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Bottom Line First: For a 10-day, 9-night Bali + Nusa Penida trip, our recommended route is 3 days on Nusa Penida + Ubud + Seminyak. After arriving at Denpasar Airport, you can ask the community for driver recommendations to help with currency exchange and transfers. During the dry season (e.g., June–July), the weather is pleasant, but occasional rain may still affect sunrise/sunset views, so it’s best to keep your itinerary flexible.
My girlfriend and I took a 10-day, 9-night self-guided trip to Bali (June 26 to July 5, 2024). Before departing, we gathered a wealth of travel tips from the platform ‘Bali/Indonesia Travel Guide’, so we wanted to give back by sharing our experience and especially recommending our driver, Ketut. A big shout-out to this warm-hearted driver and guide who welcomed Taiwanese travelers and made our Bali trip unforgettable.
First Encounter: Warmth and Attention to Detail
As soon as we landed at Denpasar Airport, we contacted Ketut. He’s a super friendly guy with a constant smile. Right from the start, he helped us carry our checked luggage and even opened the car door for us—such thoughtful gestures that gave me a whole new impression of Bali. On the drive to our villa, Ketut took us to a highly-rated currency exchange spot and shared insights about Bali’s religious culture, customs, and traditions along the way. Through his explanations, we learned that Bali is the only region in Indonesia that practices Hinduism, blending it with local traditions and customs. This gave us a fresh perspective on Balinese Hinduism. The unique belief system, which includes ancestor worship, nature worship, and devotion to deities, felt truly special to us.
Left: TheWakanda hotel with ricefield | Center: Tis Cafe | Right: Kanto Lampo waterfall
Unexpected Surprises in the Dry Season
Our trip coincided with Bali’s dry season, offering pleasant, comfortable weather without the humidity and heat of Taiwan. It was the peak of the tourist season, but not yet at its busiest, so the travel quality was relatively good without feeling overcrowded. However, we did encounter a few days of rain, which meant we missed some chances to catch the sunset and sunrise. These small regrets have become reasons for us to return in the future.
Further reading: What to Do When It Rains in Bali? 60 Rainy Day Backup Plans
Provided by the original author:
Read more: A Guide to the Three Famous Waterfalls Near Ubud, Bali: Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, and Tukad Cepung
Despite a Cold, Still Meticulously Planning
Although Ketut felt unwell on the second day of our visit to Bali, he still arranged for another driver, Manx Liega, from his professional tour team. Liega had a completely different personality from Ketut—he wasn’t very talkative, but his route planning for the attractions was equally excellent. His silence didn’t affect his professionalism; instead, it allowed us to enjoy the beautiful sea views with more peace and comfort.
Island-Hopping Itinerary and Thoughtful Arrangements
Left: AMARTA Penida Center: Angel’s Billabong Right: Broken Beach with Sea View
Introduction to AMARTA Penida: Food and Blue Skies: Top 10 Best Choices on Nusa Penida
Our itinerary also included an island-hopping trip to Nusa Penida. Although Ketut couldn’t personally accompany us, his team still worked closely with local drivers. During these three days of island hopping, they repeatedly confirmed the route and schedule with us—truly thoughtful!
Read more: Accommodation Recommendations on Nusa Penida: 13 Highly-Rated Hotels from Luxury to Budget
Left: Kelingking Beach—the origin of iPhone’s wallpaper! Center: Tree House Bungalow Right: Diamond Beach
An Unexpected Encounter at Tanah Lot
During our visit to Pura Tanah Lot, we encountered many wild macaques. Ketut shared stories about the monkeys while proactively shooing away those that approached us—these monkeys are known to snatch items from tourists, such as hats, slippers, and glasses. Just as Ketut finished telling us about these monkeys, one suddenly appeared on the stone path, trying to steal a white tourist’s slipper, though it didn’t succeed. It was a mix of helplessness and mild alarm—a quirky monkey tale that added a fun twist to our journey.
Quick Reference: Must-Visit Bali Attractions: Detailed Guide to Tanah Lot, Including Tides and Nearby Spots
Cherished Memories of the Trip
This journey not only gave my girlfriend and me a wonderful time but also deepened our experience of Bali. We look forward to returning to this enchanting island to explore more. A special shout-out goes to our drivers—their photography skills were truly top-notch. If you’re happy with their service, don’t forget to leave a tip; it’s a great way to acknowledge their hard work.
Left: Cloudy sky with sunset glow at Mari Beach Club Right: Bodyworks Spa
Book Bodyworks Spa here Bodyworks Spa
Bali Honeymoon & Couples Essentials:
- Bali Ranked #1 Best Honeymoon Destination for 2026 — Why It Beats the Maldives
- Bali Romantic Travel Guide: 36 Things to Do as a Couple
- World Travel Awards: Bali Named World's Most Romantic Destination
- Bali Beats the Maldives & Paris as #1 Destination for Honeymoon Photos
- Why More Couples Are Choosing Bali for Their Honeymoon — FAQ
Driver Contact Info:
- Facebook - Fovix Ketut
- Instagram - ketutfovik
This trip to Bali was full of surprises and heartfelt moments. Thank you to everyone who made our journey even more wonderful. Looking forward to the next adventure!
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