stayed at ‘Ubud Paradise’, which we booked through a hotel reservation website. This villa boasts a beautiful environment and a very family-friendly atmosphere, making us feel the warmth of hospitality.
▶Check Availability & Rates for Ubud Paradise Trip Booking
(Highly rated quality villa! Already included in 16 Amazing Bali Villas Recommendation)
Day 2: River Tubing Adventure & Exploring Ubud
On the second day, we went on a river tubing adventure, which was arranged by Awan. We bought tickets on-site, and the price was consistent with the listed price. We had considered purchasing tickets in advance on a double K website, but I thought that would limit our flexibility. Initially, we thought this activity would be mild, but it turned out to be quite fun and slightly challenging. My husband and kids had a great time, making it perfect for family fun!
Quick Reference: Bali Cave River Tubing Adventure: A Family Adventure at Nukuwera River Tubing
Jungle swing. (Provided by Zhao Kangkang)
Next, we headed to the rice terrace. The local swing guys were exceptionally skilled at photography, using techniques like slow motion, video, and portrait mode to capture beautiful moments. They also knew exactly when to take the best shots, far surpassing my husband’s photography skills! 🤣
In the afternoon, we happily visited the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where we were surrounded by monkeys. Afterwards, we headed to Ubud Market for some shopping, and the bargaining process was quite fun! However, most of the items in the market were repetitive, so I usually chose to buy from vendors whose faces seemed more congenial to me.
More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
Accommodation Themes in Ubud
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: A Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreat Accommodation: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Spiritual Relaxation
- 18 Bali Resorts with Kids Clubs for Families: Best Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud for a Family Vacation
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Day 3: Safari Zoo and Night Market Experience
Safari Zoo. (Provided by Zhao Kangkang)
On the third day, we visited Safari Zoo. Although it was a bit far from Ubud, it was definitely worth the trip for families with children! The animals in the zoo seemed very relaxed, allowing us to get closer to them. There was a cute animal area where you could buy tickets to feed the little animals, and the children couldn’t get enough of it. During our tour, we saw other tourists picking up rabbits for photos, which made the rabbits look helpless. This gave me a chance to teach my children to respect animals.
At noon, we happened to catch a tiger show, which left me amazed. It was my first time observing tigers so closely, and they weren’t in glass cages—they even interacted with the staff. It was truly a sight worth seeing!
Editor’s Note: Bali Safari Zoo offers an adventurous safari ride that takes you through the animals’ habitats, giving you the thrill and awe of being in the wild. Besides animal viewing, the park also hosts a variety of animal performances, blending joy and nature into one experience. Check out our detailed introduction here. If you’re looking for better value, consider staying at the zoo.
In the evening, we asked Awan to take us to a local night market. We walked around the market first, asking him to introduce various foods, and then he helped us order from the vendors (since some vendors didn’t speak English). We enjoyed dishes like roasted pork rice, chicken meatball noodles, chicken satay, and pork satay, and bought a bunch of local desserts to enjoy back at our accommodation. All of this cost less than USD$10, making it a very affordable and fun experience!
Feasting at the night market and buying a pile of desserts, all for less than USD$10 for two adults and one child (Provided by Zhao Kangkang)
Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in night markets, check out Xiao Jie’s Bali night market travelogue.
Day 4: Exploring Tanah Lot Temple and Canggu Market
On the fourth day, we visited the famous Tanah Lot Temple. Fortunately, it was low tide, allowing us to walk down to the beach. The weather was perfect, and every shot we took was postcard-worthy, perfect for a computer wallpaper.
Tanah Lot Temple (Photo by Zhao Kangkang)
In the afternoon, we headed to Canggu and strolled through the Love Anchor Market. However, it was a bit disappointing. We had hoped to find some unique souvenirs, but the items here were quite similar to those in Ubud Market. So, it’s not really worth making a special trip here (there aren’t many places to explore nearby, and prices are higher).
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
- Bali Group Travel: Canggu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
In the evening, we went to a nearby beach and tried the internet-famous grilled corn. It lived up to its reputation! A stick of grilled corn costs only 20K IDR, which is both delicious and affordable.
Day 5: Relaxing at Atlas Beach Club
On the fifth day, we spent the entire day at Atlas Beach Club.
Atlas Beach Club (Photo by Zhao Kangkang)
I purchased tickets in advance on Klook. Upon arrival, we simply scanned the QR code, and they prepared our entry passes and guided us to our seats—very convenient. Atlas Beach Club is truly worth recommending. There’s a shallow pool specifically for children and a massive infinity pool right next to the beach, where you can go down and play in the waves. The ticket includes a certain amount of food or drinks, and you only need to pay extra if you exceed the limit.
In the evening, we asked Awan to take us to the nearby Seminyak shopping district for more retail therapy. I noticed that international brands tend to be quite expensive in Bali, so I recommend supporting local brands instead — they offer great quality at affordable prices!
More Things to Eat, Drink and Do in Seminyak
Seminyak is a captivating area in Bali that seamlessly blends fashion with tradition, offering top-notch restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife, making it a paradise for vacationers! Want to discover more about its exciting entertainment and dining options? Click here for more details!
Seminyak Accommodation Theme Guide
- Bali Accommodation Guide: Luxurious Themed Stays in Seminyak
- SeminyakPrivate Pool Villa Paradise: 22 Stunning Bali Villas in Seminyak
- 50+ Seminyak Eat Street Food Guide
- Seminyak Private Villas: 3/4/5/6+ Bedroom Family Villa Accommodation Recommendations
- Foodie's Must-Have: 8 Top Value Villas & Hotels Near Seminyak Eat Street
Day 6: Final Shopping and Farewell to Bali
On our last day, Awan took us to a massive local shopping spot similar to a duty-free store (Krisna Toko Oleh Oleh Kas Bali) as per our request. While the items here aren’t particularly refined, they have everything you could think of — from food and clothing to home decor and jewelry. This was our final stop to pick up all the souvenirs we hadn’t bought yet, and we ended the trip very satisfied with a cart full of treasures.
Our haul (provided by Zhao Kangkang)
This was our first time in Bali, and although I had watched many videos before the trip and was somewhat prepared, Bali’s beauty still exceeded my expectations! The traffic and pace of life here are very laid-back. Even though there’s often congestion, you rarely hear honking — everyone is incredibly patient! Except for the roads near the airport, which have clear markings, the road planning elsewhere is quite casual. Sometimes a two-way road suddenly turns into a one-way, leaving you completely baffled 😂. Therefore, I strongly recommend hiring a private car for family trips (or groups of three or more) as it’s more convenient and safer.
Recommended Driver: Bali Holiday Awan
Finally, I’d like to recommend our private car driver for this trip — Awan from Bali Holiday. From the very first day, we felt his warmth and enthusiasm. Although I had prepared an itinerary for him before the trip, there were times when we changed plans due to fatigue or time constraints, and he was always flexible in adjusting and offering helpful suggestions, such as which route was smoother or how much time to allocate to certain attractions.
Our very satisfied private car driver (provided by Zhao Kangkang)
Additionally, on two occasions, I asked him to arrange for a masseuse to come to our Villa, and he worked hard to coordinate the timing for us. Overall, Awan is an excellent private car driver. Though he’s not part of a big company, his personal touch made us feel truly cared for, and my family got along with him very well! If I ever have the chance to visit Bali again, I’ll definitely choose him as our driver, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a private car driver!
Awan’s contact details are included in the Bali Private Car Drivers Hall of Fame.
Did you find Zhao Kangkang’s itinerary fascinating? It’s time to plan your own Bali adventure! We also welcome everyone to share your travel experiences in our community!
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