The following content is provided by group member Zhang Pingping and adapted with her consent
Key Takeaways: This is a real-tested mother-daughter 7-day, 6-night itinerary, structured as three hotels, two nights each + three days of private car hire + a final day with airport transfer only. A few practical insights: completing e-customs declaration, visa, and tourist tax in Taiwan before departure can get you through customs in under 10 minutes (luggage wait time is separate, about 30 minutes); physical SIM cards are more stable than eSIMs (eSIMs often lose signal); Bali’s traffic is worse than expected, so be sure to leave ample buffer time in your schedule.
This itinerary mainly combines suggestions from the community group and my own personal experience to provide a detailed review. On this trip, we stayed at three hotels, two nights each, hired a private car for three days, and had an airport transfer on the final day. Let me share some highlights and insights from this journey.
Driver Recommendation
The driver we chose this time is Fovix Ketut, highly recommended by the community group, and I sincerely recommend him to anyone in need. Although my English is extremely poor, I managed to get through these days smoothly, thanks to Ketut’s help. I also want to tell everyone not to fear language barriers—using translation apps and a few basic words is enough.
Further reading: 【Bali Guide】What to Do If Your English Isn’t Good for Bali?
One thing to remind everyone about booking a driver: be punctual and keep your word—don’t stand the driver up, as mutual trust is key. We communicated thoroughly in advance, and Ketut basically adjusted my private car itinerary for me, even recommending the spa.
Arriving at Bali Airport
We had already completed the electronic procedures for customs declaration, visa, and tourist tax in Taiwan, so everything went smoothly upon arriving at Bali Airport. There were many e-gate lanes, and the process was very fast—it took less than ten minutes. The only slightly frustrating part was waiting for our luggage, which took about 30 minutes. Some passengers on the same flight got their bags early, but ours got stuck on the carousel, sometimes because the belt jammed.
After collecting luggage, head to the least crowded customs lane, scan your QR code, and you’ll be out of the airport in under three minutes.
Itinerary and Transportation
I thought this trip wasn’t too packed and would be relaxing, but in reality, Bali’s traffic jams kept us out late every day. I highly recommend leaving plenty of buffer time for traffic to avoid disrupting your plans.
Internet Usage
My mom and I used an eSIM and a physical SIM card respectively, both from XL. I found that my eSIM frequently lost signal, especially when I urgently needed translation—it was so frustrating that I had to scramble to recall English words. My mom’s physical SIM, on the other hand, worked smoothly throughout. Over these seven days, I mainly relied on hotel WiFi and ended up using less than 3GB of data.
Read more: [Essential for Bali Travel] How to Get a Bali Internet/SIM Card?
May 29: Private Car Tour
Arrival in Bali
On this day, our itinerary started right after landing. First, we exchanged money and did some grocery shopping at the supermarket. Then, we headed to Naughty Nuri’s, a somewhat pricey but very famous pork rib restaurant, and enjoyed a delicious meal.
Accommodation & Spa
After the meal, we went straight to our accommodation in Ubud, Purana Boutique Resort. Nestled in the jungle near central Ubud, this hotel is full of natural vibes. Although there were quite a few bugs, the staff were incredibly friendly, and the rooms were clean and comfortable—the bed was especially great for sleeping, highly recommended! The hotel offers a shuttle service to the Coco supermarket near the Sacred Monkey Forest, which is very convenient. I suggest staying here, but skip the hotel breakfast—the taste is just not good, though it looks pretty on the plate XD
We enjoyed two delightful spa sessions during our Ubud trip. The first was on the night we arrived—our driver took us to Jaens Spa Ubud, just 2 minutes from the hotel. The spa quality was excellent and reasonably priced. The second session was booked through the hotel the next day.
Zhang Pingping recommends: Jaens Spa, a high-quality spa just a two-minute walk from Purana ▶Book on Trip
Exploring Ubud City Center
On our second day, we took the hotel shuttle to Coco supermarket and then walked to the Sacred Monkey Forest. The monkeys there are very mischievous—we even had a scary encounter when one tried to snatch something from us. Afterward, we continued exploring the Ubud Market, wandering around and sampling local food. Even though we didn’t have a private driver that day, our driver Ketut still cared about us and sent a message the night before reminding us what to watch out for while shopping, worried we might get ripped off.
Zhang Pingping recommends: Sacred Monkey Forest, Coconut Specialty Store
May 31 Private Driver Itinerary
Ubud Jungle Swing
Our first stop today was the jungle swing in Ubud, a spot recommended by Ketut that’s affordable and doesn’t require long queues. The staff there are great at taking photos and never rush you, letting you swing until you’re completely satisfied. However, I swung for so long that I started feeling unwell and even threw up, so I forgot the name of the place, haha. (Fovix Ketut adds: This place is called Rice Terrace Tegalalangrice)
Zhang Pingping shares: The long dress was rented for 150k IDR (about USD$5), optional.
Quick Reference: Swinging in Ubud: The 8 Best Swing Photo Spots in Bali | Ubud Swing & Dress Rental Guide
Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali
- Sunset Jeep Tour: No Early Wake-Up Needed
- Marine Safari Bali Park Guide
- Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Experience
- 15 Must-Try Water Activities
- From Bali: Nusa Penida Day Trip
- Tanah Lot Sunset Tour with Optional Chinese Guide
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud's Skywalk Trail
- Bali Rafting Guide: Common Questions Answered
- Four Top Snorkeling Spots Without the Long Haul
- Over 40K Reviews: Instagram-Worthy Tour
Dining at a Restaurant
Mom got hungry, so Ketut immediately took us to a restaurant with great service and tasty food. The views here are lovely, making it a perfect spot for photos too. (Fovix Ketut adds: This restaurant is called Bebek Tebasari Resto, and it’s best to reserve a table in advance for a good spot.)
Zhang Pingping shares: Teba Sari Resto
▶Book Bebek Tebasari Resto Dining Voucher
Buying Coffee
Next, we asked Ketut to take us to buy coffee and tried civet coffee. Although the price was a bit high, the taste was really good—at least it seemed authentic—and Mom especially loved it.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Afterward, we arrived at Tegenungan Waterfall, where there’s also a pool club, but we just played tourists and snapped some photos. Ketut accompanied us the whole time—despite the scorching heat, he patiently helped us take pictures. We really put him through his paces.
Photo by Zhang Pingping
Quick Reference: Guide to the three famous waterfalls near Ubud, Bali: Tegenungan Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall
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
Jimbaran Spa
Ketut also recommended an amazing spa in Jimbaran—The Calma Spa. My mom couldn’t stop raving about it. The service and prices were excellent, leaving us thoroughly satisfied. Afterward, we were starving, and Ketut immediately took us to a very authentic Indonesian restaurant. The prices were heartwarmingly low, and the food was absolutely delicious. We ate until we were stuffed, and the atmosphere was wonderfully cheerful. (Fovix Ketut adds that the restaurant’s name is: Waroeng Kampoeng Jimbaran)
Photo by Zhang Pingping
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Due to traffic, we didn’t arrive safely at The Apurva Kempinski Bali until 10 p.m. (Editor’s note: See the introduction to The Apurva Kempinski Bali here)
Book The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Photo by Zhang Pingping: The underwater restaurant at Kempinski
The free time at the Kempinski hotel the next day was wonderfully arranged. We had lunch at the Koral underwater restaurant, then took the hotel shuttle to the Bali Collection shopping mall. They picked us up at 5:30 PM, and even provided glass-bottled water in the car—such thoughtful service.
In the evening, we swam in our luxurious hotel room and enjoyed the hotel’s sauna facilities.
More Things to Do, Eat, and Drink in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua, renowned for its luxurious resorts, is a premier destination in Bali known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and comprehensive tourist facilities. It is the ideal choice for those seeking high-end comfort and a tranquil getaway. The area offers top-tier spa services, water sports, and leisure activities suitable for the whole family, making it a paradise for travelers of all kinds. Want to learn more about Nusa Dua? Click here.
Nusa Dua Accommodation Theme Guide
- Bali Nusa Dua: 16 Top-Rated 5-Star Resort Accommodations
- Nusa Dua Summer & Winter Family Travel Guide: 9 Must-See Day Trip Highlights & Kid-Friendly Recommendations
- A Unique Bali Vacation Experience - Luxurious Stay at Apurva Kempinski Bali
- Bali’s 18 Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs: Top Picks in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides and Playgrounds
June 2: Private Car Itinerary
Tanah Barak
Our first stop today was Tanah Barak. I’m not exactly the type for artsy photo poses, so Ketut couldn’t help but laugh while taking my pictures. He must have been thinking, ‘This lady can’t even jump but insists on a jumping shot’—it was hilarious.
Photo by Zhang Pingping
Quick Reference: Bali’s Batu Barak/Tanah Barak: A Stunning Journey Along the Blue Highway and Cliff Road
Uluwatu Temple
Next, we arrived at Uluwatu Temple. The monkeys here are extremely aggressive, so Ketut accompanied us like a bodyguard the entire way, sweating profusely, shooing away monkeys, and taking photos for us. A special thanks to him for carrying my mom’s bag, which felt as heavy as a rock. Just moments earlier, we witnessed a tourist’s phone being snatched by a monkey and thrown off the cliff into the sea, never to be seen again. This made us even more grateful for Ketut’s company and protection.
Quick Reference: Bali Uluwatu Temple / Kecak Dance Travel Guide: Must-See Highlights & Practical Tips
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
Buying Fruit
Provided by Zhang Pingping
In Bali, my favorite fruit is mangosteen. After Ketut learned our preference, he ran around several places to find fresh mangosteens while we were at the spa. He even bought them for us, since locals can get them at half the price, but we insisted on paying him. As for durian, we didn’t come across any good quality ones, and Ketut was more knowledgeable than the vendors. He would check the durian’s quality, and if it turned out to be bad after opening, he’d help us explain to the vendor to avoid buying poor fruit. He truly stood by us to solve problems.
Quick Reference: Tropical Fruit Queen - Indonesia/Bali Mangosteen Season
Seafood Dinner with Sunset Views
In the evening, Ketut took us to a seafood restaurant with great value for money—Menega Cafe. Here, we could enjoy stunning sunset views. Ketut helped us check the bill to ensure we weren’t overcharged. My mom ordered lobster, two large crabs, and a set meal that included lobster and fish, costing around USD$100 in total. The three of us, including the driver, couldn’t even finish it all and had to take leftovers. When the restaurant staff saw we were full, they kindly suggested we skip the live fish my mom had ordered, as it would have been too much.
Provided by Zhang Pingping: Menega Cafe
Accommodation and Surroundings
On June 2, we checked into The Oberoi Beach Resort in Seminyak. This hotel was the most attentive and resort-like of our entire trip.
▶Book The Oberoi Beach Resort & Other Room Types Trip Booking
We strolled around the area, watched the sunset, and enjoyed all the hotel’s amenities, spending a delightful evening.
Featured in: Bali Accommodation Guide: Seminyak’s Refined Beachfront Stays
June 4: Airport Transfer Back to Taiwan
We were heading back to Taiwan that day. Since Ketut had to take care of his daughter’s matters, he asked his brother to pick us up and drive us to the airport.
Summary & Reflections
I hope this feedback helps those planning a trip to Bali. Due to space constraints, many details can’t be covered here—feel free to reach out and chat (o^^o). There were two restaurants not originally on our itinerary that Ketut spontaneously took us to, and both were fantastic—unfortunately, I don’t know their names (Editor’s note: We’ve since obtained the details from Fovix Ketut).
On the flip side, the two trendy restaurants we visited—SunSun and Sacred Rice—didn’t suit our tastes. The food was average, not great, and not enjoyable.
Recommended Private Driver
When it came to choosing a driver, I carefully vetted several candidates and was ultimately lucky to pick Fovix Ketut. Ketut treated my mom like his own mother, constantly checking in with ‘Watch your step, Mom’ and ‘How are you, Mom?’ throughout the trip. In turn, my mom looked after him like a son. In just a few days, we built a wonderful bond.
Ketut is a sunny driver in his early 30s with three kids. He adores his wife, and his face lights up whenever he talks about her and their daughters. He goes above and beyond for his guests, working tirelessly to support his family. I highly recommend him to fellow Taiwanese travelers who want to practice English and enjoy adventurous self-guided trips—you can confidently choose Fovix Ketut.
It’s worth noting that most drivers in Bali have wives and children and need to care for their own families too. Sometimes, unexpected family emergencies may prevent them from working. I believe this is never their intention, so let’s be understanding and empathetic toward their situations.
Fovix Ketut Contact Info
Add him on Line by scanning the QR Code!
On this Bali trip, I also quietly pushed myself to improve my English listening skills a bit. Feel free to join the English listening practice team and grow together!
I hope this feedback helps those about to head to Bali.
This post is adapted from a group share; the original can be found here
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